Virginia City is leaning into its haunted past this October, with a monthlong lineup that mixes ghost tours and paranormal investigations with Halloween activities for families and adults.
Throughout the month, visitors can explore historic buildings after dark, ride seasonal trains, hear stories about the people who once lived on the Comstock, and take part in Halloween festivities throughout Virginia City.
“Hauntober is when Virginia City’s history takes on a life of its own, and there’s a little mystery waiting around every corner,” said Todd Tuttle, tourism director in Virginia City. “Whether you’re here to chase a few ghosts, make Halloween memories with the family, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of our historic town after dark, October is the perfect time to experience the Comstock in a whole new way. Just remember, some of our most memorable residents never left.”
The month includes several ways to explore Virginia City’s haunted history. The Spooky Candlelight Tour at the historic Mackay Mansion is scheduled for Oct. 9th and 16th from 7 to 8 p.m. The evening tour covers the mansion’s history and reported paranormal encounters, with dimly lit rooms adding to the atmosphere. Tickets start at $35 per person.
Bats in the Belfry Ghost Tours takes visitors through Virginia City after dark, combining local history with firsthand accounts of unexplained activity. The walking tours cost $20 per person.
The Gold Hill Hotel also offers a haunted ghost tour every Thursday night from 5 to 9 p.m. Visitors can begin the evening with dinner at Crown Point Restaurant before exploring the hotel’s haunted history. Tickets start at $35 for the tour alone and $65 for the full experience.
At Silver Terrace Cemetery, Funtime Theater presents Voices from the Past, a living tour in which actors portray real 19th-century Comstockers who lived and died in Virginia City. Visitors can “talk to the dead” while hearing the stories of people who helped shape the Comstock.
The V&T Railroad is also getting into the Halloween season with its Pumpkin Patch Train and Graveyard Train.
The Pumpkin Patch Train takes riders from Virginia City to the Gold Hill Pumpkin Patch, where families can choose a pumpkin and take in fall views. Special Dusk Trains offer a sunset version of the trip.
For a darker experience, the Graveyard Train runs Oct. 29 through 31. The train travels through the darkened Comstock toward the Gold Hill Graveyard, where passengers will encounter the Executioner, haunted history, and Halloween frights.
Families have their own Halloween event at Mackay Mansion with Mr. Mackay’s Tricks & Treats on Friday, Oct. 23. Children ages 6 to 11 can trick-or-treat through the real haunted mansion while taking part in spooky stories and Halloween-themed mini games. Candy is also part of the experience. Costumes and Halloween candy buckets are encouraged.
Tickets are $13 per child, and reservations are required.
Adults can take part in The Spirits Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl on Oct. 24 from 1 to 5 p.m. Participants 21 and older can visit Virginia City’s historic saloons, sample spooky-themed cocktails and treats, and learn more about the haunted history of the town.
That same day, the Fourth Ward School Museum will host its Fourth Annual All Hallows Eve Victorian Ball Fundraiser. The adults-only Halloween event takes place inside the historic schoolhouse, which was built in 1876.
The evening combines Victorian-themed festivities with the eerie setting of one of the Comstock’s historic buildings. Guests can explore museum exhibits after dark, take part in flashlight tours and tarot readings and enjoy light snacks and drinks.
Halloween night brings another full slate of events to Virginia City on Oct. 31.
The Hauntober Costume Contest begins at 5 p.m., with goblins, ghosts, families, and costumed pets invited to participate. Check-in starts at 4:30 p.m. at the Virginia City Jerky Company.
Families can then take part in Hauntober Safe Trick-or-Treating along C Street from 6 to 7 p.m. Participating merchants will hand out treats along the historic boardwalks.
For visitors looking for something more unsettling, Silver Terrace Cemetery will be open from 6 to 10:30 p.m. for an after-dark stroll through the historic burial grounds. The self-guided experience uses a downloadable audio guide.
Admission to the cemetery is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under, with proceeds benefiting the Comstock Cemetery Foundation.
Halloween night also includes the Nevada Statehood Ball at historic Piper’s Opera House from 7 to 10 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The masquerade-themed event celebrates Nevada becoming the 36th state in 1864.
Guests can expect hors d’oeuvres, dancing, and live music from Renegade Orchestra. The event is open to guests ages 13 and older, who are encouraged to dress for the era and expect the unexpected.
The ball will be held at 12 N. B Street.
With events ranging from family trick-or-treating to adults-only celebrations and nighttime tours, Hauntober gives visitors several ways to experience Virginia City throughout October, whether they are looking for Halloween traditions or a closer look at the town’s haunted history.
A full list of Hauntober events is available at visitvirginiacitynv.com.
October is Hauntober in Virginia City, Nevada and the perfect place to get spooked. As one of America’s most haunted towns, there’s no better place to spend October than immersed in a slew of events taking place throughout the month with a focus on our town’s haunted past.
Hauntober highlights include The Spirits Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, Bats in the Belfry Guided Ghost tours, paranormal investigations at historic attractions, mines and deserted locations, V&T Railroad's Pumpkin Patch and evening Electric Halloween Train O' Lights, Hauntober Costume Contest and Parade, Safe Trick-or-Treating, haunted tours at several attractions and much more.
