October is my favourite time of year for many reasons; there is the beautiful color of the fall leaves on the trees, the crispness in the air, the pumpkin spice everything and of course, Halloween.

In Edmonton, we have some hidden gems for the Halloween season that you really need to go and see.  Please read on for some spooky offerings.

 

ESCAPE FROM MORBID MANOR

Part haunted house and part escape room, this is the new local offering for the 2017 season.  If you look at the different folks involved in this event, it looks like it is going to be a good time.  They are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during October.

“Here in Edmonton stands the old mansion that belonged to Augustina and William McCavery , a building with a mysterious past. The couple kept to themselves, but neighbors often noticed Augustina acting strangely, claimed they saw her “whispering” to the gargoyles that adorned their mansion walls.  One day, Augustina and William dissapeared….

Now, as perspective buyers,  you are invited on a special  real-estate tour of what the neighbors have nicknamed “Morbid Manor.” Inside,  Most of the original furnishings remain, untouched, as most people fear the place is still haunted by Augustina and William. You enter the Mansion foyer, when suddenly your host is gone and the door you came through appears to have vanished. The lights dim, you swear you hear something whisper behind you…is there something else in the room with you? The secrets of the past quickly unveil themselves in dramatic fashion as you rush to escape Morbid Manor!”

This is put on by the folks from Odd-Lot Puppetry, so it should be a great show.  Tickets range from $25 to $35 depending on the day of your booking.  Tickets are only sold in advance.  Maximum size of group per booking is 6.  Smaller groups may be put in with another smaller group to max out the number of participants.

 

FORT EDMONTON PARK

Fort Edmonton Park has a lot of events going on this year.  From a Midway Freakshow, to special movie screenings and the ever popular “Spooktacular“, they have something for everyone.  There are family friendly events and a couple of nights just for 18 years old and up.

The website is a little frustrating in that you have to click on the “get your tickets” button to get a full description of each event.  There is a “scare scale” on each event as well letting you know how terrifying each one is before you book.  Ticket prices vary.  Early bird specials are available currently.

 

PRAIRIE GARDENS HAUNTED PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

There are also many different activities that you and the family can enjoy at Prairie Gardens.  Tam and her crew are wonderful entertainers.  (Most activities are weather dependent)

There is a corn maze, petting zoo, haunted house, roving characters in costume, pumpkin cannon and much, much more!

Coming from this foodie; there is some pretty spectacular pumpkin pie on sale in the concession area.

 

NIGHT OF FEAR FESTIVAL

For “Scares that care”, the Night of Fear Festival in St. Albert would be right up your alley.  There are some very talented members of the Edmonton haunt community working on this project.  It should be a great show.

“Haunted House, Haunted Graveyard, Fortune Tellers, Actors, Costume Contests, Kids Party, Food Vendors, and over 50 local businesses all come together at the Night of Fear Festival. A portion of our proceeds goes to the Little Warriors”

 

DEADMONTON HOUSE

Of course, I saved the best for last!

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Back for its fourth year.  Deadmonton House is located in the old Paramount Theatre on Jasper Avenue and 102 Street. “Edmonton’s Scariest Haunted House”, prides itself on the yearly “chicken out” count.  This is where a customer is too scared to go any further in the haunt and needs to be brought to safety.

This year’s theme is “The Summoning” and is (loosely) based on a true story of the spectre that actually haunts the theatre.  There was a paranormal investigation completed on the theatre by Paranormal Explorers and Frankie is what they found.

“Constructed in the early 1950’s, the Paramount Theater’s big screen entertained countless moviegoers both young and old. Sticky sodas, tangled film reels, chewed-up bubble-gum, and fetid floods caused by overwhelmed toilets are just some of the many messes dealt with by Frankie, the resident caretaker of the Paramount.  Frankie loved the theater, choosing to spend his life cleaning up after grubby guests in the name of fantastic cinema; it is no secret that his labours continued in the afterlife.

When the theater was sold over fifty-five years later, his soul was laid to rest, until now.  The marquees are lit, the doors are open, but no longer do the stars of Hollywood grace his beloved silver screen.  Deadmonton Haunted House calls the Paramount home for its third year in a row, and Frankie is not happy.  Patrons have excitedly lined up not to revel in the glory of film, but to do little more than cause a ruckus. He has decided to summon ancient evils to drive away the current tenants. The summoning of his poltergeist pals is paramount to Frankie’s plan for eternal peace— no more queues, no more messes, no more insolent guests, and most importantly, no screaming in the theater!”

Deadmonton has been compared to the Universal Studios attraction and come out on top.  Movie quality props and monsters that are motivated to make you pee make for a truly terrifying experience! The “Depends” proceeds are no joke.  Monies go to the charity and the fact that your pants are still dry at the end of the night is priceless.  The haunt has made many a patron pee themselves.

Deadmonton house is also a “scare that cares” as they have a yearly charity partner.  This year is 630 Ched’s Santa’s Anonymous.  October 5th is their big night.  $5 from every ticket sold goes to the charity.  There will also be a hearse on site to stuff full of brand new, unwrapped toys.  There is a silent auction online where all proceeds will go to the charity.  Last, but not least, there is a collection box at the front desk of the haunt when you check in for tickets.

Tickets are only available at the door.  $24 Cash or credit only.  Speed passes are available for purchase online.  $40 gives you front of the line access; avoid the 2-3 hour wait at this very popular attraction.  They are already open for the season.  Please see the website for dates and times of operation.