Spooky Season in Milwaukee

Take a spell-binding tour through one of Milwaukee's most historic graveyards at Forest Home Cemetery. Under ambient lighting, wander the tombstones and memorials to journey through the past, uncovering the tales of many of the cemetery's most notable residents, portrayed by actors in this thrilling 70-minute guided tour. Get your tickets here.

Telling bone-chilling tales at stops throughout the city, the two-hour tour shares some of Milwaukee’s urban legends and ghost stories that will make you wonder just what is going “bump” in the night. Bring the whole family on the Haunted History City Tour or pick up some liquid courage on your way with the pub crawl.

Experience the spine-tingling thrill of exploring an iconic local relic in complete and utter darkness at the Pabst Mansion this fall with Illuminating the Dark Tours. Offered after hours on weekends and Halloween, this special tour is only offered in October and allows you to explore the dimly lit mansion to view seldom-seen corners and compartments of the historic building. See the Pabst Mansion in a whole new light. Just keep an eye out for the captain!

One of the five most haunted bars in the nation, explore the former speakeasy’s sordid past with Hangman Tours of Shaker’s Cigar Bar for an hour of eerie tales, haunted spaces and close-up experiences with spirits themselves. As you make your way around the building, hear the stories of the specters roaming the halls and maybe experience one for yourself. Please be aware that while highly entertaining, these tours are more appropriate for adults.

During this hour-long walk, explore one of Milwaukee’s most haunted neighborhoods, Westown with Gothic Milwaukee. Discover some of Marquette University’s most haunted buildings, pop by the Rave/Eagles Club for a few ghost sightings and learn about Pabst Mansion’s historic former resident, Captain Frederick Pabst.

What would Halloween be without a haunted house? The Hill Has Eyes in Franklin boasts more than 45 acres and four frightening experiences for an hour of sheer terror. Begin at the alarming Failed Escape before shuddering through the Hunger Hold and knee-knocking Carni Vore before finally finishing at the Dead End. Each featuring their unique brand of terror, the four haunts will more than satiate your haunted house itch… at least until next year anyway. 

If 60 minutes of pure fear doesn’t sound like your type of night out, The Roc’s MilkyWay Drive-In hosts Friday night Fright Nights all October long. Enjoy classics like Casper, Goosebumps and The Boogeyman with an assortment of horror movies from the comfort of your car. Looking for something a little less ghoulish? The drive-in offers family-friendly films before the gore starts!

It’s Aliiiive...on the Milwaukee RiverWalk! Stop by the Bronze Fonz on the Milwaukee RiverWalk on Halloween from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a special treat. In preparation for Theater Week November 9-19, the Milwaukee Theater District is bringing live performances, treats and music from local talent. Featuring music from Jorge Vallentine and Tlalok, and appearances from Ginger Whimsey and the cast of Xanadu at Skylight Music Theater, watch the RiverWalk come alive and experience the electric energy we have right here in the city we call home in this activation! The first 25 people will get a free cake pop from Sweetly Baked!

With a series of Halloween-themed games, live storytelling and food and drinks, witness a historic Halloween event like no other at Old World Wisconsin. Maybe you will even be brave enough to communicate with the spirit world at a Victorian séance or participate in a faithful reenactment of a nineteenth-century funeral. Check it out here.

Enjoy “merry not scary” Halloween happenings at the Milwaukee County Zoo, October 19 – 22, from 5:30 – 9 p.m. With wicked family-friendly activities like a Trick-or-Treat Trail, live pumpkin-carving demonstrations, dazzling light shows and animals, there's fun for everyone. All ghosts and goblins (and their parents) are encouraged to come in costume! Be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time! 

On Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., come experience Boo at the Racine Zoo! Bring your little ghosts, goblins and ghouls to the Racine Zoo for a day of trick-or-treating, holiday-inspired cookie decorating, arts and crafts, a bounce house and more haunted surprises!

Running Wednesday, October 25, through Saturday, October 28, from 6 to 9 p.m., experience live music, food vendors and hundreds of magnificently carved pumpkins by local students and artists at the Great Pumpkin Festival. Wander the aisles, enjoy a cup of hot cider and find your favorite carving in the family-friendly event at Ghoulhouse Park. 

For more pumpkin-themed fun, visit the Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee on Saturday, October 28, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Red Arrow Park. Ideal for kids ages 2 - 10 and their parents, this pumpkin palooza offers a safe environment to celebrate Halloween, complete with free pumpkins and goodies!

Celebrate the fourth annual Bayshore BOOgie Bash & Costume contest on Friday, October 27, from 5 – 8 p.m. Dress up the whole family and boogie with Halloween-themed fun like fairytale princesses, giant robots, food trucks and laser shows before the costume contest kicks off at 6:00 p.m. in this not-so-scary event.

Learn about some of nature’s spooky but misunderstood animals in a self-guided adventure full of fun learning activities for the whole family at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center’s Species Spooktacular on Sunday, October 22, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wear your costume as you enjoy a nature-themed scavenger hunt around the wooded and prairie-lined trails. All kids who complete the scavenger hunt will receive a sweet treat!

Dress in your favorite costume, then trick-or-treat your way to the festively decorated cars all around you in this fun Halloween event from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, October 27.