Haunted houses, ghost tours around Topeka you can visit before Halloween

TOPEKA (KSNT) - It is officially spooky season in Topeka and that means paranormal tours, haunted houses and a cemetery séance in the days leading up to Halloween.

People looking for entertainment and frights this month won't have to look far. Multiple Halloween-inspired events are open or due to open in and around the Capital City to help get people in the spirit for Oct. 31. Check out our list below for some local events you can visit this month.

Paranormal Cirque

Circus performers will be setting up for shows running from Oct. 11 to Oct. 14 in the Montara neighborhood south of Topeka for this dark circus. Paranormal Cirque is open to all who are 17 and older while those between 16 and 13 will need an adult guardian over the age of 21 to attend. Showtimes include the following:

• At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11.
• At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.
• At 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.
• At 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13.
• At 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13.
• At 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14.

People can buy tickets online by clicking here or by calling/texting 941-704-8572. Paranormal Cirque will be set up at Shawnee South Community Park at 6715 Southwest Westview Road.

Whispers of the Past

The Beacon, an event center near downtown Topeka, is hosting two events where people can learn about local history and paranormal mysteries at the old Topeka Woman's Club building. The tour will feature a selection of drinks along with a few specials and a brief introduction to The Beacon's past.

Guests will have two paranormal investigators on hand to guide them through the building's three floors and basement. The tour will conclude with a cash bar and discussion period.

Whispers of the Past starts at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. on the day of the tour. People can attend this event on Oct. 18 or Nov. 1. Tickets cost $15 each which include the tour and one drink. Learn more about the tour and how to buy tickets by clicking here.

Nightmare on the Boulevard

This Topeka haunted house at the Stormont Vail Event Center is back in 2024 to deliver more scares to locals. 27 News got a sneak peek of the haunt on Oct. 1.

• 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5.
• 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11.
• 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.
• 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18.
• 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.
• 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24.
• 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25.
• 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.
• 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27.

Ticket prices and more information can be found online by clicking here. You can find the Stormont Vail Events Center at One Expocentre Drive in Topeka.

Topeka Haunted Woods

People looking for a more interactive spooky experience this year can head over to the Topeka Haunted Woods at 3158 SE 10th Street. Guests can participate in an airsoft zombie hunt, haunted hayride and trunk and treat activities.

You can find the event listing for this on Facebook by clicking here. The Topeka Haunted Woods website can be found by clicking here.

Ghost tours and séance at the Topeka Cemetery

If you're looking to learn more about the history of Kansas' oldest cemetery, try checking out the ghost tours or séance at the Topeka Cemetery this October. The grounds are home to numerous graves dating back to 1859, including former city mayors and governors of Kansas, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

Ghost tours will take a new route this year with small groups embarking every five to seven minutes through the cemetery. People will have to pay $10 per person in cash or with Venmo.

The Friends of Historic Topeka Cemetery and a medium will be holding the séance for people 21-years-old or older at a cost of $60 per person.

• Ghost tours
  • 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11.
  • 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.
• Séance at the cemetery
  • 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 5.
    • Doors open at 6 p.m.
  • Crane mausoleum on Mausoleum Row.
  • Tickets here.

You can find more information about these events at the Topeka Cemetery by clicking here. The cemetery is located at 1601 SE 10th Avenue.

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