It must be some combination of Northern Nevada’s rich history, its fascination with the supernatural and haunted or its love for a good party, but Reno lives for Halloween. Between the massive Reno Zombie Crawl and this weekend’s list of offerings, there should be no shortage of ways to celebrate the spookiest time of the year.
From more great Halloween dress-up parties to an evening at the theater, Reno invites you to embrace the weird and the otherworldly as the month ends and you’re thrust into the holiday season. This, it seems, is your last chance!
Let’s dive right into the mystery. For a limited time, the Wilbur D. May Museum at Rancho San Rafael Park is hosting an interactive exhibit. Sherlock Holmes and the Clocktower Mystery calls for you to head back in time to 19th-century London, where the famous detective is trying to solve a murder at a clocktower. Using all of your senses, you’ll investigate seven locations – including a carnival, a seance room and more. Holmes himself – played by an actor – will be with you in the flesh to test your detective skills as you work toward the end of this mystery. There are surprises, red herrings and plenty of intrigue. Admission is $9, and the exhibit ends October 29.
Photo: Wilbur D. May Center Facebook
For something still spooky but less interactive, head to Pioneer Center on Saturday, October 28 at 7 p.m. The famed Reno Pops Orchestra is bringing a welcome dose of the supernatural to its concert set with “Goblins and Ghouls.” The orchestra’s rendition of Saint-Saen’s Danse Macabre will send a chill down your spine, but you’ll be completely transported – body and spirit – with the orchestra’s performance of Howard Shore’s symphonic suite from The Lord of the Rings or perhaps Danny Elfman’s score to The Nightmare Before Christmas. That, plus the Ghostbusters and The Addams Family themes, and you’ll fall head over heels for this musical celebration of all things pop horror.
Speaking of pop horror – the phenomenal theater program at Truckee Meadows Community College has started its run of the Rocky Horror Show (it’s live this time, so no “picture”)! It’s the story of Brad and Janet, an innocent couple that ends up in the middle of the night at the place of Dr. Frank N. Furter in a musical mix of sci-fi, horror and outrageous comedy. At 8 p.m. this Friday and Saturday – including a special Halloween night performance on the 31st – you’re invited to the Redfield Performing Arts Center to do the Time Warp again. If it’s your first time seeing this show live, however, don’t be alarmed that audience participation is encouraged; you may even find yourself part of the show. Without giving too much away, you’re in for a live theater performance like no other, and one you won’t soon forget.
Photo: John Tuckness Facebook
Ending on Halloween night, the great annual haunted house event, the Slaughterhouse, has its bloody doors open for your wicked entertainment. Only the brave head to Reno Fright Fest’s takeover of Aces Stadium, where a $17 entrance fee will get you into the Slaughterhouse full of undead spooks, raving monsters and many jump scares – but it doesn’t guarantee your way out! The Slaughterhouse is joined by the Terror Train, a 10-minute joy ride through the darkness below the stadium full of more frightening ghouls! For a rush of horror-fueled adrenaline this weekend, look no further. Click here for details.
Last but certainly not least is the biggest Halloween party in the area: South Lake Tahoe’s legendary Freakers Ball. For almost 40 years this has been the place to go for a wild, wicked, wonderfully weird time full of dancing, absolutely insane costumes, live music and all-night drink specials, all at Montbleu Resort. Reno folks dedicated to the art of the Halloween party will make their way to Stateline on Saturday, October 28, for this monster bash of epic proportions. Find info here.
Photo: Reno Tattoo Removal Facebook
So whether you’re out this Halloween to scare yourself silly, find the best party or take part in Reno’s fantastic art culture’s embrace of the holiday, there’s something for everyone in the area. Dress up, go out and have the time of your life! Happy Halloween 2017, Reno!
For all other events this weekend, visit our Daytime, Nightlife and Community Pages.
About the Author Bryan Akerley
Bryan was born and raised in Northern Nevada and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. When he’s not writing, he’s keeping up with pop culture as a lover of movies, TV, music and books or out exploring the area through its restaurants, bars and nightlife. Then he’ll unwind by playing the drums or piano or spending time with his corgi, Teddy. 
