PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CENTRAL WEST END HALLOWEEN
The Legendary Central West End Halloween
On October 30, the day starts mildly enough at 11 a.m. with a children's costume parade and party, followed by trick-or-treating at area businesses beginning at noon. Canines can then strut their stuff in costumes at 1 p.m. As night falls, though, things move in a scarier direction as adults take over, with an adults-only street party beginning at 6 p.m. The costume contest, from 8–10 p.m., is serious business. Don’t expect to see any last-minute drugstore outfits here—instead, it’ll be scary just how talented folks are. Main stage at Maryland and Euclid.
Lemp Mansion Halloween Bash 2021
In many ways, the Lemp Mansion party on October 30 offers somewhat traditional, if swanky, party fare: There are live bands, a costume contest, great eats, and an open bar. The setting, though, moves it up a notch in our creep-out ratings. The mansion itself is said to be haunted by the unhappy spirits of the Lemp family. You can tour the mansion all year round, but why not go in Spooky Season? Bash tickets are $70 in advance, $80 at the door. 3322 Demenil Place.
See also: Where to find family-friendly Halloween attractions in St. Louis
Arkadin Cinema & Bar with The Heavy Anchor
On Friday nights in Bevo, “microcinema” Arkadin teams up with The Heavy Anchor for a curated series of filmic freakouts. On October 15, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Francis Ford Coppola’s lush '90s interpretation of the classic, is on offer. Things get weirder as we get closer to Halloween, with The Masque of the Red Death on October 22 and 1977’s absurd House on October 29. Then, on October 30, brace yourself for a triple feature. $9. See website for times. 5226 Gravois.
Although the zombies aren’t shooting paintballs back at you, it’s still pretty darn scary to be chased by the walking dead while on a hayride at night. The experience is taken to the next level with a haunted trail at Xtreme Paintball Park in Millstadt, Illinois. $25. 7–10 p.m. October 8–9, 15–16, 22–23, 29–30.
After dark, unsavory characters emerge at Six Flags, and some of them are quite distressing. Music and dancing can start a little chill in your spine, while coming across a goblin next to you on a ride might ratchet up the goosebumps. Watch for designated Scare Zones, or wander into truly frightening attractions like the Slaughterhouse. $34.99, with add-ons available. See website for times and details.
The Darkness, Creepyworld, and Lemp Haunted House
The suite of offerings from the Creepyworld pros is anything but sweet. It’s top-ranked terror, so don’t bring the kiddos or your wimpy friend. Every year, they add to the creep-out, and this year is no different: Check out Slaughter & Sons Funeral Home, Krampus: Jack Frost’s Revenge, and Tales of Terror. Visit the website for offerings, times, and tickets.
