If you’re interested in hosting a Halloween party event, you need the perfect venue. While it makes sense to use a standard hotel ballroom or event center, there’s one way to really kick things up a notch.
Haunted party venues.
We’re not here to debate the merits of ghosts, but we do believe that haunted venues are the best places to party for Halloween. By incorporating a supernatural “spooky” vibe, it’s easy to wow your guests and create an event that will be extra memorable.
So, with that in mind, here are the top 20 unique haunted party venues of 2023. These venues are all across the United States, so there should be one near you, no matter where you are.
1. Biltmore Estate
Where: Asheville, North Carolina
With classical European elegance and 175,000 square feet of living space, the Biltmore Estate is the largest residence in the United States. This property belonged to George Vanderbilt, who commissioned its construction in 1889. The building was a massive undertaking and required a brick kiln and woodworking factory to be created on the site to expedite construction. Even then, the estate wasn’t finished until 1895.
When it comes to hauntings, many visitors have reported various sightings, and most of them seem to be of the same people or incidents. For example, you may discover George wandering the halls of his old home or his wife calling out his name. Since the estate has hosted many luminaries over the years, guests will often hear the sounds of a party, even when one isn’t happening.
2. Bonaventure Cemetery
Where: Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is no stranger to haunted cemeteries, and there are quite a few of them scattered throughout the historic city. However, Bonaventure stands out because of its gorgeous grounds, stunning sculptures, and Hollywood history. If you’re familiar with the book or movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, you’ve seen one of the statues placed within the cemetery.
The most famous ghost is a six-year-old girl named Gracie Watson. She died of pneumonia, and her ghost is often seen close to the statue marking her grave. Some visitors have even said they’ve seen tears of blood dripping down its face.
3. Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
No list of haunted event venues would be complete without a trip to New Orleans. Fortunately, the Bourbon Orleans Hotel fits the bill perfectly, and it’s in the heart of the French Quarter, so you get the full New Orleans experience.
The history of the building is marred by death and destruction, as the original theater burned down in 1816. The new building was constructed a year later, and it has been expanded multiple times since then. As far as hauntings, guests have seen everything from Confederate soldiers to former nuns.
4. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Where: Vancouver, British Columbia
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, often featured in thrillers and sci-fi movies, is renowned for its spectral resident known as the “Lady in Red”. This historic hotel, a staple in Vancouver’s architectural landscape, has embraced the legend of this benevolent ghost. The “Lady in Red” is said to roam the hallways, leaving an air of mystery in her wake. In a nod to this ethereal presence, the hotel even serves a cocktail in the lounge named after her. With its blend of history and the supernatural, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver offers an ambiance like no other.
5. Congress Plaza Hotel
Where: Chicago, Illinois
The Congress Plaza Hotel has a long and rich history, as it’s hosted many presidents throughout the years. However, it’s also one of Chicago’s most haunted hotels, with two ghosts making regular appearances. The first is a Spanish-American war veteran who committed suicide in his room, and the other is a young boy. In fact, some self-described skeptics, like a security guard who works at the hotel, have changed their minds after encountering the young apparition.
6. Crescent Hotel
Where: Eureka Springs, Arizona
As a mountaintop hotel, the Crescent Hotel is a marvelous place to stay, even without considering how haunted it is. The site draws thousands of paranormal investigators every year, and there are multiple ghosts haunting the grounds. From former cancer patients (the hotel used to be a cancer treatment facility) to former construction workers, many guests have seen supernatural visitors during their stay.
7. Creswell Mansion
Where: Denver, Colorado
If you’re looking for a cannabis-friendly Halloween party rental, the Creswell Mansion is an excellent choice. This building was renamed the Marijuana Mansion in recent years, and it has become a hub for all things cannabis-related. The mansion is also home to numerous ghosts, some of whom can be seen looking wistfully out of the window or their presence felt in several of the rooms. This event hits multiple “unique” attributes, making it a winner for many hosts.
8. Dock Street Theatre
Where: Charleston, South Carolina
This venue is one of the oldest on this list, having been constructed in the mid-1700s. The building has undergone numerous renovations and upgrades over the years, but many of its core elements are still intact. It was originally a theater, then a hotel, then an abandoned building, and is currently a hotel again.
Guests and passers-by have reported seeing ghostly spirits looking out from the windows. One of the most famous is Nettie, a lady of the night. The legend goes that she wore her favorite red dress on the balcony during an intense storm and was struck down by lightning. Visitors can still see her wandering the halls, red dress and all.
9. Mackenzie House
Where: Toronto, Ontario
Mackenzie House stands as a silent witness to the city’s storied past. This historic venue once sheltered William Lyon Mackenzie, a figure whose influence ranged from journalism to politics.The house, with its tales of a gritty Victorian era marked by crime, secrets, and spirits, is rumored to be haunted. Visitors can immerse themselves in the stories of the house, its former residents, and the spectral presences believed to roam its corridors.
10. The Egyptian Theater
Where: Boise, Idaho
Regardless of the number of hauntings that have been investigated here, the Egyptian Theater in Boise is a stunning event venue. The decor and theme of the venue are incredible, and it fits with the Halloween vibe already. Many paranormal investigators have come to the theater over the years, and some of them have some pretty compelling evidence of otherworldly visitors. Fortunately, they won’t eat or drink at your party, so you don’t have to pay extra when they crash it.
11. Henderson Castle Inn
Where: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Henderson Castle looks like the setting for a murder mystery whodunnit, as it resembles the estate showcased in the film Knives Out. However, this “castle” is legitimately haunted by the former owners and several guests who departed the earthly realm under dubious circumstances. Dog lovers will also appreciate booking this venue for a Halloween party event as the spirit of a deceased hound roams the hallways.
12. The House of the Seven Gables
Where: Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is one of the best places to party for Halloween, and if you’re going to rent a space, it should be the House of the Seven Gables. This building is the namesake of the book by Nathaniel Hawthorne from 1851. Many people assume the book came first, but the house actually inspired the novel. This place is often called “the most haunted house in Salem.”
13. Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast
Where: Fall River, Massachusetts
If you know the story of Lizzie Borden, you know she allegedly murdered her parents with a hatchet. Although she wasn’t found guilty in a court of law, their spirits still roam the house in which they died. Although this place is a bed and breakfast, it also has an event space for smaller parties. Nothing is scarier than history, and this house has everything you need to elevate your Halloween party.
14. Masonic Temple
Where: Detroit, Michigan
This Gothic temple is a stunning monument in Detroit, and its historical significance and spooky architecture more than warrant its place on this list. However, the temple is said to be haunted by the man who built it, George G. Mason. In addition to his spirit haunting its halls, the fact that this temple is associated with the mysterious Freemasons makes it an ideal Halloween party venue.
15. Myrtles Plantation
Where: Saint Francisville, Louisiana
If you’re looking for a truly Southern Gothic-themed Halloween party, you can’t do much better than Myrtles Plantation. Not only does the setting invoke images of ghosts and otherworldly apparitions, but it’s said to be incredibly haunted. Although the stories surrounding Myrtles are often exaggerated, many guests report seeing ghosts from time to time, so one may decide to crash your party (and win best costume?).
16. Queen Mary
Where: Long Beach, California
The Queen Mary is a landmark in Long Beach, permanently docked next to the city and standing out like a vintage postcard. This is one of the busiest haunted venues on this list, so you’ll need to make sure to book well in advance. However, the Queen Mary has more than its fair share of ghosts, including a former engineer and multiple children from the first-class cabins. Plus, hosting a Halloween party on an antique steamship just checks off all the right boxes.
17. The Hollywood Roosevelt
Where: Los Angeles, California
Hollywood is the home of horror movies, but the Roosevelt Hotel puts you right in the middle of the action. This hotel has hosted many celebrities over the decades, including Marilyn Monroe. In fact, the hotel was one of Marilyn’s favorite spots, which is likely why her spirit still roams the building. According to legend, she prefers to hang out in room 1200, but if you’re hosting a party in the ballroom, she may decide to stop by and relive her glory days.
18. The Stanley Hotel
Where: Estes Park, Colorado
Although the movie The Shining was shot at Timberline Lodge in Oregon, the Stanley Hotel was the inspiration for the novel. According to Steven King, he and his wife stayed at the hotel on the last day of the season, and he had a vivid nightmare while staying in room 217. Based on that experience, he decided to write The Shining, and the rest is history. The hotel is gorgeous and accommodating in its own right, but when you consider how haunted it is, it makes the perfect setting for a themed Halloween party.
19. The Winchester Mystery House
Where: San Jose, California
Yes, it’s that Winchester. The Mystery House is named after the man who invented the Winchester rifle, although it was his wife who had most of the influence on how the house was built and maintained. According to legends, Sarah Winchester was haunted by ghosts of those shot by her husband’s rifle, and she built the home for almost 40 years to appease them. So, there are many unique furnishings and additions that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s worth a tour on its own, but it’s also the perfect place for an event.
20. Vulture City Ghost Town
Where: Wickenburg, Arizona
We saved the best for last! What’s better than hosting a Halloween party in a literal ghost town? Whether your party is Wild West themed or you just want a stunning (and haunted) backdrop, Vulture City is an incredible venue. Guests can tour the town and try to make contact with one of the many ghosts who still roam the streets.
Elevate Your Halloween Party: Explore the Most Unique Haunted Venues!
Unique Venues is your premier resource for finding haunted venues to wow and delight your guests this Halloween. We can help you narrow your search down and make it easier to connect with the venue and rent it for your event. Unique Venues takes the hassle out of event planning, and we’d love to do that for you!
In addition to these top 20 haunted venues, we can curate a list based on your location. Even if the venue itself isn’t haunted, we can make sure to find something that will enhance your Halloween party and make it a night your guests won’t forget!