Spirits Abound in Virginia City this October with multiple spooky events

The historic mining town of Virginia City is regarded as one of America’s most haunted cities. This October 31 and throughout the month, uncover spooky tales and festive family adventures for all ages – all aligned to accommodate current restrictions and guidelines – during “Hauntober.”

Haunted Adventure Pass
Spooky adventures in Virginia City start at the Visitors Center where visitors can get their Haunted Adventure Pass for discounted access to Virginia City’s Hauntober attractions. The pass includes a Bats in the Belfry Ghost Tours, access to the Haunted Washoe Club Museum and a tour of Piper’s Opera House. Purchase passes at the Visitors Center, 85 South C Street.

Bats in the Belfry
For thrill seekers searching for the most haunted locations in Virginia City, this is the tour to take. Explore this historically haunted town and learn about the lively souls that some say still occupy it today. Tickets for the tour are $20 per person and reservations are required. Reserve a tour online.

V&T Railroad Pumpkin Patch Train, Oct. 17, 18, 24 & 25, 11:20 am, 1:20 p.m. and 3 p.m.
A pumpkin patch is fall’s ultimate playground for kids, so make an adventure of it with a historic and scenic train ride to the Gold Hill Pumpkin Patch. Families can pick their own special pumpkin to carve or cook. Train fares are $19 for adults, $14 for children and $6 for toddlers. A special 5 p.m. dusk train runs Saturdays, Oct. 17 and 24. To purchase tickets, visit online.

Haunted Halloween Steam Train of Lights, Oct. 30 & 31, 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. (adults only at 7 p.m.)
Get in the haunted spirit with a ride on a spooky evening steam train from Virginia City to Gold Hill. A special 7 p.m. train departs for adults only on the Jersey Lil and features adult beverages to enjoy on the way. Tickets available online.

Cemetery Gin’s Hunt for the Spirits, Oct. 31 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Embark on Cemetery Gin’s Hunt for Spirits, a fun and tasty scavenger hunt through town. Participants must use their historic Virginia City knowledge to solve clues and unscramble a secret message of Virginia City’s past, learning more about this historic town while sampling tasty spirits along the way. This is a 21+ event. Purchase tickets online.

Hauntober Parade, Oct. 31, 5 to 6 p.m.
Goblins of all ages dressed to scare are invited to participate in the Hauntober Parade on Halloween night. Check-in is at 4 p.m. at the Virginia City Jerky Company. Stick around for safe trick-or-treating at the many shops along the boardwalk. Masks are required.

Virginia City Cemetery, Oct. 31, 5:30 to 11 p.m.
Once a year, on Halloween, the gates to the old Silver Terrace Cemetery stay open for visitors to stroll past dusk. Here, souls rest in peace but their stories live forever. Take a self-guided tour with the downloadable audio tour, available online. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Proceeds benefit the Comstock Cemetery Foundation. For more information, visit online.

Fright Night at Piper’s Opera House, Oct. 31 6 – 9 p.m.
Head up to historic Piper’s Opera House for an evening of award-winning spooky short films featuring some recognizable stars, followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers themselves. Tickets include the movie screening, hosted wine and popcorn bar and a costume contest with more than $1,000 in prizes. Tickets available online.

To commemorate a Virginia City visit during Hauntober and commemorate five years, take home a bottle of Cemetery Gin, Virginia City's own estate-distilled spirit. Bottles can be purchased at the Visitors Center and locations throughout northern Nevada. Drinks featuring the spirit can be enjoyed at various Virginia City watering holes.

To start planning a trip to Virginia City, go to http://VisitVirginiaCityNV.com.

A short 30-minute drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport takes visitors to one of the largest historic districts in the United States - Virginia City, Nevada. Come experience this mining “boomtown” as it was in the 1800’s. Step back in time while visiting the numerous historic buildings, saloons, churches and museums or take a mine tour or even ride a real steam train. The Comstock Adventure Passes offer the best value with discounted attraction packages. For lodging, event calendar or Comstock Adventure Passes, visit online or call 775-847-7500. The Visitor Information Center is located at 86 South C Street, Virginia City.