Weekend Possibilities | Harrowing Halloween Weekend Edition

An extra-creepy escape room, Sharks After Dark, ghost hunting, a cemetery stroll and more should scare up some good times this Halloween weekend.

Be sure to double check vaccination/negative COVID-19 test guidelines.

Friday, Oct. 29

11 a.m. – 12 a.m. Part immersive theater and part “choose your own adventure,” The Basement in the West Bottoms, 1600 W. 8th St., is a horror-themed escape room sure to put your wits to the test. Logical puzzles, anxiety-inducing intensity and a serial killer stand in the way of your escape. Sessions last about 45 minutes. Up to eight people can participate as a group. Pricing varies.

6 – 9 p.m. Sea Life Kansas City, 2475 Grand Blvd., is inviting land lovers into its deep, shadow-filled waters for Sharks After Dark. The aquarium’s after-hours event brings visitors face-to-face with sharks and other sea creatures to observe marine life at night. There will be a mad scientist in attendance for creepy experiments on the side. Make sure to wear a costume, there’s a candy reward. Tickets are $10 for children and $20 for adults. Final admission is at 8 p.m.

8 p.m. Start off the spook-filled weekend with “Blood for Dracula” at Stray Cat Film Center, 1662 Broadway Blvd. The project by Paul Morrissey immediately followed the filmmaker’s “Flesh for Frankenstein” and tells an outrageous story of a blood-thirsty vampire. The 1974 flick will be screened in 4K. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test is required for entry. Tickets are $10, plus fees.

Saturday, Oct. 30

2 – 4 p.m. Treats & Tricks will take over the Kansas City Power & Light District, 50 E. 13th St., for a few hours Saturday afternoon. The family-friendly fest invites kids and canines to dress up in their costumes for trick-or-treating across multiple Power & Light District establishments a day early. Katie’s Kennel will be on hand to pass out dog treats and snap photos of the cutest furry friend participants. The event is free to attend. 

5:30 – 9 p.m. There’s something strange in the neighborhood — maybe. Participate in Saturday’s Paranormal Investigation at Missouri Town 1855, near Lee’s Summit, 8010 E. Park Road, to find out. The fictional Missouri town will take guests, along with trained ghost hunters, into the supposedly haunted village. Registration is required for one of two 90-minute paranormal investigation sessions. Tickets are $20.

7 p.m. A few local, appropriately named bands will take the stage this weekend at Lemonad(e) Park, 1628 Wyoming St.. Get tickets to Wick and The Tricks Annual Halloween Ball, supported by The Creepy Jingles and The Vertigo Waves. The doors open at 6 p.m. Be aware, there is a costume contest. Tickets start at $10.

7 p.m. – 2 a.m. Up-Down Kansas City, the arcade-bar concept that calls the Crossroads Arts District home, 101 Southwest Blvd., will put out some spooky vibes this Halloween Weekend. In addition to plenty of arcade games to choose from, patio space and a photo booth, Up-Down will hold a costume contest for individuals and groups each night and will serve up its signature blood bag cocktails. You must be 21 or older to attend.

Sunday, Oct. 31

Noon – 5 p.m. Wonderscope will have a full afternoon of activities for local kids this Halloween. Stop by the Kansas City children’s museum for its Halloween obstacle course, set up in the Wonderscope parking lot, 433 E. Red Bridge Road, plus Halloween-themes activities happening in the museum’s indoor exhibits. The obstacle course is free, but admission to Wonderscope is $9 for children and $12 for adults.

1 – 3 p.m. The fifth and final Walktober 2021 event is set for the historic Union Cemetery, 227 E. 28 Terr., on Halloween. Join the group Sunday afternoon for a festive stroll through the grounds, surrounded by changing leaves. Costumes are encouraged and treats will be available for collection. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the first 200 participants will get a custom Walktober button. The event is free to attend.

7 p.m. If you are down for something a little different this year, spend Halloween at Chef Anna’s Charcuterie Class at Sinclair’s Restaurant in Blue Springs, 1402 N.W. Missouri 7. Guests will get tips on picking the perfect meats and cheeses, board arrangement ideas and recommendations for pairing textures and flavors. Come in a costume and you’ll receive a complimentary glass of house wine. Reserve your spot for $25.