Happenings

Virginia City boasts its notoriety of being one of the three most haunted towns in the United States, along with Savannah and Charleston. Otherworldly “haunts” exist during Halloween as Virginia City celebrates its ghostly history and offers a month of ghost experiences. Want to have your own paranormal experience? See the places and feel the chill with Bats in the Belfry Ghost Tours, or jump on board the V & T Railroad Halloween train for a spooky trip. Stay through the evening for the Virginia City Goblin Parade with youngsters dressed in their best before participating in the town’s safe trick-or-treating. Get dressed up and bring the whole family for safe trick-or-treating at local shops following the parade.

The following are a list of events taking place in October.

Voices of the Past Ghost Tour, Sept. 29 – Oct. 14., weekends, times vary at the Silver Terrace Cemeteries: Immerse yourself in a true step back in time experience with the Virginia City ghost tours. Voices of the Past is a living tour for visitors to meet spirits of the 19^th Century Comstock as they tell their stories of life and death. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. Buy your tickets here.

Bats in the Belfry Guided Ghost Tours, all month long: If you want to know where the most haunted locations are in Virginia City, this is the tour for you. Take a walk around this historically haunted town and learn about the lively souls that still occupy it today. Tours are Fridays and Saturdays. A paranormal investigation is offered at 8 p.m. Oct 26 and 27. Tickets are $20. Reservations are required. Call 775-815-1050 to reserve; space is limited. Click here for the full schedule.

29^th annual World Championship Outhouse Races, Oct. 6 – 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on C Street: Potty humor abounds at this Virginia City tradition dating back to the day when outdoor plumbing was outlawed, and angry residents took their outhouses to the streets. These days, teams of three are pitted against each other in an all-out potty race to claim the latrine title. The event is free for spectators.

RedRun VI: Bloodline, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: RedRun is unlike any other zombie run. Dubbed the most authentic zombie event on the planet, the town turns into one giant escape room with participants fighting for their lives to survive the Zombie Apocalypse. Cost is $60 for competitors and $25 for zombies. Click here to sign up.

V&T Railroad Pumpkin Patch Train, Oct. 13 – 14, times vary, at the 1870 V&T R.R. Depot: A pumpkin patch is fall’s ultimate playground for kids so why not make an adventure of it with a train ride to the Gold Hill Pumpkin Patch. Prices are $19 for adults, $10 for children 5-12. Children 4 and under ride free. Tickets available online.

Day Out with Thomas, Oct. 19 – 21 and Oct. 26 – 28, times vary, at the 1870 V&T R.R. Depot: Enjoy a 25-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt along with other characters. Explore the Imagination Station Caboose, create colorful memories in the Coloring Caboose, or dine at the P.B.& J Pullman Car. Have fun with plenty of Thomas activities including motor car rides and miniature golf at Sodor Island. Tickets are $19 for all ages and can be purchased here. Click here to view train schedule.

Haunted House in a Haunted Mansion, Oct. 27 – 31, 7 p.m. at Mackay Mansion: If you don’t mind a few bumps in the night, then join this creepy cast as they take over the Mackay Mansion for a haunted experience of a lifetime. Visit and see why the Mackay Mansion is recognized as one of the spookiest places on earth. Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for kids 11 and younger. Tickets are available for purchase at the door.

Goblin Halloween Parade, Oct. 31, 5 to 6 p.m.: Bring your favorite little goblin dressed to scare to the Goblin Parade on Halloween night. Check-in is at 4 p.m. at the VC Jerky Company. Stick around for safe trick-or-treating at the many shops along the boardwalk.

Virginia City Cemetery, Oct. 31, 5:30 to 11 p.m.: Once a year, on Halloween, the gates to the old Virginia City Cemetery open for visitors to stroll from dusk till dark. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

We host our annual Christmas on the Comstock this December, offering a Victorian-style holiday celebration. This small mining town feels like a real-life vintage Christmas book embracing the slower pace of the holiday spirit with lights and shops decorated to the hilt. Festivities for all ages range from unique boutique holiday shopping, specials, a lighted Christmas parade and more. Have some spirited fun on the Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, featuring specialty holiday drinks at participating saloons. End the evening with the annual Comstock Cowboys Christmas in the Sierra concert at Piper’s Opera House.

December 1 Events

• Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl
• Christmas in the Sierra Concert
• Parade of Lights

Month-long events: A complete listing of activities taking place throughout the month of October will be added here.

**ALL VCTC EVENTS ARE RAIN OR SHINE AND NON-REFUNDABLE**