Fright at the Museum

Fright at the Museum is the City Museum's all-ages Halloween celebration, running from September 30 through November 1, 2026. It's a month-long journey through a realm of oddities and curiosities that draws as much on the museum's own surreal architecture as on local pop culture. The museum itself, in Downtown St. Louis, weaves art, science, history, architecture, and fun into a one-of-a-kind attraction for children and adults, and during the celebration, the whole venue is decked out in Halloween decorations and exhibits.

The program mixes genuinely spooky moments with family-friendly activities. You'll find Doc Terminus' Odditorium, Wandering Ghouls and the Happy Haunted Harmony Circus, and spooky live performances on the 1924 Wurlitzer Organ. There's also 'not-so-spooky' storytelling, pumpkin carving demonstrations, a strolling magician, and trick-or-treating around the museum at manned slides. A costume parade gathers at the front desk at 12 PM, 1 PM, and 2 PM, and a palm reader is on hand. It's designed to work for all ages, so you can lean into the eerie side or keep things light for the kids.

Fright at the Museum runs alongside the museum's other seasonal offerings. City Nights: Costume Ball is a late-night costume party for over-21s, and Flustered Mustard hosts live-shadowcast screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the Rooftop. If you're coming with a group that spans generations, you can do the all-ages celebration during the day and save the adult-only events for later.

The museum is at 701 N. 15th St, Downtown St. Louis, at 15th and Lucas, just north of Washington Avenue. It's open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM, though it's closed Mondays and Tuesdays, except for October 12. The celebration is included in the general admission price.