While in Ames this morning, we stopped by No Escape Iowa. This locally owned escape room has one called “Ghostly Figures” that is supposed to be pretty creepy and, somehow, feature a few jump scares. We can’t wait to try it. But we have to. It’s been booked full the last two times we happened to end up in Ames 😉
Slaughterhouse video interview
Earlier this afternoon we swung through downtown Des Moines to speak with Ian Miller about The Slaughterhouse. I had not seen the place since it moved to this new Locust Street location, and I was blown away. I had assumed they were still the “pig rendering factory” I had seen in past visits, but this is an all-new experience. It was not at all what I was expecting, and I can’t wait to see it with the lights off. Or themed lights on. Whatever. Here’s the video.
Tormented Souls video interview
Last night, we stopped by Tormented Souls Haunt and Scream Park. The vibe was very fun. We spent a few minutes talking to Auntie Mayhem.
Bouton Haunted Church video interview
Just a short drive from Des Moines is Bouton, Iowa where an old church building has been turned in to a haunted house. It is only $5, and more than worth it. The funds go to the firefighters there (who also operate this haunted house). The haunt has all kinds of stuff in it — dark twisty hallways, creepy folks waiting for you in corners, clowns, unexpected blasts of air … it was a great time.
Haunted Garage video interview
There is a GREAT family-friendly (thought they can be scary if you want) home haunt in West Des Moines. We were blown away by how elaborate their 3-car garage haunt is. This year, they are themed like a ghost town. The level of detail is amazing. Check it out:
Krampus: Jingle Hell!
I know we are not even done with Halloween yet, but this was just sent to me about an event happening at The Slaughterhouse in a little over a month:
https://app.hauntpay.com/events/krampus
Krampus: Jingle Hell is describe as:
Prepare for a Night of Terror and Delight on December 2nd in Des Moines!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as Krampus and his mischievous H’elves unleash their mayhem at The Slaughterhouse! For one night only, this spine-chilling event is open to all ages from 6-9pm. (Ages 6 and up strongly recommended)
Embrace the darkness at our BLACKOUT show where the Christmas Beast has devoured the power lines! Feel the adrenaline surge through your veins as you navigate our subterranean lair, with only the red Rudolph Glow Necklaces provided to light your way.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Krampus and our haunting Holiday ghouls! Bring your mischievous loved ones along and capture the terrifyingly memorable moments with a photo alongside these mysterious creatures.
Experience the thrill and excitement of Krampus: Jingle Hell by securing your tickets now!
https://app.hauntpay.com/events/krampus
Consider this your advance notice to do some early Christmas (ticket) shopping. With only three hours on one night, I do not expect these tickets to last long.
Peak haunt has been achieved
Today is the day. The Friday before Halloween begins the weekend with the most haunted attractions operating. Lines at the popular haunts are expected to be the highest all month. With places like Sleepy Hollow Sports Park selling out many nights earlier in the month, it should be no shock if they sell out during this weekend too.
DMHH Tips
- If this is your weekend to go, spend the extra money and buy tickets online — especially if the haunt offers a timed ticketing system. For more traditional haunts, such as Linn’s Haunted House and the relatively new Haunted Woods in Carlisle, buying tickets at the entrance may be your only option, so show up right at opening to avoid expected long lines.
- Some haunts offer VIP passes that let you skip straight to the front of the line. If you only have one evening, consider spending the extra money to do this. It will cost more, but will enable you to do more than just stand in long lines all evening.
- Between a chance of rain and freezing temperatures, some outdoor haunts may reduce hours or not operate. Check their official website or Facebook page before heading out to make sure they are up and running.
- Remember that even some indoor haunts have outdoor lines (such as Linn’s). If you would rather not deal with the temperatures, consider visiting Merle Hay Mall to check out Future Nightmares (20 minute shows start the top of the hour) or try out a Virtual Reality Horror Escape Room at White Rabbit VR Arcade.
- And most of all … try to take a moment to appreciate the artistry and effort that goes in to these attractions. It is a high-risk business where they only get a few weekends to make it profitable. Bring your friends 🙂
I expect to continue sharing news and haunt updates through Halloween. After that, I hope to bring news of other haunt happenings throughout the year, such as events at Slaughterhouse, Future Nightmares and any speciality events like this year’s “Haunted Tavern” that came through Des Moines.
Stay warm. Stay safe. And have fun!
Future Nightmares video interview
The new Future Nightmares show in Merle Hay Mall is still somewhat of a mystery, even to some that have seen it. Let’s talk to the mind behind it and see how he describes it…
White Rabbit VR video interview
Wanting to know more about what a “virtual reality haunted house” is? This may help…
Halloween silent disco
For those that remember Club Blood‘s silent disco at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park…
…there is a new silent disco in town just in time for Halloween weekend.
Iowa Silent Disco will be taking place this Saturday, October 28th, in Merle Hay Mall from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. They will be using the big space of White Rabbit VR Arcade to host this $10 event.
Their Facebook page is promoting “2 for 1 admission” if you show up before 10 p.m.
This is an all ages event, but there is a plan to have a full bar with alcohol for those 21 and older. The drinks will be served by FLIX Brewhouse.