Haunted Happenings at the Oakville Museum

Let history cast its spell on you this October with tours and events

This October, the Oakville Museum is celebrating the season with Haunted Happenings, a playful blend of history, folklore and Halloween traditions at the historic Erchless Estate. Throughout October, visitors can enjoy plenty of fall fun – from exploring how Halloween has evolved through centuries of curious customs to discovering spooky and surprising stories brought to life by the Museum’s guided tours. 

Museum guides will reveal fascinating facts and strange stories behind Halloween traditions, from Victorian mourning customs, fortune-telling, witches and jack-o-lanterns, to cats and bats, tricks and treats, and long standing superstitions.

Haunted Happenings: Guided Tours

October 6 to 31, Tuesday to Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. 
All ages
Free

Throughout October, regular guided tours take on a Halloween twist. Visitors can travel through the rooms of Erchless Estate to learn how Halloween has evolved through the centuries and uncover the stories behind familiar symbols, customs and superstitions.

Haunted Happenings: Candlelight Tour

October 16, 17, 29 and 30, 7 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 to 8:30 p.m.
Ages 7+ 
$7.31 + tax per person

(Pre-registration required: Haunted Happenings: Candlelight Tour)

When the sun goes down, Erchless Estate takes on an entirely different character. This candlelit after-hours tour features eerie Victorian traditions, ghostly folklore and a themed scavenger hunt. Visitors can search for hidden clues and solve the final riddle to take home a Halloween treat. No jump scares!

Haunted Happenings: Tricks, Treats and Traditions

Saturday, October 24, Multiple time slots
All ages
$15 + tax per person

(Pre-registration required: Haunted Happenings: Tricks, Treats and Traditions)

For one special Saturday, the entire museum becomes a family-friendly Halloween adventure. Guests will receive a passport that leads them through activities, crafts, outdoor games, classic film shorts and seasonal surprises. Enjoy snacks and drinks courtesy of Farm Boy, and stop by the museum’s enchanted gingerbread cottage, where a friendly witch will be waiting with a sweet treat from local sponsor Kerr Candy. Costumes are encouraged!

One Last Glow: Pumpkin Parade

Sunday, November 1, 5 to 7 p.m. 
All ages
Free

As dusk falls, carved pumpkins will illuminate the museum grounds for the annual Pumpkin Parade. Bring a carved pumpkin, wander among the flickering faces and enjoy one last magical fall evening. Costumes are encouraged!

Whether you are discovering the Oakville Museum for the first time, or returning for a favourite tradition, the Halloween season is a wonderful time to visit. Come for the history, stay for the stories – and don’t be surprised if a little Halloween magic follows you home.

For more details, visit the Oakville Museum page.