INDIANAPOLIS — Yes, the calendar still says September. But the Indiana State Museum and its historic sites already are preparing Halloween treats for all, including spooktacular events ranging from costume contests to museum galleries by flashlight. Here are just a few:Quirky Queries: Cocktails and Cadavers: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Sept. 16, 6 to 9 p.m. Price: $15/person, 25% discount for members. Indiana has an extensive history with caskets and funerals. Join our collection staff members to get up close to real funerary objects, including cooling tables, embalming tools and more. Plus, play games that revolve around the lighter side of death, test your knowledge of the secret lives of cadavers at our trivia wheel and purchase themed drinks at the cash bar. Registration required by noon Sept. 16. For ages 21+.
Fright Night: Indiana State Museum, Oct. 7, 6 to 8 p.m. Price: $12 per person, 25% discount for members, $7 for scouts, $5 for access pass members. Get ready for a night of spooky and magical fun! Conduct experiments that look like magic but are all science and see the astonishing science show. Search for hidden clues while exploring creepy creatures of Indiana’s past and wind your way through chilling galleries by flashlight. Big and little goblins can enjoy a costume contest, take creepy pictures at photo ops, play ghoulish games and more.
Twilight Tales: Indiana State Museum, Oct. 19, 21, 26 and 28, 7 to 8 p.m. and 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Price: $20 per person, 25% discount for members. Twilight brings out all the things that go bump in the night. Venture through the museum on this flashlight-led tour to visit some of the creepiest artifacts in our collection. Staff will share how these pieces are connected to supernatural rumors and Indiana folklore. Flashlights will be available for guests to use. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes on this walking tour. Be aware, the museum can be chilly at night when all the lights are out. For ages 15+; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Ghost Stories Under the October Sky: T.C. Steele State Historic Site, 4220 T.C. Steele Road, Nashville, Oct. 21, 7 to 9 p.m. Price: $10 for adults, $5 for youth under 18, 25% discount for members. Experience thrills and chills from spooky storytelling by the Bloomington Storytellers Guild during an evening under the stars. Pack a flashlight, a blanket and a picnic to enjoy while hearing famous and local ghost stories near the cemetery located at the site. For ages 8+.
