Seattle Culture
18 Days of Seattle Terror
It all starts on Friday the 13th
By Sarah Stackhouse October 12, 2023
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Seattle magazine.
As the leaves turn red and orange and the fog creeps in, Seattle takes on a new, unsettling charm. Celebrate Halloween with a thrilling and spooky journey through our vibrant city.
Friday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.
Friday the 13th: Horny teen counselors ignore every horror movie lesson ever as they’re stalked by a killer at the newly reopened Camp Crystal Lake. A classic slasher movie with the perfect ghost story ending. (1980, 95 minutes)
Siff Cinema Egyptian, $14.
Saturday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m.
Cujo: Cujo the Saint Bernard is not exhibiting signs of a typical or healthy dog. In fact, he’s a rabid beast holding a mother and her young son hostage in their Pinto for what seems like, and ends up being, the entire length of a single motion picture! Stunning levels of problem-solving develop around having to hold a pee in while locked inside a car, stalked by a murderous dog. Loads of fun on the big screen. (1983, 93 minutes)
Scarecrowber at Siff Cinema Egyptian, $14.
Sunday, Oct. 15, 3:15 p.m., 6 p.m., or 8:45 p.m.
Haunted Soiree: A cocktail party inside a historically haunted venue. Guests are invited to explore rooms, enjoy live shows, mingle with other guests, and chat up ghosts roaming the event. There’s a spooky story at the center of this haunted party waiting to be uncovered.
Rainier Chapter House, $73-$88.
Monday, Oct. 16, 9:45 p.m.
Spooky and Gay: It’s the fabulously frightful cabaret where you’ll encounter original scary stories, stand-up comedy shenanigans, and songs, all unfolding in total darkness. It’s like Goosebumps but with a rainbow makeover.
The Rendezvous, $20.
Our favorite emotionally unhinged gothic maiden, Winona Ryder in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.”
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula: The centuries-old and charismatic vampire Count Dracula comes to England to seduce his barrister Jonathan Harker’s fiancée Mina. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring a 90s dream team — Winona, Keanu, and Anthony H. Best line, “She is the Devil’s concubine!” A status we can all agree is worth unlocking. (1992, 128 minutes)
Scarecrowber at Siff Cinema Egyptian, $14.
Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m
Seattle Ghost Tour: Uncover the reasons behind Seattle’s reputation as a hub for supernatural occurrences within historic burial sites, where the spirits of undertakers and gold rush seekers still wander in search of long-lost fortunes. The tours are informative, eerie, and fun. $25-$30.
Sally and Jack Skellington in the burlesque “This is Halloween.”
Image courtesy of Can Can
Thursday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m.
This is Halloween: A unique adaptation that playfully satirizes the escapades of Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king and the most celebrated inhabitant of Halloween Town. Featuring Can Can’s signature cabaret and burlesque production stylings.
The Triple Door, $39 – $59.
Friday, Oct. 20, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Nightfall Orphanage: Expect to see a few orphaned children who want to give you a sleep-forever hug at this West Seattle haunted house. Nightfall Orphanage is held at a private residence, so be on your best behavior. Entrance is free and donations are encouraged as they benefit West Seattle Food bank and Washington National Park Fund. Nonperishable food items will be accepted.
4544 51st Place S.W.
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2 p.m.
The Descent at MoPOP: Six gal-pal spelunkers enter a labyrinth of caves in rural Appalachia and find themselves in a life-and-death struggle against a clan of Golem-like humanoids who pick them off one by one. Classic horror fun at a classic Seattle venue! Your ticket is free with the price of admission to the museum.
Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle.
Sunday, Oct. 22, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Georgetown Morgue: Renowned as Seattle’s most terrifying haunted house, Georgetown Morgue showcases professional makeup, costumes, lighting, and more. A truly scary experience worth the cost of admission.
5000 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle $35.
Sam Neill in “Possession” channeling a flirty Dan Stevens, pre-Hollywood makeover.
Monday, Oct, 23, 6:30 p.m.
Possession: A career spy named Mark, played by a young Sam Neill, returns home from a mysterious trip. His wife, Anna, exhibits increasingly disturbing behavior after asking for a divorce. I won’t spoil anything but I will say this: A boyishly handsome secret agent husband with a very serious side-part, doesn’t stand a chance against Anna’s new lover! The movie concludes with a shocking resolution, leaving you with multiple interpretations and zero extramarital affair inclinations. (1981, 123 minutes)
Scarecrowber at Siff Cinema Egyptian, $14.
“Earth VS. The Spider” is a B-movie but it’s rated A+ for graphics!
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m.
Earth VS. The Spider + a secret second feature: An enormous tarantula with legs the size of flagpoles goes on a killing spree in a small town. Included in this very fun B-rated movie are copious amounts of insecticide DDT, rock ‘n’ roll played so hard it can (and will) raise a giant spider from an extremely toxic slumber, electrodes, dynamite, a tarantula-involved car chase, stalagmite covered caves, one brave high school janitor (RIP) and the line, “Unless some egghead digs it up again!” (1958, 170 minutes)
16mm Centennial Celebration at The Grand Illusion Theater, $8-$11.
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Cat People: Serbian fashion illustrator Irena falls head over heels for a marine engineer. Love is in the air, but there’s a catch: Irena’s convinced she’s from a lineage of shape-shifting panther people! The film is known for its moody atmosphere, psychological tension, and innovative use of shadows and suspense. (1942, 74 minutes)
Scarecrowber at Siff Cinema Egyptian, $14.
Enjoy a night at the aquarium at “After Hours: Halloween.”
Image courtesy of Seattle Aquarium
Thursday, Oct. 26, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
After Hours: Halloween at the Aquarium: Seattle Aquarium’s annual Halloween party includes a costume contest, DJs, live music, drinks, and more. Find out what happens when 21-and-ups mingle with luminescent aquatic beings, whale bones, and venomous creatures of the sea. The best part is that your ticket purchase helps support the aquarium’s animal care and marine conservation work.
Seattle Aquarium, $36.95.
Friday, Oct. 27, 8 p.m.-midnight
Fashionably Undead Monsters Ball: This 21+ monster bash is hosted by MoPOP. There’s a cash prize for best costume (zombie Prince) and you can expect dancing, photo ops, a scavenger hunt, and a spooky community art activity. Featuring DJ There’s More and MC Jack King Goff.
Museum of Pop Culture, $25.
Saturday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m.
Dead Man’s Party at Highdive: A black light dance party with Prom Date Mixtape The Ultimate ‘80s New Wave Tribute Band. Costumes that glow under a black light (werewolf in fluorescent hammer pants and matching crop-top!) are strongly encouraged. Highdive, $20-$25.
Sunday, Oct. 29, 7:15 p.m.
Bride of Frankenstein: A classic horror film. Dr. Frankenstein tries to create a companion for his monster, but things get a little bonkers when the bride gets scared. (1935, 75 minutes)
Scarecrowber at Siff Cinema Egyptian, $14.
Haunting and magical imagery in “Spirited Away.”
Monday, Oct. 30
Spirited Away: It’s the last week of Studio Ghibli Fest. The movie is a masterful work of art — blending fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes. Don’t you dare think about missing a chance to view this deeply beautiful, fiercely imaginative, and wonderfully unusual film on the big screen. Find showtimes here.
Follow Us
8 Must-See Films at SIFF This Week
Movies that will make you laugh, cry, and think
As SIFF continues its celebration of 50 years, we've selected some must-sees for this week, from films that will get your heart pounding to those that make you laugh out loud — maybe even a few that'll reshape how you see the world...
The Wild Sauna of Seattle
A taste of Norwegian culture comes to the Pacific Northwest
In the heart of Kirkland, tied up to a public dock, one of the United States’ first floating saunas bobs on Lake Washington, providing a unique experience inspired by sauna culture in Norway. On a recent crisp chilly day, I had the opportunity to visit Von Sauna...
The Therapy Revolution
Changing your ability to love, one session at a time
To my mind, some form of counseling or therapy is helpful in preparation for meeting someone, in maintenance of a relationship, in repair when relationships stall or shatter, and in support when you have to start the whole dance over again. Photo by Glasshouse Images/Getty