Ghost Walk: Nevermore Combines Scary Stories with a Frightening Festival

Ghost Walk has become an October staple downtown. It started a couple of decades ago with local actors and authors telling scary stories, either handed down or written for the event, in the spaces where the stories were set. It was a mix of chills and thrills and a rare opportunity to see some of the city’s basements, staircases, back alleys, and nooks that may not always be accessible. ​​

The Ghost Walk has grown into a two-day festival on October 25th and 26th in White Park. “Ghost Walk has been such a special part of California Riverside Ballet for over 30 years,” says Susan Anderson of California Riverside Ballet, a host of the event. “The ability to bring the arts community together in Riverside is very important to us, and even more important is working with our local students to bring out their love of theater, dance, and visual arts with this spooky tradition.” Ghost Walk Riverside – Nevermore is inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe and the Addams Family’s Wednesday. Along with the on-site tours, the event has expanded to include a carnival. 

There are two ticket options: a Premium Tour Reservation for $20 or a Park Ticket for $10. The Premium Tour includes park admission and a guided tour outside the park, featuring live performances inspired by Poe’s writings and the dark wryness of Wednesday Addams. The Park Ticket offers full access to White Park, including a carnival area, a DJ dance party, storytellers, and a Thriller dance performance.

There will be plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the park, including a kids’ carnival with 14 Halloween-themed games, a Thriller dance performance by the Ghost Walk Riverside dancers, and a DJ dance party led by DJ Richter Scale. Food vendors will be on site. There will also be a beer garden serving local craft beer and wine.

For tickets or more information, check out the California Riverside Ballet website.