Cover story: Costume advice, party planning and more for Halloween

Las Vegan Zak Bagans fires up new horror anthology series The Haunted Museum

BY C. MOON REED Sometimes, a creepy museum of cursed artifacts is not merely a creepy museum of cursed artifacts. Sometimes it’s a real-life table of contents for terrifying, true stories. At least, that’s the case for the new horror anthology on Discovery+, The Haunted Museum, which debuted earlier this month, just in time for Spooky Season. The nine-part scripted series is the brainchild of filmmaker Eli Roth and Las Vegas’ favorite paranormal investigator—and Ghost Adventures star—Zak Bagans.

“We just wanted to make this as scary as possible, to have viewers feel what the real people [who] were affected by these items went through,” Bagans says.

Each episode fleshes out the sinister backstory behind one of the many eerie items on display at

Bagans’ popular Downtown tourist attraction of the same name, the Haunted Museum (600 E.

Charleston Boulevard, 702-444-0744).

Of course when it came to filming, safety came first: “We had all of my real-life items made into exact replicas that they used [on set],” Bagans says. “I didn’t want to curse all the actors.”

The first episode, “Dollhouse of the Damned,” is inspired by the Westerfeld Dollhouse, itself a model of an infamous San Francisco landmark. According to Bagans, a psychic says the dollhouse contains a demonic portal. In the show, a grieving widower gives his teenage daughter the dollhouse. In addition to the awkwardness of an age-inappropriate gift, the father ends up being possessed by the toy. What happens next … well, you’ll just have to watch to find out.

In the universe of The Haunted Museum (both the show and the place), dolls, statuettes, mirrors and even rocking chairs have the power to alter the lives of mere mortals. It’s enough to steer fearful viewers away from estate sales and antique shops. Then again, brave fans have the option to see all the source material in real life at the show’s namesake museum.

And if you want more Halloween-time streaming, Bagans has you covered. As the featured star in the new season of the Food Network’s Halloween Wars (also streaming Sundays on Discovery+), Bagans creates the chilling challenges for teams of cake and sugar artists. He also has a two-hour special in which he and his Ghost Adventures team explore the supernatural elements of Nevada’s own Goldfield Hotel. That show, titled Ghost Adventures: Goldfield Hotel, is also available on Discovery+.

A scene from The Haunted Museum;

(below) Zak Bagans (Courtesy Discovery+)

DELVING INTO DARKNESS

Zak Bagans talks seances, ghosts and … Cheetos?

BY C. MOON REED

What do you think about the Halloween season? It’s my favorite holiday of the entire year. We can embrace all things scary and just love to be scared. There’s no other holiday like it.

How do you personally celebrate Halloween? I always like checking out some of the haunted houses in town. I do like going down to the Museum with some select people and doing some seances. I love conducting seances; it’s one of my favorite things. Then I have the house I bought right next door to the Museum, which is called the Black House, and I do some of that stuff in there as well. Possibly some summoning of spirits for Halloween, but all private.

Are there any special Halloween offerings at the Haunted Museum this year? We’ve added these late-night flashlight ghost tours to the Museum, which enables everybody to come here with all the lights out. They can roam around the Museum by themselves with no guide. If you want to lock yourself in a room, you can lock yourself in the room with a Dybbuk Box. You can go down in the basement alone by yourself. That experience is newish, but outside of that, we’re open as usual on a reservation-only system through our website [thehauntedmuseum.com].

You’re always on the lookout for dark memorabilia. What do you still hope to find? I recently acquired a piece from James Dean’s [car] Little Bastard. We just unveiled that exhibit at the Museum a few days ago. That’s a piece that I always wanted but never knew existed. I never know what’s going to pop up, so I’m always keeping my eyes on auctions [and] headlines.

In your experience, what are ghosts? Our world and the spirit world are like two pieces of Swiss cheese. As you put those on top of each other and you slide them around, sometimes those holes will match up. It’s like a lightning bolt in Las Vegas—it doesn’t happen a whole lot. … That’s why we don’t have ghost experiences everywhere we go all the time, why [deceased family members] are not constantly there hanging out with you, flicking Cheetos at your head or something like that. … My belief is [when] they have understood and accepted their death, they can then move on. There are other things in that doorway that are darker, just like in our life. … I believe there are some inhuman entities, as well.

Do you ever get tired of being scared and just want to go sit on a sunny beach somewhere? I won’t lie, I’ve definitely gotta have balance. I can’t absorb myself into all things scary, all things dark. … I’m very hypersensitive to energies, so I absorb a lot like a sponge. When I have too much ... I do have to go outside, I have to go into the sun, I have to go see pretty Mother Nature things. I don’t care if it’s a beautiful patch of green grass, or a nice walk near Red Rock [Canyon] with my dog. I have to cleanse that out. … But sometimes when I’m in that [light] for too long, I crave going back to the museum or being in a dark investigation.

SPOOKY SCREENINGS

Hidden Cinema Rooftop Garden Catch American Psycho at this cinema rooftop garden, offering a sweeping view of the city. Beer, wine, candy and popcorn anchor the dining menu, and you can upgrade to a lounge chair or love seat for ultimate comfort. October 31, 9:45 p.m., $11, 321 S. Casino Center Blvd., hidden-cinema.com.

The Front Yard at Ellis Island Hocus Pocus Brunch will feature a screening of the 1993 cult classic, which we’ve heard goes perfectly with mimosas and bloody marys. October 30, 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., reserve at bit.ly/3FMfUXO. TeenTober Movie Night at Windmill Library Geared toward kids in grades 6 and up, this event explores the “strange and unusual” with a collection of four Tim Burton classics. Teens can choose from 9, Frankenweenie, The Nightmare Before Christmas or Edward Scissorhands, and paint a pumpkin or two. October 28, 5:45-7:45 p.m., free, 7060 W. Windmill Lane, lvccld.com.

Halloween Carpool Cinema at Galleria at Sunset Those looking for a fun, outdoor experience should consider this complimentary screening of 2019 Disney sequel Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. Goody bags will be provided to kids, so bring the family. October 29, 8:30- 11 p.m., free, reserve at bit.ly/ 3vEjAGI. –Amber Sampson

CREATIVE COSTUMES (FOR ADULTS)

Checking in with Kayla Keka, manager at

Déjà Vu’s Adult Emporium (4335 W. Tropicana Ave., 702-367-8009, loveboutique.com), for some last-minute ideas and tips.

■ What’s Popular: Halloween favorites like cats, cops and nurses still reign supreme, but there are a few surprises. “We have quite a few nun costumes. Nuns are really good right now,” Keka says, adding that Greek goddesses and plushy animal costumes are also popular picks. “There’s this bat costume that does well every year. It’s like a jacket—it zips up, and it’s really warm.” Many have also been opting for school-girl warrior princess Sailor Moon and digs from Austin Powers and Ghostbusters.

■ Last-minute looks: “I recommend body suits … because you can accessorize those,” Keka says. “All you really need is a witch hat or some ears, and that’s pretty much an automatic costume with little accessories [like] chokers. … We have devil accessories, those are some of the easiest ones usually towards the last week.”

Some women, Keka says, just style and accessorize around lingerie. “The lingerie ones are my favorite, just because they’re really sexy. A lot of times those people who are putting those together are usually going to the Fetish and Fantasy Ball.”

■ Pro tip: Always keep a few fashion fixes on hand. “Definitely some double sided tape. Maybe some safety pins. I’ve had to use those just in case a button came off,” Keka says. “When people are out there and they’re partying, something’s gonna happen. … Some of the costumes are ‘teddies’ [or] one pieces. … If you ever get one of those, you want to be extra careful when you go to the bathroom.” –Amber Sampson

Paradise Crest Manor’s owners help carry forth the Hammargren House’s Halloween celebration

BY C. MOON REED Long before Area15 began drawing visitors with its eclectic mix of sights and attractions, the quirky estate of former Nevada Lt. Governor and retired neurosurgeon Lonnie Hammargren long delighted visitors with its endless artifacts and exploratory weirdness.

Neon signs, giant tiki statues, Evel Knievel’s American flag uniform—those and more fill the house and surrounding property off Sandhill Road south of Flamingo. For decades, Hammargren collected casino castoffs and historical memorabilia, turning an otherwise nondescript home in a central Las Vegas neighborhood into an unofficial museum that stretched into three neighboring houses.

Hammargren’s collection was mind-blowing in its scope, creativity and sheer randomness: a full-size Venetian gondola floating in an indoor pool, an original MGM aquarium, a segment of a Stratosphere roller coaster, a stairway from Liberace’s stage show …

Over the years, Hammargren was featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, the Travel Channel’s Vegas VIP Homes and on A&E’s Hoarders. In-theknow locals would flock to the Hammargren House each Nevada Day, when Hammargren would open up his home to the public for tours.

Eventually, Hammargren’s collection got the best of his budget. Deeply in debt, he lost one of his three homes and had to auction off a portion of his collection. Gone is the gondola, but the airplane above the swimming pool remains. Thus ended a delightfully quirky chapter in Las Vegas history … or did it? In much the same way a casino gets imploded to make way for new growth, the Hammargren House now lives again, albeit in a slightly different form.

In 2017, Amber Softing and her husband Mike bought the main Hammar-

Children’s costumes (Courtesy Party City)

CREATIVE COSTUMES (FOR KIDS)

Checking in with Julie Roehm, chief marketing and experience officer for the Party City chain (partycity.com), for some last-minute ideas and tips.

■ What’s popular: “Costumes with a pop-culture tie are always popular,” Roehm says. “This year, older kids are gravitating towards the Michael Myers costume from the new Halloween Kills movie, Spider-Man, characters from the Ghostbusters movies and Wonder Woman.”

■ Last-minute looks: “Our variety of accessories can even be combined with clothing kids already have in their closets for a super-customized look,” Roehm says. “For example, you could pair cheetah tattoos with a leopard tail and tiger ears for a ‘pawsome’ jungle cat look.” Other accessories include glow in the dark face paint, light-up masks, face jewels and hats.

■ Pro tip: As the seasons change, parents should remember that Halloween night might be chilly—and not just because of the scares. “We recommend encouraging [kids] to pick a warmer costume option or simply sporting a long-sleeved shirt under costumes.” Batman and doctor costumes are good choices, she says. “Parents should also anticipate that kids will be doing a lot of walking or running while trick-or-treating, so comfortable shoes are crucial. Your child’s favorite shoes should work with just about any costume, but you can also add shoe covers to some costumes.” –Amber Sampson

MONSTERS AT THE MANOR

October 31, 5:30-9 p.m., $1. 4318 Ridgecrest Drive, paradisecrestmanor.com, bit.ly/3jq2Uhe.

Paradise Crest Manor will host a one-night backyard

event on Halloween night. (Christopher DeVargas/Staff) gren house and renamed it Paradise Crest Manor. Having grown up nearby, Softing had always fantasized about living in the home. And when she had the chance to realize her dream, she also wanted to continue Hammargren’s legacy.

“Lonnie built everything in the house himself,” Softing says. Then she adds, with equal parts humor and veneration, “All of this is basically me living in a crazy man’s mind.”

The couple are renovating the home and slowly re-collecting some of the objects sold to auction. Since Mike works in construction, they’re doing most of the work themselves, and they’re documenting the process on a YouTube channel called My Crazy House.

“We’re giving ourselves 10 years to get the house done,” Softing says. “We’re only on year three, so please forgive that it is still crazy in here.”

Softing says she initially feared the Hammargrens would resent them for taking over their home. Instead, the two couples have become close, even spending some holidays together. The Hammargrens have gifted several objects to the Softings, including an architectural model of the Desert Inn.

“I couldn’t ask for better neighbors,” says Sandy Hammargren. (Her husband, Lonnie, no longer does interviews at age 83.) “The ironic thing is that she’s just as crazy as my husband is as far as collecting things, but on a different scale. And that I don’t mean crazy—I just mean, interesting.”

While Hammargren would open his home to any curious passerby, Softing is more private. She won’t give interior tours, but she’s planning to use a portion of her home into a small event space. “It just feels crazy having that many people walk through my house,” says Softing, who says she’s slowly coming to terms with the fact that her home will always be something of a tourist attraction. “So we’ve kept the tradition of Halloween alive instead.” For now, your best chance to relive a bit of the old Hammargren magic comes on Halloween. The Softings and the Hammargrens will open their respective backyards to the public for a one-night event called Monsters at the Manor. In addition to the remaining artifacts—such as the old Showboat Casino sign—there will be a “haunted walk-thru” with animatronics, inflatables and “light scares.” Food and drink will be for sale at the family-friendly event.

“It’s the only chance that we give people to look at all the crazy stuff in the backyard,” Softing says. “And Lonnie’s usually out there introducing himself to every single person, too, so that’s always fun.”

Last year, the event was canceled due to the pandemic. Softing estimates that about 5,000 people visited in 2019.

Ticket proceeds benefit the charity organization Critical Care Comics, which brings comics and toys to hospitalized children.

FEAR

THESE PLACES

Freakling Bros. The Freakling Bros. Horror Shows returns for year 29—after closing their doors in 2020 due to the pandemic—with three attractions: Coven of 13, Gates of Hell and Castle Vampyre. The R-rated haunt, Gates of Hell, includes a new experience dubbed the Men’s Room. Plus, this might be your last chance to check out Castle Vampyre: There were plans to retire the attraction in 2019 to make way for something new, but the pandemic caused a delay. Take advantage of the postponement and enjoy it again. A Freak Pass ($50) includes

(Courtesy Museum of Mons te r s )

unlimited trips through all haunts for one night, along with a visit with the resident fortune teller. Through October 31, doors 7 p.m., $50+, 6555 S. Riley St., freaklingbros.com. Museum of Monsters. Creatures and monsters from your favorite films and television shows have gathered here— and they want a picture with you! The museum offers more than two dozen photo-ops, and there are even “live” characters walking through the experience, so keep your eyes peeled. This new, haunted experience is designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Through October 31, times vary, $20, 410 S. Rampart Blvd. #130, museumofmonsters.com.

Escape Blair Witch. Lionsgate’s blockbuster horror film comes to life in a new immersive, multiroom escape experience. Players begin their journeys at the Burkittsville Ranger’s Station in the Black Hills Forest, with the goal of gathering information about the disappearance of local college students. Those who can’t solve the mystery in the given time will face the fury of the Blair Witch. Times vary, $46+, reservations required, 2121 Industrial Road, escapeblairwitch.com.

Asylum & Hotel Fear. These longtime local haunted house attractions are back to make our skin crawl once again. Experience the creepy storyline of two families whose lives intertwined in an abysmal way. Through October 31, 6:30 p.m.-midnight; $37, Meadows Mall, lasvegashaunts.com.

Vegas Fright Nights. This year’s haunts include Clown Invasion in 3D, Nightmare Manor and the brand new Blood Barn, a rickety barn plagued by death and desolation—with chainsaw-wielding fiends making sure it stays that way. Through October 31, times vary, $30, 600 W. Oakey Blvd., vegasfrightnights.com.

HallOVeen at the Magical Forest. Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest has once again transformed into haunted jungle ruins, and eerie creatures have taken over. You’ll meet many of them as you walk through a cemetery with spooktacularly decorated trees and jack-o-lanterns. Forest-goers can also enjoy rides, mini-escape rooms, trickor-treat stations and midway carnival games. HallOVeen is an all-ages and family-friendly experience, and tickets grant unlimited access to all rides and attractions. Through November 1, 5:30 p.m., $22, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., opportunityvillage.org. –Evelyn Mateos

Long before suspense, terror and dread became pillars of cinematic storytelling, actors had to elicit those emotions from a stage without the help of visual effects or trick editing. What you see in a stage production is what you get, which is why the scariest and most suspenseful plays are the ones that convince you that you’re not seeing what you think you’re seeing—or direct you to look into the most fearful and superstitious parts of yourself, where real terror lies. If that sounds like fun—and it should!—here are three local productions you need to catch.

WITCH BY JEN SILVERMAN

New York-based author Silverman crafted Witch as “a darkly comedic retelling” of The Witch of Edmonton, a 400-year-old English drama. Silverman’s version peels away the old-world trappings and keeps the good stuff: the village that literally takes the Devil’s bargain, and the character of Elizabeth Sawyer, who the village has scapegoated as a witch—and might be the best hope anyone’s got of saving themselves. Vegas Theatre Company, star Katrina Currow and director Andrew Paul are hosting tours through Edmonton’s dark mischief. October 29-November 7; Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m.; $25-$33. Art Square Theatre, 725-222-9661.

(Yasmina Chavez/Staff/Photo illustration) Witch Katrina Currow in

GHOST(S)

Table 8 Immersive and Majestic Repertory Theatre, which previously scared the bejeezus out of Vegas with the one-two punch of Horrorwood Video and Krampus, now invites you to join the “Pyewacket Society for Occultural Affairs” for an evening of communing with the dead. This 21-and-over immersive theater experience begins with cocktails and ends somewhere beyond this mortal coil. The production includes loud sounds, bright lights and theatrical fog, and isn’t for those “who are not comfortable … being alone.” Bartender, set us up. October 28 & 30, times vary, $35. The Usual Place, 100 S. Maryland Parkway, majesticrepertory.com.

THE SANDMAN: A LITTLE NIGHTMARE MUSICAL

Prussian author E.T.A. Hoffmann kinda owns Christmas; he wrote the 1816 story on which The Nutcracker is based. He also penned Der Sandmann, a fable as creepy and unnerving as The Nutcracker is warm and fuzzy. The endlessly inventive Troy Heard directs this Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor-penned musical adaptation of Hoffman’s tale of inscrutable nannies, unexplained fires and eyeball-stealing nightmare creatures that live in the moon, and two of our favorite local actors—Annette Houlihan Verdolino and Darren Weller—feature in the top-shelf cast. Thru November 11; Thursday-Saturday, 8 & 10 p.m.; Sunday 5 & 7 p.m.; $35-$25. Majestic Repertory Theatre, 1217 S. Main S., majesticrepertory.com. –Geoff Carter FETISH & FANTASY HALLOWEEN BALL

October 30, 9 p.m., $95-$285. Area15, fetishand fantasyhalloween ball.com.

THE BALL IS BACK

Fetish & Fantasy picks up again at Area15

BY BROCK RADKE

Plenty of the city’s favorite annual events have already made grand post-pandemic comebacks this fall, but there’s nothing else quite like Fetish & Fantasy. The naughty and nice, dance music-charged Halloween bash makes its delayed debut at Area15 on October 30—marking its 25th event in Las Vegas.

“We’re definitely excited to see some of those same faces we’ve been seeing through the years, and there’s a lot of people who’ve been showing up on a regular basis for 10 to 15 years now,” says event coordinator Jeff Davis, who’s been with F&F for a dozen years. “We have cultivated a unique clientele, and they tend to make the trip [every year]. People definitely missed it last year.”

Set to take over the A-Lot and Portal spaces at Area15, the party will feel quite a bit different this time as it moves out of familiar casino resort surroundings. The 2019 edition was held at the former Hard Rock Hotel and took over the theater formerly known as the Joint. Area15 doesn’t offer similar facilities, but Davis says its innovative display capabilities and unique feel will be a “nice switch-up” from venues of the past.

As always, costumes are mandatory; A $60 party-pooper fine will be in place for ticketholders who show up without one. Expect a supercharged version of the Human Petting Zoo and extra strolling, atmospheric performers that contribute heavily to the Fetish & Fantasy vibe. Grammy winner Dave Aude tops a DJ roster that includes Andy Moor, Ron Reeser and Scooter & Lavelle, and the afterhours party starts at 2 a.m. at the Artisan.

“We just want people to show up, have a good time and strut their stuff,” Davis says.

IN THE CLUBS

G-Eazy at Zouk The rapper and producer launched new album These Things Happen Too last month with big bashes in Vegas and Miami, and now he’s ready to showcase his latest tracks at the freshly minted Resorts World nightclub. October 29, 10:30 p.m., $30-$50, zouk grouplv.com. Chromeo at Discopussy The Canadian electro-funk duo launches a weekend of music and themed costume parties at the Fremont Street hot spot that also features Taiki Nulight, Vnssa and Honeyluv. October 29, 10 p.m., $20, disco pussydtlv.com.

TRICK, TREAT AND TIPPLE Ada’s wine goddess Kat Thomas suggests Halloween candy pairings

BY BROCK RADKE

If you’ve spent time tasting wine and trying new things with sommelier Kat Thomas at Ada’s Wine Bar in Tivoli Village, you know the main objective is always to have fun. The same thing goes for Halloween. Since we know she’s game, and we know we’ll be picking through the kids’ trick-or-treat take to steal a few of our favorite classic candy bars, we tasked Thomas with conceptualizing the ideal glass of wine to go with the sweet stuff.

“Generally I’d say to separate everything, just have fun, and Champagne is going to be the answer to everything anyway,” she says. “But get adventurous. Most of the time, the things you have in the fridge don’t pair with the things you’re trying to put in your mouth hole. But you can buy these things in advance or just come down here to Ada’s and bring the candy and we’ll have some fun.”

M&Ms + Three by Wade Red Blend Many people assume chocolate and red wine is a natural combo, but it’s actually quite a challenge, Thomas says. Basketball star Dwyane Wade’s Three by Wade series blends Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot for a smooth balance that rocks with the candy-coated, dark chocolate gems. “If you’re doing milk chocolate, you might go with a Grenache or Zinfandel or Merlot because you find milk chocolate in some of the tasting notes of those things. But I’d go for dark chocolate M&Ms with the Three by Wade for its sweet smokiness and dark red fruits.”

Skittles + Smith & Sheth Sauvignon Blanc We figured we’d stump Thomas with these super-sweet fruity favorites. No chance. “Sauvignon Blanc does this wonderfully bright, zesty, crisp kind of thing that makes your mouth zing, and that’s what Skittles do. They kind of make your eyes pucker. The concentration of bright fruits [in the wine] actually mimics the sugar concentration you can find in Skittles.”

Snickers + Gonzalas-Byass Alfonso Oloroso Sherry Snickers is Thomas’ favorite Halloween candy. “A lot of people have tried a fino sherry or something that was really salty or something they were not ready for, and sherry is one of those things you gotta get nurtured into. This Oloroso is really nutty with dried fruit notes, just everything a Snickers bar is to me, nutty, caramel-y, very complementary.”

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups + Broadbent 10-year Malmsey Madeira “Again, Madeira is not something a lot of people have at home, not commonplace unless you’re a super nerd or you somehow fell in love with it at some point in your life. I love giving people a splash of these things at Ada’s and when you have it with a little bit of food, it all starts making sense. But this is really fun with Reese’s because it gives you that feeling of peanut butter and jelly.”

ADA’S WINE BAR

Tivoli Village, 702-462-2795. Sunday-Thursday, 2-9 p.m.; Friday &Saturday, 2-10 p.m.

Ada’s Wine Bar sommelier Kat Thomas

(Wade Vandervort/Staff) For more wine talk with Kat Thomas, visit lasvegasweekly.com.

Lil Wayne (AP Photo/Photo Illustration)

Afrojack at Marquee The towering Dutch DJ makes his Las Vegas club comeback— he spun at EDC with R3HAB—during Marquee’s FreaqShow weekend at Cosmo. October 30, 10 p.m., $20-$30, taogroup.com. Lil Wayne at Drai’s You’re probably not even ready for HalloWeezy. The sorta-always-in-costume Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. arrives for a Saturday-night rooftop party to remember at the Cromwell. October 30, 10 p.m., $200-$250, draisgroup.com. Fisher at Omnia The Australian party starter continues to bounce between Tao and Hakkasan venues with a set under the Omnia space-chandelier at Caesars Palace. October 31, 10:30 p.m., $40-$60, hakkasangroup.com. Black Coffee at Hakkasan The South African house music icon’s current international tour continues to involve Las Vegas after he played Wet Republic during EDC Week. He’s at MGM Grand’s nightclub on Halloween night, and he’ll back for New Year’s Eve, too. October 31, 10:30 p.m., $20-$30, hakkasangroup.com. Diplo at XS The Chainsmokers and Kygo warm up the weekend at Wynn’s megaclub before the one-and-only Diplo takes control for one of the biggest Sunday nights of the year. October 31, 10 p.m., $55-$85, wynnnightlife. com. –Brock Radke