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A Night of Fright at the Winchester Mystery House

As the season of fear fast approaches, Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group has partnered with the Winchester Mystery House to create an unforgettable night of terror. Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House is a horror experience brought in three acts that takes guests on a haunted journey through the iconic mansion.

To launch this month-long event, members of the media were invited to experience everything Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House had to offer on September 27. I attended and had the opportunity to explore all three acts. In addition, I enjoyed several festivities and exclusive bonus attractions available only to VIP ticket holders. This is a summary of all that I got to experience during my night at the Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House.

Welcome to the Winchester Mystery House

Before entering the first act, guests get a clear sense of what to expect from the setup at the front of the Winchester Mystery House. Fog machines create an air of mystery, while props hint at the thrills to come. The iconic mansion is adorned with Halloween lights, a reminder that the season of fear has arrived. There is also an atmosphere of festivities, with snacks and drinks available and tables set up for guests to mingle before beginning their night.

A Night of Terror in Three Acts

Festival Fright Nights was broken up into three acts that had guests wander a designated path within the Winchester Mystery House. Each act featured a unique theme that is brought to life through a blend of lighting, atmosphere, set pieces, animatronics, and live performers. Venturing through each act was simple; there is no going back.

Act I: The Masquerade of Shadows begins with a lavish ball hosted by Lord Gideon Gray, which soon descends into supernatural terror when an ancient portal unleashes vengeful spirits. Guests wander through the main house, encountering not only party staff and attendees but also uninvited figures from another time and world. It begins on the first floor, where you encounter the party guests, but as you ascend, the experience transforms into a journey through otherworldly realms beyond comprehension.

Act II: The Root of All Evil unfolds in the mansion’s garden, now overtaken by unnatural horrors from other worlds. Located next to the main house, the story begins as guests enter the garden, where an unsettling atmosphere immediately becomes apparent. The sense of unease intensifies upon encountering numerous creatures born from the very plant life that fills the greenhouse.

Act III: The Final Descent concludes the night with a journey into a forbidden wing of the estate, where the myths and legends of Sarah Winchester are brought to life. This rollercoaster of a story leads guests through the darkest corners of the Mystery House legend, revealing Sarah Winchester’s backstory alongside the demons that haunt her.

Between the Story

Between each act, guests could grab food and relax before moving on to the next experience. Most of the festivities were concentrated between Acts II and III, featuring additional performers who brought the scenes to life, along with a live show on the stage. There was also axe throwing, offering guests the chance to test their skill or try it for the first time.

Bonus Acts

Besides the three acts, there were bonus events in between that were only open to VIP guests. They had the same setup as the main acts, but with a unique twist for those who got to check them out.

The Maestro’s Masquerade Ball is a speakeasy located at the beginning and midpoint of Act I: The Masquerade of Shadows. Guests start by receiving their masks and enjoying a complimentary drink before venturing into the story. At the midpoint, they can relax and share a cocktail with others before continuing their journey.

Harry Houdini Presents: Do Spirits Return? is a séance with the iconic magician located at the Llanada Villa.  Here, magic collides with the supernatural in this intimate demonstration of staged paranormal trickery.

The Underhouse has guests descend into the basement of the Winchister Mystery House. Equipped with a flashlight and a hard hat, you venture through this underground maze. Among the furnaces and shadows are untold terrors.

End of the Night

The night comes to an end with a stop at the gift shop to pick up some souvenirs before leaving the event.

Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House began on September 26 and runs through November 1. The events take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with select Thursdays also included during the run. Tickets are on sale now for all open nights.

Have you had a chance to check out Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House? If so, then share your story in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group provided me with a pass for the night.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.