2024 Haunted House Dates!

Kelowna, B.C. – This year’s Black Mountain Haunted House not only delivered spine-chilling scares but also achieved a remarkable milestone in community support. Thanks to record-breaking attendance and the incredible dedication of volunteers, the event raised $10,000 for the McNair Mental Health Unit at Kelowna General Hospital.

The haunted house, held at its new, expanded location at Hillcrest Farm Market, welcomed thousands of visitors between October 18th and 27th. Attendees experienced a series of immersive horror scenes, from sinister witches to eerie alien encounters, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The event drew in horror enthusiasts of all ages, offering both terrifying nighttime experiences and family-friendly hours on weekends.

Supporting Mental Health Initiatives

Proceeds from this year’s haunted house went toward improving patient comfort at the McNair Mental Health Unit. The funds provided essential items like weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, pillows, and furnishings to create a more home-like, therapeutic environment for patients undergoing treatment. Additionally, part of the donation supported supplies for the dedicated staff who provide critical care, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue their work effectively.

A Team Effort

The success of the Black Mountain Haunted House wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of volunteers and community partners. Actors, set designers, construction crews, guest service attendants, and parking staff all played vital roles in bringing the haunted experience to life. A special thanks goes to Hillcrest Farm Market for hosting the event and providing support with space, parking, and concessions.

A Growing Legacy

The Black Mountain Haunted House has become a staple Halloween event in the Kelowna community, combining entertainment with a commitment to giving back. To date, the event has raised over $25,000 for local mental health initiatives, highlighting the power of community-driven events to make a positive impact.

For a closer look at this year’s thrills and the community effort behind them, watch the event highlight video here:

Looking Forward

With another successful year in the books, plans are already underway for next year’s haunted house. Expect new themes, more scares, and continued efforts to support local causes.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and supported the Black Mountain Haunted House. Together, we’re making a difference — one scare at a time.

Last month, Ash and I took an unforgettable trip to Las Vegas with one main goal in mind—to visit Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum. As avid haunted house enthusiasts and creators, this museum felt like a dream destination. It’s packed with eerie exhibits, historical artifacts, and chilling tales that had us captivated from the moment we walked in. The experience not only satisfied our curiosity but also gave us countless ideas to enhance this year’s haunted house event.

Walking Through the Haunted Museum

The Haunted Museum is a treasure trove of eerie objects and immersive displays. From cursed dolls to vintage circus paraphernalia, every corner seemed to whisper a story. One highlight was the doll exhibit, which featured some truly unsettling pieces. (Check out the photos we snapped of the dolls below.)

Another favorite was the “Bimbo 3 Ring Circus” arcade machine. Its retro style and haunting vibe got us thinking about adding vintage, interactive elements to some sections of our haunted house.

Gathering Inspiration for This Year’s Haunted House

Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum left us buzzing with ideas. The attention to detail in their props and staging inspired us to elevate our own immersive storytelling. Here are a few ideas we’re taking back with us:

1. Cursed Objects Room: We loved how the museum displayed cursed and haunted items, each with its own story.
2. Claustrophobic Hallways: One section of the museum played with tight, dark spaces that heightened tension. This aligns perfectly with some of our current ideas, and we’re brainstorming ways to make it even more intense.
3. Interactive Props: From animatronics to interactive displays, the museum kept visitors engaged. We’re planning to add touchpoints like cursed “artifacts” that activate audio scares or lights.
4. Lighting and Soundscapes: The eerie lighting and carefully crafted soundscapes gave each room its own personality. We’ll be incorporating these elements heavily this year.

Photo Highlights from Our Trip

A wall of haunted dolls, glowing eerily under dim lights (pictured below).

The iconic Haunted Museum entrance, with its quirky vintage vibe.

The “Warning” sign—a perfect inspiration for setting the tone at the entrance of our haunted house.

Ash and me repping our Black Mountain Haunted House shirts.

The Las Vegas strip on a quiet morning, capturing the contrast of the bustling city and the eerie museum hidden within.

Looking Ahead

This trip to Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum was not just an exploration but a masterclass in haunted storytelling. We’re excited to implement these ideas into this year’s haunted house and can’t wait to see how our visitors react to the new immersive elements.

Stay tuned as we unveil more about this year’s themes and features. For now, enjoy these photos, and let us know what you’re most excited about for this year’s Black Mountain Haunted House!