Halloween hauntings and fall events planned in Hopkinsville

Events include William T. Turner's telling of the Bell Witch story at Jeffers Bend and trick-or-treating in downtown.

Community groups are planning Halloween activities and fall festivities in the Hopkinsville area, including the annual downtown trick-or-treating and the Bell Witch story told by Christian County Historian William T. Turner at the Jeffers Bend Torchlight Tales. 

Do you know of a Halloween event not listed here? Email us at editor@hoptownchronicle.org.

Torchlight Tales: The Bell Witch Story

  • When: 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21
  • Where: Jeffers Bend Environmental Center, 1170 Metcalfe Lane

Guests of all ages are invited to the annual Torchlight Tales, a gathering around a bonfire from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Jeffers Bend.

Historian William T. Turner and educator/storyteller Wayne Goolsby will share the story of the Bell Witch as several individuals dressed in early 1800’s period clothing with interact with the audience. According to the Bell Witch legend, members of the John Bell family of Adams, Tennessee, had encounters with a supernatural spirit from about 1817 to 1821.

william turner tells bell witch story
Christian County Historian William T. Turner stands beside a bonfire Saturday at Jeffers Bend, where he told the story of the Bell Witch. He’s been sharing the supernatural tale for more than 50 years. (Photo by Jennifer P. Brown, Hoptown Chronicle)

“This year’s Torchlight Tales event will include, for the third time, the Bell Witch Costume Affair in which children of all ages and adults will dress in various Halloween-type clothing,” organizers said in a press release.

Guests will be served hot chocolate, cookies and s’mores. 

The Pennyrile Resource, Conservation and Development Area sponsors Torchlight Tales along with the Jeffers Bend Steering Committee, Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority and Bank of Cadiz. 

Admission is $5 per car. Military members and first-responders are admitted free. 

Spooky South Main Stroll

  • When: 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28
  • Where: South Main Street

Join the Spooky South Main Stroll along the residential section of South Main Street and hear tragic stories of murder, suicide and accidental death at some of Hopkinsville’s most beautiful and historic homes. 

“The houses along South Main Street stand witness to more than 100 years of history. In those decades, these homes have been the scene of the happiest — and the darkest — of days,” organizers describe in a press release from the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County. “On this tour, Museum Director Alissa Keller will relate some of the community’s most heartbreaking and haunting stories.”

There are four tour times, each lasting about 90 minutes. Each tour is limited to 25 people. The tours start at the First Baptist Church parking lot at 16th and Main streets. Tickets are $15 per person, or $12 for museum members. Tickets are available online or at the Pennyroyal Area Museum, 217 E. Ninth St.

Prosperity Falls Haunted Acres

  • When: Every weekend in October — 7 p.m. to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 to 10 p.m., Sundays
  • Where: 3190 Prosperity Lane, Hopkinsville

Prosperity Falls Haunted Acres has two haunted attractions, a hayride and a haunted trail, both described as a “spooky good time” for families. There are no age restrictions. Admission for each is $20.

Halloween Trivia and Costume Contest

  • When: 5:30 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21
  • Where: Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library, 1101 Bethel St.

Put your knowledge of horror movies, literature and Halloween lore to the test during the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library’s trivia night and costume contest. Attendees should dress up as their favorite character from a Halloween movie or book. The event is for adults 18 and older.

For more information, visit the HCCPL front desk or call 270-887-4262.

Trunk or Treat

  • When: 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21
  • Where: Trail of Tears Park and Heritage Center, 100 Trail of Tears Dr.

The Kentucky Cruizers car club will host a unique car show and trunk-or-treat event at the Trail of Tears Park. Car prizes will be awarded and there will be a photo booth, hayride, costume contests and car decorating costest. The event is free.

Halloween Spooktacular

  • When: 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 22
  • Where: Southern Lanes, 3001 Canton St.

The bowling alley will cater to a younger crowd during its “Halloween Spooktacular.” Children can attend the free trick-or treating event, which will include games, prizes and candy.

Pumpkin Carving Party

  • When: 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24
  • Where: Hopkinsville Brewing Company, 102 E 5th St.

Join Superlawn & Garden for pumpkin carving at the brewery. They’ll provide the pumpkins. Attendees shoud bring their own carving tools. Prizes will be awarded for the funniest, scariest, cutest and most creative pumpkins.

Cost is $12. Space is limited. RSVP to kate@hopkinsvillebrewingcompany.com.

Morbid, Macabre and Disgusting: Records of Genealogical Value

  • When: 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 26
  • Where: Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library, 1101 Bethel St.

Some of Kentucky’s first outlaws, deadly tornadoes, and local bloody legends are just a handful of things to be discussed during “Morbid, Macabre and Disgusting Genealogical Records of Value,” a genealogy discussion at the public library.

For more information, visit the HCCPL front desk or call 270-887-4262.

Crofton Fall Festival

  • When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
  • Where: Crofton Elementary School, 12145 S. Madisonville Road

Crofton Elementary School’s fall festival on Friday, Oct. 27, starts with a chili supper at 5:30 p.m. Games will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and an auction starts at 6:30 p.m. Three items will be raffled — a 32-inch smart TV, one night’s stay at Barkley Lodge and a $100 War-Mart gift card. 

Hot Dancin’ at Casey Jones

  • When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
  • Where: Casey Jones Distillery, 2815 Witty Lane

The  band Hot Dancin’ will play for the Booze and Boos Halloween party at Casey Jones Distillery. Costumes are encouraged and admission is free. A food truck will be on site. 

Boos and Booze

  • When: 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Oct. 28
  • Where: Southern Lanes, 3001 Canton St.

Southern Lanes will host an adult Halloween party for individuals 21 and older. There will be music, themed drinks and a costume contest at 9 p.m.

Paint Your Pumpkin!

  • When: 1 to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 29
  • Where: Hopkinsville Brewing Company, 102 E 5th St.

Add to your Halloween decorations with a painted pumpkin. This event is open to all ages. Superlawn & Garden will bring pumpkins and paint.

Cost is $8. Space is limited. RSVP to kate@hopkinsvillebrewingcompany.com.

Downtown Trick-or-Treating

  • When: 3:30 to 5:50 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31
  • Where: Main Street, Hopkinsville

Children in costume, up to age 12, are invited to trick-or-treat from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, along Main Street.

Businesses and organizations will be handing out treats from Sixth Street to 13th Street. Children must be accompanied by an adult to participate. 

Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation organizes the Halloween event. Traditionally many families bring their children downtown first and then go to their neighborhoods for more trick-or-treating later. 

Anyone interested in handing out candy may contact Parks and Recreation at 270-887-4290.

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