If you’re looking for something a little darker this Halloween season, downtown Idaho Falls has two unique events that are sure to satisfy your curiosity for the spooky, strange, and mysterious. From eerie artwork created by local artists to real stories of murder and tragedy from Idaho Falls history, Shadows and Specters Exhibition and Murder, Music & Macabre offer an unforgettable Halloween weekend for mature audiences.
🎨 Shadows and Specters Exhibition
October 29–31 | Willard Arts Center
Enter if you dare! The Shadows and Specters Exhibition will bring together spooky, dark, weird, and macabre artwork from local artists for a special three-day pop-up exhibition at the Willard Arts Center.
Located on the second floor of the Willard Arts Center, this unique exhibition gives visitors a chance to explore artwork inspired by the darker side of creativity. From eerie and unusual pieces to haunting works of art, it’s a perfect stop for anyone who enjoys Halloween with a little more mystery.
The exhibition will be open to the public during the following hours:
- Thursday, October 29: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Friday, October 30: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Saturday, October 31: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
On Friday evening, the exhibition will also be available to ticket holders attending Murder, Music & Macabre at the Colonial Theater.
Because of the spooky and macabre nature of the artwork, the exhibition may not be suitable for younger audiences.
🎭 Murder, Music & Macabre
Friday, October 30 | 7:30 p.m.
📍 Colonial Theater
🎟️ $45
For those who want to take their Halloween evening a step further, Murder, Music & Macabre combines live music, dramatic storytelling, and some of the darker chapters of Idaho Falls history.
This special event brings together the Idaho Falls Symphony, Idaho Falls Arts Council, and Museum of Idaho for an evening centered around real stories of murder, tragedy, scandal, and mystery from the local community.
Audiences will hear historical accounts involving figures such as Waldo Schlag, Dr. J.W. Mercer, Lottie Davis, and Josie Hill, whose stories reveal some of the more unsettling moments from Idaho Falls' past.
The Idaho Falls Symphony Brass Quintet will accompany the storytelling through live musical performances, creating an immersive experience that combines history, theater, and music.
With performances intended for mature audiences and historical accounts of local murders, this is definitely an event for adults and older audiences looking for something beyond the typical Halloween celebration.
🕯️ Make It a Spooky Weekend
Whether you start with the Shadows and Specters Exhibition or make a night of it with Murder, Music & Macabre, these events offer a different way to experience Halloween in Idaho Falls. Instead of costumes and candy, spend your weekend exploring local art, uncovering Idaho Falls history, and discovering some of the city's darker stories.
If you enjoy the unusual, mysterious, and macabre, mark your calendar for October 29–31 and get ready to enter the darker side of Idaho Falls! 👻🕯️
