Enjoy Halloween-fun at Monsters at the Museum! This family friendly event features Halloween-themed children’s crafts and activities, trick-or-treating throughout the Museum of East Tennessee History, Appalachian legends and lore, and more. While this year we will not host a costume contest, we encourage you to come dressed in your Halloween costume and enjoy the fun!

Museum Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-Treat your way through the auditorium and permanent exhibition Voices of the Land, where you’ll learn all about the history of jack-o-lanterns, broom making, granny witches*, Victorian mourning traditions, spooky spiders, harvest food*, candy*, and more. Each station will have a volunteer-led interactive display with activities and displays where you can explore local spooky history.

*Food allergy alert: These stations (located in the auditorium) may have food and herbs available to touch and smell. Please email Kelley at [email protected] with any questions related to these stations.

Appalachian Legends & Lore

Take a stroll through the museum and read or listen to spooky stories inspired by local legends. From creepy creatures to headless horsemen to UFOs, Appalachia has no shortage of spooky lore.

Halloween Crafts, Games, & Story Time

Throughout the museum you will find plenty of hands-on crafts and games for kids of all ages. Halloween story times will take place in History Headquarters at 11:00 and 2:00.

Scavenger Hunt

The Calvin M. McClung Collection on the third floor will host a scavenger hunt, where little history hobgoblins and haints can locate items throughout the library and win a special treat! (Please note that handbags, backpacks and food are not allowed in the McClung area.)

Thank you to Downtown Knoxville Alliance for sponsoring this event!

Check out these photos from Monsters at the Museum 2023