With more than 200 years of history, Lynchburg has plenty of stories hiding beneath the surface. Historic homes, centuries-old cemeteries, local legends and stories from the past give the Hill City a slightly spookier side, especially once fall rolls around. Whether you want to wander through a cemetery by candlelight, hear ghost stories after dark, dig into some of Lynchburg’s darker history or even pick up your own paranormal investigation gear, here are some spooky ways to explore LYH this fall.
Old City Cemetery Candlelight Tours, October 1-23, 2026
Old City Cemetery Candlelight Tours
Experience one of Lynchburg’s favorite fall traditions at Old City Cemetery. From October 1–23, Candlelight Tours bring stories from the cemetery’s past to life through costumed actors, local history and an atmospheric walk through the historic grounds.
Visiting during the day? Explore the cemetery’s museums and historic buildings, including the Pest House Medical Museum and Hearse House & Caretakers’ Museum.
Take a Ghost Tour Through the Hill City
See Lynchburg after dark with a Hill City After Dark walking tour. Follow a guide through some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods while hearing ghost stories, local legends and darker moments from Lynchburg’s history. Choose from experiences like Echoes on the Avenue, Ghosts of Gallows Hill and History on Tap for a spooky night out in LYH.
Discover Lynchburg’s Past
Before exploring Lynchburg after dark, get to know some of the very real history behind its oldest places at Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center. Located inside the historic Old Courthouse at the top of Monument Terrace, the museum explores the people, events and stories that have shaped Lynchburg over the centuries. Its location also makes it the perfect starting point for exploring Court House Hill and Downtown’s surrounding historic districts.
Then visit Point of Honor, an early-1800s historic home overlooking the James River. The historic home dates to the early 1800s and offers another window into Lynchburg’s past through the stories of the people who lived and worked on the property. Set high above the river on Daniel’s Hill, its historic architecture and grounds feel especially fitting for a fall history day. Tour the house and grounds while discovering stories of the generations who lived and worked there.
Visit GhostStop
Take your interest in the paranormal a step further at GhostStop in Downtown Lynchburg. The shop specializes in ghost-hunting and paranormal investigation equipment, including gear made right here in LYH. Whether you’re an experienced investigator or just curious about the paranormal, it’s a fitting addition to a spooky day Downtown.
Mythic Hall, 918 Commerce Street Floor 3
Step Inside Mythic Hall
Head upstairs from GhostStop and enter Mythic Hall, an immersive tabletop gaming experience filled with fantasy, mystery and adventure. The space hosts roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons, Vampire: The Masquerade, Daggerheart, Blood on the Clocktower and Warhammer, along with learn-to-play events, one-shot game nights, full campaigns, workshops and other special events. The experience goes beyond your typical game room with scenic lighting, sound and video effects, interactive props, custom terrain, miniatures and maps that help bring each adventure to life. Join a scheduled game or gather your own group and rent a room for an immersive night in LYH.
Explore More of Historic LYH
Not every spooky stop has to involve a ghost story. Sometimes an old house, historic street or story from centuries past is enough to set the mood. Explore Lynchburg’s historic neighborhoods, walk the brick streets surrounding Court House Hill or visit Historic Sandusky-University of Lynchburg, a circa-1808 home that served as Union headquarters during the Battle of Lynchburg in 1864. You can also make time for Lynchburg’s other historic museums and sites, where stories of war, medicine, mourning, daily life and generations of Hill City residents add even more context to the places you’ll encounter throughout your visit.
Halloween & Spooky Events
Looking for even more ways to get into the Halloween spirit? October brings plenty of seasonal events, performances and spooky experiences to Lynchburg.
- The Addams Family Musical | September 25–October 17 | Wolfbane Productions
They’re creepy, kooky and coming to LYH! Catch The Addams Family Musical at Wolfbane Productions for a theatrical addition to your spooky-season plans. - Sweeney Todd | October 23–November 1 | Wolfbane Productions
Keep the darker theatre theme going with Wolfbane Productions’ Sweeney Todd, arriving just in time for Halloween weekend. - Presbyterian Cemetery Ghost Walk | October 29–31 | Presbyterian Cemtery
Take another walk through Lynchburg’s past during the Presbyterian Cemetery Ghost Walk. Explore the historic cemetery after dark and hear stories connected to some of the people buried within its grounds. - Roanoke Ballet Theatre presents: Dracula | October 30 | Academy Center of the Arts
Head to the Academy Center of the Arts as Roanoke Ballet Theatre presents Dracula, bringing the classic gothic tale to the stage through dance. - Midnight in the Grave Garden | October 31 | Old City Cemetery
Spend Halloween night at Old City Cemetery during Midnight in the Grave Garden, a late-night experience that offers one more chance to embrace the cemetery’s spooky atmosphere before October comes to an end. - Halloween Party | October 31 | Academy Center of the Arts
Celebrate Halloween at the Academy Center of the Arts with a Halloween Party to round out your October 31 plans.
And if your idea of fall fun is a little less haunted, stop by Smith’s Pumpkin Patch on Fort Avenue, open September 25 through October 31, for a classic seasonal outing.
Find the Spooky Side of LYH
Whether you’re looking for ghost stories, local history, live performances or a full Halloween night out, there are plenty of ways to experience Lynchburg’s spooky side. Pick a few stops, plan a fall day or make a weekend of it and discover the stories—and seasonal fun—waiting throughout the Hill City.
