Here in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in October, the past lingers down our shadowy streets, the spirits take to the night sky and whispers of ghostly tales float through the air.
Known for our rich history, supernatural legends, and gothic charm, Eureka Springs is more than just a quaint getaway; it's a town brimming with stories that awaken the imagination and will even send a chill down your spine.
This October 2024, Eureka Springs launches the first annual Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival, a celebration of horror. If you’ve ever found yourself drawn to the edge of your seat, gripped by fear and intrigue, this is the festival for you. It's an experience that will have your heart racing, your senses tingling, and your imagination running wild as the town becomes a playground for horror enthusiasts.
The Legacy
Before we delve into the festival itself, let’s talk about Eureka Springs—a town pulled straight out of a gothic novel. Perched in the Ozarks, its winding streets are lined with Victorian homes, historic hotels, and century-old buildings, all of which seem to carry whispers from the past. Eureka Springs isn’t just picturesque—it’s haunted. The town has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted places in America, making it the perfect setting for a horror film festival.
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Visitors can explore some of the town’s most famous haunted sites, like the Crescent Hotel and Spa, dubbed “The Most Haunted Hotel in America,” where sightings of ghostly apparitions are known to happen often. Guided ghost tours lead brave souls through the eerie halls, recounting stories of tragedy, mystery, and paranormal activity. For those attending the Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival, these chilling tours offer the perfect backdrop to the on-screen horrors you’ll witness at the festival showings.
The Aud
The heart of the festival is the Eureka Springs City Auditorium, locals call her, "the Aud," a stunning historic venue that will host the screenings of classic horror films, thrillers, and horror-themed sci-fi. Imagine sitting in a theater with over 900 seats, watching terrifying tales unfold on a massive screen, illuminated by a state-of-the-art projector. The walls of the auditorium hold their own secrets—rumors of ghostly sightings have been whispered about for years, adding an extra layer of thrill to the viewing experience.
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As you sit in the darkness, surrounded by fellow horror fans, you’ll feel the palpable energy of anticipation and fear as the festival comes alive. With its intimate setting and eerie ambiance, the City Auditorium offers an immersive experience that no regular movie theater could match. It’s as if the ghosts of the town are watching along with you.
This year’s festival is packed with an exciting lineup of films that delve into the deepest fears, darkest fantasies, and unexplained mysteries that haunt our world. Each film has been handpicked to leave audiences on the edge of their seats, challenging perceptions of fear while showcasing the unique storytelling that horror cinema offers.
The Undead
If there’s one thing that sets the Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival apart from others, it’s the Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl. This isn’t just any ordinary Halloween parade—it’s one of the nation’s largest and most immersive zombie crawls, attracting thousands of participants each year. Festival-goers are invited to join the “undead horde,” donning their best zombie attire and grotesque makeup to shuffle through the winding streets of downtown Eureka Springs.
The Zombie Crawl brings together apocalyptic vehicles, larger-than-life floats, and, of course, hundreds of zombies. The streets come alive with the sight of ghoulish creatures stumbling through town, as onlookers marvel at the creativity and eerie atmosphere. It’s a true community event, where local businesses, residents, and visitors unite in their love of Halloween and all things creepy.
This year, the Zombie Crawl coincides with the film festival, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the undead spectacle before heading back to the City Auditorium for a night of horror on the big screen. It’s a fusion of cinematic horror and live-action thrills that you won’t find anywhere else.
"Bwahahaha!"
The Haunted
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival is the opportunity to dive into Eureka Springs’ ghostly past. While attending the festival, you can take part in guided ghost tours that explore the haunted locations scattered throughout the town. These tours bring to life the chilling true stories of Eureka Springs, from the infamous hauntings at the Crescent Hotel to the spectral sightings at Basin Park.
These ghost tours offer more than just eerie entertainment—they serve as a bridge between the town’s history and its supernatural reputation. Many of the stories you’ll hear are rooted in historical events, adding a layer of authenticity to the eerie atmosphere. For horror enthusiasts, the chance to walk through a real-life haunted town while attending a horror film festival creates an experience like no other.
But it’s not just the haunted locations that draw visitors—Eureka Springs itself is a town with a rich artistic and cultural history. During the festival, you’ll have the chance to explore local galleries, dine at unique restaurants, and shop in one-of-a-kind boutiques. The town comes alive during the Halloween season, with festive decorations, events, and an undeniable sense of mystery in the air.
How to Make the Most of Your Weekend
To fully embrace the Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival, consider arriving a day or two early to explore all that Eureka Springs has to offer. Start with a ghost tour, where you’ll hear firsthand accounts of the town’s paranormal activity. Make sure to visit the Crescent Hotel—whether or not you believe in ghosts, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
During the festival, take time to wander through the town’s eclectic shops and art galleries. Downtown Eureka Springs is known for its vibrant arts community, and you’re sure to find unique treasures to bring home. And when it comes to dining, you’ll have your pick of restaurants offering everything from gourmet cuisine to comfort food, all with a side of small-town charm.
Finally, make sure to join the Zombie Crawl. Whether you dress up as a zombie or simply watch the spectacle unfold, it’s an event that captures the essence of Eureka Springs—quirky, fun, and a little bit spooky. After the crawl, head back to the Aud for a night of horror films!
"Bwahahaha!"
It's a Horrific Paradise
The Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival isn’t just an event—it’s an immersive experience that brings together the best of horror cinema, live-action thrills, and a town steeped in supernatural history. For anyone who loves the macabre, the eerie, and the mysterious, this weekend in Eureka Springs is a must.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, a horror aficionado, or just someone looking for a unique Halloween experience, the Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival in Eureka Springs promises an unforgettable journey into the world of horror. With its historic venues, ghostly legends, and immersive events, this jam-packed weekend offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to celebrate the genre in a setting that feels as if it were designed for horror lovers.
So, pack your bags, gather your fellow fans, and get ready for a weekend of thrills & chills.
Eureka Springs awaits you—along with the ghosts, zombies, and horrors that make the Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival & the Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl a can’t-miss double-header!
Ok, Ok, for the people in the back .... one last time ...
"Bwahahaha!"
❤️
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