QuickTake:

The downtown museum turns into a haunted house each year to raise money for its exhibits and programs. Visit “Fright! at the Museum” this weekend and next, with special events — including costume contests and a pumpkin derby.

Every October, the Springfield History Museum transforms into the alternate universe of Screamfield. 

Visitors to the downtown museum’s haunted house this year will witness corpses in wooden coffins staged among the history exhibits, before encountering Dr. Frankenstein and his monster.

Museum curator Maddi McGraw said organizers chose the electricity-focused theme for the fourth annual “Fright! at the Museum” in connection with a current exhibit on the history of the Springfield Utility Board.

McGraw said the goal for the event is to create new ways for the community to support the museum, as well as add family-friendly events to downtown that are accessible and inexpensive.

“We just want to keep adding value to downtown,” McGraw told Lookout Eugene-Springfield. 

A Screamfield Cemetery sign hangs over the entrance to the Springfield History Museum’s haunted house, Oct. 17, 2025. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA

The event began Thursday, Oct. 16, and continues Oct. 17 to 18 and next weekend, Oct. 23 to 25. Each night offers family-friendly hours from 4 to 6 p.m. with brighter lights and fewer scares. Full fright hours are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., during which the museum is darker and scarier. 

The museum is closed for normal visitor hours until Oct. 30 at 10 a.m.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids ages 5-17, free for children under 5 and $20 for families of five or more people. All ticket proceeds support the history museum’s collections, exhibits and educational programs.

During the family-friendly time, volunteers read kids Halloween stories at a tent outside. 

“We wanted to add something for the kiddos that get here and it’s too scary,” McGraw said. 

After visiting the haunted house, participants can enjoy free hot cider and candy at a recovery area outside. 

Jacqueline Hultin’s 1964 Miss Springfield dress and trophy sit in a case at the Springfield History Museum’s haunted house, Oct. 17, 2025. The museum adds halloween specific decor for the event but keeps many of the museum’s regular artifacts as well. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA

McGraw said she wants downtown Springfield to be a “Halloweeny destination” during October. New this year are special activities each Saturday evening. 

On Oct. 18, the museum is teaming up with Pup’s Place, a groomer and retail store downtown, to host a dog costume contest beginning at 5 p.m. outside the history museum. The best-dressed pup will win a grand prize. 

On Oct. 25, the museum is partnering with The Block Party for an evening of Halloween fun. Called the Monster Bash, the event starts at 4 p.m. with a pumpkin derby, where competitors can decorate their pumpkins and attach wheels before racing the gourds. (All supplies provided.)

Participants will be able to purchase food from El Pique Mexican Food truck and tiki drinks from The Monkey’s Paw. There will also be live music and a human costume contest.

If you go

What: Fright! at the Museum

Where: Springfield History Museum, 590 Main St.

When: Oct. 16 to 18 and Oct. 23 to 25; family-friendly/less scary hours 4 to 6 p.m., full fright hours 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for kids ages 5-17, free for children under 5 and $20 for families of five or more

Special events in the museum parking lot

Oct. 18, 5 p.m.: Free dog costume contest

Oct 25, 4 to 9 p.m.: Monster Bash with pumpkin derby, live music and a costume contest