Fright Fest

Uncover the eerie, explore the uncanny, and celebrate all things scary this fall at Hamilton Public Library. From Gothic art and haunted history to horror writing, tarot, crafts and classic films, HPL is your destination for spine-tingling stories and hair-raising happenings.  

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Dare to join us. If you’re brave enough. 

Ghosts, Hauntings and Hamilton History

Ghost Walks 
Monday, September 28; Central Library
Tuesday, October 6; Dundas

Hear the haunted tales about the ghosts of Hamilton and the buildings and neighbourhoods they inhabit.

Ghosts and Ghostbusters: 19th Century Spiritualism 
Monday, October 5
Westdale

Explore ghosts, ghost stories and the people who investigate them in this Fright Fest event devoted to things that go bump in the night.
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From Harvest to Horror: The Roots of Halloween – Lecture Series 
Tuesday, October 6
Central Library  

Learn how Halloween evolved from a celebration steeped in ritual, community and the supernatural, to a playful night of fright.
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Evelyn Dick: Did She or Didn’t She?  
Monday, October 12
Central Library 

Revisit one of Hamilton's most notorious true-crime stories and the case that captured national attention. 
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Horror Authors and Writing

Ghost Story Open Mic Night with Anna Chatterton 
Wednesday, October 21
West Harbour 

Share your original ghost story with a group of established writers and storytellers. 
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Fright Fest Author Panel
Wednesday, October 28
West Harbour 

Authors Karma Brown, Nick Cutter and Jessica Hamilton chat about spine-chilling stories and eerie insight with author Andrew F. Sullivan. 
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Frightening Films 

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Thursday, October 29
Central Library 

Let's do the time warp again.
Celebrate the cult classic with a special HPL screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
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Mysticism and the Unexplained 

The Art of Tarot Reading
Thursday, October 1; Waterdown
Thursday, October 22; Valley Park

Learn traditional tarot reading techniques, such as how to read and 'see' what the cards are telling you, and simple, centuries-old divination tools. 

Tarot for Beginners
Friday, October 23; Turner Park
Saturday, October 24; Terryberry

Explore the history of tarot, the meanings behind the cards and simple spreads to get started. 

Chilling Tales and Hair Raising Reads

Explore HPL's Fright Fest reading and viewing lists featuring horror, supernatural stories, psychological thrillers, Gothic fiction and other unsettling selections.
Explore Fright Fest Reading and Viewing Lists 

Dare to Join Us

Fright Fest runs throughout October at HPL locations. Explore the eerie and uncanny through horror films and stories, haunted Hamilton history, tarot, Gothic art, crafts, games and more.
Explore All Fright Fest Events 

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