Waxhaw After Dark: Haunted History Tours
Step into Downtown Waxhaw’s haunted past…if you dare.
This October, Waxhaw After Dark returns with four nights of Haunted History Tours through the heart of historic downtown Waxhaw.
Led by costumed storytellers and characters from Waxhaw’s past, these guided walking tours uncover more than 135 years of local history, chilling tales, eerie legends, and forgotten lore.
Explore some of Downtown Waxhaw’s most storied places. Meet a few characters from days gone by. Hear the history we know, the legends passed down through generations, and the ghost stories that still linger in the shadows.
Presented through a partnership between the Downtown Waxhaw Association, Waxhaw Historic Preservation Commission, and Waxhaw Community Theatre, this community favorite is expanding in 2026 to give even more guests a chance to experience Waxhaw After Dark.
Your guide to the unknown.
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Friday, October 23
6:30 PM | 7 PM | 8 PM | 8:30 PMSaturday, October 24 | Fright Night
6:30 PM | 7 PM | 8 PM | 8:30 PMFriday, October 30
6:30 PM | 7 PM | 8 PM | 8:30 PMSaturday, October 31 | Halloween Night
6:30 PM | 7 PM | 8 PM | 8:30 PM💀 Duration: Approximately 60–75 minutes
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Tickets go on sale Saturday, October 10 during Autumn Treasures, and if the ghosts of years past are any indication, they won’t linger for long. 👻
Tickets: $20 each
Limited capacity for each tour. -
📍 Check in for your tour at the Duncan McDonald House, 115 McDonald Street, Waxhaw, NC 28173.
Tours begin promptly at their scheduled departure time. Please arrive a few minutes early for check-in.
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This guided walking tour covers several blocks throughout historic Downtown Waxhaw. Some stops may have limited accessibility.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on various surfaces. Dress for the weather. Bring a small flashlight if desired. Our guides will carry lanterns.
And, of course, bring your curiosity and courage. 👻
Coolers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the tour.
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Our tours combine local history, theatrical storytelling, legends, and ghost stories. Participation by younger guests is at the discretion of a parent or guardian.
THE SPIRITS OF WAXHAW
Local treasures. Haunted history. A little spirited fun.
What's a Haunted History Tour without a few extra treats?
This year, we're bringing back our special Haunted History Tour giveaways with a spirited new name: The Spirits of Waxhaw!
Thanks to the generosity of our incredible Downtown Waxhaw businesses, we'll be giving away one Spirits of Waxhaw prize basket each night of our four Haunted History Tours.
Each basket is filled with a frightfully fun assortment of locally donated treasures, including gift cards, apparel, merchandise, spirited sips, and other surprises from some of your favorite downtown establishments.
It's our way of adding a little extra magic (and mischief!) to the evening while celebrating the local businesses that make Downtown Waxhaw such a special place.
🧡 A Hauntingly BIG Thank You to Our 2026 Contributors!
We're sending a spirited shoutout to the wonderful businesses who generously donated to this year's giveaways:
👻 Mary O'Neill's
👻 Maxwell's Tavern
👻 Jekyll & Hyde
👻 Emmet's Social Table
👻 Cork & Ale
👻 Middle James Brewing Company
👻 Waxhaw Taphouse
From delicious dining experiences and local merchandise to fun surprises and downtown favorites, these businesses have helped us put together some truly spooktacular prizes!
Their generosity is a wonderful reminder that the real spirit of Waxhaw isn't found in its ghost stories alone. It's found in the people, businesses, and community that bring our historic downtown to life.
Thank you for supporting local, celebrating Waxhaw's history, and keeping the spirit of Downtown Waxhaw alive!
Please note: Winners must be 21 or older to receive prize baskets containing alcoholic beverages.
Waxhaw's hidden stories await those drawn to history and haunted by curiosity.
In our historic town, the past isn't buried, it's just waiting to be unearthed.
One Tour. Three Community Partners.
Volunteers from the Waxhaw Community Theatre transform downtown through costumed characters and storytelling.
The Town of Waxhaw’s Historic Preservation Commission helps connect guests with the people, places, and history behind the stories.
The Downtown Waxhaw Association brings the partners together to create this annual downtown tradition.
Proceeds from the Saturday, October 24 Fright Night tours will benefit the Downtown Waxhaw Association and its work to support and strengthen historic downtown Waxhaw.
Proceeds from the October 23, October 30, and October 31 tours will benefit Waxhaw Community Theatre and support its continued arts programming and work in our community.
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contact us.
info@downtownwaxhaw.com
(704) 774-6068
115 McDonald St.
Waxhaw, NC 28173
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