Ghost Tours, Legends and Paranormal Investigators: The Temple Opens Its Doors for a Haunted October ArtWalk on Oct. 9

MOBILE, Ala. — One of downtown Mobile’s historic buildings will welcome visitors after dark this month for an evening devoted to the city’s ghost stories, legends and unexplained tales.

The Temple, located at 351 St. Francis St., will open its doors during October’s Downtown Mobile ArtWalk for “Come to The Temple During ArtWalk,” a Halloween-themed event running from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9.

The evening is being presented as a Halloween kickoff and will feature:

• Ghost tours
• Haunted history
• Paranormal groups
• Local legends
• Mystery events

A Chance to Step Inside

For many visitors, part of the draw will be the building itself. The event gives guests a chance to explore The Temple while hearing some of the stories tied to Mobile’s long and colorful past.

Mobile is one of the oldest cities on the Gulf Coast. Founded by the French in 1702 and moved to its current site in 1711, the city has lived under the flags of France, Britain, Spain, the Confederacy and the United States. Three centuries of history — including yellow fever epidemics, wars, fires and hurricanes — have left Mobile with no shortage of stories, and many of its historic buildings have legends attached to them.

Haunted history events have become a popular way to explore that heritage. They often blend documented history with folklore, giving visitors a look at the people, places and events that shaped a city while leaving it up to each guest to decide what to believe about the unexplained.

Paranormal Groups on Hand

The event will include paranormal groups, which typically share their investigations, equipment and experiences with curious visitors. Whether guests come as believers, skeptics or simply history buffs, these groups often provide a lively and interactive part of haunted events.

Mystery events and local legends will round out the evening, offering something for visitors who enjoy a good story as much as a good scare.

Part of Downtown Mobile ArtWalk

The Temple’s event coincides with the monthly Downtown Mobile ArtWalk, which brings visitors downtown to explore galleries, studios, shops and other venues. ArtWalk evenings typically feature artists, live music and open venues throughout the downtown area, making the night a natural fit for a building looking to welcome new visitors.

Because the event overlaps with ArtWalk, guests can easily combine a visit to The Temple with stops at other downtown venues participating that evening, turning the night into a full Halloween-season outing.

Kicking Off Halloween Season

Organizers are presenting the evening as a kickoff to Halloween in downtown Mobile. With the event falling in the second week of October, it gives families, friends and history lovers an early opportunity to get into the spirit of the season before the busier Halloween weekend arrives.

As with any evening event downtown, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for parking, wear comfortable shoes for walking and allow extra time to explore.

Event Details

• What: “Come to The Temple During ArtWalk” — a haunted history Halloween kickoff
• When: Friday, Oct. 9, 5–9 p.m.
• Where: The Temple, 351 St. Francis St., downtown Mobile
• Features: Ghost tours, haunted history, paranormal groups, local legends and mystery events
• Held during: October Downtown Mobile ArtWalk

For anyone who has ever walked past one of downtown Mobile’s historic buildings and wondered about the stories inside, Oct. 9 offers a chance to find out.