224 Congress St
Portland, ME 04101
USA
October 19 to 22 & 26 to 29, 2023
Thursday through Saturday, 6:30pm
Sunday, 5:30pm
ADULTS: $10; CHILDREN UNDER 12: $5 (suggested donation)
For 8 dark nights, ghostly storytellers, some buried at Eastern Cemetery, will materialize in the cemetery to tell their own stories.
The stories were written by Lynne Cullen who also directed the spirits (as best she could—you know spirits, sometimes they listen, sometimes they don’t.)
*-*-* FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS *-*-*
Since I bought my ticket ahead of time, do I get preference over people paying cash at the gate?
No, you do not get preferred placement on a tour group because you paid online.
Are there minimum age or species requirements to enter the event?
This event is kid-friendly, but please children, bring your adults! Dogs are not allowed at any age.
May I take photos or videos of the actors or the event?
No, there is absolutely no photography or video allowed inside the gates during the event.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
Arrive early if you’re looking for parking. Parking in the area surrounding the cemetery is quite limited, so be prepared to walk a couple of blocks.
What can I bring?
Bring a copy of your ticket confirmation (or your device showing it).
What can I wear? What is the weather like?
Wear layers and good footwear! The cemetery is located on a hill which gets very windy. You’ll be still for about 40 minutes, so commit to staying warm and dry. Funeral Lane (the walking path that goes through the cemetery) is compacted, uneven dirt. Plus, it’s dark, so the temperature dips from the daytime highs. Sometimes it even snows! We only cancel because of severe weather. Sprinkles and mist and light snowflakes do not deter us. Umbrellas are okay, but be prepared to stand in the back of your group if you use one.
Is this a tour?
Sort of… it’s more like an entertaining walk! After you wait in line outside the gates, you will be put in a group of around 20-30 or so people inside the gates. As a group, you will be led by a person dressed in black (who has a small lantern), down the path. You will make 5 stops to hear stories told by professional actors, stationed at points along the path. The entire walk from the start to the end of the path shouldn’t be more than 40 minutes.
Is this a raucous event?
Although our spirits are very hard to manage and known to get a little nutty, no. First and foremost, this is an historic and sacred burial ground. We strive to keep this event respectful to our dead while our spirits interject a bit of whimsy during their stories. Everyone is required to stay on the footpath with their guide throughout the entire presentation, and groups are escorted out of the gates at the end.
While WATS is a family show, the cemetery setting, as well as some topics and visuals, may be upsetting to some. Discretion is advised.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
easterncemetery@gmail.com
What’s the refund policy?
For online ticket buyers only: you may request a refund up to 1 day before the event through Eventbrite.