Newberry Opera House is thrilled to introduce its first annual “Opera-tion: Hauntober” on October 31, 2026, a free community event designed to bring families together for an evening of cinematic magic and spooky fun. Proudly sponsored by Carolina Comfort, this festive celebration ensures that every local resident has access to a safe, memorable, and entirely accessible Halloween experience within the historic venue. The excitement begins one hour before each film screening with a pre-show lobby party packed with themed activities, “spook-tacular” crafts, and festive photo opportunities. Guests will also have the unique chance to take the main stage themselves during the costume contests held right before the movie showtimes.

Adding a thrilling historical twist to the evening, Newberry Opera House is partnering with Newberry College to present the first ever dressing room “Ghost Walk.” This immersive, guided experience opens up one hour prior to the movie. Enjoy the venue’s backstage dressing room level, allowing brave visitors to explore the legendary and “haunted” history of the landmark before taking their seats. The evening features a diverse double feature cinema series catered to all audiences. Families with children can enjoy the PG-rated comedy classic “Hocus Pocus” at 4 pm, while older audiences and horror fans can brace themselves for the psychological tension of the R-rated masterpiece “The Shining” at 7 pm, which requires viewers to be seventeen or older unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Costume Contest Rules

• The contest is open to event attendees, and all participants must be present at the time of judging.
•  Costumes should be appropriate for a public, family-friendly event.
• Costumes and props may not include real weapons or anything that could create safety concern.

Costumes will be judged on:

• Creativity and originality
• Overall appearance
• Attention to detail
• Presentation
• Overall impact

Participants are expected to be respectful of other contestants, guests, staff, and the venue. Costumes or props that create a safety concern may be disqualified. The Newberry Opera House reserves the right to refuse or remove an entry that does not meet the event’s safety or conduct requirements.

Kids’ Costume Contest

There will be one winner in each age category:

• Little Ones: Ages 0 to 5
• Kids: Ages 6 to 12
• Teens: Ages 13 to 17

 Adult Costume Contest

For adults ages 18 and up, there will be three winners:

• 1st Place
• 2nd Place
• 3rd Place

Event Timeline:

•    3:00 PM – 3:45 PM Doors Open to the public (Lobby Crafts, Ghost Walk and Photo Booth)
•    3:45 PM – 3:55 PM Costume contest
•    4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Hocus Pocus (Family Movie)
•    5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Downtown Trick-or-Treating
•    6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Doors Open to the public (Lobby Crafts, Ghost Walk and Photo Booth)
•    6:45 PM – 6:55 PM Costume contest
•    7:00 PM The Shining (Adult Movie)
•    9:00 PM: The Ritz – Rocky Horror Picture Show -1511 Main St, Newberry, SC 29108