Midwest Murder Museum & Dark Art Performance 2025

Presented by Velvet Fox Events, Tardigrade’s Bookshelf, Fox Valley Pride, Arcana Books, and Gavin Schmitt (Midwest historian & author). Something wicked is coming to downtown Appleton…

Join us for one terrifyingly fun night only as we transform The Velvet Fox into a living museum of Midwest macabre — complete with guided tours of eerie living dioramas featuring local crimes of a long-bygone era and two acts of an immersive dark arts performance.

Step inside our Midwest Murder Museum basement experience, where local history and horror intertwine. Each scene brings a new unsettling story to life, featuring live actors, haunting visuals, and spine-tingling storytelling. Upstairs, sip on themed cocktails and mocktails from Tardigrade’s Bookshelf, experience a Spooktacular Dark Arts Circus Performance, & a Drag Performance that slays by Miss Gay Fox Valley WI USofA 2025, Krystal Kuttabish, while enjoying the classic Halloween party and carnival classics, and mingle among the horror actors that blur the line between performer and phantom.

Outside, the fun continues with food trucks and additional entertainment (more info to come!).

Please note: The basement exhibit is only accessible via stairs; no elevator is available. All main-floor performances and amenities are fully accessible. 

18+ event | No refunds | Costumes HIGHLY encouraged (but not required)

Tickets:

• $25 General Admission – Tour entry granted on next available tour slot
  • $30 at the door
• $30 Timed Tour Entry – Reserve your tour time and skip the line (available online only)
  • Available online only! Limited tickets per time slot available, don’t wait to buy yours!

Saturday, November 1st
Doors open at 6:00 PM
Krystal Kuttabish first performance at 6:30
First museum tour at 7:00 PM
First dark arts performance at 7:30 PM
Final dark arts performance at 9:45 PM
Final museum tour at 10:10 PM

We strive to make our events as inclusive and welcoming as possible. Due to the historic nature of our building, the “Murder Museum” exhibit is located in the lower level and is not wheelchair accessible. However, there is still plenty of entertainment on our fully accessible main floor! Guests will enjoy: 

• Live performances throughout the night
• Zoltar fortunes and palm reader sessions 
• Signature beverages, themed décor, and community atmosphere 

We have two accessible entrances, and we always prioritize access and comfort for guests with mobility or sensory considerations. 

Because one part of the event is not accessible, we’re offering an ADA discount: guests can receive $5 off online tickets (or $5 off at the door). To receive your discount code, please message our event page or email us at info@velvetfoxevents.com. 

This event supports several community nonprofits — Fox Valley Pride, Diverse & Resilient, and the youth-led Kits in the Hall, who are fundraising to establish their 501(c)(3) status. 

Your attendance helps us make this event not only spooky and spectacular, but impactful for our community, too.