Experiments, crafts and community stations
The 2026 event's theme, "Spooky Science and Silly Surprises," puts science and creative play at the center of the Halloween celebration rather than candy. Activities include mixing fizzy Franken-paint, crafting bats and watching an experiment in which the "M" disappears from an M&M.
Local businesses and community organizations are running stations throughout the museum. According to the museum's event listing, the Gannon University Chemistry and Biochemistry Department led the "Wizarding Wonders" experiments, while Dr. Dan and Buzz n B's Aquarium & Pet Shop hosted "Creepy Crawly Encounters."
Andora's Bubble Tea offered a "Potion Station" featuring color changes, and Pulakos Chocolate ran the "Monster Mix Cocoa Lab." The Erie Latino Leadership Association hosted a Día de los Muertos celebration. Other station contributors included Ye Ole Sweet Shoppe, Scallywags Pirate Adventures, Lauren Pierson, and Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics.
Sunday admission and schedule
Sunday's session follows the Saturday, October 24, event, which ran from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets cost $13 per child and $12 per adult, and museum members receive a 20% discount.
The museum strongly encourages pre-registration but allows walk-ins as capacity permits. Its admission policy also states that no coupons or discounted admission are accepted and that all sales are final.
Regular museum hours were adjusted for event setup and teardown. General admission closed at 4 p.m. Saturday and will reopen at 2 p.m. Sunday, after the Boo-seum Bash ends.
The museum and last year's turnout
Marketing director Olivia Wickline reported strong attendance at the 2025 Boo-seum Bash, saying at least 600 guests attended.
The nonprofit museum, at 420 French Street in downtown Erie, welcomes more than 60,000 guests a year. Its more than 25 hands-on exhibits span three floors and a certified outdoor classroom and are designed for children ages 8 and under. The museum was named Erie's Choice for Museum in 2025 and in each of the previous 10 years.
