Join Marble Springs for a FREE day of Halloween festivities for all ages on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are invited to celebrate the season with costumes, crafts, trick-or-treating, local vendors, hands-on activities, and a little bit of history.
Kids can explore the historic site through a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt, solving puzzles and following clues from station to station to uncover a secret word and earn a special prize. Young visitors can also enjoy Halloween crafts and trick-or-treating throughout the event. Guests are additionally encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costumes for the kids’ costume contest at 1 p.m., with prizes awarded to the winners.
Visitors looking for a little history behind their Halloween fun will have plenty to discover. Aviary Brooms will demonstrate the traditional craft of broom making and offer small whisk broom make-and-take activities. Inside the tavern, visitors can learn about 18th-century mourning practices and the customs surrounding death and remembrance in the past. Mockingbird Paranormal Investigators will also be on site throughout the day with investigative equipment, stories, and information about the tools and techniques used in paranormal investigations. The event will also feature a selection of local craft vendors offering handmade goods and Halloween-themed items.
In addition to the activities happening throughout the day, Marble Springs will offer two special timed programs: 12:15 p.m. – “Calling All Spirits: A Brief History of Spiritualism in America and Knoxville.” Join Mabry-Hazen House Executive Director Patrick Hollis for a look at the history of spiritualism in America and its connections to Knoxville. And at 2:45 p.m. – “Mysteries at Marble Springs: A Curator Talk.” Join Marble Springs Director Kyle Dickson for a look into the site’s own spiritual past and the mysteries surrounding Marble Springs.
Admission to the event is free. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume, explore the grounds, take part in the activities, and experience a Halloween celebration where history is always part of the fun.
For more information, visit marblesprings.net
This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee.
About Marble Springs State Historic Site:
At Marble Springs State Historic Site, visitors can step into the world of John Sevier, Tennessee’s first governor and a legendary frontier leader. Nestled in Knoxville, once the state’s capital, Marble Springs preserves Sevier’s last home, featuring various historic structures like a period tavern, kitchen, and loom house. The site brings history to life, surrounded by serene trails and picnic areas. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a certified wildlife habitat, it has been an educational destination for thousands of schoolchildren over the past 50 years. Supported by donations, memberships, and volunteer efforts, Marble Springs offers exclusive perks for members such as discounts at the gift shop and special rates on programs. Discover Tennessee’s pioneering spirit firsthand and experience the legacy of a true American icon at Marble Springs.
