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Get ready to mark your calendars, horror fans! If your ideal fall vacation involves spooky vibes, classic monsters, and a town literally famous for its ghosts, then Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is calling your name.
From Wednesday, October 22, to Saturday, October 25, 2025, the "haunted Victorian town" is rolling out the blood-red carpet for the Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival. This isn't just some small-town movie night; it's a full-blown celebration of the horror genre that was even named one of the "Top 5 Halloween Horror Festivals Worth Traveling for" by The New York Times.
Here’s everything you need to know about this frightfully fun event.
What Is the Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival?
Forget watching scary movies on your couch. This is the real deal!
For four nights, the historic, century-old Auditorium (36 S. Main Street) transforms into a paradise for thrill-seekers. You'll join nearly 1,000 other fans to watch the best new, unreleased horror films, dark thrillers, and spooky sci-fi on a massive 26-foot screen.
But it’s so much more than just movies. The festival is packed with activities:
Macabre Vendors: Shop for unique, spooky, and handcrafted dark art and merchandise.
"Scary-oke": Grab the mic and belt out your favorite tunes with a terrifying twist.
Awards Ceremony: See which films win the coveted "Golden Howler" trophy (and keep an eye out for the 7ft-tall "Ozark Howler" mascot).
Paranormal Perks: In a town this haunted, you can bet there are other spooky happenings, like a potential midnight paranormal investigation at the legendary (and famously haunted) 1886 Crescent Hotel.
The Undead Grand Finale: The Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl!
As if a four-day horror fest wasn't enough, the event coincides with one of the largest, most epic Halloween spectacles in the country: the Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl!
On Saturday, October 25th, the entire town comes alive (or... undead) for a massive, family-friendly zombie parade. The fun starts at 12:00 PM in Basin Park with:
Zombie Makeup: Don't have your own gore? Professional makeup artists are on-site to help you look frightfully decayed.
Live Music & Vendors: The Macabre Market expands as spooky music fills the streets.
Thriller Dance Lessons: Learn the iconic moves and join the horde in style.
The "Brain Buffet": A (gelatin) brain-eating contest that's as hilarious as it is gross.
The main Zombie Crawl Parade kicks off at 6:00 PM, with thousands of zombies, ghouls, and apocalyptic vehicles shambling down Spring Street. It’s free to walk in the parade, too—all they ask is that you bring two cans of food to support the local food bank!
Your Quick-Hit Guide: Don't Be Left for Dead
Ready to plan your trip? Here are the must-know details.
WHAT: Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 22 – Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
WHERE: The Auditorium, 36 S. Main Street, Eureka Springs, AR
THE BIG FINALE: The Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 (events from 12 PM, parade at 6 PM).
This is the premier Halloween event for horror lovers, film buffs, and anyone who just loves a good, spooky time.
One last warning: This is one of the most popular weeks of the year in Eureka Springs. Hotels, Airbnbs, and festival passes will sell out far in advance. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, plan your costume, and get ready for a nightmare you'll never want to forget!
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