With so many famous ghost stories like the ghost bride of Phelps Grove Park and the haunted Landers Theatre, it’s no surprise that Halloween in Springfield, MO is a big deal. From Spookfest to the Pets & Pumpkins parade, there are loads of fun-filled plans to celebrate the spooky season, and this October Candlelight Halloween Springfield, MO is coming to put a musical spell on the city too.
Candlelight: Halloween Classics
“It’s close to midnight” – those opening words launched a cultural phenomenon that transformed Halloween forever. Michael Jackson’s Thriller anchors this selection alongside Schubert’s Der Erlkönig and the infectious energy of Ghostbusters theme, creating a hair-raising journey through supernatural storytelling across musical genres.
The string quartet reveals unexpected connections between these pieces. Schubert’s dramatic narrative of supernatural pursuit gains modern relevance when paired with Jackson’s zombie epic, while the haunting voice of violin carries both stories with equal conviction. Ghostbusters’ playful funk gets sophisticated treatment through the dark undertones of cello, all bathed in trembling fire that makes every melody feel both familiar and mysteriously transformed.
Candlelight Halloween at Stone Chapel at Drury University
The soaring Gothic arches and stained-glass windows of Stone Chapel at Drury University glow warmly under the flicker of thousands of candles, creating an enchanting and intimate ambiance. This radiant setting enhances the 60-minute Candlelight Halloween concert experience, with doors opening 30-45 minutes beforehand to allow audiences to fully immerse themselves in the captivating atmosphere.
During the performance of Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saëns, Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky, and Beetlejuice (Theme) by Danny Elfman, the combination of music and candlelight weaves a gently spooky mood—subtle and intriguing rather than frightening. As one of Springfield’s most popular Halloween events, these concerts fill quickly, so planning ahead is essential to avoid missing out.