Candlelight Halloween concerts are joining Winnipeg’s packed calendar of Halloween activities. From ghost tours in the Exchange District to Boo at the Zoo, Winnipeg comes alive with spooky tradition each October. With candlelit concerts adding to the city’s haunted charm, it’s never too early to plan your perfect Halloween. Explore Candlelight Halloween experiences before they vanish!
Candlelight: Halloween Classics
Vic Mizzy’s“Addams Family” theme brings macabre charm to life with its iconic finger snaps and playful melody, while Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8 represents some of the most emotionally intense chamber music ever written. Throw in Danny Elfman’s manic “Beetlejuice” theme, and you have a collection that ranges from quirky family fun to profound artistic expression to pure chaotic energy.
The string ensemble navigates these wildly different musical territories with remarkable versatility, using pizzicato to recreate those famous Addams Family snaps while diving deep into Shostakovich’s complex emotional landscape. Elfman’s frenzied “Beetlejuice” theme becomes a showcase for the quartet’s technical prowess, each instrument contributing to the controlled chaos. Under wavering candlelight, even the darkest compositions find moments of unexpected beauty.
Candlelight concerts at the Crescent Arts Centre
The grand interior and vaulted ceilings of the Crescent Arts Centre create a naturally moody backdrop, intensified by the soft flicker of thousands of candles. Arriving 30–45 minutes early lets guests fully absorb the glow before the 60-minute concert begins, as shadows dance and set the tone for an evening of hauntingly beautiful music.
Selections like “Tubular Bells (Theme from The Exorcist)” – Mike Oldfield, “Ghostbusters (Theme)” – Ray Parker Jr., and “In the Hall of the Mountain King” – Edvard Grieg heighten the suspense with every string. With limited seats, planning early ensures you won’t miss one of Winnipeg’s most atmospheric Halloween nights.