“Free” All -Ages Haunted House Returns to Portland, Maine

If you think haunted houses are all about cheap jump scares and store-bought decorations, Heck House in Portland has something a little different in mind.

This all-ages haunted house experience runs for three nights around Halloween, bringing visitors into a world filled with handmade creatures, imaginative sets, eerie sounds, and unusual characters you won't find anywhere else.

Created by a Portland-based artist collective, Heck House takes a different approach to the traditional big-box haunted house.  Instead of relying on the usual tricks, the team builds an immersive experience that feels strange, creative, and entirely its own.

And while there are plenty of spooky sights to explore, Heck House is about more than just getting a good scare. Its creators see the experience as a reminder that even in a world that can feel increasingly frightening, there's still room for joy, creativity, and a little Halloween fun.

This year, Heck House is taking over the main hall at Mayo Street Arts in Portland.  You'll be able to visit it on October 30th, October 31st, and November 1st.

Is it really free?  Well, sort of.  It is a pay what you want event.  The hope is that you'll pay something, but if your family is really short on cash, you don't need to pay anything.

The team will spend the month of October building an installation that's bigger and spookier than ever, giving visitors a chance to step into a handmade Halloween world unlike anything else around.