Burlington’s Peace Lutheran Church has reopened its haunted house for its third year, introducing a touch experience that allows guests to interact physically with scare actors. The event, held in the church’s basement, requires 40 volunteers each night to operate. Participants can pay $20 for admission, with an additional $5 for the touch experience, which involves wearing a glow necklace that grants actors permission to touch or grab guests. Children as young as 5 have attended, and proceeds support the DLB Trap Boosters and the church. The haunted house runs Friday and Saturday nights from 7-11 p.m., with a lights-on trick-or-treating event on Halloween from 4-5 p.m. to accommodate younger visitors.
Volunteer Sierra Ward described the event as “a huge hit,” noting that attendees return repeatedly. Tickets are available for cash or card, and the experience emphasizes family-friendly elements alongside its spooky themes. The haunted house’s return continues a local tradition, blending seasonal entertainment with community fundraising.
Touch Experience Enhances Physical Interaction
The touch experience, a new feature for 2026, involves guests wearing glow necklaces that signal to scare actors when physical interaction is permitted. The church has not specified whether the touch experience is a permanent addition or a temporary experiment.
Haunted House Raises Funds for Boosters and Church
The haunted house operates on Friday and Saturday nights through Halloween, with a dedicated trick-or-treating session on October 31. The event’s proceeds are split between the DLB Trap Boosters and Peace Lutheran Church, highlighting its role as both a fundraiser and a community gathering. Tickets start at $20, with the touch experience available for an extra $5. The church has not indicated whether the event will continue beyond 2026.
Local Tradition with New Features
The haunted house, now in its third year since reopening, has become a staple of Burlington’s Halloween activities. Volunteers like Ward emphasize the event’s popularity, with many attendees returning for multiple visits. The church has not addressed whether future iterations will include additional technological or interactive elements.
