Spooky Events At Abilene's Historic Swenson House Raise Funds For Repairs

I love Halloween. Give me an old house, a ghost story, and a reason to wonder what just made that noise upstairs, and I’m in. So why in the hell have I never checked out Abilene’s Swenson House? I don’t have a good answer for that. Tami Conaway joined me on The Weekend Buzz to talk about two October events that might finally get me through the door.

Get our free mobile app

A Modelo Chelada With a Side of Ghost Stories

Tami and I cracked open Modelo Chelada Limón y Sal for the conversation. It’s got that lime-and-salt kick that makes me think of a hot West Texas afternoon, which is a pretty funny pairing when you’re talking about haunted halls and undertakers. Honestly, I’ll take a cold Chelada while hearing ghost stories any day. If a door slams by itself, I might need another.

The Spooky Soirée Brings the Old West to the Swenson House

Boo Bash has a new name and a West Texas twist. The Spooky Soirée: Outlaws & Undertakers happens October 24 from 7 to 11 p.m. It’s still a costume party, so I’m already wondering how fancy an undertaker can get.

There’s a serious purpose behind the fun: the Swenson House’s historic arbor is in critical danger, and the soirée will raise money to repair or replace it. Early bird tickets are $85 through September 30; general admission starts at $95 on October 1. VIP options are available, too.

Haunted Abilene Takes Over Halloween Weekend

If you’d rather scream than dress up, Swenson House Haunted Abilene runs October 30–31 with the same Outlaws & Undertakers theme. Friday’s full scare runs 7–10 p.m. Saturday starts with a kids hour from 5:30–6:30 p.m., then the full scare returns 7–10 p.m.

Haunted house tickets are $15, and kids 3 and under get in free. There’ll also be food trucks, vendors, and lawn games both nights—which gives me somewhere to recover after insisting I wasn’t scared.

Hear My Conversation With Tami Conaway

Tami came by The Weekend Buzz to tell me what’s planned and why the arbor needs help. Listen to our full conversation below.

Both events are at the Swenson House, 1726 Swenson Street in Abilene. You can find event details at SwensonHouse.com. Tami also reminded me that joining the Swenson House Historical Society is another way to help and stay informed. Membership has different levels and perks; the details are on the website.