frequently Asked Questions

This year's theme is based on the short story of the same name by Edgar Allan Poe. In The Masque of the Red Death, Prince Prospero invites his wealthy friends to a grand masquerade ball in his secluded castle to escape a deadly plague, the Red Death, sweeping through the land. The event is filled with extravagant decorations, music, and elaborate costumes, set in a series of rooms, each with a distinct color and atmosphere. Despite the festivities, an eerie and unsettling presence lingers, hinting that no one is truly safe from the outside threat.

Feel free to read the short story on our homepage, or have it read to you by the Poe Museum's Program Coordinator HERE 
Don't worry, it's only a 15 minute read, and one we highly suggest you do before you attend the event to appreciate the full depths of our creation, and what makes Carnival Noir so unique.

Physical tickets are new this year, but they do not grant entry. Your online purchase or registration is required for entry, and every attendee must buy their ticket online or have one bought for them—no exceptions.

The physical ticket you receive is a complement to your online purchase and acts as your keepsake and Game Card for challenges and prize drawings. If you purchase your ticket within the last two weeks before the event, your physical ticket will be held at the door for pickup. Replacements may be available if you lose it, but supplies are limited, so please bring it with you if mailed.

As many of our messages will warn, it would be foolish to attend in a colour so reminiscent of the cause of our suffering. Prince Prospero will not be amused and may even make an example of you to the crowd for your contempt. While he will not likely have you removed, you will likely suffer a great suffer public shaming.

Carnival Noir is a 'living-narrative' masquerade party with a theme that changes year-to-year. The event uses high-energy, wow-factor aerial performances, fire shows, acrobatics, and immersive theatre to bring each year's theme to life. We have a crew of over 50 people including many unique characters, performers, actors, bar staff, storytellers, and volunteers to transform the venue into a world of its own.

Yes. The event is 19+ with valid, government-issued ID being mandatory for admittance. We serve alcohol at our many bars, and there are multiple adult-themed shows and characters that make this event unsuitable for anyone under age.

This is a masquerade party with an immersive twist. Be the envy of the evening and dress in your Devil's best. How you interpret that is up to you, but formal attire is encouraged, as is donning a mask (we'll have some available for sale at the party if you forget). This is NOT a costume party or a Halloween party.

A few, and we're glad you asked!

- No outside food, drinks, or alcohol
- Illegal substances or drug-related items are not allowed
- Glass containers or metal cans are prohibited
- Please refrain from bringing blankets, chairs, or banners
- Any kind of fireworks, explosives, or lasers are banned, as well as flashlights
- Fire extinguishers are not permitted
- Leave professional camera gear at home (cameras with detachable lenses, SLR cameras, and tripods)
- Audio recording devices are not allowed
- Items like spray paint, stickers, flyers, or posters are restricted
- Markers, including Sharpies, are not allowed
- Only service animals are permitted—other pets should stay at home
- Water toys like squirt guns, soap bubbles, and any noise-making items such as horns or whistles are not allowed
- Items like beach balls, frisbees, skateboards, or skates are not allowed inside
- Attire associated with gangs is prohibited
- Large bags, including oversized purses and backpacks, are not permitted
- Management reserves the right to deny entry of any other items deemed unsuitable

Yes, if you require any assistance, just let one of the security staff know and they will have our on-site EMT assist you quickly.

VIP is the Ultimate way to experience Carnival Noir. It starts you with a 60-minute immersive gourmet dining experience catered by Nico Taverna in one of 5 different haunted dining rooms. After your meal, your access to the exclusive VIP Bar Area will begin, and you will join the main event at 8 pm with access to the VIP Bar Area throughout the night.

Scarehouse Windsor is a world-class haunted house attraction (the largest in SE Ontario) and event space located at 1441 McDougall Ave, Windsor, ON, Canada. Carnival Noir is hosted at Scarehouse Windsor as a venue, but does not have anything to do with the haunted attraction part.

Carnival Noir is a mix of an elegant masquerade with an immersive atmosphere. Expect to see world-class aerialists, fire performers, acrobats, games/challenges, and interactive characters. The event takes place over multiple rooms and performance areas all at the same time in a "choose your own adventure" style. No two attendees will have the same experience.

No. This is a lavish and over-the-top masquerade experience that happens to take place in a large haunted attraction. There are no jump-scares, monsters, or frights at this event, but prepare to be dazzled and wowed by the immersive characters, performances, and over-arching story of the night.

We encourage event participants to take photos and video for their own personal use on their photos or small cameras. You are encouraged to post these to social media and any other personal outlets you'd like. There is, however, no commercial/professional photography. Carnival Noir will have our photographers and videographers capturing moments during the event, and as such, any outside commercial/professional photography/filming (including SLR and DSLR cameras and other equipment) and/or filming is strictly prohibited. Use of Carnival Noir photos for commercial purposes is also strictly prohibited.