Magic, mystery, and the macabre take center stage when Winter Hauntings, An Evening of Ghost Stories, arrives at Atlantic Station Shopping Center in Atlantic Beach on January 29, 2025. This one-of-a-kind cultural arts event, presented by EPIC Carteret in partnership with Carteret Community Theatre (CCT), not only offers an unforgettable mid-winter experience but also supports a vital cause: proceeds will help fund CCT’s renovation campaign. Following last year’s sold-out success, tickets are already in high demand as audiences prepare for an evening of ghostly tales, regional artistry, and festive fellowship.

As an NC Arts Council-funded local culture podcast, EPIC Carteret is dedicated to celebrating the community and creativity of Eastern North Carolina, and Winter Hauntings brings that mission to life. This year’s event will feature the top three finalists in EPIC Carteret’s annual ghost story competition performed by local actors as well as a Haunted Half-Time show by award-winning singer-songwriter duo Emily and John Carter of Chick ‘N’ Biscuit. 

Event Highlights

• The Skull-astic Book Fair: Arrive early for a nostalgic shopping experience starting at 5:00 PM, featuring a pop-up book shop, local author signings, art prints, and botanically-infused beverages from The Neigh Bar.
• Live Performances: At 6:00 PM, local performers will take the stage for lively songs and storytelling about ghosts and other things that go bump in the night, offering a cozy experience perfect for the winter season.

Supporting the Future of Local Arts

This year, all ticket proceeds will go toward the renovation of the Carteret Community Theatre’s original Downtown Morehead City space, destroyed during Hurricane Florence in 2018. Rebekah Brooks, the theater’s business manager, emphasized the significance of this community-driven event, “Your ticket purchase to Winter Hauntings not only promotes the arts in our area but gives artists and their creative visions a space to be nurtured and grow. This will be further realized when we open our theatre doors on Arendell once again, giving way to a space for all to gather.”

Sponsorship and Ad Opportunities
Winter Hauntings is a powerful platform to connect with an audience passionate about local culture and storytelling. Businesses can showcase their support through sponsorships or strategically-placed ads in the souvenir program—a beautifully bound and published chapbook that serves as both a literary journal and a keepsake. Featuring more ghost stories than those performed at the event, the program is something attendees will treasure and revisit long after the evening ends. Interested sponsors can now secure their spots easily online through the EPIC Carteret website

“Winter Hauntings celebrates local writers and our haunting local atmosphere along the Crystal Coast, but it’s also about coming together to experience the comfort of community during the dark and cold of winter,” says Autumn Ware, organizer of the event. “We’re thrilled to partner with Carteret Community Theatre again this year. The new venue opens up a couple of fun new opportunities for this year’s event.”

Tickets go on sale December 6.
Tickets are $20 each and are available for purchase starting December 6, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic, mystery, and macabre that only Winter Hauntings can offer. Seating is limited, so act fast!

For tickets, sponsorships, or ad space, visit epic-carteret.com or contact Autumn Ware at autumn@epic-carteret.com.