Vampires in the Park: Gothic Storytelling Picnic & Trinket Trade

About this event

Vampires in the Park: Gothic Storytelling Picnic & Trinket Trade! (Newman Park) 🦇 -WHEN? Saturday, September 26th, 2026 We will gather, meet, & greet at 6:30pm Stories will be from 7:00pm til 8:00pm -WHERE? We will be meeting at Newman Park (2212 Alabama Street) in the heart of historic Central El Paso. Join us for an evening of storytelling, local lore, community, and mysterious fun! FREE + FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT: Bring the kids, bring the dogs (and maybe a little extra garlic), bring your favorite picnic blankets or lawn chairs! For this meetup, we will be meeting in Newman Park for a Vampire-Themed Gathering as we kick off the Spooky Season. This park features: Grass & trees, historic surroundings, and scenic views of the city lights & the nearby Franklin Mountains. We encourage our guests to dress in your best vampire, Victorian, or gothic attire for the evening as we gather to share stories of true vampire history, local legends, and classic lore under the evening sky... 🧛‍ To set the mood, break out your favorite spooky picnic gear! 🥪🥤⛱ Whether it's a skull-patterned blanket, dark velvet throws, gothic pillows, or vintage brass lanterns, bring whatever helps turn your spot on the lawn into a cozy gothic haven. (Friendly reminder: No vampire hunters allowed! Please leave your wooden stakes, silver crucifixes, and holy water at home... our nocturnal friends just want to relax and enjoy the evening without dodging Van Helsings. Also, don't worry—SPF 100 is not required, as the sun will already be safely dipping out of sight, and we promise not to bite!) 🌙 We will also be holding a Spooky Trinket Trade! Bring a few small spooky trinkets, oddities, crystals, or themed items to swap and trade with fellow attendees 💀💎 As for the STORIES? Learn the TRUE history of vampires in America and the Great Vampire Panic of New England.... 🧛‍ Hear the shocking & gruesome tale of Mercy Brown, and discover which state was known as “The Vampire Capital of America”... 🦇 Uncover the 'undead' burial rituals of the 1800s... ⚰ And learn about the time that El Pasoans thought they had discovered a vampire right in the heart of El Paso! ⭐ This park meetup will be FREE, family-friendly, and open to the public—All are welcome! PLEASE NOTE: Anyone under the age of 18 attending an event must be accompanied by an adult. Brought to you by Paranormal In The Park Meetups will be hosted by Weird Texas author Heather Shade, and the ghostly tour guides of Lost El Paso Paranormal. Do you have a fascination with the paranormal? Do you like ghost stories, vampire lore, and haunted history? Do you have an interest in spooky things, the strange, and the unexplained? This is a meetup group for those who have an interest in the paranormal including: haunted history, local legends & lore, spirits & ghosts, UFOs, cryptozoology, and many other types of unexplained mysteries... We gather at various parks each month to enjoy the evening atmosphere and some paranormal conversation. Come meet others who share your interest in these fascinating topics... We look forward to meeting up with you!