Tickets & Free Events
Ashland becomes your own game of mystery this Fall. We have a mix of Events this year. Some are ticketed separately while others only require an affordable registration fee. Any Events marked "Free" are subject to capacity limitations so be sure to arrive early to access. Mystery Fest Event Registration is required to register and attend panels.
MORNING TOUR: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (SOLD OUT)
AFTERNOON TOUR: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Learn about haunted Ashland houses, hotels and restaurants, plus ghosts at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. These are not just old stories from books. Most of my stories are first-hand experiences learned from the people who encountered the spirits. Many historic photos are included. You might find yourself amazed, laughing, shaking your head in wonder, questioning your assumptions – or, if you are like one of my friends, communicating with the spirits during the tour. Your Guide: Ashland writer, speaker and historian, Peter Finkle.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Meet Emmeline and taste Blondies and Cold Brew and Tea Soda with Vanilla Syrup from her Ground Rules series
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Spill the Tea with Ellie Alexander
If you are lucky enough to be in town on Thursday afternoon, come enjoy a light afternoon tea with Ellie Alexander. She will "spill the tea" as she reads from her latest book. Tea Service will include tea sandwiches, warm scones served with clotted cream and raspberry preserves, toasted crumpets with lemon curd, and locally made tea infused chocolates, along with a bottomless pot of tea.
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Get ready to dive into the world of mysteries at the Ashland Mystery Festival Kickoff Reception! Join cozy mystery author Ellie Alexander and her mystery writing friends for an evening packed with bookish delights and thrilling surprises. Mix and mingle with the literary crowd while indulging in delectable appetizers and enjoying a no host bar. Don’t miss out on book signings and other exciting activities. It’s the perfect start to a weekend filled with intrigue and suspense! *First kick off clue for the festival will be announced and trivia questions.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sherlock Holmes’ skills are put to the test when he goes head-to-head with his intellectual equal, criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty.
9:00PM - 10:30PM
The Ghost Ballads: Songs of Murder
Nationally recognized writer and musician Josh Gross presents a riveting, poignant, and strangely funny new one-man music/storytelling show exploring the literary and narrative history of murder in folk songs—but told here for the first time from the perspectives of the victim's ghosts, instead of those of the killers.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Breakfast with Ellie Alexander at London Station
Torte breakfast featuring recipes from Ellie's books, mimosa souvenir glass, gift bag, 10% store discount, themed talk, meet and greet with Ellie at Ashland's beloved gift emporium for over 50 years!
LOCATION:
GET TICKETS:
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sweater Weather Mysteries Panel
Get ready to cozy up with your favorite mystery reads as we dive into the autumnal world of the cozy. Join authors Ellie Alexander, Esme Addison, Emmeline Duncan, and Frank Anthony Polito as they share their secrets to crafting the perfect fall mystery. Mystery Fest Event Registration required to register for panel. Additional tickets now available for this previously sold-out panel! See Eventbrite link.
LOCATION:
New expanded location:
GET TICKETS:
Purchase @ the Door
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Haunted Ashland Walking Tour: Peerless Hotel to OSF
Learn about haunted Ashland houses, hotels and restaurants, plus ghosts at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. These are not just old stories from books. Most of my stories are first-hand experiences learned from the people who encountered the spirits. Many historic photos are included. You might find yourself amazed, laughing, shaking your head in wonder, questioning your assumptions – or, if you are like one of my friends, communicating with the spirits during the tour. Your guide, Ashland writer, speaker and historican, Peter Finkle.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Meet Gigi and taste Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies from her Accidental Alchemist Mysteries
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Mystery Cooking Class Session One
No Witchcraft here! Just Authors Tara Lush, London Lovett and her daughter Nikki each sharing and demonstrating recipes straight from their own books! So no need to be wary but you'll want to be watchful as these three talented writers are sure to waken then woo your taste buds!
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Lovejoy’s Tea Session One
"Get the tea on upcoming books" Authors Jennifer Chow and Angela M. Sanders will read the first chapters of their upcoming books as you enjoy an abundant multi-course tea service. Update! A few more seats have opened for this see link for tickets.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Murder Mystery Hour Panel (Build a story live!)
Join us for an interactive session where readers become detectives and authors become the masterminds behind the murder. Tamara Berry, Kyra Davis, Lee Hollis, and Gigi Pandian will guide you through the thrilling process of crafting a murder mystery live. Mystery Fest Event Registration required to register for panel. Additional tickets now available for this previously sold-out panel. See Eventbrite link.
LOCATION:
New expanded location:
The Historic Ashland Armory
208 Oak St. >
GET TICKETS:
Purchase @ the door
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Ready to discover your next best read? Come meet a fantastic group of debut cozy mystery authors. Each has a brand new mystery series out now! Courtny Bradley, Pam Dehnke, and Tish Bouvier.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Mystery Cooking Class Session Two
Eager to Embrace the Unknown? Well your time has come! Join authors Ellen Byron and Esme Addison as they Dispel any Evil and instead Conjure up some Edible Fun! Each author will be offering a short demonstration of one of the Recipes from their Literary Works! Don't miss out! We would hate for this Fun & Tasty Experience to Elude you!
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Meet Jennifer and taste Furikake Snack Mix from her LA Night Market Series
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Haunted Ashland Walking Tour: Peerless Hotel to OSF
Learn about haunted Ashland houses, hotels and restaurants, plus ghosts at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. These are not just old stories from books. Most of my stories are first-hand experiences learned from the people who encountered the spirits. Many historic photos are included. You might find yourself amazed, laughing, shaking your head in wonder, questioning your assumptions – or, if you are like one of my friends, communicating with the spirits during the tour. Your guide, Ashland writer, speaker and historican, Peter Finkle.
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Group Author Pop-Up
Meet and mingle with your favorite authors. Get your book signed, snap a picture, or just chat about all things bookish. The Author Pop-ups are free, and no registration is required. No host bar. Authors in attendance: Gigi Pandian, Ellen Byron, Tamara Berry, Emmeline Duncan, Frank Anthony Polito, Kyra Davis and Lee Hollis.
3:30 PM - 4:30pm
Author-preneur: The Publishing Panel
Calling all aspiring authors, entrepreneurial minds, and curious readers! Join London Lovett, Angela M. Sanders, Tara Lush and Mary Barbee from Mystic Valley Press as they pull back the curtain on the world of indie publishing. From crafting captivating stories to mastering the art of self-promotion, this panel will unveil the secrets behind successfully publishing and marketing your own book. Get ready to take notes as these savvy authors share their insider tips, tricks, and experiences, empowering you to embark on your own journey as an author-preneur. Whether you're dreaming of self-publishing your first novel, intrigued by the behind-the-scenes of book publishing, or simply looking to support indie authors, this panel is your roadmap to success in the world of publishing. Mystery Fest Event Registration required to register for panels. Additional tickets now available for this previously sold-out panel. See Eventbrite link.
LOCATION:
GET TICKETS:
Purchase @ the door
3:30PM - 4:30PM
Calling all 3rd - 12th graders! Build a cozy mystery
Turn a spooky story into a cozy mystery! In this family-friendly reading workshop, the audience will help local middle-grade author Jennie Englund add warm fall flavors to a short story set in Ashland. Remix is offering a spooky sundae, and a discount for students grades 3-12 with ID.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Rise of the Cozies with Courtagonist, Intentionally Bookish, and Beachbum Bookworm
The Rise of Cozies: a discussion between cozy mystery influencers with Courtagonist, Intentionally Bookish, and The BeachBum Bookworm.
A chat between 3 content creators about forming friendships based on a shared love of the cozy mystery genre, how cozies have gained traction in the book community, and how readers influence trends in the cozy mystery industry. Plus, a Q&A at the end. Mystery Fest Event Registration required to register for panels. See Eventbrite link for details.
6:30PM - 9:00 PM
Murder Mystery Dinner
Tickets now live! Join us for a special two evening event either on October 18th or 19th. Witness a murder at the Winchester Inn! And dine in style with a four course prix fixe dinner and special live production of a mystery written for the Ashland Mystery Fest. Tickets are $150 per person and include tax and gratuity. Alcoholic beverages not included in the ticket price.
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
A Haunting on Mt. Ashland: The Abyss
Are you brave enough to ride a chair lift up the mountain into the dark? There’s no turning back; there’s no escape! Get ready for the haunt of your life! Mt. Ashland opens up for a fall weekend with this one-of-a-kind haunt that is not for the faint of heart.
Your terrifying journey begins with a chair lift ride up the mountain through the darkness, where you’ll catch glimpses of creatures below that travel the mountain at night. You’ll descend the hill on foot encountering all the mountain’s mysteries. Be sure to stop by the campground; they love to welcome visitors. They may never want you to leave.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
1920's Agatha Christie Dinner
Transport yourself to the enchanting era of Agatha Christie at this themed dinner event. Dress in period costume and join us for an evening of literary delight alongside friends and popular mystery writers. The evening features an exquisite three course menu by LARKS Executive Chef, Franco Console, with vegan options. Sip on themed cocktails and mocktails at the no host bar, and conclude the night with a cozy cup of coffee or tea. All authors will be in attendance.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sherlock Holmes and the Study in Scarlet
Sherlock Holmes’ skills are put to the test when he goes head-to-head with his intellectual equal, criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty.
8:00PM - 9:30PM
The Ghost Ballads: Songs of Murder
Nationally recognized writer and musician Josh Gross presents a riveting, poignant, and strangely funny new one-man music/storytelling show exploring the literary and narrative history of murder in folk songs—but told here for the first time from the perspectives of the victim's ghosts, instead of those of the killers.
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Murderous Mixology
Embark on a thrilling literary journey with two mystery writers as your guides at our cocktail-filled evening. LARKS’ original 1920s bar creates the perfect ambiance. Delight in craft cocktail demonstrations, enjoy cocktail samples and tantalizing appetizers with cozy mystery authors, Ellen Byron and Frank Anthony Polito.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Mystery Craft Hour Panel
Who’s ready to get crafty with authors Ellen Byron, Jennifer Chow, Tamara Berry, Ellie Alexander, Emmeline Duncan, and Esme Addison? Join us for a hands-on experience where readers can mingle with their favorite authors while getting crafty. This event is now sold out.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Meet Angela and taste buttermilk biscuits with marionberry jam with lavender chamomile infused tea from her Witch Way series
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Haunted Ashland Walking Tour: Peerless Hotel to OSF
Learn about haunted Ashland houses, hotels and restaurants, plus ghosts at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. These are not just old stories from books. Most of my stories are first-hand experiences learned from the people who encountered the spirits. Many historic photos are included. You might find yourself amazed, laughing, shaking your head in wonder, questioning your assumptions – or, if you are like one of my friends, communicating with the spirits during the tour. Your guide, Ashland writer, speaker and historican, Peter Finkle.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hollywood and Murder Panel
Lights, camera, mystery! Join authors Lee Hollis, Ellen Byron, and Kyra Davis as they take you behind the scenes of Hollywood’s most thrilling mysteries. This panel will explore the intersection of Hollywood and murder in literature and television. Mystery Fest Event Registration required to register for panels. See Eventbrite link for details.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Lovejoy's Tea Session Two
Enjoy tea with authors Emmeline Duncan and Tamara Berry as they read the first chapters from their upcoming books as you enjoy an abundant, multi-course tea service. Update! New seats have been added, see link for tickets.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Mystery Cooking Class Session Three
From deep within the Shadows a Satisfying Scent emerges from the Kitchen. Who is that Scraping and Stirring, Singing and Writing? It's Ellie Alexander! Join us for Ellie's Private Cooking Demonstration as she combines her shrewd talents for Writing with Cooking! Who knows what's in store for us this time!
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Paranormal Puzzles Panel
Prepare for a supernatural journey into the world of paranormal mysteries and puzzling locked-room twists! Join authors Angela M. Sanders, Gigi Pandian, Tara Lush, and Esme Addison as they explore the eerie intersection of ghosts, puzzles, and unexplained phenomena.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
When You Want to Write Murder Panel
Curious about the art of crafting the perfect murder? Join authors Jennifer Chow, Frank Anthony Polito, Emmeline Duncan, and Tamara Berry as they delve into plotting murder and why you should give it a try. Mystery Fest Event Registration required to register for panels. See Eventbrite link for details.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Meet Tamara and taste bloody cupcakes and coffee from her By The Book series
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Haunted Ashland Walking Tour: Peerless Hotel to OSF
Learn about haunted Ashland houses, hotels and restaurants, plus ghosts at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. These are not just old stories from books. Most of my stories are first-hand experiences learned from the people who encountered the spirits. Many historic photos are included. You might find yourself amazed, laughing, shaking your head in wonder, questioning your assumptions – or, if you are like one of my friends, communicating with the spirits during the tour. Your guide, Ashland writer, speaker and historican, Peter Finkle.
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Group Author Pop Up
Meet and mingle with your favorite authors including London Lovett, Esme Addison, Jennifer Chow, Tara Lush and Angela M. Sanders. Get your book signed, snap a picture, or just chat about all things bookish. The Author Pop-ups are free, and no registration is required. No host bar.
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Mystery Cooking Class Session Four
For our Fourth and Final Mystery Fest Cooking Demonstration we find ourselves considering a Fantastical Feast of sorts. Thanks to Authors Frank Anthony Polito and Gigi Pandian we will be Feeding our Imaginations and our Bellies with Words from their Books and the Food they Create!
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Murder Mystery Dinner
Tickets now live! Join us for a special two evening event either on October 18th and 19th. Witness a murder at the Winchester Inn! And dine in style with a four course prix fixe dinner and special live production of a mystery written for the Ashland Mystery Fest. Tickets are $150 per person and include tax and gratuity. Alcoholic beverages not included in the ticket price.
4:30 PM Chairlift Trick or Treat
6:30 PM Haunting Chairlift Ride (SOLD OUT)
A Haunting on Mt. Ashland: Chairlift Trick or Treat and The Abyss
Ride up Sonnet and descend through “The Abyss” (Nature Trail). With the 4:30pm ticket (kid friendly), you’ll experience all the thrilling sets as planned, but instead of our usual scare actors, you'll encounter delightful, friendly creatures who will be handing out delicious candy! These tickets come with a free non-alcoholic beverage, and a free bag of popcorn. Check-in at the ticket counter to receive your lift ticket and vouchers. 6:30PM Haunting on Mt. Ashland: The Abyss
1:00PM and 8:00PM show times both SOLD OUT
Sherlock Holmes and the Study in Scarlet
Sherlock Holmes’ skills are put to the test when he goes head-to-head with his intellectual equal, criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty.
8:00 PM - 9:30PM
The Ghost Ballads: Songs of Murder
Nationally recognized writer and musician Josh Gross presents a riveting, poignant, and strangely funny new one-man music/storytelling show exploring the literary and narrative history of murder in folk songs—but told here for the first time from the perspectives of the victim's ghosts, instead of those of the killers.
9:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Varsity Theater Mystery Movie Night
Private screening movie night with host author Esme Addison and the film, Knives Out (2019), join your fellow Mystery Fest attendees for a fun night! Ticket sales are now live! See Eventbrite link.
LOCATION:
GET TICKETS:
Tickets available at the door $10 cash only
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Murderous Mixology
Embark on a thrilling literary journey with two mystery writers as your guides at our cocktail-filled evening. LARKS’ original 1920s bar creates the perfect ambiance. Delight in craft cocktail demonstrations, enjoy cocktail samples and tantalizing appetizers with cozy mystery authors London Lovett, Lee Hollis and Kyra Davis.
10:00 AM - 12:00
Literary Morning: Closing Breakfast Bites
Join over ten popular mystery writers at this intimate closing event. Indulge in a delightful menu and enjoy highlights from the festival weekend, along with a chance to win prizes. Mimosas will be available for purchase to enhance your morning. *Menu coming soon.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM SOLD OUT
Sherlock Holmes and the Study in Scarlet
Sherlock Holmes’ skills are put to the test when he goes head-to-head with his intellectual equal, criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty.
4:30PM Chairlift Trick or Treat
6:30 PM Haunting Chairlift Ride
A Haunting on Mt. Ashland: The Abyss
Ride up Sonnet and descend through “The Abyss” (Nature Trail). at 4:30pm with this ticket (kid-friendly), you’ll experience all the thrilling sets as planned, but instead of our usual scare actors, you'll encounter delightful, friendly creatures who will be handing out delicious candy! These tickets come with a free non-alcoholic beverage, and a free bag of popcorn. Check-in at the ticket counter to receive your lift ticket and vouchers. 6:30PM is the Haunting Chairlift Ride.
- Ashland New Plays Festival October 16th through the 24th will offer four plays presented as dramatic readings with a chance for the audience to engage in a talk-back with the artists after each presentation at SOU's Main Stage Theater, 491 S. Mountain Ave.
- Press for Oil will be offering music, wine and mini desserts from 5pm - 7pm on Friday and Saturday October 18th and 19th along with a fun, mystery game and enter to win. 60 E. Main Street.
- Southern Oregon Open Studios presented by Ashland Gallery Association, October 19th and 20th spanning from Ashland, to Talent, Phoenix, Medford and beyond. A free event to visit the very places where art happens.
- Ashland Japanese Garden October 19th is the two- year anniversary celebration from 11am - 2pm. Come and enjoy the beauty of fall. Learn to fold origami, participate in traditional tea ceremonies and more.
- Rogue Valley Symphony presents Venkatesh plays Mozart Friday Oct 18, 2024 7:30 and Saturday and Sunday, October 19th and 20th at 3:00pm at SOU Music Recital Hall. Join the Rogue Valley Symphony uncover the mystery of Southern Oregon University's secret Pipe Organ in Saint-Saëns' historic Organ Symphony. The organ takes center stage for the first time under Music Director Martin Majkut and Pianist Vijay Venkatesh returns to dazzle audiences with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23. Rogue Valley Symphony Composer-in-Residence, David Ludwig, is premiering an original work for RVS, the first commissioned piece for the composer-in-residence program. We are thrilled to welcome back a Rogue Valley favorite, Pianist Vijay Venkatesh! The Washington Post said of Venkatesh: “Vijay Venkatesh is blessed with it all: transcendent technique, unbridled passion, and irresistible charisma. He breathes with an oxygen of imagination.”
- Indigenous People’s Day SOU Stevenson Union and SOU Campus October 19th and 20th 10:30am - 4pm.
- Write Your Book During a One-Day Retreat October 19th 10am - 4pm with Two Sisters Writing & Publishing co-founders at Country Willows Inn & Estate. Limited seats available. Tickets through Eventbrite .
- Escape Ashland invites your group to leave the everyday world for an hour and become a character in one of its immersive storylines. It's up to you and your team to solve the mystery: unravel the clues to discover the true identity of the Wells Fargo stagecoach robber in 1880 State of Jefferson or relinquish the ancient Celtic curse of The Scottish Play. Our five-star, award winning games are unique in their light-hearted approach to the escape room experience with "sets" designed by stage artisans with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. We are offering 15% off all games during Ashland Mystery Fest weekend. Games are offered every two hours from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call to book or book directly at escapeashland.com/book using promo code "MYSTERY."
- Lithia Artisans Market Saturday and Sunday October 19th and 20th from 10am - 5pm along Ashland Creek and Calle Guanajuato off the Plaza in downtown Ashland. Enjoy over 30 vendors and amazing arts! (each weekend March - October)
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Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library With one of the largest collections of its kind in the USA, the Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library in Ashland offers something for everyone in their Lending Library, Book Shop and Media Exchange including books, audiobooks and DVD's. Explore the mysteries of the unexplained, spirituality, health and healing, personal development and more. Open daily 10-6, closed Sun-Mon, 1757 Ashland St., One Mile West of Interstate 5, Exit 14.
- Hill Station offering 10% off all Dia de los Muertos decor and ornaments. Open 10am - 4pm Friday and Saturday. 287 4th Street in the Historic Railroad District, corner of 4th and A streets.
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Gypsy Road Studio offers 20% discount to all Mystery fest attendees - Vintage Jewelry, Gifts & More at 369 E. Main St. and host of the Ghost Ballads Friday and Saturday night at 8pm, first come first serve.
Become a sponsor and solve the mystery
Join the mystery coming to Ashland this fall through sponsorship of events or offering event
specials. Learn how to get involved in this inaugural event and help solve the Mystery.
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors
