CAPE MAY - Congress Hall, America's oldest seaside resort, is officially unveiling a spooktacular lineup of events for the 2026 autumn season. The historic Cape May property is inviting guests to step into a world of elegance, thrills, and suspense with three signature experiences spanning October and November.
Halloween Revelry Returns with The Phantom Ball
On Friday, October 30, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the resort's grand ballroom will transform into a hauntingly beautiful space for the legendary Phantom Ball. This adults-only evening promises elegance, enchantment, and high-end Halloween magic.
Attendees can dance the night away to live music from the band Back2Life while enjoying an open bar and decadent light bites. Costumes are highly encouraged, with spectacular prizes for the best-dressed. The first-place winner will take home a complimentary one-night stay at the resort, paired with dinner for two at the acclaimed Blue Pig Tavern. General Admission tickets are available, and guests looking to extend the fun can book the Phantom Ball Weekend Package, which includes deluxe overnight accommodations and two party tickets.
Late-Night Chills at The Boiler Room Halloween Party
For those who want to keep the spooky spirit going into the late-night hours, the resort's nightlife hub, The Boiler Room, will host its own wickedly fun party on Saturday, October 31, from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
The underground venue will feature graveyard smash hits spun by DJ Chelsea, alongside exciting prize and swag giveaways throughout the night. A costume contest will cap the evening, awarding Congress Hall gift cards to the most creative, creepy, and crowd-favorite looks. Admission to this thrills-and-chills party is free, and no reservations are required.
Solve a Classic Whodunit During Murder Mystery Weekend
The excitement continues into November as the resort transitions from supernatural magic to historic crime-solving. From Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15, the resort will host its highly anticipated annual Murder Mystery Weekend.
Produced in partnership with the acclaimed theatrical company Murder Café, this year’s interactive production transports guests back to 1929 with the theme "Murder at the Speakeasy". Over the course of three days, guests will follow a bootlegger, his new girlfriend, his ex-girlfriend, gangsters, and cops as they gather clues and try to solve a classic American whodunit.
The immersive Murder Mystery Stay Package includes:
- Deluxe overnight accommodations at Congress Hall
- Welcome cocktails for two
- Access to all three days of interactive entertainment and a themed scavenger hunt
- Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
- A formal Saturday evening dinner hosted in the ballroom
Reservations for the Phantom Ball and Murder Mystery Weekend overnight packages are limited and fill up quickly. To secure tickets or book a stay, visit the official Congress Hall website or contact the resort's reservations team directly.
