Likewise Community is trading in the laptop screens and coffee for a little bit of creep and cheer this year, launching a new Halloween experience in Fayetteville called the Madstone Maze. Running October 26 through 29, the event will turn the downtown co-working space into an indoor walk-through attraction celebrating Ozark folklore, running from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night.
A homegrown take on the season
Fayetteville takes its October traditions seriously. Between decorating the Fayetteville Square and heading to the Historic District for the Barker House grave rubbings, there is already a lot happening around town. But for the grown-ups, the holiday shifts gears toward pub crawls and deeper, louder celebrations—places like Maxine’s and Pinpoint have built up reputations for some of the most memorable nights of the year.
Madstone Maze fits right into that vein. It isn’t just handing out candy to kids in costumes. Instead, it’s an immersive environment designed for those looking to get spooky without the wind and rain of an October night down on Dickson Street. Likewise describes the space as an “indoor maze of Ozark folklore-inspired art,” suggesting that the walls themselves will tell the stories of the Turnbow family and the big-headed men that haunt the backwoods.
You’ll still find the practical touches of a co-working space tucked inside, though Halloween definitely adds a layer of texture to the Flex Studio at 280 E. Dickson St. The organizers have lined up tarot readings, which offer a mobile supplement to the art installations, giving you a peek at the future while you figure out how to get out of the maze.
Film, music and thrills
The programming seems heavy on connecting with the local scene. Organizers have partnered with local organizations to screen short films, providing a platform for Northwest Arkansas filmmakers to show their work alongside the folklore art. On top of that, live music will fill the space on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Vendors will also set up shop throughout the run. If you are looking for something to eat or drink that isn’t a quick liquor store run, this is likely where you’ll find local artisans setting up pop-ups. It brings a street-fair vibe to the indoor setting, stopping the typical flow of office workers heading out of the building and forcing them to slow down and look at the fallen leaves on the floor or the details on the walls.
The description mentions horror-themed pinball and Super Mario Bros. arcade cabinets sitting alongside the folklore art. It sounds like they aren’t taking themselves *too* seriously, balancing the “spooky” vibe with a bit of nostalgic chaos that locals enjoy.
If you’ve been looking for something that feels different from the standard skeleton hanging in the window routine but keeps that local Halloween spirit alive, this is the spot to try. It is an accessible way to experience art, music, and tradition all in one place.
Cost and ticket info: Tickets are $10 for single-entry access on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, with a special price of $8 on Saturday night. Those prices get you in the door to navigate the art installations and enjoy the atmosphere. It should provide a few hours of entertainment that fits right into the busy fall schedule.
Source: Fayetteville Flyer
