The Summerween skeletons might not be ready to trade in their Bermuda shorts, but a hair-raising happening is returning to kick off spooky season. The Texas Paranormal Fest will return September 19 at San Antonio’s Victoria’s Black Swan Inn (1006 Holbrook Rd.)For its ninth year, the former San A ntonio Paranormal Fest has rebranded to reflect increased statewide interest in the spooky soiree. Organizer Curious Twins Tours Events has upped the ante with expanded programming and celebrity guests.The 2026 edition will introduce the Spirit Parlor, housed in the Black Swan mansion. The experience hopes to immerse guests in the afterlife through interactive displays and demos exploring the myriad ways people have sought to communicate with the dead.Fest-goers will have plenty of resident ghosts to chat with. The 1867 Greek revival home is purportedly one of the most haunted spots in Texas, roamed by spectral forms of a “burly German man” and an eight-year-old girl prone to jumping on beds.Some of the festival’s guests might also be interested in communicating with the apparitions. The event is being headlined by Ryan Buell — founder of the Paranormal Research Society and star of AE hit TV show Paranormal State — who is no stranger to getting into spooky San Antonio situations.Other guests include medium Alejandro Castaneda III, cryptid researcher Rod Nichols, paranormal researcher and therapist Dona Strohbehn, and local psychic Kate the Brave.Between sessions, guests can shop a vendor market selling everything from oddities to crystals. Food trucks will be on hand for the living attendees, and a bar will serve complimentary drinks.Tickets start at $45 for adults and $15 for kids aged 4-15. VIP packages are available with access to special events on September 18 and 20. More information can be found online. ...read more read less