Metal Insider is getting into the Halloween spirit this year with something a little different. Throughout October, we’re sharing the history and eerie tales behind venues across the world. Check out our latest column, Halloween Countdown for more, and Enjoy! 

Introduction

Today’s countdown includes two in one, for October 6, and 7th with venues: Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, Washington and Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls, NY.

Mount Baker Theatre

Source: Wikipedia – captured “Judy” Ghost at Mount Baker Theatre

Just North of Seattle, WA, the Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, WA, opened in 1927. Designed by Robert Reamer, it featured a Moorish-Spanish style movie palace during the height of the vaudeville and silent film era, and later welcomed what was known at the time as “the talkies.” The theater has undergone significant changes over the last several decades, undergoing restorations and community efforts, and has since been designated a historic site. The original Wurlitzer pipe organ has remained within the walls of the theatre up until recently. In August 2025, the organ was dismantled in preparation for the theatre’s centennial set for 2027. It will be restored and returned to Bellingham by 2027. Aside from the organ, the venue is thriving, hosting concerts, Broadway shows, live comedy, film festivals, and community events. 

Rapids Theatre

The Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls, NY, was first named Shea’s Bellevue Theatre in 1921. Similar to Mount Baker, the theatre was known as both a luxury movie palace and a vaudeville stage during the golden era of silent films. This design gave the theatre a unique domed ceiling with a grand balcony. Over the decades, it underwent multiple ownership changes and ongoing transformations. Some of these modifications included a Paramount-run cinema in the 1940s. By the 1960s, it was acquired by Cataract Theatre Corporation, renamed the Rapids Theatre, which eventually closed in 1974. Changing the cinema approach, the venue later opened as a discothèque named Masquerades, and was used for concerts and events. Modern modifications continued, removing the seats and adding tables on the balcony to serve food. By 2009, the theatre had returned to its 1960s name, the Rapid Theatre. With such a storied history, it’s unfortunate to note that it has an uncertain future ahead, while it was listed as a foreclosure and set for a city buyout in 2024. 

Facts

Mount Baker Theatre

Location: Bellingham, Washington, USA
Venue Type: Historic movie palace / performing arts center
Year Built (and key dates): 1926–1927; opened April 29, 1927; listed on National Register of Historic Places in 1978
Status: Active
Capacity: 1,517 (main theater)

Rapids Theatre

Location: Niagara Falls, New York, USA
Venue Type: Indoor concert venue and events center
Year Built (and key dates): Opened in 1921 as the Bellevue Theatre; renamed Rapids Theatre in 1961; major renovation and reopening in 2009; purchased by the City of Niagara Falls in 2024 after foreclosure
Status: Active venue, currently city-owned and awaiting redevelopment plans
Capacity: Up to 1,750 (standing), 800 seated, 300 for table events

Music Cred

Mount Baker Theatre

The Mount Baker Theatre has hosted a wide range of concerts, and while fewer fall into the heavier category, acts such as The Hu, Henry Rollins, and Pearl Jam have performed there.

Rapids Theatre

According to setlistfm, the last event held at the Rapids Theatre was in January 2024. It’s uncertain when the next event will take place at this time. There’s a long history of bands that have performed at the Rapids Theatre, including, GWAR, Black Veil Brides, Jinjer, Death Angel, Kreator, Sepultura, The Devil Wears Prada, Bleed From Within, August Burns Red, Clutch, Darkest Hour, In Flames, Silverstein, Lacuna Coil, Bad Omens, In This Moment, All That Remains, Sevendust, Gojira, Ghost, and many more.

Reported Hauntings

Mount Baker Theatre

While the venue may not have hosted many metal events over the years, it is famously known for its haunted past, making it a location that appeals to those who enjoy horror and the paranormal. Staff and visitors have spotted several instances of paranormal activity. The most reported is a ghost figure named “Judy,” a flirtatious spirit known to haunt the balcony, in search of male employees. Numerous additional haunted sightings extend beyond the spirit of Judy, including a feral cat prowling the basement, floating orbs appearing over the stage during performances, and sightings of a man in a tuxedo known as Geoffrey. Ghost tours are available in the local area. One place you can book through is via Visit Bellingham.

Rapids Theatre

The Rapids Theatre has a reputation for being one of Western New York’s most haunted venues. Many have reported hearing unknown voices, strange whistling sounds, mysterious footsteps, the sound of keys jingling, and doors that open or close on their own. Some claim to have seen figures, including a ghost of a young actress said to have taken her life in the building. From the tunnels beneath the stage to the VIP balcony and green room, you name it, paranormal activity has likely been documented in all corners of the theatre. While the theatre appears closed for concerts, you can book a ghost tour on Go Niagara Tours. 

Visit Info:

Mount Baker Theatre

Rapids Theatre

Interested in horror and the paranormal? Metal Insider is teaming up with the newly resurrected site Dizarranged, which is also running a haunted countdown to Halloween, featuring 31 haunted places from around the globe. 

Zenae Zukowski

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