These are 5 of the most haunted places in Albuquerque

As Halloween nears, there are lots of ways to explore Albuquerque's history through its most haunted locations.

From ghostly encounters at a 1920s theater to lingering spirits at a centuries-old café, there’s no shortage of spooky spots to visit.

Drawing from official tourism sources like Visit Albuquerque, haunted websites, and the locations’ own pages, here are the five most haunted places in Albuquerque that you must experience — if you dare.

KiMo Theatre

The KiMo Theatre is said to be home to the spirit of 6-year-old Bobby Darnall Jr. The theater was built in 1925 by Oreste Bachechi, who wanted to create a venue that would "stand out among the Greek temples and Chinese pavilions of contemporary movie mania."

In 1951, a water heater explosion injured several people and tragically killed Darnall. Many believe his spirit still haunts the theater, most commonly near the stage. Witnesses claim he interferes with the electrical system and drops items on stage to distract performers.

The theater staff discovered that by leaving gifts for Darnall, they can avoid falling victim to his pranks. Performers still honor this tradition today, leaving toys or candy for the theater's spirit.

Location: 423 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque

Albuquerque Little Theatre

The Albuquerque Little Theatre, a historic building that opened in 1930, offers productions throughout the year. The theater's founding was led by Irene Fisher, a reporter and society editor for the New Mexico Tribune. One of America’s most beloved TV personalities, Vivian Vance, performed in the very first show in 1930.

The theater is said to be haunted by two different ghosts. One is believed to be Bernard Thomas, executive director of the theater in the 1960s and ’70s. The other ghost is thought to be Manuel 'Manny' Jaramillo, the theater’s custodian and master carpenter, who had his ashes scattered under the stage per his final wishes.

Both of these ghosts are considered to be benevolent spirits who serve as protectors of the theater where they spent much of their lives. Crew members believe Manny watches over the building, and his presence is often felt in the hallways. Ronda Lewis, the theater’s resource development director, said she feels "they’re still looking over us and making sure that we are keeping and holding the legacy and doing what we’re supposed to be doing so well."

Location: 224 San Pasquale Ave. S.W., Albuquerque

Church Street Café

Church Street Café, built in 1706, offers not only great food but supernatural stories as well. Originally a family home built by the Ruiz family, the residence — nicknamed Casa de Ruiz — is the oldest residence in Albuquerque and one of the oldest structures in New Mexico. It remained a family home until Rufina G. Ruiz died in 1991 at the age of 91. The Ruiz family has owned the property since the early 18th century.

Sara Ruiz, the mother of Rufina, is said to be the café’s resident ghost. According to restaurant staff, Ruiz has been known to throw silverware, slam doors, and hide keys. If you don’t say "Goodnight Sara" before leaving, she may even follow you home. One worker recalled locking up the restaurant when his keys suddenly disappeared. After several minutes of searching, he finally shouted, "Sara, please! I’m sorry I didn’t believe in you and didn’t say goodnight, but I really need to go home. Please, I need the keys to lock up." Moments later, the keys mysteriously reappeared in his pocket.

Marie Coleman, the current owner, also encountered Ruiz after purchasing the property. During renovations to convert the home into a restaurant, she claimed to hear a voice yelling at her to get rid of the contractors and often found her belongings in disarray. Employees have reported seeing a woman in a long black dress disappear in the dining room after hours, and customers have said they can feel Sara’s presence while dining. If you visit the Church Street Café, don’t forget to say goodnight to Sara — or risk her following you home.

Location: 2111 Church St. N.W., Albuquerque

Hotel Parq Central

Hotel Parq Central, formerly known as Memorial Hospital, has a rich and eerie history as both a hospital and psychiatric facility, which has led to numerous reports of paranormal activity. Some of the most unsettling claims include apparitions, particularly of a woman ghost on the top floor's right-wing, and former patients experiencing their bedsheets being pulled off in the night.

In January 2011, the Los Muertos Spirit Seekers investigated these claims, with three members reporting unexplained whispering, sudden cool drafts, and the feeling of being watched. Some of these phenomena were even captured on voice recorders, lending credibility to the eerie experiences. You can hear about the Los Muertos Spirit Seekers stay at Hotel Parq Central here.

Despite its haunted past, Hotel Parq Central is now a highly regarded hotel, offering modern amenities and a relaxing atmosphere. The ghosts may linger, but they don’t seem to get in the way of guests enjoying their stay.

Location: 806 Central Avenue SE Albuquerque

Hotel Andaluz

Hotel Andaluz, one of the nation's most sustainable historic hotels, offers not only luxury and amenities but also ghostly encounters for those who stay. The hotel transports guests to the ambiance of southern Spain, but its haunted history has left many guests intrigued and unnerved.

One of the spirits often reported is a female apparition on the seventh floor, dressed in 1940s attire. Described as looking nervous and out of place, she is believed to be a woman who stayed at the hotel with her lover before he was sent off to World War II, possibly never to return. Some say she lingers at the hotel where she experienced her happiest moments.

Another spirit, an older woman in a pink, old-fashioned dress, is often seen on the fourth floor around sundown. Guests also report witnessing a group of former guests haunting the hotel’s ballroom, especially during the late-night hours.

One guest who stayed in room 611 shared a personal ghostly experience. She recalled hearing a loud bang around midnight from the corner of the room. Although startled, she asked the spirit to leave and wasn't disturbed again that night. However, she noticed the closet door would mysteriously open by morning, even though she ensured it was closed before going to sleep. Despite these unsettling events, she reassured future guests, stating, "I never felt threatened, so it isn’t a mean ghost."

Location: 125 Second St. N.W., Albuquerque