In our Event Horizon series we often explore how venues become characters in a story. Few stories are as captivating or as terrifying as Terror Vault. Each autumn since 2018 the historic San Francisco Mint transforms into a cinematic fright fest where live theatre and horror collide. The production is the brainchild of filmmaker and drag legend Peaches Christ (Joshua Grannell) and theatre producer David Flower. Together they’ve built an immersive experience that now anchors San Francisco’s Halloween season. Over the years it has attracted tens of thousands of attendees and extensive coverage from local news outlets, while also winning national recognition.
Immersive Theatre Meets Haunted House
Terror Vault isn’t a typical walk‑through haunt. It’s San Francisco’s original haunted theatrical extravaganza, fusing immersive theatre, horror storytelling and old‑school haunted‑house scares. Guests become characters in the story as they navigate The Mint’s labyrinthine vaults and corridors. Each ticket also grants access to Fang Bang, the venue’s 80s‑inspired vampire bar, and VIP passes unlock Triple HeXXXed, a tongue‑in‑cheek witch-themed strip club.
“It’s a mashup of immersive theatre, horror storytelling, and old‑school haunted house scares,” says co‑creator Joshua Grannell. “Each year, we create a brand‑new 60–70 minute experience that places audiences right in the middle of a living horror movie. Guests don’t just watch the story unfold, they become part of it.”
Why The Mint?
When scouting locations, Grannell and Flower wanted a venue with history and architectural character. The San Francisco Mint, an 1874 landmark with vaulted catacombs, offered the perfect backdrop. “The Mint is a dream location,” says Grannell. “It’s atmospheric, eerie, and grand. The building itself feels alive; it already feels haunted before a single actor appears. Its architecture and massive scale allow us to transform it into an entire world, and every year we discover new ways to use its hidden corridors and spaces.” That sense of discovery keeps the team creatively inspired.
A New Story Every Year
Unlike static haunted houses, Terror Vault introduces a brand new narrative each season. Past shows have ranged from secret prisons beneath the Mint to cult indoctrinations, time‑traveling alien invasions, and vampires. In 2025 the show is titled HEXED, where three witches from different mystical traditions form a coven that threatens to unravel humanity. Guests are recruited by a group of witch experts called “The Believers” to stop the coven’s dark rituals. Previous seasons, such as The Immortal Reckoning, The Summoning, The Initiation and Fatal Abduction, were equally elaborate, each featuring original characters, custom sets and participatory storylines. This commitment to fresh, cinematic storytelling has helped Terror Vault quickly build a dedicated following.
“Just know that every year is a brand new show,” Grannell reminds would‑be visitors. “If you’ve been before, you haven’t seen HEXED. And if you’ve never been, this isn’t your average haunted house; it’s a wild, theatrical, and very San Francisco tradition.” That promise of reinvention keeps fans coming back year after year.
Supporting Local Artists and Crew
Terror Vault’s scale extends well beyond its audience. Each production employs over a hundred local performers and technicians: actors, dancers, burlesque performers, costumers, set builders, lighting designers and special‑effects artists. This employment helps Bay Area performers thrive in a city where arts funding has been a bit more scarce.
NPU’s Role: Activating the Mint and Supporting the Vision
While Grannell and Flower write and produce the show, NPU handles venue logistics, marketing partnerships, corporate buyouts, and community outreach. Their support allows the creative team to focus on building the world of Terror Vault while NPU ensures the space is safe, accessible, and ready for thousands of guests every year. Working with NPU has helped Terror Vault scale from a scrappy experiment to a cornerstone of San Francisco’s Halloween season, attracting an estimated 60,000 attendees since 2018 (according to the producers’ own estimates). Companies looking to host private or corporate buy‑outs of the haunt can work directly with NPU to secure exclusive nights or group experiences.
Grannell credits NPU for helping Terror Vault thrive: “NPU has been a fantastic partner since day one. From marketing to corporate buyouts to providing the space for us to work year‑round, they’ve helped us expand our reach and grow this into something that’s not only beloved by audiences but also sustainable as a business.”
What to Expect at HEXED in 2025
This year’s show promises to be the most ambitious yet. Visitors will:
- Join a coven: Guests become part of a witch‑hunting party, performing rituals and navigating portals to stop evil forces.
- Explore new sets: The production team has built massive new environments inside the Mint’s vaults, ensuring returning fans won’t recognise the layout.
- Choose your experience: Glow necklaces indicate whether guests are open to interactions from the cast; allowing visitors to decide their level of involvement through the journey, encouraging consent and comfort.
- Enjoy Fang Bang and Triple HeXXXed: The 80s goth vampire bar and witch strip club return with themed cocktails, live performances and photo ops.
Ready to Enter the Terror Vault?
Terror Vault tickets often sell out, and for good reason. Whether you’re a first‑timer or a returning fan, HEXED promises an unforgettable blend of theatre, horror and camp. Be sure to get your tickets today!
Interested in a group booking a full corporate buyout of HEXED? Let us know! The team at NPU can get you access to exclusive packages to make your haunted visit to The Mint one that you and your group will remember for years to come.