Samhain (pronounced SAH-win) is a pagan festival originating from an ancient Celtic spiritual tradition. At Samhain, we welcome the harvest and usher in the dark half of the year. This is the night when the veil between our world and the spirit world is most fragile, the night we know for sure the dead will hear us and maybe even speak back—the perfect time to celebrate with a Dumb Supper.

In pagan tradition, we honor the dead with a Dumb Supper—“dumb” meaning silent. This is a solemn occasion where we invite departed ancestors to join us at our meal. The silence holds space for them to communicate with us if they choose to do so. The only sound will be music chosen for the occasion.

You are encouraged to wear all black.

Your ticket includes a 3-course meal of small plates, and beverages including coffee, tea, water, and soda. In order to have the best experience, we encourage our guests to wait until after the supper to drink alcohol. A full bar will open after dinner for the cocktail mixer. Alcoholic beverages and mocktails are available to purchase separately.

Seating begins at 7 PM.

During seating, guests will be offered notes to write messages to the departed to be placed at a table with a symbolic place setting for our departed guests.

At 7:30, the opening ritual will commence.

Guests will be asked to turn off their phones to eliminate outside distractions. Late arriving guests will no longer be seated after this time.

The host will commence an opening ritual and cast a circle of protection, and after this will ask for silence. The host will then guide guests through the silent meal, and will be available for any issues that may arise.

When everyone is finished eating (no later than 8:30 PM), the host will signal the end of the meal and commence the closing ritual.

After supper, the bar will be open in the dining room for a cocktail mixer until 10 PM where you can meet new friends and chat about your experience! You are also welcome to explore the rest of the house and the grounds.

Because of the solemn ritual nature of the event, late arrivals won’t be allowed into the meal. Tickets are non-refundable, so late arrivals are encouraged to return for the cocktail mixer to follow the supper.

After supper, a full bar will be available in the dining room for a cocktail mixer. The silent part is over—speaking is allowed and encouraged so that you can process your experience and meet new friends! While the event is 18 and over, alcohol will only be served to guests 21 and over presenting a valid ID. Mocktails and soft drinks options will be available.

Beverages at the cocktail mixer are not included in the ticket price.

You are encouraged to do a cleansing ritual of your choice to free yourself of negative influences before entering the silent space. Our host suggests a White Bath in the week leading up to the Dumb Supper.

To prepare a White Bath, fill a bathtub with warm water, add goat’s milk and coconut water until the water is opaque (goat milk is available at New Seasons Market and Whole Foods). Sprinkle some cascarilla powder (crushed eggshells) into the water (available on Amazon or at magical supply shops such as The Raven’s Wing Magical Co-Op). You may dress the tub ledges with white crystals or flowers. Place two white candles on the tub ledge far enough apart for you to enter and exit the tub between them. Soak in the bath as you visualize your intentions or say prayers to the one who answers, and ask to be washed clean of any negative influences. When you emerge from the bath, dress in something white. You’re likely to feel a renewed sense of vitality and openness to the experience of the coming ritual.

If you don’t have a tub, prepare a mixture of the goat’s milk, coconut water, and cascarilla and pour it over your head in the shower, letting it run down your entire body before rinsing it off.

The Victorian Belle is an historic 1885 estate with historic décor indoors, and lush, expansive gardens outdoors, featuring fine dining and exceptional service. One of Portland’s most enchanting event venues, the Victorian Belle is located just 10 minutes from downtown Portland in the Kenton neighborhood.

1441 N McClellan St, Portland