Mike Talarico grew up in Southern California, just in the shadows of Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. He fell in love with Halloween at an early age because of some amazing neighbors who put on a very elaborate home haunt. For years, this great home haunt would captivate the entire block, and fall memories were created for so many. Suddenly one year, as fall approached, a “for sale” sign was found in the front yard of the beloved house. Panic set in… what would Halloween be without the amazing labyrinth of ghouls and goblins? Mike and his buddies set out to keep Halloween alive in their neighborhood, fully equipped with trash bags, duct tape, a few skeletons, and some ambition.
The first year would be a challenge with many lessons learned and almost no visitors. Luckily, the next year the small display was a hit! Year after year, the “small” display got bigger and bigger – front yard, side yard, backyard, then garage. Finally, it was time to move to a commercial location, in other words Momma G said “No more- you gotta go!” In 2005, the first iteration of what would become The Empty Grave was born.
Having exactly zero experience with building and fire codes, almost no budget, and no plan for actors, Mike went to work planning. Mike’s dad, Tony (Tones), quickly realized that Mike needed help so he joined in to help with building, moving, fixing, and more. For years, Mike, his dad, and a handful of amazing friends would join forces and shoestrings to bring their vision of a spooky and fun Halloween to life.
With humble beginnings in Orange County locations, Mike and his team grew this small haunt into a well-known fall-time favorite for many Southern California families. The haunted house would become known for its amazing actors and unique storytelling, with a redesigned haunt each and every year since its beginning.
In 2016, the haunted house was closed due to an unexpected loss of location, and Mike relocated to Colorado. The Empty Grave would go dormant until revived by Mike’s wife, Mona, and her family. Lacking the connections and resources in CO, Mona and her family quickly came to the rescue, eagerly jumping in to help with everything.
Mona’s family, longtime Longmont locals and active members of the community, quickly went to work making the event a reality. Mona’s mom, Linda, who worked at Head Start in Longmont for 30 years, became their ticket booth manager (the CFO as they call her). Mona’s dad, Dean, who worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 40 years, dove in headfirst – not only in construction of the event but also as an actor. Together, we’ve had 5 years of The Empty Grave in CO.
With humble beginnings in Orange County locations, Mike and his team grew this small haunt into a well-known fall-time favorite for many Southern California families. The haunted house would become known for its amazing actors and unique storytelling, with a redesigned haunt each and every year since its beginning.
In 2016, the haunted house was closed due to an unexpected loss of location, and Mike relocated to Colorado. The Empty Grave would go dormant until revived by Mike’s wife, Mona, and her family. Lacking the connections and resources in CO, Mona and her family quickly came to the rescue, eagerly jumping in to help with everything.
Mona’s family, longtime Longmont locals and active members of the community, quickly went to work making the event a reality. Mona’s mom, Linda, who worked at Head Start in Longmont for 30 years, became their ticket booth manager (the CFO as they call her). Mona’s dad, Dean, who worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 40 years, dove in headfirst – not only in construction of the event but also as an actor. Together, we’ve had 5 years of The Empty Grave in CO.
Today, the family find themselves in their third year in the same location, Wibby Brewing, and they are prepping one of their most unique events ever! Below is a list of years and locations where The Empty Grave took place over the years.
The Block – Orange, CA (2005-2008)
Garden Walk – Anaheim, CA (2009-2013)
Laguna Hills Mall – Laguna Beach, CA (2014-2015)
Village at the Peaks Mall – Longmont, CO (2018)
Denver Premium Outlets – Thornton, CO (2019)
Wibby Brewing – Longmont, CO (2021-2023)
