Downtown Fayetteville’s historic Cameo Art House Theatre will open its doors to the dark and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe for three nights only as the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy brings its immersive cocktail experience to town on March 20, 21, and 22.
This unique event blends live performance, craft cocktails, and the haunting works of one of America's greatest literary masters — creating a night of chilling entertainment unlike anything Fayetteville has ever seen.
The 90-minute experience pairs four of Poe’s most famous stories The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat, The Raven, and The Masque of the Red Death with custom cocktails inspired by each tale. Dramatic retellings by "Poe historians" will transport audiences into the macabre worlds of madness, death, and mystery that made Poe’s works legendary — all while guests enjoy carefully crafted drinks that bring the stories to life through flavor.
The Evening's Signature Cocktails
First, The Pale Blue Eye captures the eerie imagery of The Tell-Tale Heart in liquid form. This light blue cocktail blends blueberry vodka, fresh lemon juice, rose syrup, and La Croix, offering a refreshing yet haunting start to the night.
Next, The Cocktail of Red Death draws inspiration from The Masque of the Red Death, serving up a vibrant, blood-red concoction made with 100-proof vodka, cherry herring, Benedictine liqueur, lime juice, pineapple juice, and bitters— a drink as decadent and foreboding as Prospero’s ill-fated masquerade.
The third drink of the night, Edgar's Twisted Brandy Milk Punch, offers a dark twist on a Southern classic. This rich, creamy cocktail blends Kentucky Bourbon and French Brandy with vanilla cream, milk syrup, and half and half, topped with a single star anise for a hint of spice and a touch of the unsettling.
Finally, the night closes with The Nevermore, a striking black and gold cocktail that pays tribute to Poe’s most famous poem, The Raven. This mysterious drink combines orange peach blossom vodka, lime juice, and secret spices, delivering a complex, slightly sweet finish that lingers long after the story ends.
What People Are Saying About the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy
The immersive evening has been praised for blending high-quality theatrical performances, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that brings Poe’s dark tales to life. While some guests note that the experience feels more like a dinner theater with drinks rather than a traditional speakeasy setting, the majority of reviews highlight the event's unique charm and spooky atmosphere.
Many reviewers praise the talented actors who perform dramatic retellings of Poe’s stories. The storytellers are described as captivating and charismatic, drawing the audience into the macabre worlds of madness and mystery. One past guest wrote, "The performances were absolutely mesmerizing — like stepping straight into one of Poe’s twisted tales."
The four custom cocktails have become a standout feature of the event. Each drink is designed to complement the story being told, adding an extra layer of immersion to the experience. Guests appreciate the attention to detail in both flavor and presentation.
“The cocktails were delicious and clever — the 'Pale Blue Eye' was so refreshing, and 'The Nevermore' was unlike any drink I've ever had."
With dim lighting, vintage decor, and a dark, gothic aesthetic, the speakeasy creates the perfect setting for Poe’s haunting stories. Guests describe the atmosphere as eerie, intimate, and theatrical, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. “From the moment you walk in, you feel like you've entered another world — one where Poe’s ghost might be hiding in the shadows.”
What sets the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy apart is its combination of theatre and craft cocktails. Instead of simply watching a performance or attending a tasting event, guests are fully immersed in a multi-sensory journey — part show, part cocktail hour, and entirely unforgettable.
If you're looking for a night of literature, libations, and a little touch of the macabre, the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy promises to be an experience like no other.
With limited seating at each performance, the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy offers an exclusive experience designed to feel as if guests have stumbled upon a secret gathering — one where the ghost of Poe himself might be lurking in the shadows.
Showtimes are set for 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, with six performances on Saturday from noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, and reservations are required. Tickets are available now at cameoarthouse.com. Don't wait — once these seats are gone, they’ll be gone... forevermore.