Immersive experience at acclaimed Franklin speakeasy brings haunted Prohibition-era cocktails, Halloween snacks and other surprises to downtown Franklin from October 6 through November 1
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — (September 24, 2026) – Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club, the famed downtown Franklin destination which was named one of the ‘coolest’ speakeasies in the south by Southern Living, is transforming into The Haunted Speakeasy this October for the Halloween season.
It will invite guests to step into the immersive experience, where the Prohibition Era has come back to life with a supernatural twist. Ghostly apparitions emerge from the darkness, portraits and mirrors come alive, and eerie green lights cut through the room. The pop-up runs from October 6, building toward a Halloween party on Saturday, October 31, before one final night on November 1, Day of the Dead.
“Amendment XVIII’s speakeasy history and location in a historic downtown makes it the perfect setting for a Halloween pop-up, allowing us to bring the mystery and spirit of the Prohibition Era to life with haunted elements and spooky new cocktail and menu items,” says Trudy Thomas, senior director of food and beverage at Pikeld Concepts.
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At the bar, undead bartenders offer The Dead Drink Again, a special cocktail menu that digs up the bones of cocktail history and resurrects forgotten, infamous drinks for a modern audience. Rather than simply recreating antique recipes, Amendment XVIII uses contemporary spirits, unexpected ingredients, modern techniques, and theatrical presentation to give each cocktail a new life.
There will be over a dozen delectable drinks on The Dead Drink Again menu, including non-alcoholic options. Highlights include The Frankenjack,a 1928 cocktail resurrected with blanco tequila, applejack, dry vermouth, apricot, Cointreau, and a mouth-numbing buzz button flower that provides an unexpected sensory experience that changes how the cocktail tastes from one sip to the next; The Crow, a reimagining of a 1927 cocktail made with Burnt Tavern Bourbon, Amaro Averna, pomegranate, and black lemon that is served over crow stamped ice with a smoldering rosemary branch;The Death Rattle featuring rye whiskey, blood orange, lemon, hot honey, an egg white, absinthe, and angostura; and The Phantom Scream made with Empress 1908 Gin, Crème Yvette, lemon, gomme, and an egg white.
Amendment XVIII’s kitchen will join the haunting with a selection of Halloween bites, including Ghastly Beet Hummus & Spectral Chips, a vivid magenta beet hummus served with crisp pita; The Butcher’s Bite, a set of savory meatball sliders; The Devil You Know, roasted red pepper deviled eggs topped with black sesame; and The Last Rites, an indulgent chocolate mousse dessert.
Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club is open from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays, and is closed on Mondays.
Located in the heart of downtown Franklin, Amendment XVIII continues to blend the timeless atmosphere of a classic speakeasy with a modern, elevated approach to hospitality, cocktails, and small plates.
The experience of Amendment XVIII begins before you ever step inside, with an exclusive speakeasy feel and hidden entrance designed to transport guests from the moment they arrive. The speakeasy entrance is located in the alley. Guests can use the Mellow Mushroom rear entrance and find the Frankenstein Switch to turn on the green light for entry.
For more information, visit https://a18club.com/
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About Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club
Amendment XVIII is a distinctive bar and social destination in Franklin, offering a thoughtfully curated experience that blends elevated cocktails, premium spirits, and a welcoming, design-forward atmosphere. Inspired by a spirit of craftsmanship and conversation, Amendment XVIII provides a refined yet approachable setting for guests to gather, unwind, and connect—whether for a casual evening out or a more celebratory occasion.
Amendment XVIII is owned and operated by Pikeld Concepts, a Nashville-based hospitality group led by entrepreneur Steve Barone. With a focus on creating unique, experience-driven venues, Pikeld Concepts is committed to contributing to the character and vibrancy of the communities it serves. Through Amendment XVIII, the group brings a fresh, elevated offering to Franklin, complementing the city’s historic charm with a modern, hospitality-forward concept.
About Pikeld Concepts
Pikeld Concepts is a Nashville-based hospitality group focused on creating distinctive, experience-driven cocktail concepts rooted in creativity, design, and elevated service. Built around its guiding philosophy of delivering “creative cocktail experiences,” Pikeld Concepts develops immersive venues that blend thoughtfully curated beverage programs with intentional atmosphere and storytelling.
Led by entrepreneur Steve Barone alongside hospitality leadership, the company brings together deep operational expertise and a passion for innovation to reimagine the modern cocktail bar. Pikeld’s growing portfolio includes concepts such as Amendment 18 Cocktail Club, Demure Cocktail Lounge, and additional experiential venues in development across the Nashville market.
With a focus on concept originality, operational efficiency, and memorable guest experiences, Pikeld Concepts is committed to contributing to the evolution of Nashville’s hospitality scene while building a portfolio of unique destinations that resonate with both locals and visitors.
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