BUFFALO NAVAL PARK’S NIGHTMARE WHARF NOW HIRING FOR 2026 SEASON
BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park and Nightmare Wharf are seeking energetic, dependable individuals to join the team behind Buffalo’s premier immersive Halloween event.
Open seasonal positions include:
Scare Actors
Queue Line Performers
Makeup Artists
Ticket Takers
Event Ambassadors
Taking place at the Buffalo Naval Park this fall, Nightmare Wharf will transform the historic waterfront campus into a large-scale Halloween experience featuring haunted attractions, themed environments, live entertainment, dramatic lighting, dense fog, and high-impact scares.
“We are looking for performers, artists and event staff who want to help us create an unforgettable experience from the ground up,” said Stephen Szortyka, Director of Creative Event Operations and Production for Nightmare Wharf. “Whether someone has years of performance experience or is stepping into this world for the first time, we want enthusiastic people who are ready to become part of something entirely new for Buffalo.”
Presented by the nonprofit Buffalo Naval Park, Nightmare Wharf is more than a seasonal attraction. The event is designed to welcome new audiences to the waterfront, create seasonal employment opportunities and generate critical support for the Park’s historic preservation and educational mission.
“Every ticket sold for Nightmare Wharf directly supports the preservation of our historic ships and the educational programming that keeps their stories alive,” said Brian Luallen, President & CEO of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. “This event gives us an innovative way to strengthen the Park’s future, introduce new visitors to this important cultural institution and continue building a true year-round destination on Buffalo’s waterfront.”
Performance experience is welcomed but not required for all positions. Applicants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly themed environment and available evenings and weekends during the Halloween season. Position-specific training will be provided. Nightmare Wharf will operate on select nights throughout the 2026 Halloween season. To learn more or apply, visit NightmareWharf.com.
About Nightmare Wharf
Nightmare Wharf is Buffalo’s premier immersive Halloween event, located at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. The largescale waterfront experience features haunted attractions, themed environments, dramatic lighting, a fog-heavy atmosphere, live entertainment, photo opportunities, a full bar and gathering areas throughout the grounds. More information about Nightmare Wharf is available at nightmarewharf.com including a media kit.
About the Buffalo and Erie County Military & Naval Park
The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is the nation’s largest inland naval park and the home of four U.S. Naval vessels: USS The Sullivans, USS Little Rock, USS Croaker, and PTF-17. Located on Buffalo’s Waterfront, this unique family destination is committed to its mission, which is to honor, educate, inspire, and preserve. The Buffalo Naval Park also features a Museum, United States Military Exhibits, and a beautifully manicured Veterans Park with 15 monuments and memorials dedicated to those who served our country. More information about the Buffalo Naval Park is available at buffalonavalpark.org.
