Terror Vault brings the season of the witch to San Francisco

Yes, but: Terror Vault — the live scare-fest co-founded by celebrated local drag artist Peaches Christ — is a more immersive experience that combines live theater, a full storyline and special effects in a maze-like set spread across multiple floors of the historic San Francisco Mint.

State of play: This year's haunting theme,"Hexed," takes visitors on a journey to find three evil witches in different corners of the world to break an ancient curse. (Sure, we didn't leave the Mint, but at one point it felt as if we were really in the snowy Himalayas!)

• Past years have guided attendees through cult indoctrination and alien abductions.

How it works: Visitors venture through the experience in small groups, with timed entrances every 15 minutes for three hours.

Behind the scenes: The lead characters are played by three different actors, which explains how our witchy guides were able to be everywhere at once even as plenty of groups arrived after us.

My thought bubble: This was my third time going to Terror Vault. It's great to see the show feeling fresh in its seventh year. Seeing this show marks the official start of spooky season for me!

Stop by: Add on a VIP experience for $45, which grants access to a private bar with drag and pole performers. VIP ticket holders also receive a glow-in-the-dark necklace that signals their readiness for a more terrifying scare.

• General admission attendees can also purchase the add-on necklace for $5.

If you go: Tickets start at $60. Show runs through Nov. 1 at 88 Fifth St.