In the bustling heart of San Francisco, art and craft fair producer Ted Cassidy is busy organizing Autumnfest 1977, his grand expo event. His preparations take an eerie twist when a man, claiming to be the spirit of the iconic showman, P.T. Barnum, appears before him. Though skeptical at first, Ted is soon thrust into a whimsical journey as Barnum beckons spirits of 19th-century luminaries to participate in the fair.

As the expo transforms, attendees are treated to ethereal displays: Auguste Rodin meticulously sculpts “The Kiss” while Edvard Munch recreates his haunting “The Scream.” Moreover, the fair’s stage resonates with spectacular performances — Buffalo Bill’s thrilling Wild West Show featuring sharpshooter Annie Oakley, Tchaikovsky’s mesmerizing rendition of The Nutcracker, and Houdini’s jaw-dropping escape acts.

In this supernatural whirlwind, fair artist Cindy Harris finds herself captivated by the spirit of painter Paul Gauguin. Together, they journey through time, exploring Gauguin’s Tahiti of 1891 and other vibrant locales, forging an unlikely, romantic bond.

However, not all ghosts come with good intentions. The ominous spirit of Dr. H. Holmes, the infamous 19th-century murderer, infiltrates the fair with dark designs. As he lures unsuspecting women back in time to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, Ted recognizes the threat and, with Barnum’s aid, embarks on a mission to avert impending doom.

The climax unfolds at the Chicago fair’s Ferris Wheel. In a heart-stopping confrontation atop the soaring structure, Holmes captures Ted’s fiancée, Hope Wolcott. A perilous chase ensues, and Ted faces a deadly showdown with Holmes, resulting in a desperate battle above the crowd, with the fate of his loved one hanging in the balance.