Whether you like to celebrate the so-called spooky season or not, there's no escaping spine-tingling events, jack-o'-lanterns and decorations galore during the month of October. We've rounded up the best Halloween events in every US state this year to help you embrace the mystery and join the fun.
Perfect for those after a proper fright, Atrox Factory in Leeds is the largest indoor haunted house in the Southeast. The 50,000-square-foot (4,645sqm) area features over a quarter of a mile (0.4km) of twisted hallways full of shocking surprises. The hair-raising sets are incredibly realistic and new characters are added every year. The event is on until the end of October (with special events in November and even December) and children aged 13 or younger are not admitted without a parent or guardian.
Just like every year, Anchorage and its botanical garden embrace Halloween with creative spooky displays. With autumn foliage on full display and scarecrows, werewolves and aliens waiting for visitors, it's a family-friendly event on until 22 October. There's even a haunted ghost trail hiding a few surprises. If you miss that, you can learn how to make your own gourd lamp at a workshop in the garden on 15 November.
A spooktacular hot air balloon extravaganza takes over Salt River Fields during Halloween. Prepare to be amazed as you witness a stunning display of over 20 balloons, which will be distributing a whopping 1,800kg (4,000lbs) of candy to all the eager trick-or-treaters. Don't miss the spine-tingling haunted Spooky Trail, where you can experience thrills and chills in a safe and controlled environment. And as the night sky darkens, get ready for a dazzling firework display that will light up the night. The event runs from 27 to 29 October.
Few experiences evoke the spirit of Halloween as effectively as a pumpkin patch, and this particular one offers a family-friendly adventure. In addition to selecting the ideal pumpkin, children can take on the challenge of navigating a corn maze, go on a hayride and interact with friendly farm animals. The patch also boasts a thrilling 1,400-foot (427m) zipline, as well as the exhilarating Horror in the Hollow event, featuring the crowd-pleasing Zombie Paintball Patrol attraction (it's advisable to leave the youngest members of your family out of this one).
Expect the unexpected during Halloween season at Winchester Mystery House, a 160-room mansion in San Jose with a bizarre backstory. Built with a maze of rooms, dead ends and labyrinths to ward off ghosts, the house is the perfect setting for a different kind of immersive experience. A pair of fictional Old Hollywood characters have moved into the house this October and are throwing themselves a welcome party – but will it end well? It's the Mystery House's scariest immersive walkthrough yet!
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The Emma Crawford Festival in Manitou Springs leans on the side of whimsy and humour rather than pure fright, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a fun time this Halloween. The annual festival sees unusual events taking place throughout October – our favourite is the coffin race on 28 October, when participating teams race their creatively designed coffins to the finish line.
What could be more fun than taking on a treetop adventure this Halloween season? Radiant lights will guide your way as you soar through the treetops on a zipline, tackle rope courses and navigate high-altitude challenges during Glow in the Park, an event brimming with spooky charm that's perfect for the entire family. Immerse yourself in the eerie ambiance with Halloween-themed music and decorations until 28 October. Recommended for ages 12+.
A pirate-themed Halloween takes over Rehoboth Beach every October as the Sea Witch Festival (27-29 October) comes to town. Keeping the local legends of sea witches alive, attractions include trick or treating, pony rides and beach games, while the main event is the costume parade where an inflatable witch's head – green face, hooked nose, black hat and all – is marched through the city streets.
No one does frightful fun quite like Disney, and this inclusive celebration kicks off with a magical display of fireworks, family-friendly Halloween decorations, special character costumes, parades and festive music. The themed nights are on until 31 October, giving ample opportunity to trick-or-treat throughout the park and join a wickedly fun Hocus Pocus celebration at Cinderella Castle.
As night falls at Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm in Dawsonville, the place transforms into a spine-tingling adventure. In this maze, the only source of light is the eerie, pale blue glow of the moon, revealing the haunting surprises hidden within the shadowy rows as you try to find your way out of the haunted trail... On every weekend until 28 October.
Throughout the scariest month of the year, Mysteries of Hawaii Ghost Tours are especially popular – and for good reason. The chilling experiences range from a Waikiki ghost walking tour to haunted bus tours in Honolulu. You'll learn about some of the most chilling stories of haunted places and subjects from Hawaiian legends. Although these tours don't feature jumpscares, some may not be suitable for children under 15 years old.
A mile-long (1.6km) outdoor trail, The Haunted Swamp is much more than just a scenic walk with views of mountains and rivers. Prepare yourself to encounter ghosts, goblins, zombies and more as you disturb their peace at the swamp. The Halloween tradition started 15 years ago as a fundraiser and has now grown to feature incredible props and around 60 actors waiting for your arrival. It's open every night until 29 October, with a special Kiddie Day on 21 October for youngsters to trick-or-treat and play Halloween-themed games.
A much-loved tradition in Chicago, this fun parade embraces the spirit of Halloween and showcases magnificent large-scale puppets, performers in costumes, intricate floats and lanterns. Celebrating Chicago's creative communities, the event is hosted by the Art Institute of Chicago and Lookingglass Theatre Company. This year's parade takes place on 21 October on State Street, from Lake to Van Buren.
The Irvington Halloween Festival in Indianapolis extends over a full week, providing ample opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the eerie festivities. This long-standing festival has a history of more than 70 years and includes a masquerade ball, lively street fair, zombie bike ride, vampire run and a selection of street food to tuck into. This year the festival is on from 22 to 28 October.
Living History Farms is an immersive outdoor museum dedicated to educating people about Midwestern rural life and every Halloween a family event takes over the farm in celebration of the spooky season. Everyone can enjoy trick-or-treating, pumpkin bowling, taking horse-drawn wagon rides and listening to spine-tingling scary stories. This year the event takes place across two weekends in October (20-22 and 27-29).
This long-standing event, dating back to 1919, is entirely dedicated to Halloween and is the largest annual festival in Kansas. Neewollah, which is Halloween spelled backwards, spans nine days and builds excitement with parades and entertaining activities that lead up to the main event, the Grand Parade. Drawing a crowd of 75,000 attendees, the festival features a musical extravaganza, chili-making contest and a captivating pageant for all to enjoy. Join the fun between 20 and 28 October.
Every year Louisville hosts a fun event that never fails to wow. The Jack O' Lantern Spectacular sees around 5,000 pumpkins carved into all manner of patterns, from spooky spectres to famous characters and more. A short 0.3-mile (0.4km) walk is lit up with the lanterns, so don't forget to bring your camera, and there's street food to snack on too. On every day until 31 October.
There's plenty of mystery in the Big Easy, so it's little surprise the city celebrates Halloween with gusto. There are plenty of events to enjoy, from ghost tours to dress-up parties, but the Krewe of Boo (on 21 October this year) remains the key event. The parade swoops through the city with elaborate floats, props and costumes that showcase local artistry. In the market for something a bit more stomach-churning? Join the New Orleans Zombie Run where runners flee the living dead.
Three locations across the state – Lebanon, Farmington and Bangor – have haunted houses ready to welcome those seeking a good scare. Each site features immersive experiences sure to send shivers down your spine as you pass through cemeteries, slaughterhouses and even a crematorium. They're all sets with actors, of course (or are they...?). On throughout October.
Dare to join a spine-tingling journey through eerie woods on The Haunted Trail and Trail of Terror at Maryland's Field of Screams. Along this unsettling path, guests are invited into multiple haunted houses where surprises lurk around every corner, from ghastly cadavers to menacing clowns and sinister butchers.
For a truly spooky Halloween, there's nothing better than visiting a place so connected to real-life mystery and magic. The location of the famous witch trials of the 17th century, Salem fully embraces its past and turns Halloween into a whole month's worth of events, ranging from a Psychic Fair and Witches' Market to zombie horror houses, seances, walking tours and more.
One of Michigan's most impressive Halloween destinations, Terror on Tillson Street in the small town of Romeo is the result of hardworking and dedicated locals who crank up the Halloween spirit to the max. Around 30 houses on the street participate in what becomes an incredible spectacle, with decorations and over 75,000 pieces of candy handed out to trick-or-treaters. It's a real family event, with the street closed off to traffic on Halloween evening, and it's also completely free to attend. The brilliant community project also raises money to benefit Romeo High School vocational and athletic programmes as well as US veterans.
Anoka proudly bills itself The Halloween Capital of the World, thanks to its historical distinction of hosting one of the inaugural Halloween parades back in 1920. Carrying on this century-old tradition, Anoka is widely recognised as one of the top destinations in the United States to revel in Halloween festivities. Situated in Anoka County, Minnesota, this small city, with its population of approximately 17,000, offers a unique opportunity to elevate your Halloween experience. You can join the annual Halloween parade, embracing the time-honoured Minnesota tradition in all its spooky glory. Don't miss out on watching the heaviest pumpkin competition.
Every year the typically charming Cedar Hill Farm hosts one of the most spine-chilling events in the Southeast. The Haunted Farm attraction features thrilling experiences such as the Haunted Hayride, Trail of Terror and Sensturbia. All attractions are designed to give you a proper fright so be prepared to jump. Not recommended for children under 10.
Every autumn, Branson's Silver Dollar City hosts the Harvest Festival, when the whole park comes alive with the mesmerising glow of thousands of illuminated pumpkins at Pumpkins in the City. Craft days showcase talented artisans from all over the country each week and visitors can savour delicious autumn treats and partake in rides and attractions that continue into the evening. The event runs from Thursday to Monday until 28 October.
Oscar's Park in Billings is transformed for Halloween, taking on a more spooktacular appearance. Traditional horse-drawn wagon rides wind their way through the park and take in the legends and stories of Sleepy Hollow. But watch out, the area is rumoured to be haunted by the Headless Horseman himself. Although the experience is eerie, it's appropriate for all ages. Available on select dates until 31 October.
An amusement park ready to send shivers down your spine, Haunted Hollow spans seven acres and boasts 15 terrifying attractions that will leave you breathless. To kick things off, you can explore a spine-chilling three-storey haunted mansion, navigate a bewildering barn maze, experience a sinister carnival, gather around eerie bonfires and even delve into the mysteries of tarot card reading. On until 28 October.
Nevada's biggest city, Las Vegas is naturally bursting at the seams with Halloween attractions. But this heartwarming event not only brings the community together – it also raises money for a not-for-profit organisation that supports adults with intellectual disabilities. On every weekend throughout October, expect fun rides, nightly entertainment and trick-or-treat stations. You can also come in costume to embrace the Halloween spirit even more.
A firm Halloween favourite, the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival is one of the most celebrated events of the season, with its spectacular centrepiece – the glowing jack-o'-lantern tower. You can also try your hand at pumpkin bowling, and there's a beer garden as well as horse-drawn hayrides. It's only on for a day on 21 October so make sure you don't miss out on the Halloween fun.
Six Flags Great Adventure undergoes a chilling transformation where monsters, ghosts, sinister scientists and myriad other frightful beings take over the park. This season, you can navigate through five distinct Scare Zones, where terrors lurk around every corner. For those who'd rather stick to the rides, be prepared for surprise thrills as park performers may join you on selected attractions. Plus, there are captivating parades, riveting shows and a multitude of other eerie entertainment options to experience.
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The undead will be out in full force in Las Cruces – all you need to do to join is to transform into a zombie yourself. The event features live music, captivating dance performances and a variety of food trucks to satisfy your cravings. Better get practicing your zombie walking skills!
Home to the mysterious headless horseman dreamt up by author Washington Irving, New York's Sleepy Hollow lives up to its reputation during the spookiest month of the year with its annual Sleepy Holloween (which is anything but sleepy). There are haunted hayrides, ghostly cemetery and mansion tours, spooky costume parades and the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, which is a grand spectacle.
Get ready for serious thrills at Woods of Terror, where a multitude of spine-chilling attractions await. The much-anticipated Chaos 3D is a hair-raising journey through a new dimension of horror where you'll question whether the walls are springing to life. You can explore classic horror movies and venture into the abyss with Blackout Terror, an immersive experience in the dark. A nightly parade gives respite from the scary stuff and a tempting selection of food is on offer too. On until 4 November.
The reportedly haunted Fort Abraham Lincoln houses reconstructed military buildings where spooky goings on are often reported outside the Halloween season. However, during the month of October the scare level is turned up to the max, with five creepy attractions ready to thrill visitors as the park turns into the Haunted Fort.
Typically, Cedar Point offers fun daytime activities for all ages, and the same can be said during the spooky season. As night falls, the park transforms into a spine-chilling destination, but it's not too scary for little ones. Visitors specifically seeking thrills can explore haunted mazes and watch eerie live shows. On until 29 October.
With sold-out performances nationwide, The Dinner Detective, the largest interactive murder mystery dinner show in the country, arrives at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City this Halloween. Over a four-course meal, diners are invited to solve a mysterious murder by uncovering hidden clues. On every Saturday.
You might recognise quirky St Helens as the filming location for the Disney classic Halloweentown, and throughout October the town embraces this spooky festive spirit, welcoming visitors near and far. The month is filled with various weekend festivities, including a haunted hearse tour, a monster fun run and pumpkin parades. The grand finale comes on Halloween itself when a massive pumpkin is illuminated.
Hersheypark might be sweet during the day, but on weekends until the end of October there's a certain spookiness that falls over it. As the sun sets, the park's beloved thrill rides become even more thrilling when experienced in the dark during the final hour of the day. Families can also enjoy an interactive trick-or-treat trail, complete with Halloween decorations for extra fun. And for an educational twist, guests can take a Creatures of the Night flashlight tour at the adjacent ZooAmerica, the perfect complement to all the candy-filled excitement.
There are numerous ways to embrace the season in Rhode Island, but for a unique experience make your way to the Steel Yard in Providence where the annual Halloween Iron Pour takes place on 21 October. As the spookiest day of the year approaches, crowds gather to witness skilled artists pouring blazing molten iron into meticulously crafted moulds, creating an array of intriguing sculptures. These captivating performances are complemented by live music, street food and a selection of craft beers.
Carowinds is already one of the nation's most thrilling amusement parks, but every October it undergoes an even more spine-chilling transformation. SCarowinds consists of 16 fright-filled nights (see the website for specific dates) that feature haunted mazes, scare zones teeming with monsters, live entertainment and exhilarating roller coaster rides under cover of darkness.
On the final weekend of October (specifically, 27-28 October this year), the quaint town of Deadwood undergoes a spine-tingling transformation, becoming 'Deadweird'. The schedule for this year's festivities includes the Monster Ball, with live music and dancing, and an exciting costume competition with an impressive £8,200 ($10,000) in cash and prizes up for grabs.
This delightful Tennessee town is home to one of the largest Halloween festivals in the nation. Guests can partake in an array of entertaining activities, including family-friendly trick-or-treating, thrilling roller coaster rides and chilling nights of fright. Nonetheless, the standout attraction is the Dollywood Harvest Festival, a blend of fantastic music, exciting rides adorned with enormous pumpkins, and a delectable array of autumn-themed culinary delights. On until 30 October.
During the eerie season, a trip to Screams Halloween Theme Park, located just outside Dallas, is essential. The park currently offers five thrilling haunted attractions for visitors to savour. In addition to these heart-pounding experiences, there's a range of other entertainment options, such as skill games, paintball and the opportunity to showcase your vocal prowess with Scary-Oke. Join the fun on Fridays and Saturdays until 28 October.
Those seeking serious thrills can navigate their way through 13 chilling 'nightmares' at Nightmare on 13th, an indoor haunted house attraction in Salt Lake City. The 'nightmares' include Dark Ride of Terror, Black Water, Deep Freeze, Swamp Blood and many more. For those feeling super brave, a second attraction called the Institute of Terror ensures a night filled with spine-tingling scares.
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Whichever way you prefer to be scared this Halloween, Nightmare Vermont has a suitable experience for you. Offering live stage combat, an original theatrical plot and interactive scares and special effects, there are two experiences to choose from. For the scaredy cats, 'ghost wards' are available for purchase and render you 'invisible' to the characters. This means they won't approach you, startle you or make physical contact. On the flip side, 'monster teasers' are for adventurous souls who actively seek out scares. Nightmare Vermont is open across the last two weekends of October.
Virginia's much-loved theme park offers an array of frightful experiences once the sun sets. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 29 October, hundreds of menacing monsters are unleashed throughout the park, ready to send shivers down your spine. You can expect live performances, an intricate maze and other spine-tingling surprises. A variety of bewitching brews and speciality eats await too. Note that the event is not suitable for smaller kids and parental discretion is advised.
Offering two spine-tingling shows this October, the Can Can Culinary Cabaret is perfect for those looking to celebrate the spookiest time of the year without jumpscares. This year's two offerings are The Hitchcock Hotel and This Is Halloween. The latter, inspired by Tim Burton's classic film The Nightmare Before Christmas, celebrates its 16th anniversary and features a live orchestra and stunning staging.
Ric Griffith is a former mayor of Kenova, but these days, aside from sitting on West Virginia's House of Delegates, he's more famous for his jaw-dropping Halloween tradition. Each year Ric welcomes the public into his home, which is adorned with some 3,000 pumpkins. It takes several volunteers weeks to intricately carve and decorate the pumpkins to bring the vision to life. The magical display takes shape just before Halloween and there are usually food trucks nearby for a warming snack too.
Almost nowhere embraces the Halloween season like Wisconsin Dells. For the whole month of October different celebrations take over the city, from eerie ghost boat tours to trick-or-treating at the waterpark. Get ready for thrills as you join Dells Trolley Tours for its Haunted History Tour, and don't miss out on the Haunted Mansion – a classic haunted house-style attraction.
Every year in Cheyenne, Halloween is marked with a masquerade ball that raises funds for the Leadership Cheyenne charity and its beatification project for improving the community. This year's Boo Ball, taking place on 21 October, sports a Monster Mash theme, where ghoulish, scary and spooky costumes are expected.