Halloween, the bewitching night when the boundary between the living and the dead blurs, has long captured the human imagination with its eerie charm and playful spookiness. Originating from ancient Celtic traditions, this festival, celebrated on the eve of All Saints' Day, has evolved into a vibrant, globally recognized holiday marked by costume parties, haunted houses, and the sweet delights of trick-or-treating. It's a time when the mundane transforms into the magical, when ghouls and goblins roam the streets, and when the air is filled with both excitement and a hint of fright. Here is a comprehensive list of celebrations from around the globe that make Halloween a truly enchanting and cherished occasion for people of all ages.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
One of the most fun and most unique Halloween events in Albuquerque is Day of the Tread. This bicycling event combines Day of the Dead and Halloween, with live music and entertainment along the course and a costume contest. Additionally, there are a few ghost tour opportunities in Albuquerque. Explore haunts and history in Albuquerque’s historic Old Town on #ABQTour’s Ghost Tour. You’ll learn about some of the first residents of the city, including some that are said to have never left. Albucreepy Ghost Walk: Taverns and Tales takes you on a journey around the Old Town area with stories of spooky spirits and stops to drink local spirits. This walk stops at local breweries in between tales of the most famous ghosts in Albuquerque. The new Brews & Boos tour at Painted Lady Bed & Brew gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the former brothel and saloon. Enjoy a walking tour of the grounds, historic photos, and firsthand stories about paranormal activity, all while sipping on a complimentary beer.
Anaheim, California
Thriller Nights is a throwback entertainment party celebrating classic horror films and nostalgia of the 80s and 90s. Produced by Room 2 Party, this 21+ entertainment experience is bringing horror flicks to life with larger-than-life photo spots, delicious specialty cocktails (think: Freddy's Revenge, Good Guys Juice and Pennywise Surprise), interactive touch-screen game tables, local musical acts belting out the greatest dance anthems from the past, and a DJ who'll have attendees grooving to those old-school party favorites all night long. The Thriller Nights pop-up location will be at the 13,000 square foot STC Gardenwalk venue located at 400 West Disney Way, Suite 199 Anaheim, CA 92802 and will be open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. from September 29 through October 31 with tickets ranging from $50-$125.
Aspen, Colorado
Spooky Mansion Experiences: In the middle of the dark woods of Aspen, Colorado, onefinestay’s concierge team can turn your luxurious Aspen rental home into a haunted mansion with a number of spooky experiences. Through their partnership with Revels in Hand, onefinestay will bring haunted performances to your very own living room with options for entertainment like the play Bell, Book and Candle by John Van Druten (75 minutes) and Murder Mystery Dinner by Oliver Rose (2-3 hours). To further add to the festive Halloween season, onefinestay’s concierge team decorate the house in Halloween themed décor, put together a pumpkin carving class in your living room, and arrange for a themed dinner with a private chef, themed food and beverage such as Witches Brew, Poison Apple Cocktails, mummy meat loaves, and more.
Athens, Georgia
Known as Athens' own Mardi Gras, the highly anticipated Wild Rumpus Parade & Spectacle is anything but ordinary. The Wild Rumpus is a large-scale crowd-participation Halloween holiday, music and arts celebration in downtown Athens, and it’s one of the Southeast’s premier Halloween celebrations. The public is invited to dress in Halloween costumes and march through the streets of The Classic City. The dazzling display of hand-crafted, wildly imaginative costuming is out of this world, and a highly unique experience. This massive display of creativity, promoting self-expression in a safe and inviting environment, is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween!
Austin, Texas
Autumn activities and haunted happenings abound in October in Austin, visitors will find events and things to do to satisfy the horror lovers, thrill-seekers, easily startled and everyone in between.
Visiting the Live Music Capital of the World® means celebrating Halloween with a music festival, Freaky Deaky Fest is an electronic dance music festival where booming baselines and all things creepy and freaky converge. All ages will be impressed by the 10-foot-tall pumpkin tunnels and magical pumpkin-themed lands during Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms. While you’re there, see performances from fire dancers, professional pumpkin carving and enjoy seasonal treats and drinks. Reimagine the classic Dracula at Ventana Ballet’s UNDEAD House of Horrors, an immersive, adults-only performance. While not a true Halloween celebration, Viva la Vida Festival and Parade is the city’s largest Dia de los Muertos celebration.
Only the bold will brave the spirits on the spookiest day of the year and explore Austin’s notorious haunts. For the full experience, take a mobile tour of the city’s haunts in a black hearse with Haunted ATX. Get up close and personal with historic sites known to be haunted or have experienced paranormal activity. Or, take a downtown walking tour with Austin Ghost Tours and you might see an apparition at the famous Driskill Hotel, the oldest operating hotel in the city.
Bangor, Maine
Check out the haunted Bangor Historical Society’s Hill House - The Hill House is said to be haunted by its former tenants, Samuel and Matilda Dale, who purchased the home in 1846. Today, you can explore their mysterious story and others through the ghostly walking tours the Bangor Historical Society offers.
Visit some sights made famous by Stephen King, America’s famed horror author - Check out King’s home in Bangor at 47 West Broadway in Bangor. You can easily see his eccentric mansion behind the wrought-iron gate that is decorated with spiders and bats. Ever wanted to visit the town of Derry in “It?” Bangor is the town that inspired it! You can even see the drain that inspired the scene where Pennywise lures young Georgie Denbrough, located at the corner of Union and Jackson Streets in Bangor. Then head to the Mount Hope Cemetery at 1048 State Street in Bangor, the site of the (human) cemetery in the film “Pet Sematary.” You can take a self-guided tour or just explore and see if you recognize film locations. For a guided tour of all things Stephen King, book a tour with SK Tours.
Beaufort, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is an extra spirited place to visit around this spooky time of year. From eerie ghost tours, haunting tales from Blackbeard’s past and bouts of paranormal activity, this quintessential Southern destination is filled with various historical mysteries for visitors to discover this Halloween season.
Beaufort Ghost Walk: Embark on an eerie journey through 300 years of haunted history in the historic town of Beaufort, North Carolina. Led by a Pirate Guide, guests are sure to be immersed by the Beaufort Ghost Walk, featuring chilling tales of ghost ships, haunted houses, and unexplainable encounters, in one of America's oldest towns. Step into the haunted history if you dare to visit the Hammock House, once the dwelling of the notorious Blackbeard and is said to be home to a spirit or two.
Old Burying Grounds: Also in Beaufort lies one of the oldest cemeteries in North Carolina, The Old Burying Grounds. Here, there is an air of mystery and sorrow where travelers can discover the fascinating stories of Beaufort’s 300-year history while looking at the weathered tombstones, with many having poignant sayings describing those who are buried there. Probably the most known legend in the gravesite is the burial ground of a girl whose father buried her in a rum barrel after her unfortunate death during a voyage from England.
Bellingham, Washington
The last two weekends in October, Whatcom Frightmare Haunted House in Ferndale, Washington will present a range of scares for all ages, with a “lighter scare” for kiddos earlier in the night. Horror film buffs should also head to the Pickford Film Center in Bellingham, WA in October for Bleedingham Film Festival, an annual event where filmmakers from across the Pacific Northwest submit their horror films and compete for awards.
Stay at the historic Hotel Leo in downtown Bellingham and experience Unlock the Hotel Leo, a uniquely spooky and mysterious escape-room-style adventure that concludes with a cocktail at the hotel’s bar, Amendment 21. For another eerie experience, book a guided walking tour with The Good Time Girls. They offer tours of Bellingham’s Bayview Cemetery as well as Gore & Lore Tours of Bellingham and Fairhaven Village. Find these events and more at bellingham.org.
Bend, Oregon
Campfire Hotel, which opened in October 2020, commemorates the anniversary with an annual Nightmare on 3rd Street Halloween-themed weekend. Festivities begin on Oct. 27, with Friday The 13th "dive-in" horror movie event, food and drinks available at Canteen. Entry is free to hotel guests and $20 for outside guests. On Oct. 28, Justin Buckles Halloween Diva Drag Brunch returns, featuring the best from Portland and local Bend favorites for an afternoon of Halloween-inspired drag, burlesque, acrobatics, dancing, and outrageous fun. Doors open at noon, the show begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25, and the event is for adults 21+ only. The party continues at Bend's new pop-up night club, featuring DJ Duo CLICHÉ , throwing spooky good beats. The party starts at 7 p.m. and ends at midnight. For more information, contact Campfire Hotel directly at www.campfirehotel.com
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Full of haunts and horrors, this place actually has legit connections to the classic horror film “Halloween,” which could just drive even the bravest of visitors to sleep with the lights on! This destination is literally the epitome of Halloween. Well … in the movies, anyway! Bowling Green is the hometown of legendary filmmaker John Carpenter, whose works include horror classics like “Halloween,” “Christine,” “The Fog” and “The Thing.” No, the films weren’t shot here, but on the Reel Sites, Real Scary Driving Tour, horror aficionados can visit 17 spots that were meaningful or inspirational to Carpenter or mentioned in his movies.
Skeleton's Lair is a popular scream park, and it will be visited by actor Tyler Mane October 21-22. Mane played protagonist Michael Myers in the “Halloween” movie reboots.
Several history tours will be available this fall, including Haunted Lantern Tours and Unseen BG. On the Unseen BG tour, you'll travel to cemeteries and even the legendary Murder Mansion, getting insight into one of Bowling Green's darkest and gruesome moments in history.
Chicago, Illinois
Arts in the Dark, a beloved family-friendly event each October, celebrates the artistic side of Halloween. This enchanted nighttime parade features large-scale puppets, costumed performers, elaborate floats, and luminous lanterns. The city’s creative community, including renowned institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and Lookingglass Theatre Company, combine forces to create this surreal evening in downtown Chicago. The Arts in the Dark parade takes over State Street between Lake and Van Buren.
This popular event lights up the night with hundreds of intricately hand-carved pumpkins each October. During Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at the Chicago Botanic Garden, visitors can wander the gorgeous grounds at night and admire the impressive jack-o’-lanterns, each handcrafted for hours by expert artists. There will also be plenty of fall snacks and sips, like spiked cider and seasonal beer.
Columbia, Missouri, is home to one of the most thrilling FearFest celebrations in the Midwest, celebrating its 20th year of terror this year. This is a can't-miss stop for horror lovers, featuring four chilling attractions steeped in local legends. FearFest includes the following spooky attractions:
Hawthorne State Asylum and The Mortuary: Dating back to 1856, the Hawthorn State Asylum housed the most dangerous patients from around the Midwest and is filled with urban legends of ghosts and spooky happenings from the remains. On the same grounds, a Mortuary was built with rumors of improper burials and forbidden experiments. Local legends buzz around both sites and can be best seen by exploring the spooky grounds.
Necropolis Haunted House: Run (or sprint) through a world where zombies have collapsed and have taken over society. Visitor can try to make your way through the haunted house as you try to avoid zombies and thrills at every turn.
Terror in the Woods: With a chill in the air, the spookiest circus is sure to scare the toughest member of the group. The background legend is the clowns are back for revenge and creeping around the grounds for their next victim to thrill.
Conway, South Carolina
The City of Conway, just a few miles from Myrtle Beach, renamed their town “Halloween, SC” for the entire month of October! To celebrate the season, the entire historic downtown is filled with Halloween décor from witch-hat lined alleys to pumpkins in the trees. Almost every corner you turn, there is a new and exciting Halloween display or hay-bale to sit on. Conway is most well known for their event, the Conway Ghost Walk, where professional storytellers recount ghost stories as attendees walk throughout the streets of downtown Conway. The Rivertown Spooktacular Boat Parade is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit with decorated boats floating down the Riverwalk on the Waccamaw River (this event is also free to attend and participate in!). Several other community events include an epic pumpkin patch filled with every size of pumpkin you can image, Spooky River Tours, a Halloween Pickleball Tournament and more!
Corpus Christi, Texas
Dubbed “The Blue Ghost” due to its repeated sinkings and comebacks, the USS Lexington served in both World War II and the Vietnam War. Now, the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay is a popular place to brush up on military history and a hub for those seeking paranormal encounters. Tales abound of ghostly crew members and an apparition of a nurse cradling a baby and searching for her fallen sailor love. Visitors can immerse themselves in the eerie atmosphere during the “Haunting on the Blue Ghost” event, from Oct. 6 to Oct. 31.
Ghost tours of the city are offered by RJA Ghost Tours and Corpus Christi Tours. Both include a two-hour exploration of some of the most paranormal sites in this Texas coastal destination.
Costa Rica
Día de la Mascarada: In North America, Oct. 31 calls for dressing up as ghosts, pumpkins, witches, and vampires. In Costa Rica, the last day of the month calls for dressing up too, but in large, elaborate masks. The tradition began in 1996, when the country’s government declared October 31 Día de la Mascarada Tradicional Costarricense, or Day of the Traditional Costa Rican Masquerade. Traditionally the masquerade is associated with festivals: popular festivals, the turn in the towns, school fairs, parties to raise funds for a specific purpose, and other activities of this type. It is an activity that refers us to a festive atmosphere, to something beautiful, and funny, and, mainly, refers to childhood. Whether for fear or for fun, children (or children) are the ones who are most impacted by those who we have commonly called "the clowns", in addition, the exit of these and their journey through the main streets of the town, is almost always associated with the music of the "cimarrona", to the bombetas, dances and traditional meals. All this together creates an atmosphere of pleasure, of rejoicing, of merriment that makes this one of the most beloved traditions of the Costa Ricans. Learn more here.
Dearborn, Michigan
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village - Throughout October, Greenfield Village, a village of historic buildings and attractions relocated by Henry Ford, hosts the spooky spectacle that is Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village. In the daylight, visitors can step back in time and participate in harvest-themed activities from the 18th and 19th centuries. But when the nighttime arises, over 1,000 jack-o-lanterns and Halloween décor come to life throughout the streets. The "Hallowe'en Express" train allows guests to journey through the village setting sights on some surprising and ghoulish scenes. This event is sold out!
Detroit, Michigan
Halloween Bar Crawl - This is no ordinary bar crawl. Purchasing your ticket includes entrance into a $1,000 grand prize costume contest, 2-3 drinks or shots included, exclusive drink and food specials, cover waived at all venues, professional photographers, and an afterparty in the heart of Detroit. Tickets valid Friday, Saturday, or both days!
DuPage, Illinois
There are so many things to do this fall season, and DuPage is a natural choice to experience it all. One fall favorite activity is pumpkin picking. Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago, IL, is known for being a family-owned and operated pumpkin farm that attracts visitors from far and wide every fall. Aside from pumpkins, Sonny Acres also has a mini-petting zoo, attractions for children, gift shops, a haunted barn, and hayrides for both the day and night. The night time hayride is known for being “the Haunted Hayride”.
What would the fall season be without Halloween and a friendly fright? Monsters, witches, and werewolves have been seen roaming the grounds in Naperville. Experience it for yourself at Naper Settlement's reimagined All Hallows Eve designed for families with kids 16 and under. Looking for something a little spookier? Howlin' at the Moon is Naper Settlement's 21+ event featuring live music, the Food Truck Graveyard, and Booze Bar. Even spookier? Go on a graveyard tour. DuPage has three opportunities for you to tour some of the oldest cemeteries in the county and learn about the residents who lived there. Read this blog to learn more about DuPage folklores and legends.
For more information on fall activities in DuPage, visit www.discoverdupage.com/things-to-do/fall/
Dutchess County, New York
Wing’s Castle Bed and Breakfast (Millbrook): Spend the night and take a tour of this uniquely decorated — and purportedly haunted — medieval-style castle. Artists Peter and Toni Ann Wing began building the castle in 1970 as a “live-in art project” and have used mostly recycled and repurposed materials in its construction. Enjoy plenty of modern amenities during your quiet getaway – along with, perhaps, a ghostly encounter! The castle overlooks the fields at the Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, which offers daily tastings of its award-winning wines and hosts special events like weekend food trucks from May through October and jazz concerts in the summer.
Miss Fanny’s Victorian Party House (Wappingers Falls): Miss Fanny’s is a 19th-century farmhouse named after the last member of the Van Wyck family who lived there. It is decorated with antiques — and a twist of the macabre. The home has been featured on several paranormal TV shows because the current owners share the space with spirits who have made their presence known with doors opening and closing, voices, footsteps — and even apparitions. Events are held year-round, including ghost hunts, medium readings and psychic Halloween parties.
Historic Cemetery Tours
St. James Episcopal Church Graveyard Tours (Hyde Park): Tour this 200-year-old churchyard during their seasonal graveyard tours by lantern light, where you'll "meet” some of the illustrious people who are buried there, including many with connections to the Roosevelts! Characters dressed in costumes appropriate to their times tell their stories and interactive dialogue. Each year features new stories with connections to local history. Appropriate for ages 5 and older.
Parties and Nightlife
"Witch Perfect" (Sunday, Oct. 1 at Revel 32°, Poughkeepsie): "Witch Perfect," the hysterical and award-winning parody based on the cult-classic Disney film, "Hocus Pocus," returns to New Yorks Hudson Valley this fall! This all-ages, live-singing performance at Revel 32° features three Emmy Award-winning stars from "RuPaul's Drag Race." Tina Burner (Season 13) plays Winifred; Scarlet Envy (Season 11, All-Stars Season 6) plays Sara; and Alexis Michelle (Season 9, All Stars Season 8) plays Mary. General admission and VIP meet-and-greet ticket packages are available.
Jessica Lynn’s “Decades” Halloween Bash (Saturday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m. at Daryl’s House, Pawling): Owned by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Daryl Hall, Daryl's House Restaurant and Live Music Club hosts live performances several nights each week and offers scrumptious dinner and brunch menus. Every Halloween, contemporary country music star Jessica Lynn and her band put away their cowboy boots and host this themed party. This year, they’ll take you on a trip back through the “Decades.”
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Every October, downtown Fort Wayne turns into a destination for frightening and spooktacular Fun with Fright Night, featuring fireside tales, ghost tours, and the annual Zombie Walk. On October 21, ghosts, goblins, and zombies take over the streets of Fort Wayne for the 14th annual Fright Night - a thrilling day of family-friendly festivities including garden trick or treats, live music, and the annual parade of zombies – where around 10,000 Zombies parade through the streets of downtown Fort Wayne.
Galena, Illinois
Amelia's Galena Ghost Tours offers an immersive experience into haunted Galena's legends as told by local storytellers. Their tours are backed by thorough historical research, ensuring an authentic experience without any artificial special effects. Guests can ride aboard luxury climate-controlled shuttle buses while exploring the chilling tales of Galena. Visit Amelia's Galena Ghost Tours.
Matthew's Haunted Pub Crawl provides a unique experience led by Galena's #1 storyteller, guiding participants to multiple haunted pubs in historic downtown Galena. The tour blends rarely heard history with documented ghost stories and even includes ghost-hunting equipment to try and connect with spirits. Learn More about Matthew's Haunted Pub Crawl.
Galena's 43rd Annual Halloween Parade & Festival, on October 28th, 2023, is the largest and spookiest of its kind in the region, featuring floats, marching bands, and costume contests. Free shuttles are available to Main Street. Discover Galena's Halloween Parade & Festival!
Dittmar Farms Pumpkin Patch offers a range of Fall activities including hayrides, a corn maze, and petting zoo. Open on weekends, admission is $10 and includes various interactive activities for the whole family. Check out Dittmar Farms Pumpkin Patch!
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Ghosts of Grand Rapids - Historic Walking Tour - Join the Ghosts of Grand Rapids authors for an evening of Grand Rapids history mixed with the paranormal world. Each tour guide will portray a member of Grand Rapids' past to heighten your historical experience. Hear about local histories like the true story behind the legend of the AT&T Building, the dark history of the Pantlind Hotel, the story of the cursed Ashton Building, and more haunted locations.
One of Grand Rapids’ top Halloween attractions is The Haunt, which promises a free nightmare with every ticket. Attendees can choose their own twisted storyline from a serpent cult to an abandoned hospital and the eerily familiar Aftermath storyline, where you enter a post-apocalyptic civilization battling an unknown disease.
For family-friendly fun, hop aboard the Great Pumpkin Train, a vintage railroad ride with a wacky cast of singing and dancing characters decorated for fall. Premium-class riders can enjoy locally-sourced cider from Hill Brother’s Orchard and Coopersville’s famous “Delly Belly” pumpkin theme donuts. Kids that hop on board also receive a free pumpkin.
Visit the John Ball Zoo to see it transform into the ultimate Halloween destination with decorations, twisted treat stations, and amazing animals. Families can see magicians, jugglers, and music during Zoo Goes Boo from Oct. 20-22 and Oct. 27-29.
Houghton, Michigan
Upper Peninsula Annual Halloween Race - Whether you've got a dachshund or a Dane, this is one Halloween bash you won't want to miss. And the best part? You're supporting a fantastic cause—The Copper Country Humane Society. This dog race is just one block of pure, unadulterated joy down Shelden Avenue, and the race is organized into heats for each type of pooch. Before the race, dogs in their best Halloween attire will make their runway debut and can compete to see who is “Best Dressed.”
Harford, Maryland
Garden Glow returns to Ladew Topiary Gardens October 18th-21st! Hundreds of jack-o'-lantern’s carved by local artists, businesses, celebrities, friends and neighbors illuminate the night! This tradition, now in its sixth year, celebrates the season with the help of live entertainment, delicious food and libations and family fun for all ages. If you’re looking to stay the night in Harford County after Garden Glow, you can find an incredible discount on your hotel stay by clicking here!
Legends of the Fog brings 40 acres of fear on Carsins Run Road in Aberdeen! Legends of the Fog is Maryland's Premier 4-in-1 Haunted Destination. Enjoy haunted attractions like the Legendary Haunted Hayride, Haunted Farewell Hotel, Corn-stalkers Maze, and their brand-new walk-through attraction- The Slaughterhouse! Tickets are limited, so reserve yours today. This event runs on select dates from September 23rd until November 4th.
One of the most beautiful small towns in America is home to the paranormal. Experience Havre de Haunts - an eerie walk-through Havre de Grace, MD with your choice of The Phantom Footsteps of Lafayette Tour or The Concord Point Tour! The Lafayette Tour takes you through the main parts of historic downtown Havre de Grace, visiting outside locations that include Lafayette Square, La Cle D'or B&B, Rodger's House (Abbey Burger), The State Theatre and the American Legion. The Concord Point tells ghostly tales of John O'Neil and the War of 1812 and features stops at the Currier House, the old Bayou Hotel, and a walk along the promenade and hear spooky stories of the past. Details and ticket purchasing can be found here.
Hilton Hotels
Ghost Roast with Famous Ghost (San Diego): Famed for hosting one permanent guest since 1892, Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton’s Haunted Happenings tour takes guests through Kate Morgan’s final moments to uncover the mystery of her onsite death followed by a Ghost Roast ‘smores bonfire where guests may receive a visit from Ms. Morgan herself to share her tale.
Autumn Baking + Pumpkins Mexico: Hilton Monterrey’s “Pumpkin Patch Getaway” brings the festive season to Mexico with a package complete with a welcome gift full of sugar skulls, a "Pan de Muertos” decoration and baking workshop to create the traditional Mexican delicacy in the hotel's stone oven, tickets to a nearby pumpkin patch to enjoy local fall activities, and more.
Escape Room + Horror Nights (Orlando): Travelers can experience the world’s largest (and tallest) escape room, Escape at Hilton Orlando, boasts an immersive spy theme and transforms the entire resort into an interactive puzzle of complex clues, challenges, and augmented reality to unveil a moment of triumph. The hotel’s “Room with a Boo” package includes the Escape Room Experience as well as a $50 daily resort credit, late check-out and parking.
Dog Costume Contest for Free Night Stay (San Diego): In a beachside town where visitors will find famously haunted forests and abandoned cemeteries, Hilton San Diego Bayfront’s Treat Your Pet package is making Halloween a holiday for the whole family. The hotel is challenging its four-legged guests to an official Halloween costume contest (and celebratory pup cups) offering the best dressed pup a complimentary night at the hotel decked out with pet-approved goodies.
Beetlejuice Dining Adventure (Oklahoma City): A spooktacular version of this year’s biggest cinema-themed dining trend, Skirvin Hilton Hotel – OKC has debuted an immersive Beetlejuice culinary experience bringing to life Tim Burton’s colorful cult classic with a specially themed menu, décor including the iconic life-sized sandworm and themed cocktails.
Spooky Stargazing Tales (Chicago): Chicago skies are just as haunted as the city itself and hotel guests can delve into the scary tales of the cosmos like the “the hunter” constellation symbolizing impending danger and the spooky secrets of dark matter through Hilton of Chicago’s package in partnership with the very first planetarium in the US, Alder Planetarium. Starting at $164 including overnight accommodations and up to four tickets to the planetarium, participating properties include Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, The Drake Hotel, Hilton Chicago and more.
The Big Easy’s “Dark & Stormy” Past (New Orleans): Explore the eerie tales of French Quarter legends when booking Hilton New Orleans Riverside’s “Dark and Stormy” stay package with exclusively priced tickets to the television-popular Ghost City Tour, themed cocktails and more.
Full Moon Yoga + Potion Cocktails (West Palm Beach): Hilton West Palm Beach, which will unveil its highly anticipated $25 million renovation this fall, is giving guests a chance to howl at the moon during an outdoor Full Moon Yoga class on its lush lawn, hands-on cocktail “potion” class appropriately named, “Pick Your Poison”. Steps from the hotel, families can walk to The Square, West Palm’s most visited destination, who has partnered with Red Sneakers for Oakley, an organization dedicated to advocating for food allergy awareness, to offer allergen-safe treats for all children to enjoy marked by teal pumpkins at each participating storefront, amplifying the efforts of the Teal Pumpkin Project.
Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Dog Beach will be filled with corgis in costumes during the “Everything Howl-o-ween” Fall Corgi Beach Day! You can also bring your furry friends to the Pet Halloween Costume Party & Parade at SeaLegs at the Beach. At the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, Free Rein Foundation is hosting the Huntington Beach Spooktacular featuring a horse show, costume parade, pumpkin decorating, and more. The annual Put a Spell on You Party hosted by Paséa Hotel & Spa is back this year with Halloween-themed cocktails and costume contests. Make sure you also catch the Strange Days Halloween Concert at SeaLegs at the Beach. Classic Halloween Scarolers will be at Bella Terra singing spooky songs on select days in October. On Halloween, head to Main Street for the HB Downtown Surf City Spooktacular, which will have a costume contest and trick-or-treating.
Illinois
Head to ChicagoCruiseEvents.com to book an unforgettable haunted cruise to celebrate this Halloween season. Your haunted cruise will include drinking and dancing with a live DJ and many spooky photo ops- all in costumes of course. Starting at $20 per ticket, there are five cruises to choose from.
Take a magical stroll through the Chicago Botanical Gardens lined with artist-carved pumpkins lighting your way. While attending you’ll be able to see live carving demonstrations, costumed performers and seasonal food and drink. Check out the gardens Oct. 11-15 and Oct. 18-22 from 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Check out the website for pricing information!
Experience a night of thrills and dance the night away at the Congress Plaza Hotel- transformed into an abandoned hotel run by zombies. Inside the 20,000-square-foot ballroom, guests will experience the perfect mix of a VIP club experience and a chilling haunted house. The event will take place on Oct. 28 from 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. and early bird pricing starts at $20. VIP tables are available!
A sordid past of murder, war, death and destruction has led to Alton’s haunted present. Through the years, many travelers have investigated and inquired about the unexplained happenings and psychic phenomena found throughout Alton. Several locations that are noted to be extremely haunted, including the infamous McPike Mansion, have been featured on television shows on the Travel Channel and Syfy Channel.
Built in 1869, the notorious McPike Mansion has been featured on several television shows and investigated by numerous paranormal investigators who have found the haunting of the McPike Mansion to be authentic. When the current owners of the McPike Mansion purchased the house, they had no idea that it was haunted. Now, people see orbs, balls of light and even figures of people in the background of pictures taken at the mansion.
Some claim the haunts date back to the property before the mansion was even built with detections of Native American ghosts and a residue from a possible Underground Railroad stop. Other mysterious stories include servants of the building, a cook in the kitchen and the strange death of a woman in the bathtub. The Cellar has been a focal point of many energies felt in the mansion. This Grand Ole House is thought to still house many of the spirits that once lived here.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indy is home to the nation’s oldest continuously operated haunted house at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Harvest Nights at Newfield’s 100 Acres: Art and Nature Park, Indiana’s ultimate haunted house named The Thirteenth Hour, and the Broad Ripple Beer Fest. There is also Hanna Haunted Acres which is the scariest and most entertaining haunted attraction in Indiana for thrill fanatics and haunted house enthusiasts.
In addition, Indy’s most unique neighborhood called Irvington, is home to one of the largest and most anticipated Halloween festivals. For its 77th anniversary the week of events features Spooky Organ Music, run, a costume ball, contests, Halloween-themed movies, storytelling, ghost tours, live theater, bike rides, puppet show, and much more. The Historic Irvington Halloween festival runs from Oct. 21-Oct. 28, 2023. Here is a link to more details about the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival.
Issaquah, Washington
Night of Revelations at Blakely Hall – Adults only - Spend an evening with the supernatural! View the “Shades of Magic” gallery show and meet artist Ann Elizabeth Scott at Blakely Hall (2550 NE Park Drive) in Issaquah Highlands Washington, an urban village. Participate in Tarot card readings and other mysterious activities while enjoying spooktacular cocktails and nibbles. This evening is for adults only and is free to attend. Come in costume if you dare!
Zombies, Wine, and Art – Oh My! - The Zombie Walk in Issaquah Washington’s historic downtown is a seasonal tradition (free to participate). Zombies of all ages gather at the historic Shell Station (232 Front St N) at one end of downtown for assistance with make-up and to practice Triller flashmob style dance moves. Hungry for brains, the walking-dead zombies are called to city hall at the other end of downtown. Slithering and taunting pedestrians and drivers as they make their way down the sidewalks and gather for ritual moves to Thriller, Time Warp, and the like while a huge crowd gathers to gawk! Following the flash mob, zombies (with tickets) are invited to visit local downtown businesses to taste regional wines and connect with local artisans and their work from 6pm-9pm on October 28. Zombies with energy left to burn can finish the night with live music and dancing at Vino Bella Wine Bar (99 Front St N).
BOO! At the Barn - An all-ages Halloween extravaganza at Issaquah Washington’s historic Pickering Barn. Enjoy a frightfully fun evening of oozing-gooey sensory play, carnival games, a romp through the Happy Hallows for treats and no tricks – and for the brave heart, a cautious traverse down Psycho-Path haunted trail! The event features food trucks, magical market vendors, a costume contest and spooky family fun on October 29! $5 suggested donation. For more in Issaquah Washington
Kansas City, Missouri
For an extra spooky scare, visitors can stop by one of Kansas City’s notorious West Bottoms haunted houses. Each Halloween season, the district transforms into a hair-raising experience, even outside of the ticketed attractions. The Beast, one of the greatest haunted houses in the nation, is sure to scare and excite those who dare to enter as thrill seekers will come face to face with voodoo, werewolves, phantoms, and monsters while they attempt to navigate through the maze-like structure. The Edge of Hell has scared visitors for nearly 50 years and is considered the oldest haunted house in America. The multi-story journey from the clouds of Heaven to the depths of Hell is complete with the longest snake in the world and the locally famous and terrifying Rat Man.
Each year, Worlds of Fun brings a hair-raising experience by combining the thrills of roller coasters with the chills of haunted attractions. Visitors can participate in Halloween Haunt from September 15 to October 28 and navigate through fog-filled streets where over 400 monsters lurk. Step into one of the six scare zones and five outdoor mazes guaranteed to frighten even the bravest of daredevils.
For a more wholesome experience, autumn enjoyers can join the fun at Cornucopia in Kansas City’s Power & Light District. From carnival rides and silent discos to Kansas City Chiefs football watch parties and classic barbeque, this event is the perfect place to enjoy the cool weather and the incoming holiday season. Cornucopia runs from Oct. 14 to 16 and acts as Kansas City’s ultimate fall festival.
Kelowna, British Columbia
Kelowna is pleased to announce the return of BreakOut West, a music festival with 50+ artists performing across multiple venues over three nights. The festival highlights Western Canadian talent alongside select International and Pan-Canadian artist. Whether it’s hip hop, country, folk, or pop, there is something for every music fan.
The Okanagan Fall Wine Festival returns for the first-time post-pandemic, October 27 through November 5, celebrating harvest and wine across the Valley. With over 40 wineries in and around Kelowna, a fall visit showcases ready-to-harvest grape vines. The culinary scene is invigorated as harvest menus and long-table dinners adorn the region, while vineyard leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow. Learn more.
Kissimmee, Florida
This Halloween season, Kissimmee offers a diverse range of spooky events. Here are some of the exciting happenings:
Mortem Manor (Year-Round): If you're a fan of spine-tingling thrills, Mortem Manor in Old Town is a must-visit. It's the only year-round haunted house in the area and features multiple haunted attractions and scare zones.
BOO on Broadway (October 27, 2023): Hosted by Kissimmee Main Street, BOO on Broadway is a popular free family festival filled with spooky fun. Families can enjoy candy collecting, explore Adventures in Booville, and witness spectacular entertainment. It's a perfect outing for families looking to celebrate the season.
SPOOKY & GAY: A Queer Horror Storytelling Cabaret (October 8, 2023): This unique cabaret features original scary stories, songs, and stand-up comedy, all performed in complete darkness. It's a one-of-a-kind experience at the Majestic Repertory Theatre, presented by award-winning Florida performing artist Bruce Ryan Costella.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee may not have a haunted reputation like Savannah or New Orleans, but it has its fair share of the macabre. We’ve got quite a few spooky spots for you to check out on your next visit to Knoxville!
Ghostbusters need not apply, check out Knoxville Haunted Ghost Tours or take a guided tour of Old Gray Cemetery for an eerie look at Knoxville’s past. Knoxville boasts several historic homes with their own ghostly legends. James White's Fort, the city's birthplace, is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a Mrs. Kennedy. Blount Mansion, the birthplace of Tennessee, has tales of a female servant's tragic death and subsequent ghostly presence. Ramsey House is said to be haunted by various spirits, including Billy, Ann, Reynolds, and Seth. Knoxville has a range of other haunted sites. The Bijou Theatre, with its storied past as a Civil War hospital, is said to be frequented by ghostly soldiers. Outside Knoxville to the northwest just past Oak Ridge, you’ll find Brushy Mountain - Tennessee’s first maximum security prison holding the state’s most violent criminals for over a century. With some sentences of 200 years or more, most of the men who walked through its gates would never be walking out. In a similar fashion to Alcatraz, it is now an attraction open to tourists since 2018. For those seeking a more intense scare, Knoxville offers haunted houses and attractions. Dead Man's Farm Haunted House, located near Loudon, is one of the largest haunted attractions in the area, featuring clowns, corn mazes, and even a coffin simulator. FrightWorks Haunted House in Powell offers multiple fright zones and interactive storytelling. Screamville Haunted Attraction in Corryton is known for its talented actors and immersive scares.
Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, Knoxville has a diverse range of spooky experiences for you to experience this Halloween – check out their full guide here!
Lansing, Michigan
Join us on October 25th for The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Riverwalk Theater in Lansing! Doors open at 6 and the show starts at 7. We can't wait to see you there! Prop bags available for purchase at the door. No outside prop, please! Purchase your tickets here
Los Angeles, California
Haunted Hotel Halls: The Biltmore Los Angeles, a hotel with a few ghostly guests, is inviting visitors through its doors to enjoy front row access to its unique haunts. The most infamous bit of The Biltmore’s history is that of Elizabeth Short and her mysterious and untimely demise. Elizabeth had visited The Biltmore in mid-January 1947 for an evening of entertainment which was unfortunately, the last place she was seen alive. Gallery Bar serves up the Black Dahlia Martini in her name and who knows you may see her walk the halls. It’s said that the ghost of a little boy can be seen running around on the 10th floor, which is one of the places where the Black Dahlia’s spirit has also allegedly been seen. Other reports include sightings of a ghostly nurse on the second floor – who might possibly be associated with the World War II soldiers – the ghost of a young girl on the 9th floor, and a faceless boy on the hotel roof.
Louisville, Kentucky
Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom - Back for its second year, discover more than 1,000 illuminated pumpkins at Louisville’s Kentucky Kingdom amusement park. By day, fly through the crisp fall air on world-class rides, savor tasty autumn treats, and discover new seasonal fun around every corner. Wait until night falls to see expertly carved towering pumpkin sculptures that light up the night with special effects and pops of color, in addition to family-friendly entertainment, mazes, special fall photo opportunities, trick-or-treating, and limited-time seasonal bites.
Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular - Fall favorite Jack O'Lantern Spectacular is back at Louisville Iroquois Park for another season of Halloween fun. Visitors can stroll along a 1/3-mile path to enjoy over 5,000 carved pumpkins illuminated every evening as a part of the nightly art show. This family-friendly Fall celebration is the perfect ending to a day of exploration and has become one of Louisville’s most popular October traditions. This year's theme is Wanderlust: The World Is Your Pumpkin.
Victorian Ghost Walk - Visit one of "America's most haunted neighborhoods" during this annual ghost tour in Old Louisville. Created by Louisville local and New York Times-reviewed author David Domine, this limited-time event will bring spirits to life with actors portraying the figures that allegedly roam some of the neighborhood's most haunted buildings. If you can't make it this weekend, Louisville Historic Tours offers nightly ghost tours through the Fall, though if you spot a ghost during one of those, it may be the real thing.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island’s Halloween Weekend - This celebration is particularly special as it typically represents the last big weekend before businesses on the island close for the season. The celebration is complete with the Great Turtle Trail Run, trick-or-treating for the kids, and Halloween costume parties for the adults in the evenings.
Marriott International
October is the month of costumes and masks, even though Halloween is celebrated every 31st of this month, spooky themed activities are the trend since many days before. Marriott International hotels are preparing proposals of lodging and events to celebrate this one. Get to know some of them.
Costume parties, Halloween Night Brunch and themed breakfasts
The Aloft Bogota Airport invites you to their costume party on November 3 from 6 pm to 12 pm. There will be live music, cocktails and they will also award prizes for the best costumes. For more information contact 3173711561 or email cesar.tinjaca@aloftbogotaairport.com.
The dead come back to life to have a spectacular time with the beach atmosphere of the Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida, the hotel will offer a Halloween night brunch, which includes horror themed buffet, a costume contest, haunted cocktails and live music from the 80's. Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Cayeye Restaurant.
The JW Marriott El Convento Cusco will offer an extended breakfast on October 31 and November 1 from 6 am to 11 am with themed candy station for children. S/75 adults and S/39 children ages 6 to 12.
At the Courtyard Lima Miraflores you will be welcomed with a Halloween Tea lunch on October 31 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Also, if you go in costume, you will receive a 20% discount.
Halloween Getaways
Escape with your family from the daily routine and join an unforgettable Halloween experience at The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on October 31. You will be able to relax during the day and enjoy different activities including Halloween Pool Party, costume contest, games with clown, tour through different areas of the hotel to collect candy, popcorn machine, inflatables and much more. Reservations: (507) 6837-3157.
Enjoy a weekend full of terror and fun for the little ones with a magic show and giant bubbles at the Residence Inn San Jose Escazú. Rates apply for the weekend of October 27th to 28th. The package includes room for 4 people (2 adults and 2 children under 12 years old), breakfast, room decoration, amenities, bag for collecting candy in the hotel areas, themed buffet dinner and other surprises. Reservations at: reservationscr@marriott.com
Marquette, Michigan
Downtown Trick or Treat - Parents are invited to bring their children to trick-or-treat at participating downtown businesses; just look for the poster in business windows and be sure to bring a big bag for treats!
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Experience creepy, crawly, eerie, ghoulish and frightening Halloween fun in Minneapolis! Take a Candlelight Ghost Tour on a historic, and reportedly haunted, trolley. Minneapolis Trolley Tours promises a spine-tingling journey to the most haunted sites in the city on select dates in October. Join Sasha Cassadine at the Union Rooftop for Hocus Pocus 2 drag brunch on October 14. CRAVE Minneapolis is hosting Swift-O-Ween: Taylor Halloween Party on October 27. The party will include a Taylor Swift themed costume party, specialty cocktails, friendship bracelet making and more. First Avenue is hosting Flip Phone XXL Halloween on October 28. The drag show stars Crystal Methyd from RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Mobile, Alabama
As the crisp autumn breeze rolls in, Mobile, Alabama, offers a plethora of family-friendly fall activities that promise to delight both the young and the young at heart. From pumpkin patches to not-so-spooky adventures, this Gulf Coast gem has something for everyone to enjoy during the fall season. So gather your loved ones, don your coziest sweaters, and let's explore the family-friendly fall fun that awaits in Mobile!
Pumpkin Picking: Kick off your fall adventure with a visit to one of Mobile's delightful pumpkin patches! Let the kids roam through the fields and pick the perfect pumpkin to bring home to carve at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church's pumpkin patch. Or reserve a date to hop aboard the Wales West Pumpkin Patch Express, where you can partake in pumpkin decorating and enjoy various festive activities.
Spooky, Not Scary, Adventures: If your little ones love Halloween but aren't fans of the fright, Mobile has plenty of kid-friendly spooky experiences. Consider a visit to Bellingrath Gardens & Home's "Boo at Bellingrath" for a trick-or-treat experience in the gardens or the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center's Halloween-themed events. These safe and entertaining options let children embrace the Halloween spirit without the scares.
Scenic Fall Strolls: The Mobile area boasts several picturesque parks and nature trails that are perfect for family walks. The fall foliage is a sight to behold at Langan Park or the Mobile Botanical Gardens. Take leisurely strolls, enjoy a picnic, and capture memorable family photos amidst the autumn colors.
Fall Festivals Galore: Mobile comes alive with fall festivals during this season. From art and music festivals to community gatherings, you'll find a diverse range of events to attend. From the Alabama Pecan Festival and Bay Area Brunch Fest to the Grilled Cheese Meltdown and the 7th Annual Witches Ride, there's something to suit every taste and interest.
Mount Dora, Florida
In Mount Dora, brave souls can partake in the Nightmare on Donnelly Street Haunted House Experience, a 20 minute story-driven excursion into a 130 year old historic and haunted house. Mount Dora Ghost Tours also has other fun and spooky offerings such as guided ghost tours of Mount Dora as well as a Haunted Pub Crawl, to find several kinds of spirits in the town's premier haunted watering holes.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville has no shortage of Halloween-themed activities, attractions, and events this Fall. In Music City, the month of October is filled with family-friendly attractions, including pumpkin patches and corn mazes, as well as haunted tours and pop-ups for visitors looking for a scare.
Pick a pumpkin, explore the corn maze, and bite into a juicy caramel apple at one of Music City's numerous Fall attractions including Shuckles, Bottom View Farm, Gentry's Farm, Honeysuckle Hill Farm, Lucky Ladd Farms, Flying Ghost Pumpkin Patch, and so much more!
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens hosts numerous Halloween and Fall events with their Cheekwood Harvest exhibit featuring a pumpkin village and scarecrow trail lasting through October 29.
Gaylord Opryland's "Goblins & Giggles" has a calendar full of Halloween events and activities, including spooky bedtime stories, Ghouls Night Out Riverboat Rides, Wicked Brews Spookeasy, and so much more!
Nashville Zoo's, "Boo at the Zoo" will take place nightly from 10/13-10/29. Experience the Fall and Halloween seasons with special trick-or-treating, spooky animal shows, and more.
For those thrill-seekers looking for a good scare this Halloween season, Nashville also boasts its fair share of Haunted Houses, Hayrides, and Tours.
New Hampshire
The first Portsmouth Halloween Parade set off on a damp Halloween night in 1995. There were only a few dozen people marching, and most of them had been involved in planning the event. A single police escort followed the small troupe as the masked marchers stomped through the city streets and howled at the moon.
Since those early days, this grassroots, all-inclusive, all-volunteer run parade has grown in size, but its guiding principle remains the same: a celebration of the season, of the creativity, and the individual spirit that makes this 400-year-old port city one of a kind. Always on Halloween, 2,000 marchers step off from the riverfront and howl, slither, stomp, and cavort through the streets to thousands of spectators. Every year we pose the question, "What are you gonna be?" and challenge people to create something less plastic, more fantastic. This year’s parade takes place on Halloween night at 7:00 p.m.
New York City
Looking for a spooktacular good time in NYC to get into the Halloween spirit? Book a Horror Movie Location Tour with On Location Tours! This tour is a 2-hour walking tour featuring filming locations from various horror movies and psychological thrillers set in the Upper West Side of NYC. The tour is led by a local horror film buff tour guide. The creepy walking journey begins at Greyshot Arch in Central Park, which was featured in the disastrous monster film Cloverfield.
Throughout the tour you will have the opportunity to take a photo in front of the iconically brooding Dakota building, as seen in Rosemary's Baby; catch some ghosts with your ghoul-friends at Spook Central; solve a true murder mystery at the apartment building from Only Murders in the Building, and more! The tour is being offered on the following dates this October. Get your tickets before they sell out! Cost: $36/adults, $36/children (ages 6-9). Under 6 is free.
New York State
The Haunted History Trail of New York State released its 2023 Guide featuring nine “Epic Haunted Road Trip” itineraries across the state of New York. The Trail—which boasts over 80 authentically haunted locations offering everything from paranormal investigations to ghostly guided tours, dining, and overnights—covers all things haunted, 365 days a year. Trail locations can be found in nine New York State vacation regions, from the Chautauqua-Allegheny and Greater Niagara regions all the way down to the Hudson Valley.
Using the new “Epic Haunted Road Trips” as inspiration for vacation planning, visitors can explore haunted Trail locations geographically or pick and choose which stops to see. Trips feature haunted overnights at hotels, inns and B&Bs; dining at local restaurants that welcome in guests with a meal and a tragic tale; and museums and historic sites that offer guided ghost tours, investigations, ghost hunts and special events.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a beautiful coastal destination with a beautifully haunted past, making it the perfect destination for the filming of Hocus Pocus and the perfect location to celebrate Halloween. Visitors can step in the shoes of the Sanderson sisters and have an inside look at the filming scenes on Washington Square, The Newport Colony House and find the Haunted Salem Trolley Tour spotted on Touro Street. Then, they’ll have a thrill with a variety of fun Halloween events going on throughout the destination for the ultimate spooky season escape:
Coastal Queen’s Halloween Cruise: A coastal destination wouldn’t be complete without a beautiful boat tour. Coastal Queen welcomes the kids for this special Halloween-themed cruise on Oct. 29, where there will be a costume contest, treats, and Halloween tunes for the kids to enjoy as the boat cruises across Narragansett Bay and into Newport Harbor.
Newport Ghost Tours: For being a 382-year-old city, it’s inevitable to have a few eerie sights and legends of ghoulish folklore. The Olde Town Ghost Walk is a lantern-led walking tour to Newport’s oldest and most haunted locations to learn about the destination’s darkest secrets, including the Jailhouse Inn, the colonial district, Washington Square, and more.
North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach offers an array of Halloween events designed for all ages to get in the spirit of a spook-tacular holiday fun. Plus paired with its incredible fall weather, expansive beaches, outdoor activities and waterfront staples for food and drink. It’s an ideal location for a fall getaway.
Movies at McLean (Oct. 13) Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. Enjoy a free movie under the stars at McLean Park. Bring your beach chair or blankets for a great family night or date night. The North Myrtle Beach Lions Club will be selling popcorn, refreshments, and drinks.
Oktoberfest (Oct. 15): German- and fall-themed food and drinks, special discounts, live music and a Weiner Dog contest at Barefoot Landing
Boo Fest (Oct. 28): Children's and pet costume contests with prizes for the top three in each category, followed by an evening movie screening of "Hocus Pocus" at the Dockside Village Amphitheater in Barefoot Landing.
Howl-O-Scream (Oct. 28) Enjoy spook-tacular activities including hayrides, marshmallow roasting, games, inflatables, trick-or-treating and much more at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex for an array of Halloween fun.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Trick “Orr” Treat is a Halloween event presented by Orr Family Farm in Oklahoma City. The family-friendly event invites guests to wear their best costumes as they walk around the farm and collect candy “trick-or-treat” style. Trick “Orr” Treat will take place on Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Bricktown Association will host their 9th annual Brick or Treat event on Oct. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. The family-friendly children’s event is free and open to everyone. Guests are encouraged to wear their costumes for a night of fun music, themed characters and trick-or-treating.
The Oklahoma City Zoo will host their annual Halloween event, “Haunt the Zoo: All Grown Up” on Oct. 27, from 7 to 11 p.m. This event is a thrilling opportunity for adults to walk around the zoo after-hours. This year’s theme “stems from the bizarre world of botanicals.” The event will feature multiple bars, food trucks, live music and lawn games.
Myriad Garden’s Pumpkinville is back for its 10th year. This year’s travel-themed festival will include games, pumpkin decorating, carousel rides and more. Families from around the metro area gather for this event every year.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando, the Halloween Vacation Capital, invites visitors to celebrate the spooky season with a full lineup of frightful and family-friendly experiences throughout the destination. Visitors can enjoy nearly 90 days of hair-raising, spooktacular events, such as horror movie brunches, paranormal-themed escape rooms, haunted botanical gardens, kid-friendly trick-or-treat trails, and an adults-only vampire bar.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort (select nights, now through Nov. 1) makes a frightfully fun return at Magic Kingdom Park. The family-friendly, all-ages event features eerie entertainment that includes the “Hocus Pocus” Villain Spelltacular! at Cinderella Castle, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, Disney Junior Jam for young partygoers, Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, the Trick-or-Treat Trail, Disney Characters in costume, and more than 20 favorite attractions with a Halloween twist. Guests are also invited to wear costumes, with some restrictions.
Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida (Sept. 1 – Nov. 4) returns for a record-breaking 48 nights featuring 10 new, movie-quality haunted houses featuring “The Exorcist: Believer”, “Stranger Things 4” and “The Last of Us” along with five scare zones filled with creatures lunging from the shadows, and two live shows. Additional information on Orlando’s Halloween happenings can be found here.
Park City, Utah
Fall is a spectacular time in Park City, Utah. There’s no shortage of beautiful foliage to enjoy by hiking, biking, or driving around town. If you’re seeking a spooky spectacle, the Park City Ghost Tours are offered every day at 8:00 pm, year-round. The fifteen ghost stories you’ll hear have been collected over twelve years of research, interviews, and field recordings. If you’re a believer of ghosts, you’ll hear some of the best ghost stories to come from the Western United States, and if you don’t believe in ghosts, prepare to have your mind changed. Reservations are required, and a minimum of four guests are required for the tour to embark. If you have less than four people, please put your name on the waitlist to join another group.
If ghost stories aren’t your cup of tea, consider checking out Park City’s Howl-o-Ween on Tuesday, October 31st. This is one of Park City’s most beloved events – how can you not love candy and dogs!? Dress up with your kids, and your pup, and enjoy trick-or-treating on Main Street from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Dogs must be always on a leash. For more information, please visit https://www.visitparkcity.com/.
Phoenix, Arizona
The W Scottsdale is at the forefront of indulgent nightlife in Greater Phoenix, with the Wet Deck and ever-popular Cottontail Lounge providing some of the best vibes in town. Nevermore at W Scottsdale encourages guests to step into a world where darkness meets eccentricity. The Halloween event combines the spooky allure and eerie charm made popular by the Addams Family. As night falls in the desert, guests can dance to frightful melodies in their most creative costume wear.
A Halloween event for all ages to enjoy, Strange Garden at Desert Botanical Garden promises a night filled with mad botanists, peculiar plants and lots of photo ops. Dance the night away at DJ Muchacho Mike’s Monster Bash and learn how to propagate your own succulent with Dr. T-Rex. Guests are encouraged to dress up and enjoy kettle corn, grilled cheese, BBQ and mini donut treats while surrounded by 50,000 desert plants. At the end of the night, all children 12 and under get to take home a free pumpkin from the patch – while supplies last.
Over 20 hot air balloons from around the country will join in on the Halloween festivities this year at Salt River Fields for the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival. Each balloon will act as a trick-or-treat station with 4,000 pounds of treats handed out from October 27-29. Guests can showcase their best costumes in nightly costume contests for kids, adults and groups with a variety of prizes at stake. Those looking to experience the season from a different point of view can ride a hot air balloon with the whole family with Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Co.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is asking Phoenicians and visitors to saddle up! Cowboy thrills await at The Plaza Bar’s annual Nightmare on Princess Drive: High Noon at the Haunted Saloon. On October 28, guests can enjoy themed cocktails, a live DJ and the ever-popular costume contest. Promising nothing short of a boot scootin’ spooky, those 21 and older can bask in the holiday season as the Sonoran Desert sun dips below the horizon in Greater Phoenix.
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
October brings not only stunning fall foliage to the Pocono Mountains but also chilling haunted attractions! Get in the Halloween spirit and see if you’re brave enough for the terror that awaits at the Hotel of Horror and Altered Nightmares in Saylorsburg, open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through November 4, or the Waldorf Estate of FEAR at Country Junction in Lehighton, open Fridays and Saturdays through October 28. Hear the eerie legends and lore of the Poconos during Ghost Walks in Old Mauch Chunk at The Inn at Jim Thorpe or The Haunted Candle Shoppe Tour (the basement of this gift shop was once a biological laboratory) in Swiftwater. The small towns of Lehighton and Honesdale also run evening ghost walks on select dates.
Rainbow Mountain Resort and Camp Out Mt. Nebo, both located in East Stroudsburg, serve the LGBTQ community and will be hosting events like Halloween at Camp at Camp Out Mt. Nebo, featuring a costume contest and dance party, and themed weekends at Rainbow Mountain Resort. Enjoy the spooky cocktails and atmosphere at Nightmare on Broad Street, A Halloween Pop-Up Bar at the Jive Bar & Lounge in Milford or make a stop at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company to sample their new Pumpkin Spice Latte Ale or their original Pumpkin Ale, recently voted the #1 Best Fall Seasonal Beer in the nation in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards. Visit PoconoMountains.com to find even more hayrides, pumpkin patches, Halloween parades, and seasonal fun in the Poconos.
Reno Tahoe
This spooky season, travelers can visit Reno Tahoe for thrilling events from a haunted cornfield adventure to a 4-night festival of fun and fright. Travelers can visit the old untouched western town of Virginia City, known as one of America’s most haunted towns. The former booming mining establishment of Virginia City, famously remembered for the Comstock Lode, offers a haunted experience like no other at The Washoe Club, known for its luxury accommodations in the late 1800s and where the Travel Channel original series, Ghost Adventures, claimed to have captured the “most compelling paranormal evidence ever captured”. The Haunted Museum at The Washoe Club features guided ghost tours or for the extra daring, an overnight investigation tour where ghost-hunters have a private dusk-to-dawn ‘lockdown’ paranormal investigation.
Back in Reno, an expert-led ghost tour allows travelers to uncover the dark secrets of Reno's past, from its gold rush era to notorious gangsters and famous spirits like Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable that haunt the site of the former Mapes Hotel, Lake Mansion, and Washoe County Courthouse. Throughout the destination, traditional trick-or-treating is offered on Halloween at iconic city spots including the Governor’s Mansion, Discovery Museum and National Automobile Museum. Travelers who are serious about spine-tingling thrills can venture into the immersive Dark Corner Haunted House at the National Bowling Stadium turned into a ghostly dwelling that promises nothing but fear with sections dedicated to plague infection, cults, and freaks. Post-experience, guests can find solace with the attractions bar featuring beer, wine, and cocktails.
Those who seek for fun over fright can join the Karnival After Dark, a celebration packed with 4 nights of fun including a $1,000 cash prize for best costume, karaoke, and terrifying trivia. Hosted by THE ROW, guests can indulge in specialty spooky cocktails, live entertainment and a curated array of food and drink specials.
Roanoke, Virginia
Ghost Walk 2023, October 5-7, 2023: Bring the family to welcome the friendly ghosts of Salem, Virginia! At just over half a mile, this walking tour features notable “ghosts” from Salem’s past to share over 200 years of history, whether that be fun stories of their time here on earth or surprising stories of the most historic locations in Salem.
Sox Spooktacular & Hocus Pocus Movie Night October 21, 2023: Come spend a spooky evening at the home field of the Salem Red Sox. After an afternoon of trick-or-treating, bounce houses, costume contests, and more, spend your evening relaxing and watching Hocus Pocus on the video board.
Historic Fincastle Ghost Walk 2023 October 27-28, 2023: Take a ghostly walk through the streets of Fincastle and learn the hidden spooky stories and local legends that haunt the streets you roam. Using the talent of the storytellers and your imagination, see what feelings the night-time setting might evoke during this fun, entertaining experience.
Salem, Massachusetts
Known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and the ghosts that still haunt this Massachusetts town today, Salem is a destination steeping with rich American history and iconic ghostly tales that make it the ultimate haunted destination. Home to the annual Salem Haunted Happenings festival since 1982, which is believed to be the largest celebration of Halloween in the world, the festivities span the entire month of October and invite visitors to learn the history of the Salem Witch Trials, celebrate Halloween at a costume ball, explore Salem’s Witch shops, take in parades, walking tours to historic landmarks that bring to life the history of the Witch Trials, vendor fairs, museums such as the Salem Witch Museum, special events, and much more. All month long visitors can visit the Haunted Marketplace, experience After Hours Ghost Hunts, visit the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, watch the Haunted Pet Parade, and run the Devil’s Chase Road Race (6.66 mile run…). Salem’s haunted happenings attract visitors from all around the world and are a not-to-miss Halloween season tradition in one of Massachusetts’ most famed towns.
The Historic Lizzie Borden House located in Fall River, Massachusetts is home to the location of America’s greatest unsolved murder mystery and known for being one of America’s most haunted houses. Today, the property remains open and operates as an inn with breakfast as well as a museum featuring a variety of unique tours and experiences including House Tours, Ghost Tours, and Ghost Hunts. The Lizzie Borden House provides a home for those seeking answers to the unexplained phenomena.
Phantoms by Firelight is a Halloween experience of epic and eerie proportions with 12 nights of history, games, treats and ghost stories. Starting on October 6, guests will be enraptured by captivating performances at Cyrkus Vampyr, have fun with clues and candy, gather around the warm glow of the bonfire for scary stories and listen to the history of worldly spirits, Jack o’Lanterns and more.
The Halloween adventures are never-ending at Barrett’s Haunted Mansion, where guests can wine and dine at Bite and Fright, for dinner at The Ale House and admission to Barrett’s Haunted Mansion and condemned attractions. For a behind-the-scream look, visitors with fear can enjoy the Lights-On Tour, to experience a guided tour of attractions with makeup and consume trailers with the lights on. Brave souls can experience Darkness Unleashed for a Haunted Mansion in total darkness with physical contact, haunted attractions and queue lines to try and find their way out of darkness or go all-in and experience Devil’s Night for two terrifying nights of scares, physical contact, separation and close-up interactions throughout the attraction.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Starting with a Utah classic, Nightmare on 13th, Utah’s longest-running haunted attraction, has been consistently voted one of the best haunted houses in the nation. Featuring new areas each year, the venue uses advanced animatronics, special effects, and professional actors to bring visitors a new scare. Nightmare On 13th features 36,000 square feet of room for haunting and scaring our customers; professionally trained actors; expertly crafted Hollywood-quality costumes, masks, and makeup; cutting-edge animatronics and audio/lighting effects. It’s all in the name of frightful fun. Because of this, there will always be a new reason to visit the Nightmare On 13th, a guaranteed evening full of new ways to get scared and scream your lungs out!
Utah’s original haunted attraction, the Institute of Terror, is back as part of the Nightmare on 13th Halloween season. Thirty-four years ago, Utahns got to experience their first nightmares in person at the Institute of Terror. This new experience brings the scare inside, where the patients roam free in the dark corridors of the asylum, waiting for strangers to arrive. Darker and scarier than their main attraction, we recommend bringing a friend to clutch onto.
An absolutely massive haunted house with six buildings that go up to six stories high and include two underground passages, Fear Factory was created on the site of an abandoned cement factory, and claims to have actual documented hauntings from its troubled history that have been featured on the Travel Channel. Another nationally ranked attraction, it also includes a free Zombie Bus pickup from a convenient parking area, and has special bounce back days and a Lights Out event during the Halloween season.
San Diego, California
Seaworld San Diego kicks off the fall season with Howl-O-Scream from September 29-October 31. Once night falls, the park will transform into a carnival of haunted creatures, spooky sips and bites, and electric live entertainment.
The San Diego Zoo presents HalGLOWeen on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. A skeleton band, scarecrow stilt performers and spider acrobats are just a few of the festive features. Hints of Halloween can be found throughout the park and in the animal exhibits with pop-up dance parties, food and drink and more.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is getting into the Halloween spirit with friendly ghosts, giant spiders and so much more. Adults who prefer giggling to goblins can attend the Comedy is a Drag: Halloween Show on Oct. 21 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy fantastic drag, drinks and jokes at the Wildcat Lounge. It will be a terrifyingly good time.
Those interested in supernatural storytelling must check out Santa Barbara Ghost Tours. This hour-and-a-half long eerie adventure explains the history and mystery behind Santa Barbara’s legendary ghosts. Brave pets are welcome to join, and children under age 13 can attend for free. Visitors who want to include wine tasting with their tours should select the 5 p.m. tour that includes an additional hour of ghost stories at a local tasting room.
Even the Santa Barbara Zoo gets into the spooky spirit. Oct. 20 to 22 and Oct. 27 to 29 is Boo at the Zoo, where guests can trick or treat while visiting their favorite animals. Tickets include a Zoo Train ride, mad science experiments, a scare zone, a dance party, creepy-crawly animal encounters and bounce houses.
Restoration Oaks Ranch provides even more hands-on interaction with some big creepy crawlers. Throughout Oct. Restoration Oaks Ranch is offering Wild Tarantula Trails, a hike and talk for all age groups. This half-mile hike even includes an encounter with a California tarantula.
Those 21 and over can also get into the Halloween spirit at Santa Barbara’s Creep the Halls. On Oct. 28, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History transforms into a magical circus of surprises during this adults-only Halloween celebration. Everyone will be in costume enjoying food, beverages, performers, a live band, dancing and a spectacular finale.
For more information on these and other Halloween events in Santa Barbara visit https://santabarbaraca.com/itinerary/halloween-events/.
Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan
Halloween becomes its own treat for visitors to the Saugatuck/Douglas area with unique events, including zombie scavenger hunts and haunted mansion tours. Grab your EMF detector and infrared thermometer and check out the paranormal activity happening at the Felt Mansion. Considered one of the most haunted attractions in the state, the Felt Mansion has been home to unexplained happenings throughout the years, including the presence of shadowy figures and doors that open and close themselves. On Friday-Sunday, October 27-29, the Felt Estate will be offering Hauntings & History Nights. A presentation will be provided where you can learn more about the history of the estate and hear about the paranormal occurrences from people who have experienced them firsthand. There are also 60-minute self-guided Path of Shadows candlelight tours, which provide explorers access to the mansion, carriage house, and grounds during the dark of night.
On October 28, there will be a Zombie Bicycle Scavenger Hunt, where participants with zombie-themed costumes will bike along Lake Michigan and through beautiful downtown Douglas searching for items to collect. Prizes will be awarded, and refreshments will be served during registration and event completion. Then, during the evening of October 28, join us in downtown Douglas for our renowned Halloween Parade for Adults. The party starts at 10 pm with a Giant Pumpkin King rising from the ashes to officially commence the festivities. For years, this outrageous event has drawn thousands of spectators from around the country who come to gawk and marvel at the unleashed creativity. Anyone in costume can feel free to strut their stuff down the parade route but be sure to leave the kids at home for this mature-themed event.
Discover other can’t-miss Halloween events happening in The Art Coast of Michigan. www.saugatuck.com
SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County, California)
Sitting peacefully in California’s Central Coast, SLO CAL is getting into the Halloween spirit with many costume-ready activities, ghostly haunts, and getting lost in a corn maze all throughout the county.
Zoo Boo - Start prepping a spooktacular costume now and bring the entire family out to a not-too-scary evening at Atascadero’s Charles Paddock Zoo's annual Zoo Boo. Join the festivities and expect to see Halloween decorations throughout the Zoo, along with carnival games, a costume contest, Halloween activities, a haunted house, and tricks & treats for attendees of all ages. Over 200 animals call the Charles Paddock Zoo home and are ready to greet the many trick-or-treaters who come knocking!
Halloween Carnival and Haunted Maze - The City of Arroyo Grande Recreation Services Department will continue its annual Halloween Carnival and Haunted Maze on the Saturday before Halloween from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Elm Street Park. Children of all ages and adults are invited to enjoy carnival games for candy and toy prizes, food vendors, the haunted maze, a costume contest, and a pumpkin decorating contest. To enter the pumpkin decorating contest, participants should bring decorated pumpkins from home.
Cambria Scarecrow Festival - On October 1 of each year, hundreds of imaginative and whimsical scarecrows descend upon SLO CAL’s seaside villages of Cambria, San Simeon, and Harmony for the annual Cambria Scarecrow Festival. The scarecrows line the streets and fill empty lots through October 31. The festival debuted in 2009 with just 30 scarecrows and has been a staple of the community ever since. At the end of the month, join in for the Salute to Scarecrow party for a whimsical night of music, wine, food, and costumes.
St. Louis, Missouri
With thrills both on and off the rides, Fright Fest at Six Flags St. Louis is one of the spookiest events of the season. During the day, family-friendly attractions abound, but at night, all the creatures that go bump in the night haunt the park. Expect rides in the dark, haunted houses and other scare zones.
City Museum aims to amaze, mystify and utterly entertain visitors with this one-of-a-kind event. Fright at the Museum welcomes you on a journey into the unknown with carefully curated exhibits of bizarre, enigmatic and extraordinary artifacts that defy explanation and challenge imagination. Mesmerizing performers such as contortionists and fire dancers will also push the boundaries of possibility. To quench your thirst throughout the night, step into the shadows of the Vampire Bar where darkness and decadence intertwine. Here, you can sip a signature blood bag cocktail – the crimson elixir is an exploration of flavor with a hint of danger.
Looking for an entirely new level of terror? This fall, Go Ape, a treetop adventure course in Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, will offer a one-hour, gravity-defying, blood-curdling experience filled with zombies, ghosts and ghouls. This activity is not for the faint of heart, as thrill-seekers will tackle wobbly obstacles and epic ziplines, never knowing what’s hiding in the dark corners of the adventure park.
Set in the former Traverse City State Hospital, the Village at Grand Traverse Commons is one of the largest historic renovation projects in the country, having transformed the abandoned asylum into a mixed-use property. For a spooky experience, book the Asylum Twilight Tour where guests can listen firsthand to staff stories of strange happenings and explore the basement of the Men’s Ward and the facility’s underground steam tunnels. Additionally, guests over 21+ can Kick off Halloween with the Trail Nightwalk at the Commons on Oct. 21, which is an annual Halloween party with live music, a costume contest, and a haunted nighttime walk along the trails surrounding Traverse City’s notorious historical site. All proceeds benefit Charlie Golf One's mission to build a housing community for veterans and their families.
Haunted Traverse Ghost Tours showcase much of old Traverse City through walking tours and haunted houses, all the way to tours including real ghost-hunting equipment for those brave enough. For a thrilling experience, the annual Ghost Farm of Kingsley Haunted Trail is complete with haunted characters, mazes, and more.
Jacob’s Farm offers a spectacular ten-acre corn maze that uses design technology and GPS to ensure the maze is just right. Each year, the maze’s design changes, offering a unique experience for repeat visitors. It’s also home to orchards of fresh fruit that guests can pick themselves. Additionally, Traverse City has countless spots for U-Pick experiences like pumpkin and apple picking at Gallagher’s Farms and Rennie Orchards.
Toronto is full of haunted locations and chilling events for the spooky season ahead. From spine-tingling ghost tours to heart-pounding paranormal investigations, this city has it all! Bring your Halloween spirit back to life with a tour of one of Toronto’s most charming neighborhoods, the historic Distillery District filled with 19th-century buildings. By day, the area is a cheerful pedestrian-only zone full of shops, restaurants and galleries. At night, it is said that inhabitants from long ago return to walk the cobbled streets once more. Learn about the bone shaking history with a Haunted Segway Tour from Go Tours Canada. For a more grounding experience, book one of the many creepy tours offered by The Haunted Walk like Ghosts of the Village at Black Creek or Campus Secrets and Spectres at the University of Toronto. If you’re more into the princess treatment, experience the terrifying Legends of Horror at Casa Loma, a preserved castle right on the outskirts of the city.
Traverse City, Michigan
The Insomniac Halloween Party - Calling all night owls! Located at the historic Barns Park at the Grand Traverse Commons, the haunted nighttime walk takes patrons through the historic trails at the commons. The night will include live music and a costume contest.
Tri-Cities, Washington
Mid-Columbia Pirate Festival- Come shop in the merchant room, watch the entertainment including Special Guest Captain Squirrel the Pirate Magician, participate in a guided acrylic paint class presented by FireFlight Studios, plunder the ports during our pub crawl, fire black powder pistols and keep an eye on the horizon for merfolk!
Wizard's Ball - There will be a wizard ball at the Gesa Carousel of Dreams with butter beer, interactive games, carousel rides, costumes, dancing, face painting, and much much more!
Screech at the REACH - Join the REACH Museum as they team up with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week in October.
Tualatin, Oregon
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is one of the most unique fall Festivals in Oregon. Since 2004 people from around the country gather to witness costumed characters paddling inside giant pumpkins in a series of races. This fun filled weekend includes Pumpkins and Pints, a giant pumpkin weigh-off, Regatta Run, and Regatta festival and pumpkin races. The giant pumpkins are supplied by our friends from the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers.
VACAYA Cruises
VACAYA returns to Puerto Vallarta for Halloween 2023, Oct 29-Nov 5! Dubbed the “San Francisco of Mexico,” PV has long been considered the most welcoming and LGBT-friendly destination in the country. And VACAYA’s got the perfect occasion, and the perfect resort to experience all PV has to offer. Take your pick of big gay nightclubs, intimate cocktail lounges, international cuisine, fabulous shopping, and more, all within the historic Zona Romántica of PV, which is less than a 10-minute taxi/Uber ride from our resort, the Hilton Vallarta Riviera. For the adventurous, PV offers a variety of fun outdoor experiences, from horseback riding and ATVs to jungle trekking and hot springs. Celebrating Halloween and Day of the Dead in Mexico is VACAYA’s most beloved tradition, and HILTON VALLARTA RIVIERA is all ours Oct 29-Nov 5, 2023. VACAYA’s ever-increasing buying power gives us the chance to offer you a 7-night holiday at an affordable price at this beautiful resort nestled against the sea. In fact, VACAYA never stops negotiating on your behalf, and VACAYA has delivered even lower pricing on suites in 2023 than offered in 2022. So, we encourage you to take a look and jump into a level of pampering that only a suite can provide. But what’s even better? EVERY party, EVERY show, EVERY social activity, EVERY meal, and nearly EVERY drink at the resort is included – all for one low price!!
Versailles, Ohio
Calling all witches, werewolves, ghosts, zombies, and overall spooky season lovers! This Halloween, travelers are invited to celebrate the haunting holiday during Hotel Versailles’ epic annual Halloween Bash, taking place Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 9:00 p.m. to midnight. A night of tricks and treats, with décor of cobwebs and bats which are sure to fright, the evening to remember will feature holiday-inspired cocktails, food truck style food, and live music from local Columbus artist The Wet Bandits, who will play all the greatest hits and of course, holiday music.
Victoria, British Columbia
As the oldest city in the Pacific Northwest, it's no surprise that Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, has a ghostly history that comes to life during the month of October. Explore Victoria’s spookiest landmarks and sites where spirits of generations past have been known to wander with Tally Ho’s Haunted Halloween Tour. From October 20th to the 31st, guests can explore the dark and twisted past of Victoria’s most haunted buildings all by means of a private carriage! For additional chilling tours, book Discover the Past’s Ghostly Walks Tour, or learn of murder and mayhem on Beacon Hill with a BOO! tour from Boston By Foot.
Join Galey Farms for Pumpkinfest running throughout the month of October. Families can scour the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin and have fun getting lost in the six-acre corn maze complete with exciting exhibits and surprises along the path.
As one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Canada (celebrating 115 years in business), it’s no surprise that the Fairmont Empress has a storied history. With ghoulie friends known to “roam” the sixth floor and other spots of the property, the hotel welcomes these friendly visitors to their halls. The Empress is debuting their “Bee-witched” cocktail on their fall menu, which is a spooky and tart cocktail featuring spiced Empress honey from the hotel’s bee sanctuary, Belvedere vodka, lemon and orange.
Vienna, Austria
Tours Through an Eerie History: One of the spookiest towns in Europe is Vienna, Austria. Take a stroll through the city center with a guide to learn about the local ghosts and legends while stopping at the Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and even a cemetery. The cemetery of the nameless draws visitors from all around the world who are interested in ghosts and is reportedly one of the haunted locations in all of Europe. If you want to be close to the haunted lore of the city, a&o Hostels provides budget-friendly accommodations in the heart of Vienna so you don’t have to go too far to see a ghost.
Washington, DC
The perfect combination of colorful leaves, cozy vibes and marvelous weather make fall one of the best times to visit Washington, DC. The city’s vibrant neighborhoods come alive for Halloween with can’t-miss specials, festivals and events. Emerging NoMa celebrates Halloween with its annual PumpkinPalooza (Oct. 26), Six Flags America’s annual FrightFest returns (Sept. 16-Oct. 29), while the booming Navy Yard district’s Nightmare in Navy Yard (Oct. 28) features two DJs, two dance floors, an open bar and costume contest.
If you dare, discover the chilling stories behind the city’s famous people and landmarks. The Junket, Fiat Luxe Tours and DC by Foot are among the groups offering ghost and haunted walking tours. DC’s favorite comedy troupe, the DC Improv, presents a Sketch Night of Frights (Oct. 28). Don’t miss your chance to find the secret doors of the wondrous Mansion on O & O Street Museum (Oct. 27-31), while a costumed family would be hard-pressed to find a better place to trick-or-treat than Mount Vernon (Oct. 28).
Ready to be spooked out in our nation’s capital? Find more information and book your trip here.
West Hollywood, California
Halloween is the biggest night of the year in West Hollywood, thanks to the famous West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, which returns in 2023 after a two-year hiatus. But that event is far from the only reason to celebrate spooky season in WeHo! Grab your costumes, wigs, masks and more for a frightfully fun Halloween — from glittery ’70s discos to spooky movies to creepy bar crawls.
Here are some of the can’t-miss Halloween events happening in WeHo this year.
Scary Movie Month - What’s Halloween without a few spooky movies? Nestled in the West Hollywood Design District, the Melrose Rooftop Theatre offers a unique outdoor cinematic experience that utilizes wireless technology and individual headsets to provide viewers with pristine audio and visuals. During the month of October, dozens of Halloween classics, including Practical Magic, Scream, Get Out, Hocus Pocus, Ghostbusters and many more will be screened on the rooftop.Visitors can purchase General Admission tickets for $25 or splurge on the $109 Dinner + Movie for Two, which includes a three-course dinner and two reserved bean bag chairs. Attendees must be 21+. More info.
A SPOOOOOOKY COSTUME PARTY - There are regular costume parties, and there are Bodies & Beats costume parties, which mix professional-level body painting, blacklights and DJs for a night like no other. Hosted by the always-buzzing Hotel Ziggy, this party will feature danceable beats by DJs Liquorbox and MFatale into the wee hours. All you need to bring is yourself (and an ID to prove you’re 21+) and let Bodies & Beats’ artists transform you into a moving, glowing “werk” of art. More info.
Trick or Drink Hollywood Bar Crawl - Presented by Barcrawlerz, this crawl gives you access to Halloween drink specials with no cover at participating bars on the Sunset Strip, including The Den on Sunset, Hotel Ziggy, Rainbow Bar & Grill and the Trocadero. Register at The Den on Sunset to get your wristband, then let the creepy crawling begin! More info.
Wenatchee, Washington
Wenatchee is the ultimate Halloween destination, offering a trio of thrilling experiences that will make your spooky season unforgettable. First, immerse yourself in the eeriness of The Haunted Museum, where you will journey through the museum’s creepy underground hallways, intricate mazes, secret passageways, and several themed rooms that rival scenes from Hollywood horror classics. The Haunted Museum opens nightly at 6 pm on October 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29. Next, HallowQueens, Saturday, October 28 at 7:30 pm, promises an extravagant evening of dazzling costumes and mesmerizing performances. Finally, on October 31 from 3-5 pm, bring the whole family to Trick or Treat on the Avenue, where the streets come alive with costumed characters and sweet treats, creating a memorable Halloween adventure for all ages. For more information: https://www.visitwenatchee.org/events
Wilton Manors, Florida
Wicked Manors is the premier Halloween event in Florida, taking over Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors, the country’s LGBT+ capital, on October 31, 2023. Thousands of party goers fill the streets while businesses up and down the drive host special theme events and parties. Over 40,0000 costumed revelers will gather on Wilton Drive. Traffic will be prohibited to provide a safe area for guests to celebrate and trick or treat.
Wilmington, Delaware
Grab your ghouls and goblins! Adult Trick or Treat is back throughout October for seasonal fun with a one-of-a-kind, outdoor walking tour of Chaddsford Winery. During the journey, you will visit five Halloween-themed pairing stations, receiving wine tips and pairing notes along the way.
In time for Halloween, Rockwood Park & Museum will share interesting and bizarre objects from the permanent collection in specialty spooky vignettes throughout the museum’s first floor. Explore Rockwood’s Gothic design influences, mourning rituals, its apothecary, the museum’s paranormal investigations, and cabinets of curiosities.
Enjoy the fun of Ramsey's Farm where night events add even more fun to the fall season! Come out for a bonfire in the picnic grove, the flashlight corn maze, and to enjoy the Brandywine Valley on an extended hayride. Friday and Saturday Nights in October from 6-9pm. Reservations not required.
The twists and bends of Rockwood’s 170-year-old garden paths are lit with dramatic lighting for the haunted holiday. Joseph Shipley built the important six-acre English style garden to surround the quintessentially spook-tacular Gothic Revival mansion. The mature arbor frames the wicked peaks of the house’s roofline to inspire frightening feelings of natural awe. Take a stroll ...if you dare ...and enjoy Rockwood’s Heritage Garden at night! Admission is free. Trails are best viewed after 6:30pm. Visit Rockwood Park & Museum for more info.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Bring on the jump scares! Release the zombies! Forget that flashlight in the corn maze! Now’s the time to get witless in Winnipeg. Here’s all the top attractions for adults, along with some less terrifying things for kids, and a few fun events too.
With experiences ranging from Psycho Killerz to a haunted forest in a corn maze, a Blood Bar, hair-raising escape rooms and with screams and jump scares galore, Six Pines Haunted Attractions, A Maze in Corn, Heebie Jeebies and Killer Noob Escapes will all have you running for the door and begging for more!
If you prefer your horror with a side of history, join in on Don’s Photo’s free Ghastly Ghost Tour or join in on Dalnavert Museum and Visitors’ Centre’s extensive Halloween programming which includes a Dracula-themed escape house experience and creepy candlelit tours of the Victorian house museum.
Kids can join in on the fearsome fun with the always popular Boo at the Zoo, the new Witchy Wonderland at Red River Exhibition Park and/or the Ghoul Daytime Flashlight Haunt at Six Pines Haunted Attractions.
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