Spooky season is here, and Halloween is on its way! Charlotte and the surrounding area will come to life this fall with spooky haunts and family-friendly festivals. Whether you’re looking to be scared at a haunted house or enjoy a laid-back trip to the pumpkin patch, this guide should help you find the perfect activity for celebrating the holiday.
Find a Thrill
Location: Carowinds, 300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
Dates: Select nights from September 13 to October 31, 2024
Tickets: Starting at $45
Carowinds transforms into “Scarowinds,” a scream-inducing experience featuring haunted mazes, scare zones, and terrifying live shows. Be prepared for an intense experience, as monsters lurk in every corner after dark. This event is not recommended for children under 13 due to its frightening nature.
Location: Uptown Charlotte
Dates: Throughout October
Tickets: Starting at $20 per person
Explore Charlotte’s haunted history with a guided ghost tour through Uptown. This walking tour delves into the Queen City’s eerie past, visiting haunted landmarks and sharing stories of local legends. From spooky cemeteries to haunted hotels, this tour offers a chilling yet educational experience for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather!
Location: Aw Shucks Farm, 3718 Plyler Mill Rd, Monroe, NC 28112
Dates: Fridays and Saturdays from September 29 to October 28, 2024
Tickets: $15 per person
If you're craving a spooky outdoor experience, you don't want to miss "North Carolina's scariest haunted event" at Aw Shucks Farm. Set among eerie woods and cornfields, this terrifying trail offers a unique mix of jump scares, creepy characters, and a haunting atmosphere. With interactive elements, it's perfect for those who enjoy horror without the need for a traditional haunted house.
Family-Friendly Fun for All
Location: Stowe Park - Belmont, NC
Date: October 26, 2024
Admission: Free
Watch Halloween magic come to life at Downtown Belmont's annual BooFest! The whole family will enjoy the thrills, chills, and surprises all around them on this haunted night. Find fun in the carnival rides, costume contests, craft vendors, and food options. Even collect sweat treats while trick or treating!
Location: North Carolina Zoo, 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205
Dates: October 19-20 and 26-27, 2024
Tickets: Zoo admission required
A fun, educational experience awaits families at the North Carolina Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo event. Children can explore treat stations, enjoy live music, and participate in fun games, all while discovering the zoo’s animals. The zoo is decked out in festive Halloween décor, making for a magical time with your little ones. Make sure to bring your trick-or-treat bag and arrive early to beat the crowds and get the best parking spots!
Location: 3900 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215
Dates: October 1-31, 2024
Admission: Free (Pumpkins priced per pound)
For a classic fall experience, head to Hodges Family Farm for its annual pumpkin patch. Pick out your perfect pumpkin, enjoy a scenic hayride, or visit the farm animals. This is a great option for families who want a more low-key Halloween activity. Don’t forget your camera – the farm is picture-perfect during the autumn season!
Location: 11th Street & North Tryon, Uptown Charlotte
Date: October 26, 2024
Admission: Free
The Monster Walk is a fun kid- and pet-friendly Halloween meetup. Show up in your costume, at 11th Street and North Tryon Street. The group will walk together to Luminous Lane, the alley off of 100 E 4th Street, which is decorated with murals.
The Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall
Location: 2017 Greenway Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204
Date: October 27, 2024 (Ceremonial Pumpkin Wall lighting) - October 31, 2024
Admission: Free
This is one of Charlotte's greatest Halloween traditions, the Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall. Each year, Charlotteans carve pumpkins and display them to be enjoyed by Elizabeth and Charlotte residents and visitors. 2024 marks the 20th year the community has hosted this event.
21+ Up Haunts
Halloween Bar Crawls
Location: Various locations in Uptown Charlotte
Dates: October 26 and 31, 2024
Tickets: Starting at $10
For those 21 and older looking to party, Charlotte’s Halloween Bar Crawls are a perfect choice. Participants can enjoy drink specials, themed cocktails, and costume contests at various bars around Uptown. It’s a fun way to experience Charlotte’s nightlife with a spooky twist!
Location: Brewers at 4001 Yancey
Dates: October 26, 2024; 12-8pm
Tickets: Free
Stop by for axe throwing, a spooky cocktail menu, a costume contest, live music, and more! Brewers at 4001 Yancey will be participating in Charlotte Craft Beer Week by hosting the LoSo Halloween Bar Crawl from 1pm to 5pm alongside other participating breweries. Kids are welcome.