Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween Events in North Carolina: Haunted Houses, Corn Mazes, and More!

Halloween in North Carolina is full of spooky thrills, festive family fun, and everything in between. Whether you’re looking to get lost in a haunted corn maze, attend a Halloween bar crawl, or take the kids trick-or-treating, North Carolina has something for everyone. This comprehensive guide covers everything from terrifying haunted attractions to family-friendly events, ensuring you make the most of the Halloween season. Let’s dive into the best Halloween events across the Tar Heel State, complete with pricing, dates, and links to learn more.


Spooky Trails and Haunted Houses

North Carolina is home to some of the scariest haunted trails and houses, each offering its unique brand of terror.

Woods of Terror (Greensboro, NC)

One of the most popular haunted attractions in the state, Woods of Terror delivers intense scares with its immersive sets and professional actors. Featuring multiple themed sections such as “Industrial Nightmare” and “Vampire Castle,” this haunted experience will leave you breathless.

  • Price: $35 general admission, $50 Fast Pass, $75 VIP
  • Dates: September 22–November 4, 2023
  • Website: Woods of Terror

The Haunted Farm (Hendersonville, NC)

Set on a 50-acre farm, The Haunted Farm offers multiple haunted attractions including haunted woods, barns, and hayrides. Their attention to detail and top-tier special effects create an unforgettable experience.

  • Price: $30 General Admission, $50 VIP
  • Dates: Select weekends from late September to early November
  • Website: The Haunted Farm

Hillside Horror (Roaring River, NC)

Located in the rural Roaring River, Hillside Horror is known for its eerie outdoor trail, where you’ll encounter terrifying creatures and unexpected scares at every turn. The haunted hillside setting adds an extra level of spookiness.

  • Price: $20 general admission
  • Dates: Select weekends from late September to October
  • Website: Hillside Horror

Backwoods Terror Ranch (Fayetteville, NC)

This haunted farm provides an immersive experience where visitors navigate haunted trails, barns, and a terrifying corn maze. The rural setting enhances the creepy atmosphere.

  • Price: $15–$25 general admission
  • Dates: Fridays and Saturdays from late September to October
  • Website: Backwoods Terror Ranch

Granville Haunt Farm (Oxford, NC)

Granville Haunt Farm features a haunted drive-thru, allowing you to experience the thrills and chills from the safety of your car. They also offer a haunted corn maze for those who want to venture out on foot.

  • Price: $10–$12 per vehicle (drive-thru)
  • Dates: Select weekends in October
  • Website: Granville Haunt Farm

Fall-Themed Corn Mazes

Explore North Carolina’s iconic corn mazes this Halloween season. These fall-themed adventures offer both spooky and family-friendly options.

The Amazing Maize Maze (Huntersville, NC)

Navigate your way through this giant corn maze, perfect for families and groups. With interactive clues and twists, it’s a fun challenge for all ages.

Shelby Corn Maze (Shelby, NC)

This sprawling corn maze offers both daytime fun and spooky nighttime adventures. Navigate the twists and turns of the maze during the day, or brave the haunted version at night.

  • Price: $10 general admission
  • Dates: September 22–October 31
  • Website: Shelby Corn Maze

McKee’s Cornfield Maze (Rougemont, NC)

McKee’s Cornfield Maze offers a family-friendly daytime maze, but things take a spooky turn after dark with their haunted maze experience. It’s a perfect mix of wholesome fun and Halloween scares.


Local Halloween Parties and Nightlife

For adults looking to celebrate Halloween with a bit of fun, these Halloween parties and bar crawls offer the perfect mix of costumes, drinks, and entertainment.

Raleigh Halloween Bar Crawl

Explore the best bars in downtown Raleigh while dressed in your Halloween best. This event features drink specials, costume contests, and plenty of spooky surprises.

Charlotte’s Haunted Brewery Crawl

For beer lovers, this haunted brewery crawl takes you through some of Charlotte’s best breweries, all decked out in spooky décor. Expect specialty brews and plenty of Halloween-themed drinks.

Freaky Friday Party (Durham, NC)

This popular Halloween party in downtown Durham features live music, entertainment, and a costume contest. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween in a lively, festive atmosphere.


Outdoor Frights: Halloween Camping

For those who love the outdoors, North Carolina offers unique camping experiences where you can mix the beauty of nature with Halloween thrills.

Halloweekends at Jellystone Park (Golden Valley, NC)

This family-friendly campground transforms into a Halloween wonderland with themed activities like trick-or-treating, costume contests, and haunted trails. It’s an ideal option for families looking to mix camping with holiday fun.

Haunted Forest Camping at Morrow Mountain State Park (Albemarle, NC)

Enjoy the beauty of Morrow Mountain during the day and then brace yourself for spooky stories and haunted trails at night. It’s a perfect blend of camping and Halloween horror for adventure seekers.

  • Price: Campsites start at $20 per night
  • Dates: October weekends
  • Website: Morrow Mountain State Park

Drive-Thru Halloween Experiences

For those who prefer a safer Halloween adventure, North Carolina offers several drive-thru attractions that deliver spooky thrills from the comfort of your car.

Boo In The Zoo (Asheboro, NC)

This family-friendly drive-thru event at the North Carolina Zoo is perfect for young children. Enjoy festive decorations, costumed characters, and candy giveaways from your vehicle.

The Haunted Highway (Greenville, NC)

Drive through a mile-long haunted experience where live actors, creepy decorations, and spooky sound effects make this a unique and safe way to celebrate Halloween.

Spookywoods Drive-Thru (Archdale, NC)

For those who love the Spookywoods haunted attraction but prefer to stay in their car, the drive-thru version offers the same thrills and chills with an alternative format.

  • Price: $30 per car
  • Dates: October weekends
  • Website: Spookywoods

Trick-Or-Treat Events

Safe and fun trick-or-treat events are a Halloween staple, and North Carolina hosts plenty of options for families to enjoy.

Downtown Greensboro Trick-or-Treat

Bring the kids to downtown Greensboro for a safe trick-or-treat experience, with participating businesses handing out candy and fun activities throughout the day.

Trick-or-Treat at Pullen Park (Raleigh, NC)

Pullen Park offers a family-friendly trick-or-treat event with games, music, and Halloween-themed attractions in a safe, festive environment.

University Place Trick-or-Treat (Chapel Hill, NC)

This popular event at University Place Mall provides a secure and fun trick-or-treating experience for children, with local businesses handing out candy and treats.


Pumpkin Carving Competitions

If you love pumpkin carving, these competitions offer a great way to show off your skills.

Carrboro Pumpkin Carve (Carrboro, NC)

This community event brings together artists and families to carve pumpkins and showcase their designs. It’s a fun, creative competition that gets everyone in the Halloween spirit.

Durham’s Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest (Durham, NC)

This event is open to all ages, and the pumpkin designs get more creative every year. There are prizes for the best carvings, making it a fun and competitive experience.

The Raleigh Pumpkin Smash (Raleigh, NC)

After Halloween, bring your pumpkins to this event for a smashing good time. It’s a fun way to dispose of your pumpkins and enjoy some post-Halloween entertainment.


Halloween Hayrides

Enjoy a classic hayride with a spooky twist at these North Carolina farms and attractions.

Phillips Farms Haunted Hayride (Cary, NC)

Phillips Farms transforms their daytime hayride into a haunted nighttime experience. Ride through eerie woods as creatures emerge from the shadows to give you a fright.

  • Price: $15 general admission
  • Dates: Fridays and Saturdays in October
  • Website: Phillips Farms

Mike’s Farm Hayride (Beulaville, NC)

Mike’s Farm offers a more traditional Halloween hayride, perfect for families. Enjoy seasonal decorations, spooky scenes, and plenty of pumpkin fun.

  • Price: $10 general admission
  • Dates: Select nights in October
  • Website: Mike’s Farm

Woods of Terror Hayride (Greensboro, NC)

Part of the larger Woods of Terror haunted experience, their hayride takes you through haunted woods filled with monsters and creepy creatures.

  • Price: Included with admission
  • Dates: September 22–November 4, 2023
  • Website: Woods of Terror

Spooky Theater Shows and Movie Nights

For those who prefer a more relaxed but still spooky evening, North Carolina offers special Halloween-themed movie screenings and theater shows.

Rocky Horror Picture Show Screenings (Winston-Salem, NC)

Celebrate Halloween with this interactive screening of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show. Costumes, props, and audience participation make this an unforgettable Halloween tradition.

Halloween Horror Movie Marathon (Chapel Hill, NC)

Catch back-to-back screenings of classic and modern horror movies at this local cinema. It’s a great way to spend a Halloween night with friends.

Live Halloween Performances at NC Theater (Raleigh, NC)

Enjoy live spooky-themed plays and musicals at the NC Theater. Their Halloween productions range from family-friendly to spine-chilling, depending on your preference.

  • Price: $20–$50
  • Dates: October 2023
  • Website: NC Theater

Halloween in North Carolina offers a perfect mix of scares, fun, and family-friendly events. From terrifying haunted houses like Woods of Terror and Scarowinds to delightful pumpkin patches and hayrides, there’s something for every Halloween lover in the Tar Heel State. Whether you’re seeking out the ultimate scream or enjoying a festive day with family, North Carolina’s diverse range of Halloween attractions won’t disappoint.

FAQs

  1. What is the best haunted house in North Carolina?
    • Woods of Terror and Scarowinds are among the most popular haunted attractions, offering terrifying mazes and themed experiences.
  2. Are there family-friendly Halloween events in North Carolina?
    • Yes! Events like Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train and Pullen Park Trick-or-Treat are perfect for families and young children.
  3. Where can I find a good corn maze in North Carolina?
    • The Amazing Maize Maze in Huntersville and Shelby Corn Maze offers fun and challenging corn mazes, with both daytime and spooky nighttime options.
  4. What are some Halloween events for adults?
    • Bar crawls like the Raleigh Halloween Bar Crawl and Charlotte’s Haunted Brewery Crawl offer Halloween fun for adults looking to enjoy drinks and costumes.
  5. Where can I find pumpkin carving contests in North Carolina?
    • Carrboro Pumpkin Carve and Durham’s Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest are great events for showcasing your pumpkin-carving skills!


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