Spooky Halloween Activities in Charlotte
From pumpkin patches to haunted houses and macabre masquerades, Charlotteans have carved out creative ways to celebrate the spookiest day of the year.
by Libby Goddard Oct 05, 2024
Charlotte is filled with Halloween fun this season. Whether you're looking for family-friendly events or spine-tingling thrills, the Queen City has plenty to offer. Here's a look at the top Halloween happenings in the Charlotte region.
Not-So-Spooky
Tricks & Treats
When: Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 14-Oct. 27
Where: Carowinds
Tricks and Treats at Carowinds is a family-friendly Halloween event offering a mix of festive fun and mild frights. Guests can enjoy themed areas, live entertainment and activities, like costume contests, trick-or-treating and interactive games. The park is transformed with vibrant decorations, providing a perfect backdrop for both kids and adults to celebrate the season.
Howl-O-Ween
When: Sept. 26-Oct. 31
Where: Great Wolf Lodge
Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge brings a playful twist to the Halloween season, offering families a fun and festive getaway. Guests can enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the lodge, participate in costume parades, and join in on seasonal crafts and activities. With the lodge fully decorated for the occasion, and its indoor waterpark still in full swing, it’s an ideal spot for a Halloween celebration that combines relaxation and excitement for all ages.
The Ghouly Gala
When: Friday, Oct. 18
Where: Discovery Place Kids - Huntersville
The Ghouly Gala at Discovery Place Kids is a lively, Halloween-themed event designed for young children and their families. With fun activities like spooky science experiments, arts and crafts, and interactive games, the event offers an educational twist on traditional Halloween festivities. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes and explore the museum's exhibits while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
The Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall
When: Oct. 27-Nov. 1
Where: Elizabeth
The Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall is a cherished tradition that attracts visitors from all over Charlotte. Featuring dozens of intricately carved pumpkins, this impressive display is a must-see during the Halloween season. In 2024, the Great Pumpkin Wall celebrates its 20th year, making it an extra special time to experience this beloved local event.
Just a Bit Spookier
Halloween Drag Shows
When: Throughout October
Where: Citywide
Local Halloween drag shows in Charlotte are set to bring an extra dose of flair and excitement to the spooky season. Featuring talented performers who showcase creativity and charisma, these shows promise unforgettable entertainment with a haunting twist.
- Sunday, Oct. 20: Halloween Murder Mystery Drag Brunch
- Sunday, Oct. 20: Ultimate Drag Brunch Nightmare
- Saturday, Oct. 26: Halloween Drag Brunch by The Vanity House
- Saturday, Oct. 26: Culture Shock Halloween Drag Brunch
MERGE: Halloween Edition
When: Oct. 17, Oct. 19
Where: Blackbox Theater
Merge: Halloween Edition is an electrifying fusion of symphonic and electronic music, offering a unique twist on classic Halloween sounds. This immersive party, presented by the Charlotte Symphony, features frightful tunes reimagined with bass-heavy electronic rhythms by composer Ben Hjertmann. Guests will be surrounded by a playful, eerie atmosphere as they dance through a sonic maze of symphonic-electronic beats.
Science on the Rocks: Macabre Masquerade
When: Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: Discovery Place Science
The Macabre Masquerade, Uptown’s coolest Halloween party for adults, returns at Discovery Place Science. Step into a world of mystery, allure and dark delights at this enchanting event. With captivating entertainment, themed drinks and a vibrant atmosphere, guests are encouraged to dress in their finest costumes and masks for a night of Halloween fun and intrigue.
Official Charlotte Halloween Bar Crawl
When: Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: Uptown
Get ready for the official Halloween Bar Crawl, when Charlotte’s nightlife transforms with exciting drink specials and promotions. This year, the goal is to set the record for the biggest pub crawl in the city, featuring partnerships with the most exclusive bars. Participants are encouraged to don their best costumes and experience a night filled with fun, excitement and festive spirits for a spooktacular celebration.
The Spookiest
SCarowinds
When: Select nights, Sept. 13-Oct. 27
Where: Carowinds
Step into the heart of SCarowinds, where thrills and chills await along the North Carolina-South Carolina border. The park features five haunted mazes, four eerie scare zones, and hundreds of monsters roaming the grounds for a night of excitement and suspense. Guests can enjoy Carowinds' signature rides in the dark, adding an extra layer of intensity to the experience.
Lake Hickory Haunts
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 13-Nov. 2
Where: Hickory
Lake Hickory Haunts offers a truly unique and immersive experience for thrill seekers. Set around a large body of water, this haunted theme park features 13 distinct attractions, each with its own terrifying theme. With over 100 live actors bringing the scares to life, Lake Hickory Haunts delivers an unforgettable blend of fear and excitement, making it a top Halloween destination.
The 13th Acre
When: Select nights, Sept. 20-Oct. 31
Where: Monroe
Just east of Charlotte in Monroe, The 13th Acre is an eerie haunted trail for only the bravest souls. Step into a living nightmare as you and your friends navigate the dark, twisted path. With only one chance to turn back, you’ll have to face whatever lurks in the shadows. Frightful creatures await, making this experience not for the faint of heart. Will you survive?
Scarrigan Farms
When: Select nights, Oct. 4-Nov. 1|
Where: Carrigan Farms
Do you have what it takes to face the Haunted Trail at Scarrigan Farms? On select October nights, this 275-acre farm turns into one of the most terrifying haunts in the area. The mile-long outdoor trail will test your nerves as you encounter ghouls, evil clowns, vampires and other spine-chilling creatures lurking in the shadows. Reservations are required, and guests must be 12 or older to participate.
