Spooky Halloween Activities in Charlotte
From ghost tours and scary movie nights to haunted trails and bar crawls, Charlotteans have carved out creative ways to celebrate the spookiest day of the year.
by Libby Goddard Oct 03, 2022
Not-So-Spooky
The Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds
Where: Fort Mill, SC
When: Saturdays and Sundays, September 17-October 30 | Noon-5 p.m.
Hooray for fall, y’all! Hop on your tractor, pirate ship or witch’s broom and hurry on over for a super-sized celebration of all things fall at Carowinds’ The Great Pumpkin Fest. You can expect one-of-a-kind Halloween events for pint-sized ghosts and goblins like games, play zones, costume contests and dance parties.
Howl-o-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge
Where: Concord
When: September 30-October 31
Get your pack together and be a part of Great Wolf Lodge's Howl-o-Ween experience. All month long, there will be spooktacular activities like games, arts and crafts, trick-or-treating, Monster Bash dance parties and costume contests.
Running Scared 5 Miler & Monster Mile
Where: Midnight Mulligan Brewery
When: October 29
The 6th Annual Running Scared 5 Miler/5K & Monster Mile presented by Midnight Mulligan Brewing encourages participants to have fun, be creative and dress up in costumes. Choose your event — 5-Miler, 5K or Monster Mile — and burn off any extra Halloween candy as you enjoy a scenic run (or walk) through Uptown. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the food trucks, craft beer, live music and games at Midnight Mulligan Brewery with the rest of your fellow monsters.
The Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall
Where: 2017 Greenway Ave., Elizabeth
When: October 30 - November 1
This beloved tradition has become a seasonal favorite by not only Elizabeth residents but the whole community. Take in the spooky scenery of dozens of pumpkins carved and lit by members of the neighborhood. The ceremonial Pumpkin Wall lighting will take place on October 30 at 6:30 p.m., and will be available to view until November 1.
Just a Bit Spookier
Halloween Movies at Crossroads Cinema
Where: Camp North End
When: October 13, 20 and 27
Every Thursday, Camp North End hosts free outdoor movies projected onto a jumbo screen with surround sound. For the Halloween season, the lineup includes classics like Ghostbusters, The Addams Family and Hocus Pocus. Bring chairs or snuggle up with some blankets and enjoy the ooky-spooky vibes.
Halloween Drag Shows
Where: Citywide
When: throughout October
Support your local Drag queens when you attend any of these spooktacular events. Come see the girls of The Vanity House at the Heels & Horror drag lunch at Hi-Wire Brewing on October 16. Oh My Soul in NoDa is hosting Buff Faye’s Monster Mash Drag Brunch on October 22, where you can take part in Charlotte’s very first all-vegan Drag brunch. Still want more of the dolls? The Kounter in Rock Hill is throwing a Hocus-Pocus-themed drag brunch featuring even more of Buff Faye and her fellow divas. Finish out your Hallo-weekend with a Murder Mystery dinner at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille hosted by Buff Faye, where you can enjoy some delicious entertainment.
21st Annual Halloween Bar Crawl
Where: Uptown
When: October 29
Charlotte’s original Halloween bar crawl is back and better than ever with over 25 participating locations throughout Uptown. Your ticket gets you access into each location, drink specials, exclusive event merch, giveaways, costume contests and raffles.
Carolina History & Haunts Ghost Tour
Where: Uptown
When: All year
The Beyond the Grave tour is a spooky, outdoor walking tour that dives deep into the darker side of the Queen City’s history. You’ll be guided by lantern light as you listen to the true stories of Uptown’s departed inhabitants and see for yourself where they still linger. Learn about how Charlotte’s ghostly past has shaped our city today.
The Spookiest
Scarowinds
Where: Fort Mill, SC
When: Select Nights September 16-October 30
Fear is waiting for you. Carowinds turns into Scarowinds once night falls and this year, every corner is freshly cursed with horrifying haunted mazes, spine-tingling scare zones and live entertainment. Survive immersive, haunted mazes, spine-tingling scare zones, heart-racing shows and much more. Please note the new chaperone policy.
Lake Hickory Haunts
Where: Hickory
When: September 17-November 5
Known as one of the best haunts in the Carolinas, Lake Hickory Haunts promises a night full of terrifying fun as you make your way through their one-of-a-kind haunted theme park. Their 13 unique attractions surround a creepy lagoon, only adding to the overall spooky vibes. Guests experience immersive environments and mazes, multi-dimensional special effects and unlimited spine-tingling scares.
Scarrigan Farms
Where: Mooresville
When: September 30-October 31
Are you brave enough to traipse the Haunted Trail at Scarrigan Farms? On select nights in October, this 275-acre farm transforms into one of the scariest haunts in the region. This mile-long, all-outdoor walking trail will push your fears to limit as you’re chased and spooked by ghouls, goblins, evil clowns, vampires and demons. Please note: reservations are required and participants must be older than 12.
The 13th Acre
Where: Monroe
When: September 23-October 31
Test your courage and attempt to escape The 13th Acre. You’ll enter the dark woods and confront your fears as you come face to face with the creatures and monsters of the haunted trail. Once you enter their realm, it is up to you to escape.
