Yahoo Movies 29 Halloween Festivals Across the U.S. to Put on Your Bucket List
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For those whose favorite holiday falls on October 31st each year, there is absolutely nothing more thrilling than a Halloween festival. Whether the main event is an epic haunted house, a seriously spooky ghost tour, or a parade where you can don your totally genius Halloween costume, the fun is seemingly never-ending. (Especially when you throw in an amazing display or two of frightfully good pumpkin carving ideas!)
If all of the above applies to you, you can stop frantically Googling “Halloween events near me” and “Halloween festivals near me,” because we’ve done the work for you. Presenting: the best Halloween festivals and events in the U.S. in 2022! Whether you live in Southern California or all the way at the tippy top of New England, there’s guaranteed to be a spooktacular celebration happening somewhere near you. From small Midwestern towns with charming street parades to epic frightfests in major U.S. cities, something on this list will tickle your Halloween fancy. Our suggestion? Hit up the Halloween festival closest to you early in the month, then book a special trip to one of America’s best small towns to visit on Halloween to truly immerse yourself in the holiday.
Once your Halloween-themed plans are set, continue the fall fun by spending a day at one of the best pumpkin patches, corn mazes, or pick-your-own apple farms in the U.S. It’s enough to make you wish autumn lasted all year long, don’t you think?
Knott's Scary Farm
Where: Buena Park, California
When: Select nights September 22–October 31, 2022
The largest Halloween event in Southern California, Knott's Berry Farm amusement park transforms itself into a haunted attraction for the season. Expect haunted houses, sinister shows, and more than 1,000 horrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding in every corner of the park. (Not recommended for children under 13.)
For more information visit knotts.com/events/scary-farm
The Louisville Zoo Boo at the Zoo
Where: Louisville, Kentucky
When: Thursdays through Sundays every weekend in October 2022
There's a reason it's called the “World’s Largest Halloween Party." Each year for over 40 years, the Louisville Zoo changes things up a bit and hosts a sweet (not scary!) Halloween bash. (Well, there is a "headless horseman," but that's about the extent of the slightly scary aspects.) Expect a spooky carousel ride, photo ops with favorite princesses and superheroes, and 20 treat booths for trick-or-treaters.
For more information, visit louisvillezoo.org/halloween.
Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Festival
Where: Manitou Springs, Colorado
When: Events throughout October, with Coffin Races on October 29, 2022
Coffin races? Count us in! This town may be tiny, but it hosts a mean Halloween festival that also includes ghost tours, classic horror movie nights, and a costume contest.
For more information, visit emmacrawfordfestival.com.
Festival of the Dead
Where: Salem, Massachusetts
When: October 1–31, 2022
Salem, Massachusetts seems like a fitting place to spend Halloween. (Especially now that Hocus Pocus 2 is now streaming!) Events include a séance, and psychic readings, and the Witches' Halloween Ball on Friday, October 28.
For more information, visit festivalofthedead.com.
Village Halloween Parade
Where: New York, New York
When: Monday, October 31, 2022
What better way to spend your Halloween than in the Big Apple? In typical New York City style, the Village Halloween Parade will delight you with over-the-top costumes and excessive merriment. This year's theme is "Freedom," inspired by the Jon Batiste song, and the official after party, Webster Hell, is taking place at Webster Hall.
For more information, visit halloween-nyc.com.
Salt River Fields Spooktacular Balloon Festival
Where: Scottsdale, Arizona
When: Friday and Saturday, October 28–29, 2022
Not your typical Halloween festival, the main attractions here are over 20 colorful and magical hot-air balloons. Hop aboard for a tethered balloon ride and soak in the festivities including live music and trick-or-treating from above. Each hot air balloon is designated as a trick-or-treat stop, and there will be over 4,000 pounds of candy!
For more information, visit azspooktacular.com.
Little Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 22–23, 2022
In addition to the popular parade (there's a new route this year on Moreland Avenue) and two stages featuring live music, this foodie enclave hosts chefs serving local favorites and food trucks galore. Not to be missed: an artist market offering eclectic finds, ghost tours, and a special Saturday of monster hunting in the neighborhood.
For more information, visit l5phalloween.com.
Krewe of Boo!
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
When: Saturday, October 22, 2022
If Halloween and Mardi Gras got married, Krewe of Boo! would be their child. Start off the day with the Zombie Run, where runners and spectators alike show up in full costume. The main event is the parade that begins at dusk—think lavish floats and freaky costumes with that infamous, theatrical New Orleans flair.
For more information, visit kreweofboo.com.
Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns
Where: Chicago, Illinois
When: October 12–16 and 19–23, 2022
Take in a truly illuminating event at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden as more than 1,000 elaborately carved Jack-'o-lanterns light the way. (Artists for the New York-based company Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns can spend up to 15 hours on one pumpkin!) Live carving demos and light drinks and snacks round out the night.
For more information, visit chicagobotanic.org.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Where: Lake Buena Vista, FL
When: select nights August 12–October 31, 2022
At Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, holidays are serious business, and Halloween is no exception. Dress up alongside the characters and trick or treat through the park. Stick around after dark for the entertainment-packed parade and a fireworks show.
For more information, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com.
Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
Where: Indianapolis, Indiana
When: October 22–29, 2022
This week-long festival brings together the Irvington community with a street fair, vampire run, zombie bike ride, spaghetti supper, and more unique events. It all culminates with a street fair, parade, and after party on Saturday, October 29th.
For more information, visit irvingtonhalloween.com.
Fairborn Halloween Festival and Zombie Walk
Where: Fairborn, Ohio
When: October 14–16, 2022
This family-friendly weekend festival includes all sorts of Halloween activities, but the most interesting may be its annual nighttime Zombie Walk, which includes a spooky makeover with face painting and a "blood bath."
For more information, visit the Fairborn Chamber of Commerce or contact the Chamber of Commerce at info@fairbornchamber.com or 937-878-3191.
Sleepy Hollow Halloween
Where: Sleepy Hollow, New York
When: Throughout the month of October 2022
Visit the Headless Horseman's hometown during the month of October for cemetery tours, haunted hayrides, parades, performances, and more festivities for families and thrill seekers of all ages. Don't miss the Tarrytown Halloween parade on Saturday the 29th—or the block party that follows immediately after!
For more information, visit visitsleepyhollow.com.
Pony Express PumpkinFest
Where: St. Joseph, Missouri
When: October 7–9, 2022
Kick off the Halloween season at the festival's opening night, which features the lighting of over 800 jack-o'-lanterns arranged into a pumpkin mountain, rides, food, games, a costume parade, and more. On Saturday and Sunday, stop by the Children's Tent for free baby pumpkins for the little ones.
For more information, visit ponyexpress.com/pumpkinfest.
Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular
Where: Louisville, Kentucky
When: October 4–31, 2022
Some 5,000 carved pumpkins line a 1/3-mile walking trail in Iroquois Park. Take a stroll starting at dusk—the park's open until 11 p.m.
For more information, visit jackolanternlouisville.org.
Sycamore Pumpkin Festival
Where: Sycamore, Illinois
When: October 26–30, 2022
This festival packs it all in with two carnivals, three craft shows, a parade, and more than 1,000 entries in the popular decorated pumpkin display. "There's a whole weekend of parades, good food, marching bands, and, of course, pumpkin judging on the courthouse lawn," says Ann Eichorn.
For more information, visit sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.
Neewollah
Where: Independence, Kansas
When: October 21–30, 2022
"Here in Independence, Kansas, we have what they call Neewollah (Halloween spelled backwards)," says Patti Whittington Clark. "There's a chili contest in the park, a talent show, carnival rides, live music, and three parades. It's pretty awesome for such a small town!"
For more information, visit neewollah.com.
New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival
Where: Laconia, New Hampshire
When: Saturday, October 29, 2022
The 34-foot tower of Jack-o'-lanterns is the centerpiece of this charming festival. Other seasonal activities include the zombie walk, live music, children's costume parade and a corn hole tournament.
For more information, visit nhpumpkinfestival.com.
Haunted Happenings
Where: Salem, Massachusetts
When: October 1–31, 2022
"Salem, Massachusetts, rocks Halloween like no other," says Michelle Daniels. The city goes all-out with cemetery and ghost tours, spooky street fairs, haunted harbor cruises and a 5K race where runners dress as witches. Adults can enjoy Wicked Wine Down Wednesdays, and certain special events such as Hocus Pocus High Tea require reservations.
For more information, visit hauntedhappenings.org.
Terror on Tillson Street
Where: Romeo, Michigan
When: Residents may decorate their houses as soon as early October, but final displays are up the week leading up to Halloween. "Several blocks go all-out—it's like a free haunted house," says Stacy Langtry of this residential street's spectacularly spooky decorations.
For more information, visit terrorontillson.com.
Hallowe'en at Greenfield Village
Where: Dearborn, Michigan
When: October 6–9, 13–16, 20–23, and 27–30 2022
Costumed characters, like the Headless Horseman, plus a slew of 1,000 jack-o'-lanterns bring this historically themed village to life. In case of a chilly night, warm apple cider and fresh doughnuts will keep you feeling cozy.
For more information, visit thehenryford.org.
Anoka Halloween
Where: Anoka, Minnesota
When: Various events run throughout October 2022
"They have a big parade down Main Street," says Leigh Holland of the city known as "The Halloween Capital of the World, which started hosting big celebrations in the 1920s to prevent youngsters from getting into trouble. "It's a cute little town with great burgers and nice antiques shops, too!" Holland adds. Special events include the Pumpkin bowl, a vintage rest, bingo night, and several parades
For more information, visit anokahalloween.com/halloween2022.
The Great Jack-O'-Lantern Blaze
Where: Croton-on-Hudson, New York
When: Select nights from September 16–November 20, 2022
Billed as the tristate area's biggest Halloween event, the Blaze features over 7,000 intricately hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns that form incredible displays in a spooky 18th-century landscape, including a working windmill. And this event has its own original soundtrack that follows the synchronized light show!
For more information, visit hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze.
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Great Pumpkin Carve
Where: Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
When: October 20–22, 2022
Artists carve over 70 giant pumpkins in this event, which started in the early 1970s after painters Andrew and Jamie Wyeth carved pumpkins to decorate a local inn. The gourds used today can weigh as much as 400 pounds! All three nights include a kid-friendly Haunted Trail, live music, food, and local craft beer and wine.
For more information, visit chaddsfordhistory.org.
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Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Where: Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island
When: September 29–October 31, 2022
For the month of October, more than 5,000 intricately decorated pumpkins transform the zoo into a Halloween wonderland. "It's amazing," says Elizabeth Roy. "Hundreds upon hundreds of jack-o'-lanterns carved in so many designs!" Check in for special family fun themed nights, where kids can take pics with their favorite princesses and superheroes. On October 25 and 26, the zoo hosts a special version of the event for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders and sensory processing differences.
For more information, visit rwpzoo.org.
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Pendleton Scarecrow Contest
Where: Pendleton, South Carolina
When: October 8, 2022
"Come to the town with all the scarecrows," says Vadrew Kathleen Smith. In mid-October, residents of Pendleton start assembling scarecrow characters for the annual contest, which gets more than 100 entrants. Boogie down the night before at the Disco Scarecrow Bar Crawl.
For more information, visit facebook.com/PendletonFallHarvestFestival/.
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The C-K AutumnFest
Where: Ceredo and Kenova, West Virginia
When: October 21–30, 2022
Two quaint neighboring towns pair up for haunted happenings. Be sure to walk by the Pumpkin House, a Victorian adorned with more than 3,000 gourds, and to sample some of the goods at the old-fashioned bake-off.
For more information, visit ckautumnfest.com.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
Where: Culver City, CA
When: October 7–30, 2022
Operating since 1987, this beloved Culver City pumpkin patch features family-friendly fun like pumpkin carving, straw mazes, face painting, a pumpkin village, and more. (Mark your calendar for the Trick or Treat Spooktacular on October 29!) Visitors can also take home pumpkins sourced from a family-run farm in Oregon.
For more information, visit mrbonespumpkinpatch.com.
Screams Halloween Theme Park
Where: Waxahachie, Texas
When: Friday and Saturday nights from September 30–October 29, 2022
The world's largest Halloween theme park is a mere 30 minutes south of Dallas. With seriously haunted attractions, a lot of Screams is not for the faint of heart—but if you like a good scare, there are options for everyone—and five full different haunted houses to explore. Horror movies, the Scary-oke stage, roaming characters, face painting, rides and games galore!
For more information, visit screamspark.com.
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