It’s time for the season of costumes, treats, witches, warlocks, and whimsy! Get your fright on or just collect some candy and show off your best costume at these themed events. Either way, you’ll have a blast.
Apex Tour of Frights
October 10-31, 6-9 p.m. nightly
Residents and businesses are already hard at work preparing their spooky fall-themed displays. The map for this year’s tour gets released on October 10, so get ready for a self-paced seasonal showcase.
Track or Treat Halloween Express
October 10, 14, 17, 23, 24 (check website for times)
New Hope Valley Railway, New Hill
Climb aboard for a festive ride through the woods where Halloween surprises wait around every curve. Watch closely for Count Dracula, witches, bubbling cauldrons, pumpkin characters, and other friendly spooky visitors. Afternoon rides take place in daylight, sunset rides offer amazing views, and nighttime rides add to the spookiness. October 14 brings a sensory-friendly ride for sensitive participants. $18.61 for riders 2 and up (sensory friendly day $13.20 children, $16.45 adults, $15.35 seniors). #309 caboose seating 10 available for select trips for $190.65.
Fuquay-Varina Haunted Trail
October 17, 5 & 7 p.m.
Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park
Walk the quarter-mile path — if you dare — through the dark woods with unexpected surprises at every bend. Children between 10 and 12 can attend the Full Fright option at 7 p.m.with a parent. For a less spooky alternative, stroll the twilight Family Trail in costume and interact with characters along the way.
Scarecrow Row
October 22, 5-7 p.m. decorating event
October 23-31 viewing
Apex Community Park
Families are invited to craft personalized scarecrows at a community decorating event. The completed scarecrows will be displayed along a haunted nature trail the week before Halloween. Note: Preregistration is required, and spots are limited. The Town of Apex supplies the frame and stuffing, but you must supply a head, outfit, and accessories. Bring a flashlight if you want to visit Scarecrow Row after dark.
Zombiepalooza
October 23, 6–9 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
Hosted by The Cary Theater, this short film competition, now in its 11th year, invites North Carolina filmmakers of all ages and skill levels to submit zombie-themed films of 5 minutes or less. A kids’ costume contest and brain-eating contest precede the showings, plus zombie musical chairs and other themed activities. Audience members vote on an award winner. This year’s film theme: sports.
Haunted Walk
October 23-24, 7-10:30 p.m.
Bond Park Challenge Course, Cary
The Cary Teen Council presents a haunted walk that’s frigteningly fun! Light concessions will be available. Ticket sales begin at 6:30. $5 per person (5 and younger free).
Kooky Spooky
October 23, 6-8:30 p.m.
Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh
This Halloween party with a Marbles twist means educational opportunities like static orbs, boo bubbles, and a chance to design your own haunted transportation. Of course, there’s also a costume parade, Monster Mash dance party, and lots of treats! $22 per person ($20 for museum members)
Downtown Scary Park
October 24, 6-10 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
Swing by in the afternoon for a family pumpkin carving session and other pre-movie activities. Then bring your chairs and blankets to get cozy on the Great Lawn as the sun goes down. Enjoy back-to-back classics on the big screen: The Haunted Mansion at 7:30 and Poltergeist at 9:30.
Spellbound at Mordecai
October 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mordecai Historic Park, Raleigh
This Halloween market is all about the kids! Participate in a costume contest and parade, but please no horror, gore, or full face masks. Create spooky crafts, decorate a pumpkin, shop handmade items, and meet mysterious creatures and amazing magicians. Free to attend; preregistration encouraged.
Cary Police Department Trunk or Treat
October 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
Meander your way down Park Street for treats courtesy of the Cary Police Department. In costume, of course!
Boo Bash
October 29, 6–8 p.m.
Morrisville Community Park
Kiddos, it’s time to show off those costumes! Visit candy stations and enjoy music, face painting, giveaways, and more spooky surprises.
Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays at 7:30 p.m. (5:30 October 30 & 31)
Downtown Raleigh
Wear comfortable shoes for this walking tour that takes you to the Raleigh City Cemetery and other historic locations, ending in Moore Square. Hear tales of the Capitol phantoms, peg-legged ghost, and lots more local ghost stories. Family-friendly for ages 8 and up. $22 ages 15+, $18 ages 8-14.
