Fall celebrations are here, and Halloween is coming. Across the state, there are festivals, attractions, and events for all ages — and all levels of scares. Listed are Eastern NC events and paid attractions. Attraction websites are included with many of these listings, so you may find dates, times, and fees as websites are updated for 2016.
Have we missed any? Let the editor know and we’ll continue updating this list.
Festivals and Single-Day Events
This listing is in order by date.
Spring Hope — 45th Annual National Pumpkin Festival (September 30-October 1, 2016)
Head to Spring Hope NC for this annual celebration of Fall! The 45th Annual Spring Hope National Pumpkin Festival begins September 30 with its fabulous pumpkin recipe contest at 9am. The day end with the enormously popular street dance and the Liquid Pleasure Super Show at 7pm.
On October 1, 2016 — Saturday morning — check out the pumpkin weigh in, pumpkin classic car cruise-in, kids pumpkin creation contest, and watch the parade — led by popular WRAL-TV news anchor, Lynda Loveland.
Information on the festival, applications for vendors, and updates may be found on the Facebook page.
Wake Forest — New Life Church Fall Festival (October 1, 2016 @ 9am-6pm)
Head to New Life Ministry Center, 6900 Zebulon Road, Wake Forest NC for games, inflatables, foods, craft vendors, and a BBQ fundraiser. The public is invited to enjoy all this plus a chili cook-off and bingo!
If you are interested in volunteering, go to sign-up genius (www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0D4CA5A82BA1F58-newlife ) with your name and email.
Chili cook-off, vendor, and volunteer registrations are available from New Life Ministry Center. For more information, visit www.newlifenow.us/fall-festival.
Chapel Hill — Festifall Arts Festival (October 2, 2016, 12-6pm)
This art-oriented event is designed to provide a unique opportunity for the community, art enthusiasts, and artists to interact. It takes place on West Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill NC. The Festifall site extends from Church Street to Graham Street and is anchored by stages on either end. In addition, to food available from the Festifall Food Truck Court located along the main event route, many local restaurants and taverns lining the sidewalks of W Franklin Street, Chapel Hill NC.
Over 12,000 attendees are estimated to attend and see the work of the artists featured in the market and enjoy performances. For more details, see www.chapelhillfestifall.com.
Zebulon — ZUMC Fall Festival (October 22, 2016 @ 8am-5:30pm)
**Rescheduled from Oct. 8 to Oct. 22 due to potential of Hurricane Matthew. Zebulon United Methodist Church will host its 33rd Annual Fall Festival with lots of activities for the whole family. The location is Zebulon United Methodist Church, 121 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC.
More information may be found at www.zumchurch.org.
Rolesville — Fall FunFest (October 22, 2016 @ 10am-4pm)
The event will be a street festival held on Main Street near the park in Rolesville NC. This FunFest will feature various arts/crafts vendors. There will be food trucks and live bands. Get an early jump on holiday shopping!
Vendor application PDF is available on this link.
Wilson — Truely Unique Halloween Carnival (October 22, 2016 @ 5-7:30pm) — Plus more events at this location
Truely Unique is holding its seasonal carnival at 2006 US Hwy 301 S, in Wilson NC. The fee of $5 per child includes games, crafts, food, and fun. Note that an adult carnival later that evening is mentioned on their website.
Truely Unique is holding several events in late October, including some with Halloween themes:
- October 19, 2016 @ 6pm — Full Moon Meditation. This event is free.
- October 20, 2016 @ 6pm — Are You Empathic? Class fee is $15.
- October 21, 2016 @ 6pm — Hula Hooping with Amber Flame. Fee is $15, and supplies are provided during the class.
- October 29, 2016 @ 2-5pm — Cemetery Walk and class.
For more information or registration, visit their website at truelyunique.com.
Lucama — Festifall (October 25, 2016 @ 6:30-8pm)
This event is open to the public and includes scary stories, games, and pizza! Come to the Lucama Branch Library, 103 E Spring Street, Lucama NC. The event starts at 6:30pm and wraps up around 8pm. For more information, visit the Wilson County (NC) Public Library website at www1.youseemore.com/wilsoncountypl/calendar.asp.
Wake Forest — Halloween Spooktacular (October 27, 2016 @ 4:30-8:30pm)
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will sponsor its annual Halloween Spooktacular. Admission is free. This year’s festivities will include a costume contest, face painting and cupcake walk, along with a variety of other ghostly games and activities, and free pumpkin giveaways – while supplies last. Costumes are optional, but best costumes will be featured on the town’s website. This event is planned for the Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N White Street, Wake Forest NC. For more information, call 919.435.9560 or email Monica L.
Smithfield — Historical Ghost Walk (October 27, 2016 @ 6:30-9:30pm)
The Johnston County (NC) Heritage Center invites you to join this unique event at Riverside Cemetery, S Front and E Church, in Smithfield NC. This 12th annual Ghost Walk starts at the corner of South Second & Church Streets, beside St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Tickets are $3 per adult and $2 per student (K-12) – tickets are not being sold in advance. Dress appropriately for the weather, and wear comfortable walking shoes. This is described as “a family friendly event, featuring a variety of friendly and informative historical figures from Johnston County’s past.” More online here.
Wendell — Treat Trail (October 28, 2016 @ 5-8pm)
Wendell NC’s Parks and Rec is setting up a long trail through one of the town parks, with trick-or-treaters welcomed to walk along the trail. Local businesses will be stationed along the trail to greet the children and give them goodies. The trail is designed to be non-scary, and caters toward young children. More information may be found on the town Parks and Rec Facebook page. The location is Wendell Community Park, 601 W Third Street, Wendell NC.
Wendell — Hephzibah Baptist Church Fall Festival (October 28, 2016 @ 6-8pm)
This Fall Festival is a fun time for HBC families and the Wendell community. Decorations, games, and Trunk or Treat will be youngster-friendly, and nonscary. The church is located at 1794 Wendell Blvd, in Wendell NC. See their website at hbcwendell.com.
Zebulon — Trunk or Treat (October 28, 2016 @ 5- 7pm)
Come dressed in your favorite costume and join the fun, with music and wonderful treats! This year’s event will be held in the Zebulon Community Center parking lot, 301 S Arendell Ave, Zebulon NC. Trunks /volunteers are always needed. If interested, call Tim Hale at 919.823.0432.
Durham — Halloween Phantasmagoria (October 28, 2016 @ 6:30-9pm)
Explore historical concepts of Spiritualism, awe, and wonder from the 19th century at Duke Homestead State Historic Site, 2828 Duke Homestead Road, Durham NC. Wander the property to see what wonders — and surprises — you may find. Appropriate for all ages — not designed to scare. Tickets are $10-$15+ for adults, $5+ for ages 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased here. Participation means walking and standing on uneven terrain, so wear appropriate shoes, and bring a flashlight. The event closes at 9pm, and arriving before 8:30pm is recommended.
Clayton — Halloweentown at Town Square (October 28, 2016 @ 6-10pm; movie 8pm)
Get out under the stars for this spooky-sweet movie showing of Halloweentown, presented by Clayton Steakhouse. Bring blankets, drinks, and food and get ready to enjoy this free outdoor movie. The location is Clayton Town Square, 110 West Main Street, in downtown Clayton NC. Costumes are optional but encouraged. There will also be face painting, games, and fun. Refreshments, food trucks, and vendors will be available before and during the movie. Deep River Brewing Company will have Clayton’s finest craft beers on tap for adult purchase. (Ed. Note: Time changed to 6-10pm, per the organizers.)
Wilson — It’s an Imagination Station Halloween! (October 28, 2016 @ 3-5pm)
Free Admission and fun for families who aren’t afraid of a little mad science! Make candy pumpkin launchers, hear ghost stories, conjure up slime, and chase spooky bubbles. Costumes are encouraged. Held at the Imagination Station Science and History Museum, 224 Nash Street E, Wilson NC. Online at scienceandhistory.org.
Pilot/Zebulon — Trunk-or-Treat (October 29, 2016 @ 5-7pm)
Come for games, inflatables, a cupcake walk, and free refreshments. There will be a costume contest, but participants are asked to have non-scary costumes. There will also be an award for Best Trunk, with trunks and treats provided by volunteers. This event is in the “Pilot” area, at Pilot Baptist Church, 8103 NC-39 Hwy, Zebulon NC.
Knightdale — Trunk Or Treat (October 29, 2016 @ 5-8pm)
Cross Point Community Church is holding a Trunk or Treat with food, fun, and prizes for the entire family. The church event is being held at 1001 Steeple Square, in Knightdale NC.
Wake Forest — Paws For Life 5K Road Race & Dog Walk/Costume Parade (October 29, 2016 @ 10am-1pm)
Franklin County Humane Society is holding the Paws For Life 5K Road Race and Dog Walk/Costume Parade on Saturday in downtown Wake Forest NC. The featured 5K Road Race, begins at 10am, followed by a one-mile dog walk/costume parade for participants, family members, and their dogs. Costumes are encouraged for all. Activities run until 1pm with kid and pet-friendly fun. Note: Dogs are not allowed in the 5K race. To register for the event, visit runnc.com/ra/r/paws-for-life-5k-9/details. For more information, contact Kelly Larson at kellynickle@msn.com.
Nashville — Monster Dash Fundraiser (October 29, 2016 @ 9am-noon)
The Annual Monster Dash for United Way 5K and 1 mile Fun Run will be held October 29, 2016, starting at 9am. Be sure to sign up in advance of that date. This 3.1 mile course will have some hills and chills! It will begin and finish at the Claude Mayo County Administration Office Building. Timing and scoring will be monitored by Tar River Timing using a chip system. Costumes are encouraged. This event is hosted by Nash County, Town of Nashville, and the United Way. Starting point near 120 W Washington Street, Nashville NC. All proceeds will be donated to the United Way Tar River Region. To register for this race, click here. Fees are $15 to $25.
Macclesfield — Fun Fall Festival (October 29, 2016 @ 6-8pm)
Join the fun at Webb’s Chapel Baptist Church, Macclesfield NC. There will be activities for all ages including cake walks, games, and a costume contest. Suggested donation for admission and refreshments will go to local flood victims. See the church Facebook page for updates.
Huntersville — Halloween Daze and Spooky Knights (October 29-30, 2016)
The Carolina Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 12 stage theater, a 25-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast – all rolled into one non-stop,
day-long family adventure. For two days in October, the festival will offer more — Halloween things to do, free event admission for kids, free Halloween bags, and treats around the festival. There will also be a Halloween Treasure hunt and a Halloween costume contest with prizes. “Knights of the Living Dead” zombie jousting challenge on schedule. Tickets discounted when purchased in advance at Harris Teeter. The Renaissance Festival address is 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville NC. See the festival website for details of all activities through November 20, 2016.
Knightdale — Trunk or Treat (October 29, 2016 @ 5-7pm)
Join the fun with games and candy along car trunks parked on Main Street. This event is being held by Knightdale Baptist Church, 15 Main Street, in Knightdale NC. Their Facebook timeline has event information.
Knightdale — Halloween Dance Blast (October 29, 2016 @ 5-9pm)
Kick off the holiday with dancing, a haunted house, and a dance party. Fee is $5, and parents may stay or drop children off. Before 7pm, no scary costumes are allowed and children as young as 5 may participate. Starting at 7pm, the second-half of the party is ages 8 and up, and scary costumers are allowed. There will be prizes in the costume contest. Registration is required. The blast is at The Dance Center, 827 N Smithfield Road, in Knightdale NC. Call 919.217.3738 to sign up or stop by their office.
Raleigh — Fall Festival (October 29, 2016 @ 5-6:30pm)
Games, candy, and free food are planned for this festival at Grace Baptist Church, 3305 Old Milburnie Road, in Raleigh NC. Event is online here.
Rocky Mount — Trunk-A-Treat 2016 (October 29, 2016 @ 5:30-8pm)
Rocky Mount Church of the Nazarene, located at the corner of Hunter Hill Road and Country Club Road, in Rocky Mount NC, is holding their 13th annual Trunk-A-Treat. Cars will be decorated in the church parking lot and people will be distributing candy. There will be free hot dogs, popcorn, soda, and a hay ride! The event is free and open to the public. The church will also be collecting canned goods for their food bank. See rmnaz.com for more information and other upcoming events.
Youngsville — Trunk or Treat (October 29, 2016 @ 6:30-8pm)
Come for food, games, candy, fun, and a cake walk! This event is being held by Harris Chapel Baptist Church, 2960 Tarboro Road, in Youngsville NC. For more information, call 919.556.5878.
Youngsville — Fall Festival (October 29, 2016 @ 6-8pm)
The Miracle League of Franklin County annual fall festival is at a new venue — Long Mill Elementary School Gym & Cafeteria, 1753 Long Mill Road, Youngsville NC. This is a free event for any family with members with special needs! Costumes are welcome but not required…just be comfortable. This free event includes, food, fun and fellowship! We will have pizza & PDQ chicken.
Rocky Mount — Halloween HAVOC (October 29, 2016 @ 9pm)
Head to the parking lot of Gators Rocky Mount, 1171 Jeffreys Road, Rocky Mount NC, and look for the tent event with a DJ Outside, Jamie Pridgen inside. There will be a costume contest with $700 in cash prizes. More online at www.facebook.com/GatorsRockyMount.
Tarboro — Tricks, Treats & TBC (October 29-30, 2016)
Held at Tarboro Brewing Company, 526 N Main Street, Tarboro NC. Come for a weekend full of Halloween fun for all ages including a food truck, candy, games, costume contests for both adults and kids, a pumkpkin carving/decorating contest, and their great beer! See this Facebook event page.
Wilson — Halloween Treats at the Wilson Botanical Gardens (October 30, 2016 @ 5-7:30pm)
Pumpkin contest, parade, storytelling, treats, and more at the Wilson Botanical Gardens in Wilson NC! See this article for more details.
Wilson & Winterville — Wave Church Trunk or Treat (October 30, 2016)
Wave Kids is holding Trunk or Treat at both church campuses! Wear a costume, and come have a fun time and lots of candy. The Wave Church locations are:
- 5334 Lamm Road, Wilson NC (Phone 252.293.4445)
- 4052 Old Tar Road, Winterville NC (Phone 252.293.4445)
Visit the church website at wavechurchnc.com/events or call for time details.
Greenville — TMBC Trunk or Treat (October 30, 2016 @ 5:30-7:30pm)
Wear a costume and/or decorate your vehicle trunk. All are welcome to join this Trunk-or-Treating event in the safety of our church parking lot. There will be food, and prizes for best trunk, best costume, and just for being present. The Memorial Baptist Church is located at 1510 Greenville Blvd SE, Greenville NC. The event is online here.
Nashville — Harvest Events (October 31, 2016)
The town is holding a Haunted Walking Trail for kids to trick-or-treat, followed by a Halloween movie afterwards. The trail is at JW Glover Memorial Park, Nashville NC, or reading or activities at the town.
In prior years there have been special readings at the Harold D. Cooley Library, 114 W Church Street, Nashville NC. However, none has been announced as of this writing.
Watch the town website for event announcements throughout October.
Wilson — Halloween Safe Night (October 31, 2016 @ 5:30-7:30pm)
Wilson Youth Council and Wilson Parks and Recreation invite all to come out for a free night of music and trick-or-treating. The fun is at the Reid Street Center, 901 N Reid Street, Wilson NC. For more information, call 252.399.2277.
Knightdale — Fall Festival (October 31, 2016 @ 6-7pm)
Take the kids to Green Pines Baptist Church for their free, annual Fall Festival. There will be hayrides, games, and Trunks for Treats. Green Pines Baptist Church is located at 1498 Hodge Road, Knightdale NC. For more information, visit www.greenpines.org.
Wendell — Harvest Festival (NEW DATES ARE November 4-5, 2016)
This event has been rescheduled from October to November due to Hurricane Matthew and its after-effects. Held in Wendell NC. See www.facebook.com/wendellharvestfestival for updates.
Wilson — Whirligig Festival (November 5-6, 2016)
Held each year in Historic downtown Wilson NC, this Arts Festival celebrates all things whirly, and draws more than 35,000 attendees for music, arts, crafts, food, kids activities, and much more. There will be three stages of entertainment! The event is 10am-5pm Saturday, and noon-5pm on Sunday, rain or shine. Vendor applications are online, along festival details, at whirligigfestivalnc.org.
Seasonal Attractions, Haunts, and Farm Activities
These attractions and farm activities are ordered by town name. Ticket information should be available on each site starting from the link provided.
Blowing Rock — Ghost Train
This Blue Ridge Mountain attraction includes the Ghost Train, haunted house, and various rides. Tickets may be purchased at tweetsie.com/buy-tickets.
Tweetsie Railroad is located at 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, in Blowing Rock NC.
See article with details here.
Clayton — Fear Farm Daytime & Haunted Scream Park
Clayton Fear Farm Daytime offers Halloween and fall family fun. Opens October 1, 2016! Great attractions for the entire family including a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and much more. Located minutes from Raleigh near Clayton, North Carolina.
Clayton Fear Farm offers haunted, scary Halloween fun. Opens September 30, 2016! 7 attractions for the entire family including several haunted houses, the dizzying Black Hole, and haunted cotton maze. Located minutes from Raleigh near Clayton, North Carolina.
All at Boyette Family Farms, 1620 Loop Road, Clayton.
Daytime and nighttime information may be found at www.claytonfearfarm.com.
Clinton — Hollerin’ Haunts
No information for 2016 posted as of this date. They do confirm that they plan to open for the 2016 season.
Located at 2914 Bud Johnson Road, in Clinton NC.
For more information or to check for 2016 updates, check out their website at www.hollerinhaunts.com/index.html or see their Facebook page.
Garner — Kens Korny Corn Maze — and a Haunted Trail Too
Get lost in the corn maze, play in the hay jump, walk the corn tunnel, and many more activities. Take a hayride too! The fun starts September 16, 2016, and continues through November 6, 2016.
Located at Ken’s Produce, 3175 Benson Road, Garner NC.
Details, fees, and schedule are available at www.kenskornycornmaze.com.
Oh, and when Halloween approaches, the evening scares begin! Their haunted trails lead visitors through a corn field, woods, and house. More information and schedule may be found at www.harvestedfarmnightmares.com.
Greenville — Briley’s Farm Market
Their pumpkin patch and corn maze open on October 1, 2016. The farm market hours are Fridays 3-7pm, Saturdays 9am-7pm, and Sundays 12-6pm.
Briley’s Farm Market is located at 5290 Old Pactolus Hwy, Greenville NC.
Updates on Facebook.
Havelock — Nightmare Factory
In 10 years of exploration, our team has unearthed many levels of Albert Knight’s hidden Factory, which was buried underneath the city in 1923 after a devastating fire.
Come this Halloween season for an all new Nightmare as you journey even deeper into a part of American history that’s shrouded in darkness… the Nightmare Factory. Main attractions include The Factory and the Psych Ward, with side attractions: Toxic Fun House in 3D, Crawl-Thru Mausoleum, and The CHAMBER.
The Nightmare Factory is located at 29 Park Lane, Havelock NC.
See the Tickets page or visit the main page at www.nightmarefactorync.com.
Hillsborough — Halloween Bash at The Myers House
The Myers House NC is a life-size replica of the infamous Michael Myers house from John Carpenter’s classic horror film Halloween. This personal residence is opening their doors on October 29, 2016, at 6:30pm for a special event that includes screening of two scary films. Enjoy the movies, bonfires, food trucks, tricks, treats, and contests. Dressing in costume is encouraged. Prices and 2016 event details are online here.
The Myers House is located in Hillsborough NC. See details at www.myershousenc.com. Because it is a private residence, address information is released just before this Halloween event — possibly on their Facebook page.
Kenly — Sonlight Farms Corn Maze
Sonlight Farms offers fall family fun for all ages! Come find your way through the corn maze (we even have a kid maze), take a hayride around the farm, have a turn on the Bouncin’ Barnyard bounce house, pick out a pumpkin to take home, have a picnic in the shade, play on the play ground, participate in fall games, or take advantage of the family photo props! $6 per person, 2 and under free (Flat admission fee. Concessions extra.) They are open from September 30, 2016 through most of October, with more details on their website at www.sonlightfarmsnc.com.
The maze is located at Sonlight Farms, 293 Bunn Road, Kenly NC.
Macclesfield — Strickland Farm Trail of Terror
The darkness comes alive when darkness falls. Trek down a long, narrow, winding path through haunted woods. The eerie moonlight is the only guide. Come for a terrifying experience. Do not come alone. Bring only the courageous.
Located at The Strickland Farm, Strickland Farm Road, Macclesfield NC (Wilson County).
For schedule and ticket information, visit www.thestricklandfarmtrailofterror.com.
Middlesex — Darkside Haunted Estates
Tickets are on sale now. Visit app.hauntpay.com/events/darkside-haunted-estates and select the desired date. This attraction includes a walk through a dark forest, multiple structures connected by paths, and even a haunted hayride.
Located at 11875 North Carolina Hwy-222 West, Middlesex NC.
For this year, the Slaughter House Horror Experience that was across the street has moved to be a part of Darkside, according to their Facebook updates.
Mt Olive — Marr Branch Haunted House
Visit the “#1 Hell Raising Haunted House in the Country” as it opens on September 20, 2016.
This attraction is located at 2289 Garner Chapel Road, in Mt Olive NC.
Full schedule and tickets are available at marrbranchhauntedhouse.com/datesanddirections.html.
Oxford — Granville Haunt Farm
Enjoy the fun and fear with Zombie Paint Ball, a haunted trail, and corn maze. Opening day is September 30, 2016.
This attraction is located on the farm at 4534 US Hwy 15, Oxford NC — just off of I-85.
More information, dates, and tickets available at www.granvillehauntfarm.com/attractions.
Williamston — Deadwood
There are tentative plans to start the weekend of October, then runs every Friday and Saturday night starting at dark … Haunted House and Haunted train again this year!
Call 252.792.8938 for information. Their website, www.deadwoodnc.com, is being updated. By October the site should be available. They are planning to release a public announcement of their 2016 activities by mid-September.
Deadwood is located at 2302 Eds Grocery Road, Williamston NC (Martin County).
Wilson — Dean’s Farm Market Hayrides, Pumpkins
Ride the wagon for a hayride around the 100 acre fields. Stop by the pumpkin patch and pick one to take home. Visit the animal barn, playground or picnic area. Hayrides are fun for all ages.
Dean’s Farm Market is located at 4231 NC Hwy 42 West, Wilson NC.
The farm website is www.deansfarmmarket.com.
Youngsville — Haunted Forest at Panic Point
On August 31, 2016, this attraction announced that their tickets were on sale. Their two September dates have a half-price offer which will likely sell out quickly. (See their calendar.) Tickets are on sale at www.raleighhauntedhouse.com/cost-and-tickets.
The Panic Point address is 2808 Cedar Creek Road, Youngsville NC.
Treat Trails and Truck-or-Treating
The list of haunted trails, truck-or-treat, and trick-or-treating events will increase as the end of October approaches. Many towns, Chambers, and cities do not announce these events until they get closer.
For businesses interested in participating and handing out treats along a trail or at a Trunk-or-Treat event, contact your local government or Chamber of Commerce.
For parents, watch for articles to come, or announcements/shares on The Grey Area News Facebook page.
