Activities
Halloween Happenings Across the US
Ready to celebrate America’s spookiest season of the year? With goblins and ghosts creeping around the corner, this Halloween promises chilling fun for all. Whether you delight in mysterious masquerades, pumpkin patches, or haunted attractions, here is a list of some of the best Premier Halloween Attractions across the nation. Eerie treasure hunts, pumpkin people, and dancing zombies all invite you to don your costumes and join the spine-tingling fun that is sure to thrill you to the bone. Choose a frightening celebration near you among these fall festivities and remember…happy haunting!
Providence, Rhode Island
In a city full of exciting happenings, the Roger William Park Zoos Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular from Oct. 2-Nov. 2 is the crown jewel of Providences fall activities. This highly anticipated event, created by artists and craftsmen of the Passion for Pumpkins production company, features a breathtaking display of 5,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns artistically carved and displayed. Situated on the Zoos picturesque Wetlands Trail, the annual event has won praise from across the nation for its amazing artistry and appeal as a unique family-friendly activity. More than 100,000 people have attended in each of the past four years to enjoy the show, and last years Spectacular set an all-time record of over 135,000 visitors. For Monday-Thursday nights, tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors and $9 children ages 3-12, with children under three admitted for free. Admission prices on Friday-Sunday are $16 adults, $14 seniors and $13 children ages 3-12 with children two and under admitted for free. For more information, visit www.rwpzoo.org/178/jack-o-lantern-spectacular.
In a city full of exciting happenings, the Roger William Park Zoos Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular from Oct. 2-Nov. 2 is the crown jewel of Providences fall activities. This highly anticipated event, created by artists and craftsmen of the Passion for Pumpkins production company, features a breathtaking display of 5,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns artistically carved and displayed. Situated on the Zoos picturesque Wetlands Trail, the annual event has won praise from across the nation for its amazing artistry and appeal as a unique family-friendly activity. More than 100,000 people have attended in each of the past four years to enjoy the show, and last years Spectacular set an all-time record of over 135,000 visitors. For Monday-Thursday nights, tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors and $9 children ages 3-12, with children under three admitted for free. Admission prices on Friday-Sunday are $16 adults, $14 seniors and $13 children ages 3-12 with children two and under admitted for free. For more information, visit www.rwpzoo.org/178/jack-o-lantern-spectacular.
Jackson, New Hampshire
From Oct. 1-31, come to Jackson to enjoy the quirky, unique and often down-right-hilarious Pumpkin People displays at Mount Washington Valleys 27th Annual Return of the Pumpkin People Tour. This self-guided event features more than 100 properties displaying pumpkin people, animals and other imaginative scenes. Participants use an official Return of Pumpkin People map, available at participating entities and on the Jackson Chamber of Commerce website beginning Sept. 15, to find the official host properties. Maps and “People’s Choice” ballots will be available at all participating properties. For more information, visit www.jacksonnh.com/event/81/Return-of-the-Pumpkin-People.
From Oct. 1-31, come to Jackson to enjoy the quirky, unique and often down-right-hilarious Pumpkin People displays at Mount Washington Valleys 27th Annual Return of the Pumpkin People Tour. This self-guided event features more than 100 properties displaying pumpkin people, animals and other imaginative scenes. Participants use an official Return of Pumpkin People map, available at participating entities and on the Jackson Chamber of Commerce website beginning Sept. 15, to find the official host properties. Maps and “People’s Choice” ballots will be available at all participating properties. For more information, visit www.jacksonnh.com/event/81/Return-of-the-Pumpkin-People.
Williamsburg, Virginia
From Sept. 12-Oct. 26, the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg is offering visitors a haunted stay unlike any other. Starting at $130 per person, per night, this creepy package includes accommodations for two nights, daily breakfasts and access to Busch Gardens, home of Howl-O-Scream.The main event, the haunted tour, takes place at the resort and spans 400 years of spooky history. The lantern-lit walking tour takes places each Friday at 7 p.m., and then again, when its even darker, at 9 p.m. For more information on the package and tour, visit www.kingsmill.com.
From Sept. 12-Oct. 26, the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg is offering visitors a haunted stay unlike any other. Starting at $130 per person, per night, this creepy package includes accommodations for two nights, daily breakfasts and access to Busch Gardens, home of Howl-O-Scream.The main event, the haunted tour, takes place at the resort and spans 400 years of spooky history. The lantern-lit walking tour takes places each Friday at 7 p.m., and then again, when its even darker, at 9 p.m. For more information on the package and tour, visit www.kingsmill.com.
Lexington, Virginia
On Oct. 31 from 7-10 p.m., guests can celebrate Halloween at Devils Backbone Brewery. The brewery will be hosting a Trail O Terror 5K/10K trail run, followed by a Halloween party. Guests can enjoy live music, costume contests, ghoulish treats, frightening decorations and award-winning beer. For more information, visit www.dbbrewingcompany.com.
On Oct. 31 from 7-10 p.m., guests can celebrate Halloween at Devils Backbone Brewery. The brewery will be hosting a Trail O Terror 5K/10K trail run, followed by a Halloween party. Guests can enjoy live music, costume contests, ghoulish treats, frightening decorations and award-winning beer. For more information, visit www.dbbrewingcompany.com.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Known as Americas most haunted city, New Orleans is the perfect destination Halloween spot. Celebrating 21 years of terror, The House of Shock is fully renovated this year with an expanded outdoor swamp site. Whether looking to enter the haunted house, ride a giant spider or enjoy free live music, The House of Shock has become an unforgettable Halloween experience. For more information, please visit www.houseofshock.com. Guests can continue their spooky quest at Muriels in Jackson Square, the sight of several paranormal investigations due to reports of strange shadows, inexplicable knocks and voices. For reservations, visit www.muriels.com.
Known as Americas most haunted city, New Orleans is the perfect destination Halloween spot. Celebrating 21 years of terror, The House of Shock is fully renovated this year with an expanded outdoor swamp site. Whether looking to enter the haunted house, ride a giant spider or enjoy free live music, The House of Shock has become an unforgettable Halloween experience. For more information, please visit www.houseofshock.com. Guests can continue their spooky quest at Muriels in Jackson Square, the sight of several paranormal investigations due to reports of strange shadows, inexplicable knocks and voices. For reservations, visit www.muriels.com.
Fort Worth, Texas
Located in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, the Cowtown Winery is one of Fort Worths only full production wineries and is home base for the family-friendly Stockyards Ghost Tour. The winery is rumored to be haunted, as there have been hundreds of documented ghost sightings over the years. The Stockyard Ghost Tour begins at the winery and leads visitors through the Fort Worth Stockyards, stopping at The Cadillac Hotel, Miss Mollys Bed & Breakfast, The Stockyards Hotel and more! This hair-raising tour is offered Thursday-Saturday and will last 90 minutes. General admission is $20 adult, $17 seniors and students, and $10 children under 12. For more information, please visit, www.cowtownwinery.dvinewineusa.com
Located in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, the Cowtown Winery is one of Fort Worths only full production wineries and is home base for the family-friendly Stockyards Ghost Tour. The winery is rumored to be haunted, as there have been hundreds of documented ghost sightings over the years. The Stockyard Ghost Tour begins at the winery and leads visitors through the Fort Worth Stockyards, stopping at The Cadillac Hotel, Miss Mollys Bed & Breakfast, The Stockyards Hotel and more! This hair-raising tour is offered Thursday-Saturday and will last 90 minutes. General admission is $20 adult, $17 seniors and students, and $10 children under 12. For more information, please visit, www.cowtownwinery.dvinewineusa.com
Alamosa, Colorado
This Oct. 25, guests can enjoy the vibrant fall colors in the Southern Rockies onboard the Rio Grande Scenic Railroads Pumpkin Patch Train. Families journey by rail just outside Alamosa to a Halloween themed haven of haybale mazes, a pumpkin patch and fun fall activities. While onboard, kids are invited to wear their costumes and Trick or Treat. For more information on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroads Pumpkin Patch Train, visit www.coloradotrain.com.
This Oct. 25, guests can enjoy the vibrant fall colors in the Southern Rockies onboard the Rio Grande Scenic Railroads Pumpkin Patch Train. Families journey by rail just outside Alamosa to a Halloween themed haven of haybale mazes, a pumpkin patch and fun fall activities. While onboard, kids are invited to wear their costumes and Trick or Treat. For more information on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroads Pumpkin Patch Train, visit www.coloradotrain.com.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is sure to scare this Halloween, as visitors can stay in a host of haunted hotels including the La Posada de Santa Fe, the Inn and Spa at Loretto and La Fonda Hotel. The city also offers the chance to take an adventurous journey back in time through Santa Fe’s historic and haunted past on the “Spiritwalk of Old Santa Fe, complete with famous spirits in full costume throughout the downtown area. Brave visitors can also choose to take the popular Ghostwalkers Tour to learn about Santa Fes most legendary haunted happenings and maybe catch a glimpse of a ghost or two. Featured on the Travel Channel’s Mysteries of Route 66 program, these tours are offered year round, though reservations are strongly recommended. For more information, visit www.historicwalksofsantafe.com.
Santa Fe is sure to scare this Halloween, as visitors can stay in a host of haunted hotels including the La Posada de Santa Fe, the Inn and Spa at Loretto and La Fonda Hotel. The city also offers the chance to take an adventurous journey back in time through Santa Fe’s historic and haunted past on the “Spiritwalk of Old Santa Fe, complete with famous spirits in full costume throughout the downtown area. Brave visitors can also choose to take the popular Ghostwalkers Tour to learn about Santa Fes most legendary haunted happenings and maybe catch a glimpse of a ghost or two. Featured on the Travel Channel’s Mysteries of Route 66 program, these tours are offered year round, though reservations are strongly recommended. For more information, visit www.historicwalksofsantafe.com.
Sonoma County
Visitors to Sonoma County can get into the spooky spirit by attending Chateau Diana Winerys Zombie Zin Wine Release Party on Oct. 18 from 4-8 p.m. This fun-filled evening will feature delicious food and wine, fortune telling, magic and of course, zombies. For more information, contact the tasting room at 707-433-6993. Sonoma Coast Divers is also offering a haunted happening for adventurous families called the Sonoma Ghost Games on Oct. 4-5. The event features an underwater pumpkin carving contest, treasure hunting, navigational courses and a delicious BBQ lunch. For more information, visit www.sonomacoastdivers.com.
Visitors to Sonoma County can get into the spooky spirit by attending Chateau Diana Winerys Zombie Zin Wine Release Party on Oct. 18 from 4-8 p.m. This fun-filled evening will feature delicious food and wine, fortune telling, magic and of course, zombies. For more information, contact the tasting room at 707-433-6993. Sonoma Coast Divers is also offering a haunted happening for adventurous families called the Sonoma Ghost Games on Oct. 4-5. The event features an underwater pumpkin carving contest, treasure hunting, navigational courses and a delicious BBQ lunch. For more information, visit www.sonomacoastdivers.com.
Fresno
Those looking to truly embrace the spirit of Halloween can skip the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and San Francisco and head out the quieter town of Fresno. For an old time feel, Hobbs Grove offers warming fire pits, peddlers and entertainment. Its signature attractions include the cursed Haunted Forest, where visitors venture into the tangled darkness, and a tour of the Hobb Family Home, where patrons must first pass through the eerie family graveyard. For more information, visit www.hobbsgrove.com.
Those looking to truly embrace the spirit of Halloween can skip the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and San Francisco and head out the quieter town of Fresno. For an old time feel, Hobbs Grove offers warming fire pits, peddlers and entertainment. Its signature attractions include the cursed Haunted Forest, where visitors venture into the tangled darkness, and a tour of the Hobb Family Home, where patrons must first pass through the eerie family graveyard. For more information, visit www.hobbsgrove.com.
More Haunts in the West: Haunted Fresno www.hauntedfresno.com, Heartstoppers Haunted House, Sacramento, www.scaredyou.com and Fears Gate, Simi Valley www.fearsgate.com.