Immerse yourself in Halloween spookiness by joining in these fun events all throughout the month of October.
by Samantha Pressly
October ends with arguably the most festive and anticipated holiday out there, Halloween! And if you’re really into Halloween, Raleigh offers abundant opportunities to embrace the spooky season all month long. With haunted trails, tasty treat creations and on-theme performances, there are activities for everyone that will inspire ghoulish grins out of all ages.
Hop on a Haunted Trail at Panic Point’s Haunted Forest
Take a trip to Panic Point, where there are over 35 unique scenes and five different haunted attractions to choose from. Be warned, these trails are not for the faint of heart— with 14 years of experience and over 36 nightly haunters, this half-mile wide forest is sure to get your heart racing. The self-proclaimed “best haunted trail in the Triangle” is open Friday through Sunday for the entire month of October. Now – Nov. 2 | Various times; From $34; 2808 Cedar Creek Road; raleighhauntedhouse.com
Craft a Raleigh-inspired Halloween Costume
Not sure what to wear on the big night? Consider a costume based on traditional NC State Fair foods (with a twist) to make your friends laugh. Not feeling the food? Take a look at these iconic costumes based on Raleigh landmarks to make your own creative outfit that no one else will have.
See Hocus Pocus at RLT’s Amphitheatre
“Come, little children!” Don your best witch costume and round up a group for this outdoor showing of the 1993 film Hocus Pocus, starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Bette Midler. The movie starts at 7 p.m. at Raleigh Little Theatre’s Stephenson Amphitheatre, but get there early to scope out your seat and have a little dinner before the show. On-site bites will include food trucks Berto’s Chimis, Uncle Dave’s Kettle Corn and JAM Soft Serve Ice Cream. Oct. 10 | 7 p.m.; $5; 301 Pogue Street; raleighlittletheatre.org
Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maze
What better way to help the kids celebrate the season than with an annual trip to the pumpkin patch? There are plenty of spots to choose your own pumpkin, hop on a hay ride and run through a corn maze. Check out this list of spots from VisitRaleigh to find the one that works best for your family!
Watch Carolina Ballet’s Adaptation of Jekyll and Hyde
Follow the riveting story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in this adaptation by the Carolina Ballet. Experience a never seen before composition by Shinji Eshima, and dive into a plot that explores the dark depths of humankind through the lens of these two contradictory characters — who share more in common than it may seem. Oct. 17 – Nov. 3 | Various times; From $28; 2 E. South Street; carolinaballet.com
Decorate Treats at the Halloween Treat Dip and Decorate Extravaganza for Kids
Treat the kids to some ghoulish goodies, provided by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, that are sure to get them in the Halloween spirit. Children will have the chance to decorate cookies, marshmallows and pretzels by dipping them in a variety of coatings and toppings. Come with your child and immerse yourself in the creeptacular event. Oct. 20 | 1 – 3 p.m.; From $13; 8521 Briar Creek Parkway; hunthalloween.com
Check Out One of Raleigh’s Haunted Spots
If you’re feeling brave, explore one of the many haunted locations in Raleigh. Whether you choose to venture into Dorothea Dix Park’s supposed haunted cemetery — where the screams of deceased patients are said to be heard — or take a tour of the Mordecai house, where the ghost of the original owner has been reported to be spotted. If you want to travel further, check out this list of haunted places all over the state from Visit North Carolina! You never know what you might see hidden in the shadows…
Listen to Spooky Songs with Bewitched by the NC Master Chorale
Attend a Halloween-inspired program put together by the NC Master Chorale at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church. Listen to a variety of arrangements and chilling choral compositions by this group of elite costumed singers. Enjoy works from the Broadway musical Jekyll and Hyde, Taylor Swift, Henry Purcell and more. Oct. 25 | 7:30 – 8:45 p.m.; $35; ncmasterchorale.org
Run or Walk in the Day of the Dead 5k
Though there is a clear distinction between Day of the Dead and Halloween, this celebratory family fun run is still a great opportunity to dress up while helping the community. Benefitting the Brentwood Boys & Girls Club, the run raises money for after-school programs for its primarily Latin American community. The route weaves from S. Wilmington Street through Oakwood Cemetery and back, passing by two community altars on the course for people to place mementos, flowers and written words for their late loved ones. Before and after the race, enjoy a street celebration outside Centro Mexican Restaurant with Latin American music, face painting, kids’ crafts and, of course, food! Oct. 26 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.; From $40; 106 S. Wilmington Street; wakebgc.org
Craft the Perfect Cocktail at a Halloween Mixology Class
Learn how to make the ultimate drink for your next Halloween themed party, that will have your guests spooked (by how good it is). Stir and shake your way through a frightful lesson from expert mixologists to make the perfect potion that will leave you with plenty of tips and tricks for dinner parties to come. Enjoy music and snacks, and take part in the costume contest to fully embrace the event. Oct. 26 | 6 – 8 p.m.; $60; Louisburg Road; eventbrite.com
Enjoy a Halloween Double Feature at Dorothea Dix Park
Head over to Dorothea Dix park to get in the fall spirit by watching some Halloween classics. Enjoy a showing of Ghostbusters at 7, followed by The Ring at 9. Arrive early to enjoy a wide array of Halloween activities, food trucks and even s’mores. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for comfortable viewing and dress up in your best costume to take part in the fun! Oct. 26 | 6 – 11 p.m.; Free; 786 Dawkins Drive; dixpark.org
Entertain the Kids with Quail Ridge Book’s Monster Bash Event
The little ones can be hard to entertain, but this event will provide them with a fun-filled afternoon full of spooky celebration. Children (suggested for ages 5 to 9) can enjoy treats, music, crafts and more at Quail Ridge Books. Come dressed up in your best Halloween costume and get ready to hear some scary (age appropriate) stories. Oct. 27 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.; $5; 4209 – 100 Lassiter Mill Road; quailridgebooks.com
Watch The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari at NCUS’s Gregg Museum of Art + Design
Head to NC State’s Gregg Museum of Art + Design dressed in costume for a spooky film screening the night before Halloween. The museum will be showing the mind-bending silent horror flick The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, a German film made in 1920. The plot line follows a brainwashed chronic sleepwalker who is repeatedly convinced to commit murders by a psychotic hypnotist. Oct. 30 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.; Free; 1903 Hillsborough Street; gregg.arts.ncsu.edu
This article was originally published on October 2, 2024 on waltermagazine.com.
