Yahoo Lifestyle29 Best Halloween Events Near You, From Festivals to Costume Contests
Halloween isn't just a day on the calendar—it's a bona fide lifestyle. Planning the perfect Halloween costume, brainstorming your trick-or-treating route, finding pumpkin carving ideas to display on the porch, eating the best Halloween candy unapologetically, and upping the spookiness of your outdoor decorations...all of these things take at least two weeks to tick off your agenda.
Well, we're here to add one more item to your annual bucket list: visiting one of the best Halloween festivals across the country! After all, Halloween can and should go way beyond the confines of your block party. Imagine donning your cape (or your witch's hat, or your superhero costume—whatever floats your boat!), and hitting the open road in search of like-minded Halloween fanatics.
Luckily for you, the search will be short and sweet—no need to Google "best Halloween events near me." We're here to help you out with a roundup of the best Halloween festivals out there, featuring delicious food, crafty costume contests, face painting adventures, carnival rides, creative pumpkin carving displays, scare-your-socks-off haunted houses, and more. These Halloween festivals are the ultimate way to get excited about the most spooktacular time of year.
P.S. While you’re in the spirit, why not plan a visit to one of the best pumpkin patches and best fall festivals across the country for even more fall fun?
The Louisville Zoo Halloween Party
Where: Louisville, Kentucky
When: Dates not yet announced for October 2020
There's a reason it's called the “World’s Largest Halloween Party." Each year, 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 more terrifying aspects. Anyway, who wouldn't want to spend this day with a bunch of adorable zoo animals?
For more information, visit louisvillezoo.org/halloween.
Emma Crawford Festival
Where: Manitou Springs, Colorado
When: October 24, 2020
Coffin races? Count us in! This town may be tiny, but it hosts a mean Halloween festival.
For more information, visit emmacrawfordfestival.com.
Festival of the Dead
Where: Salem, Massachusetts
When: October 1-31
Salem, Massachusetts seems like a fitting place to spend Halloween. Events in 2019 include a "Portals to the Spirit World" event, a Halloween Ball, and psychic readings.
For more information, visit festivalofthedead.com.
West Hollywood Carnaval
Where: West Hollywood, California
When: Thursday, October 31
Looking for an A-List Halloween? Head to Hollywood! Nearly half a million people typically attend the "world's largest Halloween street party" on Santa Monica Boulevard each year. Live music, costume contests, and drinks await you.
For more information, visit visitwesthollywood.com/halloween-carnaval.
Village Halloween Parade
Where: New York, New York
When: Thursday, October 31
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.
For more information, visit halloween-nyc.com.
Salt River Fields Spooktacular Balloon Festival
Where: Scottsdale, Arizona
When: Dates not yet announced for October 2020
Not your typical Halloween festival, the main attraction here is the 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.
For more information, visit azspooktacular.com.
Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
When: Dates not yet announced for October 2020
In addition to the popular parade (go early to grab a good spot) 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.
For more information, visit l5phalloween.com.
Krewe of Boo!
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
When: October 24, 2020
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: Dates not yet announced for October 2020
Take in a truly illuminating event at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden as 1,000 elaborately carved jack o lanterns light the way. (Artists from the New York-based company Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns can spend up to 15 hours on one pumpkin!) Don't miss the Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America while you're there.
For more information, visit chicagobotanic.org.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Where: Lake Buena Vista, FL
When: select nights August 13 through November 1, 2020
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 brand new fireworks show.
For more information, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com.
Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
Where: Indianapolis, Indiana
When: October 24–31, 2020
This week-long festival, which has been celebrated for 73 years, brings together the Irvington community with a street fair, masquerade ball, zombie bike ride, vampire run, spaghetti supper, and several more unique events.
For more information, visit irvingtonhalloween.com.
Fairborn Halloween Festival and Zombie Walk
Where: Fairborn, Ohio
When: Dates not yet announced for October 2020
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 Halloween Festival Facebook event page.
Sleepy Hollow Halloween
Where: Sleepy Hollow, New York
When: Throughout the month of October
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.
For more information, visit visitsleepyhollow.com.
Pony Express PumpkinFest 2020
Where: St. Joseph, Missouri
When: October 10, 2020
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.
For more information, visit ponyexpress.org.
Pumpkin Walk
Where: The Arboretum at Flagstaff in Flagstaff, Arizona
When: Dates not yet announced for October 2020
"You can drop off carved pumpkins during the day and they'll arrange them along the paths in the garden for the nighttime walk," says Alison Ragan. "It's so much fun to go with our kids in costume each year and 'find' our pumpkins! They have nature experts on hand for questions, plus hot chocolate, cider, cookies and treats, and a bonfire."
For more information, visit thearb.org.
Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular
Where: Louisville, Kentucky
When: October 6–November 1, 2020
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. (midnight on Friday and Saturday).
For more information, visit jackolanternlouisville.com.
Sycamore Pumpkin Festival
Where: Sycamore, Illinois
When: October 21–25, 2020
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 23–31, 2020
"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: October 16–17, 2020
The 34-foot tower of jack o lanterns is the centerpiece of this charming festival. Other seasonal favorites include the zombie walk, horse-drawn hay rides, and pumpkin bowling.
For more information, visit nhpumpkinfestival.com.
Haunted Happenings
Where: Salem, Massachusetts
When: throughout the month of October
"Salem, Massachusetts, rocks Halloween like no other," says Michelle Daniels. The city goes all-out with cemetery and haunted history tours, spooky art shows, and a 5K race where runners dress as witches. Adults can enjoy Wicked Wine Down Wednesdays and Broomstick Beer Flight Thursdays. 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 9–11, 15–18, and 22–25, 2020
Costumed characters, like the Headless Horseman, plus a slew of 1,000 jack-o'-lanterns bring this historically themed spot 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 the month of October
"They have a big parade down Main Street," says Leigh Holland of the city known as the Halloween Capital of the World (they 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!" The event raises money for scholarships and schools.
For more information, visit anokahalloween.com.
The Great Jack-O'-Lantern Blaze
Where: Croton-on-Hudson, New York
When: September 18–20 and 25–27; October 1–31; November 1, 6–8, 13–15, and 20–21
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, including a working windmill. And this event has its own original soundtrack that follows the synchronized light show!
For more information, visit www.hudsonvalley.org.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Great Pumpkin Carve
Where: Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
When: October 22–24, 2020
More than 70 artists compete 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! Guests are welcome to watch the talented carvers in action on Thursday.
For more information, visit chaddsfordhistory.org.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Where: Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island
When: Dates not yet announced for October 2020
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 night activities, which are new this year.
For more information, visit rwpzoo.org.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Pendleton Scarecrow Contest
Where: Pendleton, South Carolina
When: October 3, 2020
"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. According to Mayor Frank Crenshaw, every year the scarecrows get more creative and sophisticated.
For more information, visit facebook.com/PendletonFallHarvestFestival/.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
The C-K AutumnFest
Where: Ceredo and Kenova, West Virginia
When: the last weekend of October
Two quaint neighboring towns pair up for two weeks of haunted happenings. Be sure to walk by the Pumpkin House, a Victorian adorned with more than 3,000 gourds.
For more information, visit ckautumnfest.com.
Screams Halloween Theme Park
Where: Waxahachie, Texas
When: Friday and Saturday nights from October 2–31, 2020
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. Horror movies, the Scary-oke stage, roaming characters, face painting, rides and games galore!
For more information, visit screamspark.com.
You Might Also Like
