Best Kids Fall Activities in the Triangle: Farms, Festivals, and Fun Events 🍁

After the hot days of summer, the crisp air of fall in Raleigh is something we all look forward to. I know I do! Fall is not only a magical time here because of the cooler temps and colorful leaves, it also just might be the best time of year for finding family fun.

Fall activities around the Triangle are abundant, with fall festivals, Trunk-or-Treats, tons of fall events and themed-activities, and more. All of these are perfect kid-friendly adventures.

To help you make the most of this beautiful season, I’ve rounded up a list of the best in local fall family fun, from exciting events to classic fall activities like visiting the pumpkin patch. Be sure to bookmark this post for later, and send to your favorite fall-loving friend.

Let’s jump in!

Top Raleigh Fall Activities: Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, and Fall Farms to Visit

Where are the must-do family fall activities in Raleigh? That’s what the focus of this section is; the bucket list fall spots around the Triangle that families love. These are classic places you’ll want to return to year after year, creating a fall family tradition!

Fall Events in the Triangle: Fall Festivals + Seasonal Fun

This list is continuously being updated as more events are announced, so check back for more as fall gets closer!

NOTE: FREE events are shown in GREEN!

🍁10th Anniversary Oktoberfest Celebration – The Glass Jug Beer Lab (Durham)

Saturday September 7th | 2:00pm-9:00pm

Family-friendly, all are welcome, and no cost to attend. DJ Gummy will be getting the party started from 2-5 PM, spinning a mix of party favorites and Oktoberfest classics. The Little German Band & Dancers will take the stage from 5-9 PM with a full band and dancers leading us in a classic Oktoberfest celebration!

🍁 Oktoberfest – Raleigh Brewing (Raleigh)

Sunday September 8th | 1:00pm-6:00pm

Dust off your Dirndl and Lederhosen and join us at our Oktoberfest Celebration on September 8th! Free to attend

🍁Pumpkin Party – Leslie-Alford-Mims House (Holly Springs)

Sunday September 8th | 11:00am

Join the Glass Slipper Princess & her Step Sisters on Sunday, September 8th at Leslie-Alford-Mims House for the ultimate Pumpkin Party! Guests will enjoy seasonal sweet treats, pumpkin decorating, live performances, mini makeup fun, games & more!

🍁Fall 2024 Open House – Smith’s Nursery (Benson)

Saturday September 14th | 9:00am-5:00pm

Come join us on Saturday, September 14th from 9 am to 5 pm for our Fall 2024 Open House. You can shop fall decor and mums, eat some yummy ice cream, and ride the hayride down to the pumpkin patch!

🍁Oktoberfest 2024 – Bull McCabe’s (Durham)

Saturday September 14th

This year on Saturday September 14th we’ll be hosting the Appalachian Freunde Polka Band from 2-5, and 6-10pm, and they’ll be leading us on in songs, dance, and games! We’ll have all our favorite Festbiers & Marzens, with a crazy good themed menu!!! The event is FREE and FAMILY FRIENDLY, and festive attire is encouraged!

🍁Fall Movie Series – 107 W. Chatham St. (Cary)

Friday September 20th | 7:00pm

We’ve decided to host a Fall Movie Series, playing some of your favorite spoOoooOOoky movies to get you and your family ready for Halloween! Movie for 9/20 is Monsters, Inc.

🍁Burwell School Fall Festival – Burwell School Historic Site (Hillsborough)

Saturday September 21st | 10:00am-4:00pm

Discover a bustling marketplace with local vendors offering treasures aplenty, tantalize your taste buds at our delectable bake sale, and hunt for hidden gems at our vibrant tag sale. Experience the charm of yesteryear with historic children’s games that promise laughter and joy for all ages.

Fall in Stars Hollow – The Studio (Apex)

Saturday September 21st | 11:00am-5:00pm

Join us for a day full of celebrating all things Gilmore Girls by drinking Luke’s coffee, shopping Rory’s Bookshelf, doing Halloween DIYs, snapping photos in our Fall Photobooth and so much more fall fun!

Fall Vendor Market – The Scoop @ Willow Oak Farms (Fuquay-Varina)

Saturday September 21st | 12:00pm-4:00pm

Craft fair, food truck, ice cream, face painting, and more.

🍁Mead Fest 2024 – Starrlight Mead (Pittsboro)

Saturday September 21st | 12:00pm-5:00pm

Our annual celebration of all things mead! Drink mead, learn how to make mead, celebrate mead! Also, it’s a fun excuse for a mini-Renaissance faire! Music, Vendors, Knights, Food, and more!

Oktoberfest – Lonerider Brewing (Raleigh)

Saturday September 21st | 12:00pm-10:00pm

Join us at Lonerider Brewing Company on September 21st for an unforgettable Oktoberfest celebration! Embrace the vibrant spirit of Bavaria with live music that will keep your toes tapping all day long, a tantalizing array of food trucks, and our thrilling annual Stein Holding competition where you can test your strength and endurance for a chance to win exciting prizes. 

🍁Oktoberfest – Fortnight Brewing Company (Cary)

Saturday September 21st | 12:00pm-11:00pm

Whether you’re a fan of delicious brews, lively music, food, games or a vendor market, this is the event you don’t want to miss.

Oktoberfest – Komana Brewing (Cary)

Saturday September 21st | 12:00pm–4:00pm

We invite you to our one-of-a-kind Oktoberfest celebration! The daytime is perfect for families with fun activities, while the night brings the real festivities to life. Savor mouthwatering dishes from an authentic German food truck—you got to try their locally sourced German Bratwurst Burger! Plus, we’re thrilled to re-introduce our special Oktoberfest beer recognized last year, Monks Mär”ZEN”. Celebrate the season with great food, lively activities, music and a festive atmosphere!

🍁Oktoberfest – Steel String Brewery (Carrboro)

Saturday September 21st | 12:00pm-11:00pm

All day, from open to close, all beers on tap will be served in Oktoberfest steins. We’ll have a line up of German-style lagers, our core beers, and seasonal favorites for you to choose from. As always we’ve got cider, wine, and plenty of non-alcoholic options (including non-alcoholic Oktoberfest beer!) for the non-beer drinkers.

🍁Oktoberfest – Atomic Clock Brewing Co (Durham)

Saturday September 21st | 12:00pm

Entertainment and activities, raffle with prizes, beer & food specials

🍁Oktoberfest – Mason Jar Lager Co (Fuquay-Varina)

Saturday September 21st | 2:00pm

Music, food trucks, games, and competitions. Free admission.

🍁Durham Oktoberfest – Durham Central Park (Durham)

Saturday September 21st | 4:00pm-11:00pm

Don your leiderhosen and come out for Durham’s Oktoberfest in Durham Central Park! This family-friendly event will begin at 4 PM with activities, an art market, and more. Gary’s Oompah Band will get the live music rolling by 5 PM. And DJ Timbrr will be spinning on the patio from 8-10pm.

🍁Pick & Paint Pumpkin Workshop – For Garden’s Sake (Durham)

Sunday September 22nd | 12:00pm-3:00pm

Happy First Day of Fall! Join the fun with our Pick & Paint Pumpkin Workshop. This workshop is designed for children and adults of all ages who want to channel their inner artist. Pumpkin painting will be self-guided, so bring all your ideas; we will also have picture options to choose from if you need a visual aid! Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult for the full event.

Admission is FREE but you must purchase your pumpkin from FGS and present your receipt at the painting station to get materials.

🍁Harvest Festival – State Farmers Market (Raleigh)

Thursday September 26th

Kicking off fall like only the State Farmers Market can, bring your family and join us for our Harvest Festival for the best in North Carolina agriculture. It’s the can’t miss event of the season! Best of all, it’s all FREE! Come on out, taste some delicious foods, play some games, grab some recipe cards for later and learn all about agriculture. We even hear our famous pumpkin sling will make an appearance…time to put your pumpkin chunking skills to the test.

🍁Annual Fall Fest – Piedmont Feed & Garden Center (Chapel Hill)

Saturday September 28th | 9:00am-5:00pm

Fall fun for the whole family! Don’t miss our annual fall festival! Pick a pumpkin or two from the pumpkin patch & paint it for free in the Greenhouse with our friends from the Painted Grape! (12:00-2:00) Enjoy a seasonal beverage and sweet treat from Carolina Sugar Clouds! (9:00-1:00) Stay long enough for lunch from our food trucks! (11:00-3:00)
Photo ops for little ones!

🍁Oktoberfest – Lafayette Village (Raleigh)

Saturday September 28th | 12:00pm-4:00pm

Grab your Lederhosen and enjoy a German Inspired festival with Fall Brews, German inspired Foods, Live Music, Shopping & Fun throughout the Village! PLUS, the 8th Annual Wiener Dog Races!

🍁NC Eat & Play’s Fall Hootenanny – Hunt Horse Complex @ State Fairgrounds (Raleigh)

Saturday September 28th | 3:00pm-7:00pm

Foodie fest, live music, and family fun. Presented by Cheerwine.

🍁Oktoberfest – Guglhupf (Durham)

Saturday September 28th | 4:00pm

 Chef Dave and his team will be grilling sausages, ribs, half chickens, baking up traditional zwiebelkuchen, and more! We will have 5 featured Oktoberfest beers on tap as well as other specialty beverages (in case beer isn’t your thing!) live music, swag giveaways, the launch of a new t-shirt design and more await!

🍁Pumpkin Patch Express – Museum of Life + Science (Durham)

Weekends, 9/28-10/26

All Aboard! Celebrate Fall with a trip to the Museum’s pumpkin patch! Pick the perfect pumpkin to decorate and enjoy a variety of games and activities inspired by autumn. Then, climb aboard the train for a ride back to the station on the Ellerbe Creek Railway!

$15 per person; kids two and under are free
Museum admission is not included and required to access the event.

🍁Triangle Oktoberfest – Koka Booth Amphitheater (Cary)

Friday and Saturday October 4th-5th

This is the Triangle’s biggest Oktoberfest there is an abundance of live music, German beer, German food, dancing, and fun for all. The younger members of the family will enjoy the Kinderplatz Zone with face painting, yard games, and other kid-friendly activities. Ages 15 and under are free.

🍁Meridian Waste Annual Charity Pumpkin Patch – Shotwell Environmental Park (Wendell)

Saturday October 5th | 9:00am-1:00pm

Enjoy a FREE day in the scenic outdoors with family-friendly activities for all ages:

 Free Boxed Lunch
 Pumpkin Picking
 Petting Zoo
 Inflatables Slide
 Pumpkin Painting & Games
 Touch-A-Truck Field
 Hayride Landfill Tours

🍁Wendell Harvest Festival – Downtown Wendell (Wendell)

Saturday October 5th | 9:00am-9:00pm

This day of fun in Downtown Wendell has been happening for nearly 100 years, and includes a parade, a Kids Village, on-stage entertainment, food trucks, and an evening concert.

🍁Fall Arts Fair – Fred Fletcher Park (Raleigh)

Saturday October 5th | 10:00am-5:00pm

Get an early start on your holiday shopping and enjoy a fun-filled day at Fred Fletcher Park on Saturday, October 5, from 10 am to 5 pm, featuring over 60 local artist vendors, food trucks, live music, hands-on activities, and demonstrations.

Fall on First Avenue – Knightdale Station Park (Knightdale)

Saturday October 5th | 11:00am

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day of games, crafts, and festive activities. Don’t miss out on the biggest event of the season!

🍁Oktoberfest on the Farm – Old Mill Farm (Durham)

Saturday October 5th | 12:00pm-8:00pm

Prost, Y’all! Enjoy an Oktoberfest celebration unlike any other. We’ll have stein-hoisting competitions, live music, food trucks and local Festbiers flowing all day long!​ Put on your Lederhosen & get down to the farm for this festive family-friendly affair!

🍁Falling for Local – Dix Park (Raleigh)

Saturday October 5th | 11:00am-6:00pm

This huge event in the Triangle offers hayrides, a free pumpkin patch, inflatables, kids activities, delicious food, live music, NC craft beer, and much more!

🍁Hargraves Fall Carnival – Hargraves Community Center (Chapel Hill)

Friday, October 11th | 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Join us for a fun-filled Fall Carnival, perfect for kids aged 6-12! Enjoy a day of playing various carnival games where every game played earns you treats. This family-friendly event is a fantastic alternative for those who prefer to skip the Halloween frights of ghouls and goblins. Gather the family and celebrate the season with games, treats, and endless fun at the Hargraves Community Center. Don’t miss out on this delightful autumn adventure!

Autumn Adventures on the Farm – Olde Skye Farms (Wilson)

Saturday October 12th | 9:00am-12:00pm

Join us for an unforgettable day of fall fun at our very first “Autumn Adventures on the Farm”! Festive Fall Crafts, Get creative with our fall craft station! Choose your craft and let your artistic side shine. Meet the Highland Coos, games, photo ops, and more!

Fall for Five Points – 2000 Fairview Road (Raleigh)

Saturday October 12th | 11:00am-7:00pm

A full day of fall fun. Live music, a kids zone, food trucks, craft beer, 20+ local vendors.

🍁Cary Alliance Church Fall Festival – Cary Alliance Church (Apex)

Saturday October 12th | 11:00am-2:00pm

Find your best flannel, grab your family and tell your friends to join you at the annual Fall Festival at Cary Alliance Church! Swing by for a day full of games, crafts, candy, face painting, inflatables, fire truck & police car visit, food and more! All activities are free and open to the community!

🍁Oktoberfest – Apex Town Campus (Apex)

Saturday October 12th | 12:00pm-7:00pm

Come out to Town Campus and enjoy an afternoon of celebration. This family friendly, outdoor festival features live German music, beer, wine, local food including traditional brats, a Kids Zone and more. This is a community event
organized by the American Legion Post 124.

🍁Raleigh Fall Harvest Vendor Market & Trick or Treat – Compass Rose Brewery (Raleigh)

Saturday October 12th | 12:00pm-5:00pm

Fall is here! Time for apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkins, hayrides, and fall decor. Have a beverage and shop fall fashions, decor, and more from small businesses at our Fall Harvest Vendor Market. Shop local vendors, trick or treat for the kiddos, vendor giveaways and more.

🍁Oktoberfest – Deep River Brewing (Clayton)

Saturday October 12th | 12:00pm-10:00pm

Games, food trucks, live music. The FIRST 100 people will be lucky enough to receive a pretzel necklace with their stein purchase.

3rd Annual Pretty Cool Pumpkin Party – m2 Realty (Cary)

Saturday October 12th | 2:00pm-5:00pm

This isn’t just another pumpkin carving event; it’s a chance to create lasting memories with your community, meet new people, and enjoy a day full of fun and laughter. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to get to know M² Realty, your local real estate experts who love bringing people together.

🍁Tappin’ the Gourd – Tap Yard (Raleigh)

Sunday October 13th | 12:00pm-6:00pm

We’ve got a fun-filled day of fall festivities for the whole family to enjoy featuring a pumpkin carving contest, pumpkin pie eating contest, and so much more! Bring the whole family! We have tons of fun for the little ones, including arcade games, yard games, and a bounce house so everyone can join in on the fall fun.

Pick & Paint Pumpkin Workshop – For Garden’s Sake (Durham)

Sunday October 13th | 12:00pm-3:00pm

It’s pumpkin season! Join the fun with our Pick & Paint Pumpkin Workshop. This workshop is designed for children and adults of all ages who want to channel their inner artist. Pumpkin painting will be self-guided, so bring all your ideas; we will also have picture options to choose from if you need a visual aid!

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult for the full event. Admission is FREE but you must purchase your pumpkin from FGS and present your receipt at the painting station to get materials.

🍁Fall Festival – Highland United Methodist Church (Raleigh)

Sunday October 13th | 4:00pm-6:00pm

The Pumpkin Patch will be open for sales and photo ops. There will be food for purchase (hot dogs, popcorn, baked goods), games and activities for children and youth including a giant slide, a dunking booth and train rides, pumpkin painting, tours of our Community Victory Garden, and information about ways to make an impact in our local community. In addition, we’ll be collecting canned foods for Interfaith Food Shuttle.

🍁NC State Fair – State Fairgrounds (Raleigh)

October 17th-27th, 2024

The NC State Fair is the biggest annual event in the state. While it isn’t fall-themed, it is a true fall tradition for families! This year will be its 156th year!

McLean Farms Nursery & Ice Cream Shop’s Pumpkin Festival – McLean Farms (Fuquay-Varina)

Saturday October 19th | 10:00am-3:00pm

Join us on October 19th from 10 AM to 3 PM for a fun-filled day of fall festivities. 

What to expect:
•  Pumpkin shopping
•  $5 Corn Maze
•  $5 Hay Rides
•  Local vendors
•  Delicious food trucks and ice cream
•  Pumpkin Carving Contest
•  $3 Barrel Cart Rides
•  Jump pads and bounce houses

Pumpkin Patch Festival – Parkside Town Commons (Cary)

Saturday October 19th | 11:00am-2:00pm

Join us for a FREE fun fall event for the entire family! Near Five Guys

• Children age 10 and under can “pick” their favorite pumpkin!
• Trackless Train
• Games & Prizes
• Cary Safety Vehicles
• Crafts
• Special offers from our restaurants & stores

Harvest Fest – Good Hope Farm (Cary)

Saturday October 19th | 12:00pm-4:00pm

Each fall, celebrate Cary’s agricultural heritage with an afternoon of free fun down on the farm! Join us for live music, local food and beverages, farm tours, and more on our historic working farm for the Good Hope Farm Harvest Fest. Guests can prepare for the holiday season by shopping sustainably from green-themed local artisans. Along with farm tours, children’s activities, live music, and brews and bites, and bring harvest-fresh bounty from the farm to their tables at home from our farmers’ produce booths.

Please note, parking is not permitted on this historic site; guests can park at Good Hope Baptist Church located at 6628 Good Hope Church Road and enjoy our complementary shuttle service

🍁Pumpkin Splash – Edison Johnson Aquatic Center (Durham)

Saturday October 19th | 1:00pm AND 3:00pm

Select your favorite pumpkin from one of many FLOATING in the pool, dry it off on the pool deck and use paints, stickers, and all kinds of fun craft supplies to decorate it. All swim levels are welcome and life vests will be provided. An adult will need to enter the water with children 9 years of age and younger. Ages 12 and under.

Diwali Festival at Cedar Fork District Park (Morrisville)

Saturday October 19th | 5:00pm-8:00pm

The Town of Morrisville hosts an annual Diwali Festival in honor of the holiday in celebration of the holiday season and our community’s diverse culture. Diwali, one of the largest holiday festivals in India,  includes hands on activities, music, food, and fireworks. 

🍁Special Needs Farm Day – Phillips Farms (Cary)

Wednesday October 23rd | 3:00pm-6:30pm

Admission for special needs children and one caregiver is FREE. Additional guests 1/2 price admission on this day only. Only special needs children and their families will be admitted in order to create a safe space for them to play and enjoy the fun park.

Clayton Harvest Festival – Downtown Clayton (Clayton)

Thursday October 24th-Sunday October 27th

From Thursday, October 24th to Sunday, October 27th, the Clayton community will be buzzing with excitement. Enjoy thrilling Midway Carnival Rides & Games, delicious food from food trucks, and craft beer. Family Night will bring joy to all with a Kid’s Trunk-or-Treat event and a movie night. Get your taste buds ready to indulge in Clayton’s Largest Vendor Fair. The Hometown Talent Showcase will feature amazing performances throughout the day.

Moonlit Hayride, S’Mores, & Movie Night – Smiths Nursery (Benson)

Friday October 25th | 6:00pm-9:00pm

Come join us on Friday, October 25th for a fun family night of moonlit hayrides, bonfires, and s’mores! Throughout the night we will play the movie It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and our ice cream shack will be serving up delicious warm coffee, cider, and hot chocolate. Let’s celebrate the end of pumpkin season here at Smith’s with wonderful friendship, community, and good times! The family-friendly hayride will take you on a trip throughout the farm and through the woods. The bonfires will be burning behind the store with a staff member passing out s’mores to the folks with tickets, and the movie will be on a continuous loop from sunset to 9 p.m

Building Connections’ Fall Festival – 7408 Halifax Rd. (Youngsville)

Saturday October 26th | 10:00am-1:00pm

Crafts, hay rides, face painting, pony rides. Parking $10 per car

🍁HollyFest – Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park (Holly Springs)

Saturday October 26th | 10:00am-4:00pm

This annual, family-friendly event celebrates Holly Springs and all the people, places and services that our community has to offer. Featuring local artists, businesses, food vendors, children’s activities, and local entertainment; this free event is a Holly Springs tradition.

🍁Vendor Fair at Treelight Square – Sonder Coffee (Wendell)

Saturday October 26th | 11:00am-3:00pm

No tricks here – just treats! Come join us for a kid-friendly spooky good time! Hosted by Community Pop Ups NC and our friends at Sonder Coffee, this event is sure to bring all the fun. Come shop from over 40 local vendors, and trick or treat through the square.

🍁Fall FunFest – Redford Place Park (Rolesville)

Saturday October 26, 2024 | 11:00am – 4:00pm

Costume contests, Bounce Houses, Slides, Archery, Axe Throwing, Corn Hole, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4, Bubbles and more! on Marvin Perry Field

🍁Floating Pumpkin Patch – Homestead Aquatic Center (Chapel Hill)

Saturday October 26th | 3:00pm-5:00pm

Party with Pumpkins at the Pool! Join us for an afternoon full of floating pumpkins in the pool. Everyone gets their own pumpkin to decorate and take home!

Community Harvest Festival – Sunrise Community Farm Center (Chapel Hill)

Saturday October 26th | 3:00pm-7:00pm

Celebrate the changing of seasons! Ignite warmth, abundance and friendships while carving pumpkins, riding hay rides, exploring the hay maze, playing carnival games, enjoying food, music, fresh-pressed apple cider, pony rides, and much more!

🍁Barktoberfest – Durham Central Park (Durham)

Saturday October 26th | 3:30pm-6:30pm

Barktoberfest is a celebration for our canine residents and their families. Join us for an afternoon of fun which will include a costume contest, games, a beer garden, pet-friendly organizations and vendors, food vendors, and more! No pre-registration required. All ages.

Halloween Events in the Triangle

This list is continuously being updated as more events are announced, so check back for more as fall gets closer!

NOTE: FREE Events are shown in GREEN!

🎃Spirits of Wake Forest: Downtown Historic Ghost Walks (Wake Forest)

From September 26th-October 31st | Saturdays – 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays – 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Downtown Wake Forest’s buildings and sidewalks have seen well over 100 years of history, and they have some eerie stories to tell! Join WFD, Inc. and FTC’s incredible cast of storytellers to learn about the restless spirits that make up just a small piece of downtown’s haunted history. Tours are recommended for ages 8 and up. Younger children are welcome at their parents’ discretion. Any attendees under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

🎃October First Friday: Spooky Fall Block Party – Smoky Hollow (Raleigh)

Friday October 4th | 5:00pm-8:00pm

Get into the Halloween spirit and embrace autumn at October First Fright-day! Downtown’s official kick-off to the fall season is coming up soon on October 4th, when Smoky Hollow meets Sleepy Hollow.

🎃Movie Under the Stars: Hocus Pocus – Carolina Square (Chapel Hill)

Friday October 4th | 6:00pm-9:00pm

Join us for a fun, free movie screening in Downtown Chapel Hill at the Carolina Square lawn! This spooky edition of Movies Under the Stars will feature the beloved Halloween film Hocus Pocus. Expect a round of movie-themed trivia, a costume contest, and a movie screening beginning at sundown.

🎃Kids Night Out: Halloweentown – Crazy Glaze (Fuquay-Varina)

Friday October 4th | 6:30pm

Pizza, painting, and a movie

🎃Free Outdoor Movie: The Haunted Mansion – Raleigh Brewing Company (Raleigh)

Friday October 4th | 8:30pm

Get in the ~haunted~ spirit and join us for our screening of Disney’s latest Haunted Mansion production on October 4th! We’ll have popcorn + candy available for purchase and plenty of beer on tap. This movie is family-friendly and free to attend, but please bring your own chair/blanket to sit on. Must be 21+ to consume alcoholic beverages.

🎃Snakes with Sally Dinner Hour – Abbey Road (Fuquay-Varina)

Sunday October 6th | 5:30pm

What’s this?! What’s this?! It’s Sally with all her snake friends coming by to sssssssssssay hello! Don’t miss this fall festive event! Grab a table early and feel free to wear your costumes!

🎃Howling at the Creek – Abbot’s Creek Community Center (Raleigh)

Tuesday October 8th | 10:00am

Come to Abbotts Creek for a spooky good time! We will have fun Halloween-themed games and activities. There will be a “howling” competition that begins at 10:45 a.m. to see who the best howler is! Feel free to come dressed in your costume. Pre-registration is required for each participant.

🎃Movies in the Garden: Hocus Pocus – RLT’s Stephenson Amphitheatre (Raleigh)

Thursday October 10th | 6:00pm-9:00pm

Your favorite witches are back! Join us in RLT’s Stephenson Amphitheatre on October 10 for a spooky good time at our annual screening Disney’s 1993 family comedy, Hocus Pocus! The movie will be screened outside in the Stephenson Amphitheatre. Tickets are general admission and $5 each. Food and drink vendors will be there.

🎃Boo Bash – Piney Town Playhouse (Fuquay-Varina)

Friday October 11th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at our “Boo Bash” event! Join us for a memorable day filled with autumn-themed fun, costumes, and plenty of surprises. It’s a Halloween party like no other!

🎃Fright Night – Edison Johnson Recreation Center (Durham)

Friday October 11th | 5:00pm-8:00pm

Join us for Fright Night, a Halloween extravaganza that will send shivers down your spine! This bone-chilling event features carnival games, costume parades, and activities for all ages. Embark on a hair-raising adventure along the haunted trail, where creepy creatures lurk at every turn. all ages. Free.

🎃Movie Night: Ghostbusters (Frozen Empire) – Downtown Cary Park (Cary)

Friday October 11th | 6:00pm-8:00pm

Grab your cushions, blankets, and chairs for ultimate comfort as you settle in to enjoy the film with popcorn and snacks from Market 317. Food trucks will also be on site. Prescreening activities and games will be from 6 – 7:30 p.m. The film will begin at 7:30 p.m.

🎃Track or Treat Halloween Train Rides – Triangle Train (New Hill)

October 12th, 19th, and 26th – Track or Treat | See website for times
Plus a Not so Spooky Track or Treat Wednesday Train Ride, 10:30 AM 10/16

A kid-friendly train ride complete with scenes of flying witches, smoking cauldrons, large pumpkin faces, Count Dracula and other friendly creatures along the route. Passengers can also play Mummy Mayhem, a game where riders search for 13 mummies hidden along the train tracks. In the rail yard, families can listen to songs by the popular singing pumpkins, take advantage of the many photo opportunities and watch model trains zip around the Garden Railway. Our gift shop will also be open. Halloween costumes are encouraged for passengers of all ages.

October 25th – Boo & Brew | See website for times

We have all the Halloween decorations up and we also have all the same actors in the woods as the Track ‘n Treat Halloween train ride.  The difference is we have food and beer for you to purchase and its on Friday night.

🎃Family Spooktacular – Sugg Farm Park at Bass Lake (Holly Springs)

Saturday October 12th | 1:00pm-4:00pm

Geared for ages 3-11, this free event includes candy stations, games, and slime-making. Children are invited to participate in costume contests. Gather around the fire to roast marshmallows to perfection for smore’s. There will also be Trunk-or-Treating!

🎃Trick or Eat Food Truck Rodeo – Downtown Garner (Garner)

Saturday October 12th | 6:00pm-10:00pm

Get ready for a spooktacular foodie fiesta at our Trick or Eat Food Truck Rodeo, paired with a delightful Artisan Market! 

 Freaky Feasts & Ghoulish Grub! Artisan Market Delights!  Costume Contest!

🎃Haunted Trail – Sugg Farm Park at Bass Lake (Holly Springs)

Saturday October 12th | 7:00pm-10:45pm

The annual haunted trail at Sugg Farm in October is recommended for ages 14 and older, but younger children are allowed when accompanied by a parent. Along the trail, you’ll find all types monsters ranging from zombies to scary clowns and everything in between. This haunted trail is not for the faint of heart!

🎃Trick or Treat on the Farm: Five Days this October! – Old Mill Farm (Durham)

October 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, & 27th

Our Favorite time of the year is Fall on the Farm! Join us for pumpkin carving, trick or treating, live music, festive fall beers, mulled wine, & Hot apple cider, food trucks and so much more! Tickets start at $13 and include a pumpkin for carving & trick or treating (kids) or your first beverage (adults).

🎃Step into the Halloween Village – Lafayette Village (Raleigh)

Sunday October 13th | 4:30pm-7:30pm

Come trick or treat and meet your favorite Halloween characters for a spooky time!

🎃All Things Pumpkin – Marsh Creek Community Center (Raleigh)

Wednesday October 16th | 10:00am

Go big or gourd home! All things pumpkins will have your little one learning, painting, and seeing all the things you can do with pumpkins. Be sure to carve out a little time for us this fall! Please come dressed to be active and get dirty. For ages 3-6.

🎃Hocus Pocus Night – Tap It Social House (Wendell)

Thursday October 17th | 6:00pm-10:00pm

Grab your family and friends as we gear up for Halloween with a fun and exciting Hocus Pocus Night. Try our Hocus Pocus inspired Cocktails and Mocktails for the kids. We will play Hocus Pocus Bingo, have prizes, games and of course we will have the movies on a cozy sitting areas for the kids to watch and hang out and eat popcorn 🍿

🎃Haunted Cave Adventure – Blue Diamond Gemstone Panning (Cary)

Friday October 18th – October 27th

For two weeks our cave will be transformed into a scary adventure, explore the spooky mines and find your way out of the haunted cave, make it through the caves and visit the witches house for a spooky treat! Tickets include access to the entire property, visits with the goats, a jr rockhound bucket to pan and a bag of treats. You can arrive anytime between 4:30-7:30, scare factor does increase at 6:30

🎃Mummy & Son Monster Mash – Piney Town Playhouse (Fuquay-Varina)

Friday October 18th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Join us for the Mummy and Son Monster Ball at Piney Town Playhouse on October 18th, 5-7 pm! This Halloween-themed dance invites moms and their little monsters to dress up, dance, and create unforgettable memories. 

🎃Family Night Out: Creepy Crawley Carnival – Museum of Life + Science (Durham)

Friday October 18th | 5:30pm-9:00pm

Bring the whole family for a night of spooky fun and eerie excitement at the Creepy Crawley Carnival. Embrace the Halloween spirit with a variety of fun activities, including an unforgettable animal encounter and the chance to create your own Hex Bug maze. Take a break and indulge in delicious treats from our food truck, available for guests to purchase throughout the event. Don’t miss out on this spine-tingling, family-friendly event! Bring your friends and family for a night to remember.

🎃NC Transportation Museum’s Halloween Train – NC Transportation Museum (Spencer)

Saturday October 19th, Saturday October 26th, Sunday October 27th

Bring your little monsters and ghouls for our Halloween event! The Halloween Trains will be offered Saturday, Oct. 19, and again on, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26-27. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 – 5 p.m. on Sunday. The train ride will be decorated for Halloween, with music to match. The train will run on Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

🎃Boo at the NC Zoo – NC Zoo (Asheboro)

Sat/Sun 10/19-20, Sat/Sun 10/26-27

Get your kids ready for the beloved Boo at the North Carolina Zoo! This annual, family-friendly Halloween event serves sweet treats and more, perfect for kids 4-12. Dress up your little ones to enter fun costume contests, enjoy trick or treating, and have a howling good time with festive games.

Spooky Soiree Event – Harris Lake County Park (New Hill)

Saturday, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

“Don’t Feed Your Fears” and join us to meet some not-so-spooky creeping crawly critters up close, create fun, seasonal crafts, try your hand at some ghastly games, and other surprises! Costumes are encouraged. Board our wagon for a special scavenger hunt along the back roads of the park. Find all of the “hidden” spooky items on your card to win a prize! Spaces are limited on the wagon, so preregister below for the time slot of your choice. Scavenger hunt rides will run every 30 minutes. 

🎃Bierman Autism Centers Annual Trunk-or-Treat! – Bierman Autism Center (Cary)

Saturday October 19th | 10:00am-12:00pm

Join us for an unforgettable morning of excitement and enchantment at Bierman Autism Centers! Get ready for our Annual Trunk-or-Treat, an experience with magical trunks full of treats and surprises designed to be sensory-friendly and full of fun! This event is a FREE celebration for our amazing special needs community. Whether you’re a familiar face or new to our family, we invite you to join us in making this trunk-or-treat journey a morning to remember!

🎃Howl-O-Ween – Carolina Pines Community Center Dog Park (Raleigh)

Saturday October 19th | 10:00am-12:00pm

Pups will strut their stuff and wag their tails in our pet parade along with a PAW-some costume contest. Other activities will include tricks for treats, bone bobbing, and HOWL-worthy pictures in a PUP-kin photo booth. Categories include spookiest, cutest, most creative, and best doggie/owner duo.

🎃Boo Bash Family Crafts – The Makery (Wake Forest)

Saturday October 19th | 10:00am AND 2:00pm

Get ready for a spooktacular day of creativity and fun at our Halloween Crafting and Paint Day! This family-friendly event welcomes all ages, from little ghouls to grown-up ghosts, for a day filled with artistic activities and festive enjoyment

🎃Halloween Boo Bash – Downtown Wake Forest (Wake Forest)

Saturday October 19th | 11:00am-2:00pm

A free, family-oriented festival for children ages 12 and younger. This year’s festivities will include inflatables, a photo booth, sponsor exhibits, DJ, food trucks and a variety of ghostly games and activities! Costumes are optional, but the best costumes may be featured on the Town website and social media pages.

Triangle Disability & Autism Services BOO-Nanza Halloween Party – Cisco Bldg 5 (Morrisville)

Saturday October 19th | 1:00pm-4:00pm

Join us for a SPOOKY good time for children with IDD and autism and their friends and families! Games • Crafts • Costume Contest, Snacks • Music and Dancing This event is free. Costumes are encouraged, please no masks or toy weapons (swords or light sabres stay home). You do not need to RSVP, drop by when you can!

🎃Witches on the Water: Family Halloween Paddling Event – Lake Wheeler Parl (Raleigh)

Saturday October 19th | 1:00pm-3:30pm

Pointy hats and cloaks are strongly encouraged, but any expression and interpretation of witchery are welcome. This event is for all witches of all genders. Young witches between ages 10-16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please arrive at 1 p.m. to launch and gather on the water by 1:30 p.m. for a photo and self-guided leisurely, magical paddle around the lake. 

Halloween Spooktacular – 302 W. Tryon Street (Hillsborough)

Saturday October 19th | 1:00pm-4:00pm

The 2024 Halloween Spooktacular will feature all of your favorite activities such as the costume contest, pumpkin decorating, cakewalks, bingo, pumpkin hunt, and inflatables. Come in costume and ready to have fun!

Candy CAR-a-Van – Fairview Baptist Church (Hillsborough)

Saturday October 19th | 2:00pm-4:00pm

We will have some games and hotdogs in addition to trunk or treating.

🎃Outdoor Movie Night: Nightmare Before Christmas – Mason Jar Lager Co (Fuquay-Varina)

Saturday October 19th | 4:00pm

Our annual movie night is coming up! This year, we will be featuring The Nightmare Before Christmas on a 31′ outdoor screen. Bring lawn chairs, grab a drink, and enjoy! Note, no outside coolers or drinks permitted. Free to attend

🎃Bull City BOOs Fest 2024 – Durham Central Park (Durham)

Saturday October 19th | 4:00pm-11:00pm

Join The MAKRS Society for our 3rd annual Halloween Festival at Durham Central Park! Halloween vendors, local breweries, live DJ, Halloween activities, selfie station, food trucks, decor, and more.

Parents Night Out Halloween Costume Party – Kidstrong Raleigh (Raleigh)

Saturday October 19th | 6:00pm-9:00pm

Costume contest, fun games, singing and dancing. **Dinner provided** – No tricks, just treats!  👻 **Costumes encouraged** – Your little ghouls & goblins are in for a frightfully fun night!

🎃Family Pumpkin Painting – Tap It Social House (Wendell)

Sunday October 20th | 1:00pm – 4pm

Grab the family and paint brush at and join as we have a fun day out! Let’s paint 🎨 some pumpkins 🎃 for $10 a pumpkin, we supply the paint. Grab a pumpkin beer or season cocktail and let’s get to painting!

Super Spiders – Harris Lake County Park (New Hill)

Sunday, Oct. 20 | 2–3 p.m.

Spiders are not so scary when you get to know them! They have important jobs in nature. We will read a super spider story, observe some spiders up close, and look for spiders around the park. For all ages. Meet at the Cypress Shelter.

Halloween Boo Bash – Town of Fun (Morrisville)

Sunday October 20th | 3:00pm-5:00pm

Spiderman and Princess Ariel are Coming To Town Of Fun. Calling all little princesses, ghosts, and superheroes! Join us for an unforgettable Halloween celebration at Town Of Fun!

Your little ones will have the chance to:
Interact with Spiderman and Princess Ariel.
Take photos in your best costume in our photo booth
Create a Halloween Fun Arts & Crafts activity
Enjoy Delicious Snacks and Drinks
Plus, Open Play throughout the event

Trunk or Treat – Academy for the Performing Arts (Apex)

Sunday October 20th | 4:00pm-5:30pm

Join us for our 4th annual Trunk or Treat event at APA! Come dressed to impress in your favorite Halloween costume. *This event is open to the public!* RSVP is required for everyone.

🎃Scarecrow Row – Apex Community Park  (Apex)

October 23rd-October 31st

Visit Apex Community Park’s Scarecrow Row the week of Halloween and check out all the community-decorated scarecrows! Bring a flashlight if you’d like to visit after dark – the park closes at 10 pm. 

Apex Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources staff will host a scarecrow decorating event on October 23, 2024 for registered families.

🎃Baby Boo Bash (2 and under) – Piney Town Playhouse (Fuquay-Varina)

Wednesday October 23rd | 10:00am

Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at our “Boo Bash” event! Join us for a memorable day filled with autumn-themed fun, costumes, and plenty of surprises. It’s a Halloween party like no other!

Mummy & Son Ball – Ritter Park Rotary Shelter (Cary)

Wednesday October 23rd | 6:30pm – 8:00pm

(age 5-10 w/ guardian) This fun-filled spooktacular evening is bound to be a hit with your little goblin! Mummies and sons dress in your favorite costume and compete for prizes. Dance the Monster Mash, play eerily fun games, and roast a ghost over an open fire for a tasty marshmallow treat! Register the child only. Parent must accompany child.

🎃Fall Festival – Park West Village (Morrisville)

Thursday October 24th | 4:00pm-8:00pm

Join us for our Fall Festival on Thursday, October 24th from 4–8pm! Enjoy FREE center-wide trick-or-treating, hay rides, an outdoor movie, costume contests, and more! Along with the fun, we have three delicious food trucks joining us this year, Little Salt & Pepper, WaffleUpp, and Empanadas & More, as well as craft brews from Bond Brothers. You won’t want to miss this spook-tacular event!

Trunk or Treat at Clayton Harvest Festival – Downtown Clayton (Clayton)

Thursday October 24th | 5:00pm

Family Night Kicks Off with Trunk or Treat! Get ready for a spooktacular start to Family Night with Trunk or Treat! Bring your kiddos in their Halloween costumes for a night of festive fun. It’s the perfect way to enjoy some early trick-or-treating, so let’s have a great time together!

🎃Hocus Pocus – Holly Springs Cultural Center (Holly Springs)

Thursday October 24th | 7:00pm

Free showing of this 1990’s classic Halloween film.

🎃Trick or Treat in Downtown (Fuquay-Varina)

Friday October 25th | 2:00pm-5:00pm

Families are invited to dress up their ghosts and goblins and visit the businesses in both downtown districts. Look for the sign “Trick or Treat Here!”

Hillsborough Community Trick or Treat – Downtown Historic Hillsborough (Hillsborough)

Friday October 25th | 3:00pm-6:00pm

Bring the kids and celebrate Halloween by visiting dozens of participating Hillsborough businesses for free candy and goodies!

Halloween Workshops @ the Nest – Kidzu Children’s Museum (Chapel Hill)

Friday October 25th | 3:30pm-5:30pm

A spooktacular Halloween workshop for kids. They’ll dip marshmallow pops, create dirt cups, and make glow-in-the-dark slime. Ages 3-12.

Pumpkin Flotilla – Bond Park Boathouse (Cary)

Friday October 25th | 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Enjoy an evening of music, food, and Halloween activities while the sun goes down. Once the sun sets, carved pumpkins will be floated around Bond Lake to light up the night. Want to see your pumpkin on the water? Drop off your carved pumpkins at the Bond Park Boathouse the day before the event from 4 – 6 p.m.

🎃Trick or Treat the Trail – Wendell Town Park (Wendell)

Friday October 25th | 4:30pm-8:00pm

Halloween Trick or Treating on the Trail at the Wendell Town Park. Hoseted by the Wendell Parks & Rec Department.

🎃Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival – Biltmore Hills Community Center (Raleigh)

Friday October 25th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Bring your children in their best costumes and come enjoy free candy, learn about the Police Advisory Board, and enjoy an awesome fall festival. Participants can make candy bags, enjoy one of our many Inflatables, and enjoy a variety of activities.

Halloween at Burwell – Burwell School Historic Site (Hillsborough)

Friday October 25th | 5:00pm

Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloween at the Burwell School Historic Site! From 5 to 7 PM, families are invited to join us for a Halloween-themed craft session, perfect for young ghouls and goblins. We’ll provide the materials; you bring the creativity! But that’s not all—does the Burwell School have a ghost? Staff have been hearing some unexplained bumps recently… At 7:30 PM, the site will transform for a spine-tingling special tour, complete with costumed guides who will share eerie tales and historical insights. 

🎃Witches Night Out – Downtown Apex (Apex)

Friday October 25th | 5:00pm-9:00pm

Dust off your broomsticks and grab your pointy hats—it’s time for Witches Night Out on Salem Street in Downtown Apex! Join us on October 25th from 5 PM to 9 PM, as your favorite downtown spots stay open late with magical experiences and spellbinding promotions.

🎃Halloween Carnival – Town of Carrboro (Carrboro)

Friday October 25th | 5:00pm

We boast a host of carnival style activities that reward the children’s participation with a wickedly good prize bag. Popcorn, sodas, hot chocolate, apple cider and coffee will be sold at the concession booth.

🎃Boo Bash – Piney Town Playhouse (Fuquay-Varina)

Friday October 25th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at our “Boo Bash” event! Join us for a memorable day filled with autumn-themed fun, costumes, and plenty of surprises. It’s a Halloween party like no other!

Fall Festival at Barwell – Barwell Road Park (Raleigh)

Friday October 25th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Put on your favorite costume and join the fun with games, a lively parade around the gym, awesome crafts, and tasty treats! Don’t miss out on this festive fall celebration—it will be a blast! Can’t wait to see you there!

Trunk or Treat – WakeMed Cary Hospital (Cary)

Friday October 25th | 5:30pm-7:30pm

Watch as the WakeMed Cary Hospital parking lot turns into a Halloween wonderland for Cary’s youngest ghosts, goblins and ghouls!  Bring the whole family and enjoy

Information from the Town of Cary Police Department
– Check out a Cary Fire Department Truck
– Local businesses
– Music entertainment from a DJ
– Free, safe and fun trick-or-treat experience for our kids!

SpOoKy Family Fun Night – Zebulon Community Center Gym (Zebulon)

Friday October 25th | 5:30pm-7:30pm

Costumes are encouraged! – Enjoy some Halloween-themed family fun time on Friday night at the Zebulon Community Center. Play games, enter a costume contest, and enjoy spooktacular crafts and activities. Child/Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Parents Night Out Halloween – Camp MusArt (Apex)

Friday October 25th | 5:45pm-8:45pm

Join us on October 25th from 5:45-8:45 for a Halloween extravaganza filled with fun, crafts, and a spook-tacular movie night!

🧙‍♀️ What’s in store? 🧪
✨ Monster Slime Making
🍝 Haunted Pasta Bar
🍭 Sweet Treats
🧛🏻‍♂️ Hotel Transylvania Screening

This year, we’re turning it into a glow party! Send your kids in blacklight reactive attire—neon colors, white shirts, and glow-in-the-dark accessories—to make the night light up!

Trunk or Treat and Drive-in Movie Night – MOSAIC at Chatham Park (Pittsboro)

Friday October 25th | 6:00pm

🕕 Trunk or Treat: 6 PM
🎥 Drive-In Movie: 7 PM (Hocus Pocus)

🎃Zombiepalooza – Downtown Cary Park (Cary)

Friday October 25th | 6:00pm-8:00pm

Zombiepalooza is Cary’s annual ZOMBIE SHORT FILM COMPETITION and Halloween costume contest that takes place each October. This year’s Zombiepalooza 2024 will take place on October 25th at Downtown Cary Park and will start with pre-film activities. Plan for three-legged races (TBD whether the third leg is attached to another live human or not), undead face-painting, a zombie playground, food trucks (hopefully one will include BRAINS in their menu), and more!

🎃Kick or Treat the Trail – Knightdale Station Park (Knightdale)

Friday October 25th | 6:00pm-8:00pm

Trick or Treat Stations will be set up on the trails around Soccer Field #1 at Knightdale Station Park.  We will have games, activities, food trucks and a DJ. 

🎃Fall Festival – Hepzibah Baptist Church (Wendell)

Friday October 25th | 6:00pm-8:00pm

YOU are invited to join us for a family-friendly FALL FESTIVAL right in the heart of Wendell! We will have food, inflatables, trunk-or-treat, and lots of FUN!
Feel free to wear your family-friendly costumes and make sure to bring your candy buckets!

🎃Marbles Kooky Spooky Halloween Party – Marbles Kids Museum (Raleigh)

Friday October 25th | 6:00pm-8:30pm

Come in costume for a ghoulish good time! Experience the magic of Marbles after dark at this family-friendly Halloween spooktacular. 

🎃Boo Bash Halloween Special Needs Dance – Clayton Community Center (Clayton)

Friday October 25th | 6:00pm-8:00pm

Our annual free Halloween dance and trunk or treat for participants with special needs will take place outside under the covered porch at the Clayton Community Center! Wear your favorite costume and come dance the night away! Volunteers from Clayton Youth Council and other organizations help make this possible. Refreshments will be provided and support staff is welcome!

Haunted Walk at Bond Park – Bond Park Challenge Course (Cary)

Friday October 25th | 7:00pm – 10:00 p.m.

$5 (Cash only) Goes to Cary Teen Council. Take a stroll down the spooky path in Bond Park. Cary Teen Council’s bringing thrills and chills outside this year offering a frightening fun time for all. All ages are welcomed but parental discretion is strongly advised. Please note parking will be very limited.

🎃BooFest – Museum of Life + Science (Durham)

Saturday 10/26, Sunday 10/27, and Thursday 10/31

Included with admission

Join us for our weekend BooFest celebration at the Museum of Life and Science, if you dare! Guests can celebrate the season with hands-on activities in the Lab, a pumpkin-party station with take-home goodies (as supplies last), themed enrichment and encounters around campus, and more. Don your costumes and visit us for this spooky celebration of the season!

🎃Halloween at Piedmont Feed and Garden Center (Chapel Hill)

Saturday October 26th | 9:00am-5:00pm

Get the kids in their costumes (pets too) and bring them out for a family-friendly Halloween celebration at Piedmont Feed & Garden Center! Face painting, birds of prey, food truck, and costume contest.

Halloween Party – The Bunny Hive (Raleigh)

Saturday October 26th | 9:30am-12:30pm

join us in celebrating all of the best fall festivities! we’ll have a bounce house, cookie decorating, halloween crafts and lots of photo opportunities! the entire family is encouraged to wear costumes – best costumes will be awarded trophies as we choose a top girl, top boy, and top family costume every hour! light food and adult beverages complimentary

🎃Spellbound at Mordecai – 1 Mimosa St. (Raleigh)

Saturday October 26th | 10:00am-3:00pm

A Children’s Halloween Market by Paper & Stars Studio at Mordecai Park. Costume Contest – Crafts – Music – Pumpkins – Handmade Goods

Magic, mischief, and mayhem abound at Spellbound at Mordecai. Encounter mysterious creatures and amazing magicians, have your fortune told, create spooky crafts, and decorate a pumpkin to take home for All Hallow’s Eve. Wear your best Halloween finery to enter the costume contest and parade. Shop for enchanting handmade items and treats from our vendors, enjoy family-friendly stage performances, and experience Mordecai Park under the spell of Halloween.

🎃Halloween Workshop – Artfully Creative Education LLC (Knightdale)

Saturday October 26th | 10:00am

Join us for a spooky fun Halloween workshop! Choose between a Bluey or Harry Potter themed canvas and get creative. We’ll have a blast!

🎃23rd Annual No Scare Fair – Dennis B. Wicker Center (Sanford)

Saturday October 26th | 11:00am-4:00pm

Enjoy an afternoon of kiddie crafts, games, vendors, food trucks, and pint sized pastures while supporting HAVEN in Lee County. 

🎃Creepy Crabtree – Lake Crabtree County Park (Morrisville)

Saturday October 26th | 11:00am

Creepy Crabtree is a family-friendly event suitable for kids of all ages. It’s a unique opportunity to combine Halloween thrills with hands-on learning about the natural world’s spookiest aspects. Costumes are encouraged!

🎃No Tricks Just Treats Vendor Fair – Treelight Square (Wendell)

Saturday October 26th | 11:00am-3:00pm

We’re thrilled to be bringing back another Vendor Fair at Treelight Square – this time with a Halloween twist!🎃 Join us on October 26 from 11am – 3pm for an afternoon full of trick-or-treating, local shopping and Halloween vibes! As always it’s free, dog friendly, and family friendly! We can’t wait to see your little ones in costumes and have a spook-tacular time! 👻🎃

🎃Downtown Mebane Halloween Spooktacular (Mebane)

Saturday October 26th | 11:00am-2:00pm

Join us on Saturday, October 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a spooktacular costume contest, downtown trick-or-treating, music, food trucks/vendors and MORE!

🎃Family Halloween Party and Scavenger Hunt – Tap It Social House (Wendell)

Saturday October 26th | 12:00pm-3:00pm

The ultimate family Halloween party! Let the kids participate in our costume contest. We will have candy, goodies and a balloon artist. And join us for a fun scavenger hunt! And our Mascot Bill will be there to take pictures with kids!

🎃Spooktacular Event – We Rock the Spectrum (Cary)

Saturday October 26th | 1:00pm-5:00pm

Are you looking for a fun, safe, sensory-friendly, and spooky (but not TOO spooky!) Halloween event for your kiddos? Here at WRTS Cary we are hosting our second annual Spooktacular event that will be suitable for all kids of all abilities (Saturday October 26th, 1-5pm) 🥰 Everyone’s favorite Fairytale Dreamer will be making an appearance as Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas!! 🪡🧵 Enjoy magic tricks, treats, sensory bins, and of course, Open Play! Costumes are encouraged 😄

Factory Spooktacular – The Factory (Wake Forest)

Saturday October 26th | 1:00pm-3:00pm

12P – 2PM Spooktacular Ice Skating – 50% off Admission if in costume

1PM – 3PM Trick or Treat with participating merchants, activities, store specials, discounts and more!

🎃Trails and Treats – Knight Farm Park (Pittsboro)

Saturday October 26th | 2:00pm-4:00pm

Children of all ages can wear costumes and trick-or-treat their way along the decorated accessible trail and collect treats from community organizations and local businesses. Be sure to bring a bag or bucket to collect your treats, a parent must accompany their children at all times. This event is free.

🎃Downtown Scary Park: Mystical Movie Mayhem – Downtown Cary Park (Cary)

Saturday October 26th | 2:00pm-9:30pm

Join us for a spooktacular family-friendly Halloween event in the Park! Enjoy a variety of fun activities for all ages, followed by a special screening of the classic movie Hocus Pocus. Bring your loved ones for an evening of festive fun and enchanting entertainment!

🎃Halloween Boo Bash – Crossroads Plaza (Cary)

Saturday October 26th | 2:00pm-5:00pm

Join us for a FREE family fun event with trick or treating, music, pumpkin decorating, and a costume contest!

🎃Morrisville Boo Bash – Morrisville Community Park (Morrisvile)

Saturday October 26th | 3:00pm-6:00pm

Join us for an enchanting afternoon of Halloween magic at Morrisville Boo Bash! Bring your little goblins, ghosts, and superheroes for an afternoon filled with laughter, treats, and spooky surprises.

🎃HallowEno – West Point on the Eno (Durham)

Saturday October 26th | 3:30pm-6:30pm

Join us for our 35th annual Halloween event, an evening full of fun for the whole family! Designed particularly for children ages 12 and younger, this special event features campfire stories and songs, hayrides, treats, crafts, games, and more. No pre-registration required. All ages. Free event, rain or shine!!

Kids Candy + Costumne Party – Haven Farm (Knightdale)

Saturday October 26th | 4:00pm-6:00pm

👸🏽Dress up in your favorite costume and head to the farm
🐐Trunk or Treat with the Haven Herd
👑 Meet and Greet with characters from @partylikeaprincessllc
😎Strut your stuff in our costume parade
🎤Show your vocals in Kids Karaoke
And end the evening with our Dance Party!!

This is one of our favorite events!
🎟️Kids 3 and up need a ticket
Parents- and kiddos 2 and under are free

🎃Trunk or Treat – Jack Marley Park (Angier)

Saturday October 26th | 4:00pm-8:00pm

Family Fun, Food, Games, Bounce Houses, Free Candy, Games, Costume Contest

Championship Martial Arts’ Trunk or Treat – Tryon Village Shopping Center (Cary)

Saturday October 26th | 4:00pm-6:00pm

We are so excited to be hosting Trunk or Treat for our community! This is a FREE, safe, and fun event geared towards kids of all ages! Bring as many friends as you would like! No registration is required.

Fright Night Haunted Trail – American Legion Post 116 (Fuquay-Varina)

Saturday October 26th | 4:00pm-10:00pm (child friendly trail 4pm-6pm)

Bring the family and enjoy Games, Food and Scares on October 26th with the 2024 FVHS Interact & Scout Troop 75 Fright Night!

4:00-6:00 PM Child Friendly Trail
7:00-10:00 PM Fright Night Haunted Trail
$5.00 Tickets ages 12+
$3.00 Tickets ages 3-11
Family of 4 or more: $20 max
Ages 2 and under: free

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate.

YOUTH- Paint a Happy Li’l Ghostie! – MK Creative Arts Studio (Wake Forest)

Saturday October 26th | 4:00pm-6:00pm

Children ages 5-14 will paint this little ghost  just in time for Halloween ! Children are ENCOURAGED to use their imagination to add in pumpkins , bats , or extra ghost friends ! The choices are endless!

Trunk or Treat in Downtown Holly Springs – The Block on Main (Holly Springs)

Saturday October 26th | 4:00pm-6:00pm

Calling all ghouls, goblins, super heroes, princess, and more!
Join us in Downtown Holly Springs for a fun trunk or treat event on Saturday, October 26 from 4 PM – 6 PM with neighbors and local businesses from around town handing out candy. Costume contests start at 5:10pm.

🎃North Hills Night Market: The Haunted Village – Midtown Park at North Hills (Raleigh)

Saturday October 26th | 4:00pm-9:00pm

Pumpkin patch, local vendors, food trucks, live music, sip & shop, family fun, photo area, trick or treating

Trunk or Treat – The Little Gym (Durham)

Saturday October 26th | 4:00pm-6:00pm

Join us for our FREE COMMUNITY WIDE Trunk or Treat! We will have games, activities, prizes, candy, vendors, and more! Fun for all ages!

Fall Festival – Christ the King Church (Durham)

Saturday October 26th | 4:00pm

Come join us for obstacle courses, trunk-or-treating, food, games, and MORE!

Harvest Festival – Harvest Church (Cary)

Saturday October 26th | 4:00pm-6:00pm

FREE Community Event!

-line dancing
-bounce houses
-trunk or treat (kids come in costume!)
-face painting
-cotton candy & popcorn
-hot chocolate & cider bar

Trunk or Treat – North Raleigh United Methodist Church (Raleigh)

Saturday October 26th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Are you ready for a Halloween extravaganza that’s more than just a candy rush? We’ve got a hauntingly good time planned for you and your family at NRUMC’s Trunk or Treat!

Trunk or Treat – Bethesda Baptist Church (Clayton)

Saturday October 26th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

No tricks, just treats! Wear your costume and come join us at our annual Trunk or Treat! We’ll have candy, games, prizes, and a hotdog plate fundraiser where all proceeds benefit Bethesda’s Worship Team.

🎃Trunk or Treat – Sugar Shack at Brown Dog Acres (Wake Forest)

Saturday October 26th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Join us for Trunk or Treat on Oct 26th from 5-7. Jeep girl mafia is all excited to host this event along side sugar shack. Candy, ice cream and fun!! Oh and costumes.

Trunk or Treat – Sanderford Road Park (Raleigh)

Saturday October 26th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Bring your kids and their candy buckets to Sanderford Road to see all the decorated trunks! We will be passing out candy at each car.

BIG Halloween Party – Big Air (Raleigh)

Saturday October 26th | 5:00pm-9:00pm

 Join us for our Annual Halloween Party at Big Air Raleigh! FREE Face Painting, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Candy, and more! Plus, guests in costumes get a FREE 1-Hour Jump Pass!

🎃Farmhouse Cafe 4th Annual Halloween Bash – Farmhouse Cafe (Wendell)

Saturday October 26th | 5:00pm-10:00pm

SPOOKY GOOD FOOD – DRINKS – COSTUME CONTESTS – LIVE MUSIC BY CHILL E MAMMOTH, AND DJ PHAT PAT.

🎃Haunted Hill – Chapel Hill Community Center (Chapel Hill)

Saturday October 26th | 5:00pm-8:30pm

Grab a costume and join us for Trunk-or-Treat, some spooktacular games and activities, ghost stories, a haunted walk, and a movie in the park!

🎃Goblin’s Groove – Halle Cultural Arts Center (Apex)

Saturday October 26th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Come out to the Spooktacular Annual Goblin’s Groove Family Dance. Parents and kids won’t be able to stop singing and dancing along to groovy music from all
decades. Have no fear, we will have all of your spooky favorites: festive games, fun crafts, and haunting Halloween tricks and treats. This is a parent/child dance, youth and teens must be accompanied by an adult. Halloween costumes are strongly encouraged, but not required. Ghoulish punch and snacks will be provided.

Trunk or Treat – Energy Kidz (Raleigh)

Saturday October 26th | 5:30pm-7:30pm

Bring one canned food or pantry item to enter!

Trunk or Treat – Wendell Baptist Church (Wendell)

Saturday October 26th | 6:00pm-8:00pm

Trunk or Treat in the parking lot at the Small Fellowship Hall (by Wendell Blvd and Main Street) Various activities also will be available.

Parents Night Out Halloween Costume Party – Kidstrong Cary (Cary)

Saturday October 26th | 6:00pm-9:00pm

Costume contest, fun games, singing and dancing. **Dinner provided** – No tricks, just treats!  👻 **Costumes encouraged** – Your little ghouls & goblins are in for a frightfully fun night!

Movies on the Lawn Double Feature – Dorothea Dix Park (Raleigh)

Saturday October 26th | 6:00pm-11:00pm

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!! The Raleigh skyline creates the perfect backdrop for enjoying a Halloween Double Feature on the outdoor big screen at Dix Park. Come in costume for a night of delights and frights with trick-or-treating, firepit s’mores and spooky movies.

6:00 pm – Halloween Activities, Food Trucks & S’mores
7:00 pm – Ghostbusters (1984, PG)
9:00 pm – The Ring (2002, PG-13)

Haunted Walk at Bond Park – Bond Park Challenge Course (Cary)

Saturday October 26th | 7:00pm – 10:00 p.m.

$5 (Cash only) Goes to Cary Teen Council. Take a stroll down the spooky path in Bond Park. Cary Teen Council’s bringing thrills and chills outside this year offering a frightening fun time for all. All ages are welcomed but parental discretion is strongly advised. Please note parking will be very limited.

Trick or Treat Supply Drive for Hurricane Helene Relief – Joy Worthy Co (Raleigh)

Sunday October 27th | 12:00pm-2:00pm

Come drop off supplies and meet some princesses for a boo-tastic time!

Haunted Harvest Market – Raleigh Iron Works (Raleigh)

Sunday October 27th | 12:00pm-4:00pm

Join us this Sunday from 12-4pm for a spooky spectacular with @roshambomarket. The Haunted Harvest Market is the perfect fall outing- bring your kiddos, dogs, friends or anyone who loves festive fun 🤭🐶 Enjoy local vendors, spooky sips by @badbraincoffee, live music by @derekchasemusic and all the Halloween vibes, costumes encouraged for a for a frightfully good time 🎃

🎃Barks & Brews – Raleigh Brewing Company (Raleigh)

Sunday October 27th | 12:00pm-5:00pm

Enjoy BOOs, booze, pet vendors, dog trivia, and the chance to visit with adorable (and adoptable) pups from Second Chance at this annual Halloween celebration! 

Make sure to dress up your pups to compete in our K9 Howl-o-ween costume contest (free to enter) for the chance to win prizes for you and your dog! Humans are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween best, too.

🎃Trunk or Treat – Pittsboro United Methodist (Pittsboro)

Sunday October 27th | 1:30pm-3:00pm

Join us Oct 27th for a fun afternoon for children and families! Come Trick or Treat through our parking lot full of trunks, get a balloon animal made, and enjoy some sweet treats and fun games!

Fall Carnival – The Peak Church (Apex)

Sunday October 27th | 2:00pm-4:00pm

Join us for this FREE event that includes trunk or treating, a petting zoo, face painting and bounces houses!

Trunk or Treat – Holly Springs United Methodist Church (Holly Springs)

Sunday October 27th | 3:00pm

It’s October, and that means it’s time for Trunk or Treat at Holly Springs UMC. Everyone is invited to our 13th Annual Trunk or Treat community event. Kids come dressed in costume and trick or treat from trunk to trunk. Fun for ALL ages

🎃Trunk or Treat – Wake Forest United Methodist Church (Wake Forest)

Sunday October 27th | 3:00pm-5:00pm

Trunk or Treat is back and we can’t wait to see you, your decorated trunks, and your costumes! Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 27th, 3-5pm! All are invited to this free community event

Fall Festival – Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church (Fuquay-Varina)

Sunday October 27th | 3:00pm-6:00pm

We’re planning to have tons of fun for all ages including the Trunk-n-Treat, lawn games, LIVE MUSIC, hay rides, food trucks, inflatables, and more at our Fall Festival on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 3-6pm. IMPORTANT: Trunk-n-Treat is open 3-5pm, but the event itself continues until 6:00pm. Don’t forget your Halloween costume!

Trunk or Treat – Tabernacle Baptist Church (Raleigh)

Sunday October 27th | 4:00pm-6:00pm

Join us for our annual trunk or treat event. This fun family event is gears toward kids under the age of 12. We will have some fun inflatables, hamburger & hot dog dinner as well as a cake walk!

Trunk or Treat Extravaganza – All Saints United Methodist Church (Morrisville)

Sunday October 27th | 4:00pm-6:00pm

Join us for an evening of family-friendly fun, and don’t forget to come in your best, silliest, or most creative costumes.

Trunk or Treat – Apex United Methodist Church (Apex)

Sunday October 27th | 4:00pm

To help with safety: follow the guided walkways, entrances, and exits; Dress up, join in and have a great time! Preschool families are encouraged to come starting at 4:00pm & Elementary Families starting at 4:30pm.

Tricks-N-Treats at Brier Creek Commons – Brier Creek Commons (Raleigh)

Sunday October 27th | 4:00pm-6:00pm

Get ready for an evening of spooktacular fun! We’ll have free pumpkins, tons of candy, and exciting Halloween activities that the whole family can enjoy!

 FREE pumpkins (while supplies last)
 Plenty of candy for the trick-or-treaters
 Halloween costume fun—don’t forget to dress up!
 Spooky activities for kids and families!

Trunk or Treat – Saint Francis United Methodist Church (Cary)

Sunday October 27th | 4:00pm-6:00pm

Bring the whole family and enjoy our annual FREE Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 4 – 6 pm! Decorated cars will be lined up in our parking lot and filled with candy and other treats. Come in costume and enjoy FREE hot dogs, popcorn, chips, and lemonade along with fun, family-friendly Halloween games with prizes. Special guests: Cary Fire Department/Truck and the Town of Cary Police.

Chatham Community Festival – Chatham Church (Pittsboro)

Sunday October 27th | 4:00pm-7:00pm

Chatham Community Festival is here! Free trunk-or-treat, food trucks, live music, and carnival games hosted by our local non-profit partners. Bring the kids and join us on Sunday, October 27 from 4:00-7:00 for one of the biggest fall celebrations in Chatham!

Trunk or Treat – Discovery Church (Clayton)

Sunday October 27th | 4:30pm

Join us for a family-friendly, fun, candy-filled event!
Free Admission
Kid-friendly Costumes Welcome!
Appropriate for all ages.

Trunk or Treat – First United Methodist Church (Fuquay-Varina)

Sunday October 27th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Dinner 5 pm, trunk or treating 5:30pm-7:00pm. Candy, prizes, face painting, crafts, and more!

Trunk or Treat – Millbrook United Methodist Church (Raleigh)

Sunday October 27th | 5:00pm

Get ready for a spooktacular night! Join us as we explore a parking lot full of decorated trunks, each filled with delicious candy and surprises just for you. Dress up in your favorite costume and bring your friends for an evening of safe and exciting fun!

Trunk or Treat – Westwood Baptist Church (Cary)

Sunday October 27th | 6:00pm

Join us on October 27th for Westwood Baptist Church’s annual Trunk or Treat! There will be lots of fun, games, and food trucks followed by our classic community Trunk or Treating

🎃Ghoul Time with Grandkids – Kiwanis Park (Raleigh)

Tuesday October 29th | 4:00pm-6:00pm

This event is aimed at children and their grandparents, as well as those who are cherished like grandparents. Get ready to experience the holiday spirit in a safe, creative, and inclusive way!

We will have several stations throughout the park, including a DIY Candy bucket station, a candy hunt, and a special snack creation. We will also have a sensory-friendly festive film screening. This will be a peanut-free event! Join us for fun activities designed for kids aged 3 to 12! Free for grandparents, $2 per child.

🎃Baby Boo Bash (2 and under) – Piney Town Playhouse (Fuquay-Varina)

Wednesday October 30th | 10:00am

Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at our “Boo Bash” event! Join us for a memorable day filled with autumn-themed fun, costumes, and plenty of surprises. It’s a Halloween party like no other!

Halloween Workshops @ the Nest – Kidzu Children’s Museum (Chapel Hill)

Wednesday October 30th | 3:30pm-5:30pm

A spooktacular Halloween workshop for kids. They’ll dip marshmallow pops, create dirt cups, and make glow-in-the-dark slime. Ages 3-12.

🎃Trunk or Treat – Holton Career & Resource Center (Durham)

Wednesday October 30th | 6:00pm-8:00pm

Join the Holton staff for a fun filled family event celebrating fall! The event involves the open trunks of cars displaying candy, and decorations. COSTUMES NOT REQUIRED BUT WILL MAKE THE EVENT MORE EXCITING. PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE WITH THEIR CARS AS WELL BUT IT IS NOT REQUIRED. Pre-registration required. Ages 0-17.

🎃Trunk or Treat – Wakefield Central Baptist Church (Zebulon)

Wednesday October 30th | 6:30pm

Join us for our annual FREE community event!

🎃Trick or Treat Main Street – Downtown Clayton (Clayton)

Thursday October 31st | 1:00pm-3:00pm

Trick or Treat in Downtown Clayton! This holiday tradition is designed for those with little legs to put on their costume and take over Main Street… marching down the street and sidewalks where they are greeted by local business owners waiting to hand them goodies and treats. Once you’ve filled up your bags, stop by Town Square to snap a festive picture and play some games! Meet in Horne Square to get things started – 348 E Main St.

🎃Trick or Treat the Trail – White Deer Park (Garner)

Thursday October 31st | 3:00pm-6:00pm

Trick-or-treat your way around White Deer Park’s one mile loop trail, come dressed in your best costume, and don’t forget your candy bucket! Local businesses and organizations will be passing out treats, a creepy crawlies exhibit will be featured in the Nature Center, and food trucks will be on site for purchase.

Trunk or Treat Harvest Fest – Aversboro Baptist Church (Garner)

Thursday October 31st | 6:00pm-8:00pm

The public is invited to join us for a night of fun, laughter, games, inflatables, free concessions, music and trunks filled with candy!

Fall Day + Weekend Trips

Raleigh is in such a wonderful location in North Carolina, but there are also some exciting options a little further out. These can make for great fall day trips as a family.

Millstone Creek Orchards

The closest apple orchard to Raleigh is Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur, NC. It’s a little over an hour drive from Raleigh, so it’s definitely doable for a day trip. Apple season is late August-September, so it’s right around the corner!

This year they’re also opening a brand new Cider House, serving hard cider, craft beer, and local NC wines, plus an array of food items. Sounds amazing!

Pilot Mountain State Park

Pilot Mountain State Park, about a 2-hour drive from the Triangle, is a great destination for a fall day trip. The park’s distinctive peak offers spectacular views, especially when the leaves are changing colors.

Enjoy a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and rock climbing opportunities. The Jomeokee Trail, a short trail which circles the base of the pinnacle, is a family favorite. For views of the rock itself, consider tackling Little Pinnacle Overlook trail.

Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock State Park is another perfect fall day trip from Raleigh. This scenic park is about a 2-hour drive from the Triangle. The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning rock formations.

For details on the best hikes here, check out this guide by my friends Carl and Christina from NC Tripping.

Carolina Renaissance Festival

We love the Ren Faire! My husband has been going here since his teens, and he brought me along after we met. It’s such a fall tradition for us and so many families. Games, shows, food, mead, costumes, rides. It’s everything you could want.

It’s definitely a day or even a weekend trip from the Triangle, however, as it is located in Huntersville, NC. This year’s dates for the Ren Fest are weekends October 5 – November 24.

Autumn at Oz – Land of Oz NC

Follow the yellow brick road…..er, I mean, the North Carolina highways, to the Land of Oz in Beech Mountain. It’s a trek at nearly a 4 hour drive, but if you are a Wizard of Oz fan, this is worth it. Autumn in Oz takes place over 3 weekends in fall, this year the dates are September 6th-8th, 13th-15th, and 20th-22nd.

Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train

This might be a good weekend trip for families with older kids. The Ghost Train looks pretty darn spooky! There are other attractions in addition to the train ride, such as carnival rides. It’s worth looking into!

Carolina BalloonFest

Head out to Statesville, NC, for the 49th annual Carolina BalloonFest. Hot air balloons fill the skies at this amazing festival, and there’s more to do, too, like evening balloon glows, live entertainment on two stages, a kids’ zone, marketplace and artisan village, NC wine and craft beer garden, aerialist circus performances, and even skydiving exhibitions. This year’s dates are October 18th, 19th, and 20th, 2024.