October is *almost* here, which means it is officially time to start celebrating Halloween! You and your squad may have already picked out a matching costume, but the question still remains: What are you going to do this Halloween season? Whether you’re looking to get in the spirit, start a new tradition or go to a fantastically frightening Halloween party, we’ve rounded up some of the best haunted happenings in all 50 states to get your ghoul on!
Alabama: Get into the Halloween spirit at The Alabama Theater all month long as they put on their Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball (October 23) and a live orchestrated viewing of the 1925 version of The Phantom of the Opera.
Alaska: Alaska is filled with all sorts of spooky spots. Check out the Alyeska Halloween Train for night full of dancing, drinking and rockin’ tunes played by a female Led Zeppelin cover band.
Arizona: Get into the Halloween spirit at the Halloween Balloon Spooktacular in Scottsdale (October 23-24) with over 20 hot air balloon displays, trick-or-treating, live music and so much more. Head to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff for “Freaky Physics,” which features scary science experiments and a haunted observatory tour. (Photo via Salt River Fields)
Arkansas: Finding yourself in a theatrical mood this Halloween season? Check out A Haunting Theatrical Experience: ANNA at the Melonlight Dance Theater for an interactive dance performance that also acts as a haunted house. Or, check out the Eureka Springs Zombie Invasion on November 1 if you’re not quite ready to let the spirit of Halloween die. (Photo via Eureka Springs Zombie Invasion)
California: If you treat your Halloween costume as a work of art, then you will want to head to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s 11th Annual Costume Ball (October 31st). Looking for something a little more interactive? Check out Creatures of the Nightlife (October 29) at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, or get up close and personal with zombies in Long Beach at The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor (runs through November 1). (Photo via CBC Photography)
Colorado: With a costume contest that include a prize of $2,000, Paranormal Palace is the ultimate Halloween party in Denver. It’s been featured on HBO and E! and in Woman’s Day Magazine, so you know it’s one happening haunt!
Connecticut: Take your spooks to the sea with a Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise (October 24) on The Lady Katherine.
Delaware: Throughout the entire month of October, the Fifer Fall Fest will get you Halloween ready with a 6-acre corn maze, pumpkin painting and apple picking (pending harvest).
Florida: Movie buffs near Orlando are definitely going to want to check out the 25th anniversary of Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, which features massive haunted mazes and exhibits from some of the scariest films and TV shows, including The Purge and The Walking Dead. Folks near Key West won’t want to miss Fantasy Fest, (October 23-November 1), but beware, the celebration is a little more risqué with its burlesque performers and costume balls hosted by porn stars. (Photo via Fantasy Fest)
Georgia: With its special effects and terrifying live monsters, the haunt at Netherworld in Atlanta is so good you’ll almost think it’s the real deal. Costumes and Cocktails (October 30) is the go-to costume party in Atlanta, with prizes and an optional Murder Mystery skit.
Hawaii: Not your typical Miss Congeniality, Miss Vamp Hawaii (October 18) is an annual alternative beauty pageant featuring weird, wacky talents and live performances.(Photo via Joe Marquez)
Idaho: Now in its 16th year, The Haunted World in Caldwell is a two-hour tour filled with vampires, zombies and other undead objects that are sure to haunt you for the entire Halloween season.
Illinois: Folks in the Windy City looking to show off their fabulous costumes should look no further than Redmoon’s Boneshaker (October 31). For more family-friendly fun, head down to Navy Pier (October 24-31) for trick-or-treating, a costume contest and outdoor movie viewings.
Indiana: If you’re looking for Halloween fun that brings together the whole community, the Irvington Halloween Festival brings together thousands of residents with hundreds of vendors, live music and a costume contest.
Iowa: Dance your costume off at the Vaudeville Mews with performances by Haunted Gauntlet, Night Stories and more. (Photo via Haunted Gauntlet)
Kansas: For folks looking to party all night for a good cause, The Botanica Gardens in Witchita are hosting the Ghoulish Gala Benefit (October 24), a night of food, drinks, carnival games and a silent auction. Head to the Sedgwick County Zoo for Night of the Living Zoo (October 23 – 24) for some family-friendly fun, including games, Dracula, fortune tellers and, of course, candy!
Kentucky: The Boo Sightseeing Tour on The Belle of Louisville is a family friendly cruise along the Ohio River with trick-or-treating, costumes and dancing throughout the day. Head to the Boo La La Halloween Ball (October 24) for dinner and costumes to help raise money for the Olmstead Parks Conservatory.
Louisiana: Wander down to the streets of NOLA and celebrate at the Krewe of Boo Festival (October 24), which features a massive parade and after-party. Or, check out the Voodoo Music Festival (October 30-November 1) and dance your Halloween weekend away to Florence + the Machine, Santigold and more! (Photo via Worship the Music)
Maine: Ogunquit Fest (October 23-25) is an annual event that features a high-heel race, The Maine Outdoor Film Festival, local vendors, wine tasting and ghost tours. You can also head to the Mayo Street Arts for a double feature of Mothra and Creature from the Black Lagoon (October 16).
Maryland: Greenstreet Gardens Fall Festival is a month-long celebration with hayrides, a corn maze, an underground slide and more.
Massachusetts: Considering Salem’s history involving witchcraft, you might argue that this is America’s home for Halloween. Take a walk through the Salem Witchcraft Memorial or The Witch House, the only remaining structure from the Witchcraft Trials of 1962. Visit The Coven’s Cottage for handcrafted magical supplies and herbs, then continue through town to celebrate in one of the dozens of Halloween events or costume parties happening throughout the month. (Photo via The Coven’s Cottage)
Michigan: Since it launched (illegally) in the early 21st century, Theatre Bizarre (October 17) is a grand spectacle that has become the premiere show in Detroit. It sells out every year, so be sure to get tickets ASAP. (Photo via Theater Bizarre)
Minnesota: The state’s #1 Halloween spot, Scream Town is located in Chaska and features eight massive attractions that are sure to give you nightmares, including a clown asylum and a house that is literally filled with our worst phobias. For something a little less spooky, check out the annual Transmission Halloween (Date TBA) at The Varsity Theater.
Mississippi: The Terror Test is quite possibly the scariest haunted attraction in the state, with pyrotechnics, special effects and movie-quality sets.
Missouri: The Lemp Mansion is the go-to place for festive activities this October, with Halloween Trivia Night, an Edgar Allen Poe reading and a performance of Dracula all leading up to their big Halloween Bash. (Photo via The Lemp Mansion)
Montana: Check out the Downtown Trick or Treat (October 30) with the little ones, or head to the Twilight Tours at the Moss Mansion, which include a midnight spectacle on Halloween night.
Nebraska: Nebraskans will want to head to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch for family-friendly fun, including a corn maze, haunted house, train rides and pumpkins, of course.
Nevada: Heading to Sin City this Halloween? We guarantee you will have a frightening case of FOMO if you don’t head to the Las Vegas Halloween Parade (October 31) on Fremont Street. (Photo via Las Vegas Halloween Parade)
New Hampshire: The state’s annual Pumpkin Festival (October 24) will be relocated to Laconia this year, and will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most jack-o’-lanterns lit in one place.
New Jersey: Head to Passaic and check out the Brighton Asylum, which looks to us like the most terrifying experience EVER.
New Mexico: The 9th annual Day of the Tread (October 24) is a Halloween-themed charitable combination bike race, walk and/or run that is fun for all ages. The post-race celebration features music, entertainment, themed recharge zones and contests.
New York: Take a break from the city and head to Sleepy Hollow for the weekend. There you will find countless things to do, including haunted hayrides, street parades and even The Headless Horseman himself wandering through the small town. The place to be on Halloween night? Now in its 42nd year, The Village Halloween Parade (October 31) is always a massive spectacle of creative costumes and Halloween debauchery. (Photo via New York City Halloween Parade)
North Carolina: The Devil’s Playground is open every weekend in October and offers guests tours and “extended stays in hell,” AKA the haunted park in Linden.
North Dakota: For those who are interested in the paranormal, Acres of Terror in Leonard allows guests to explore a terrifying corn maze filled with ax-men and chainsaws, followed by a bus ride to an abandoned, haunted school house.
Ohio: If you’re a fan of over-the-top costumes, attend the HighBall in Columbus for costume contests, street parties and a couture costume contest. (Photo via Kris Misevski Photography)
Oklahoma: Every weekend in October, Frontier City in Oklahoma City opens its ghoulish gates for Fright Fest, an assortment of themed scare zones and haunted houses within the park.
Oregon: Not a fan of things jumping out at you? Get your haunt on without getting totally freaked out at the Davis Graveyard in Milwaukie, one of America’s largest haunted houses. If you’re looking to party, check out Stumptown Zombie Con 2015 (October 15) for a creepy-crawly bar hop. (Photo via Stumptown Zombie Con 2015)
Pennsylvania: Now in its 25th year, The Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride at Arasapha Farm is dubbed as the biggest and scariest haunted house in the Nation.
Rhode Island: The 10th annual 2015 Halloween Iron Pour: Monsters vs. City (October 24) showcases the incredible steelwork of artists and fabricators, as well as local music and food.
South Carolina: Boardwalk Fright Nights in Myrtle Beach take place every Friday and Saturday in October, and feature zombies walking along the pier, beer gardens, the Howl at the Moon Concert Series and even an appearance by Zombie Elvis. (Photo via Nightmare Haunted House)
South Dakota: Deadweird (October 30-31) is a festival in Deadwood that includes a Monster Ball, costume contest, lots of dancing and haunted tours through the Addams House Victorian Mansion.
Tennessee: The Acme Haunted House Party features four floors of different events, musical acts and themed floors, ensuring that no matter what your style, you won’t want to miss Nashville’s hippest Halloween party. (Photo via Acme Haunted House Party)
Texas: With locations in Dallas and Fort Worth, Screams Halloween Theme Park is full of haunted attractions, games and rides. Think of it as a haunted county fair. EEK!
Utah: Head down to Salt Lake City or Provo and enter in the Halloween Half Marathon. This family-friendly event encourages runners to come dressed up in their most creative costumes, and all proceeds go to support the charity Kids on the Move.
Vermont: What started out as a creative outlet for those interested in the weird and unusual, Nightmare Vermont is an interactive indoor theatrical event featuring all kinds of crazy haunts built in an underground space in the Champlain Valley Expo.
Virginia: Head to the Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg for their historic All Hallows’ Eve Celebration (October 31), which features ghost tours and stories of local Civil War veterans and civilians.
Washington: Head down to Seattle to the 12th Annual Cabaret Macabre (October 31) for a slew of musical acts and burlesque performances. If you’re going with a decades-themed costume this year, Nectar Lounge is hosting an ’80s-Themed Halloween Prom (October 24), featuring a costume contest and a replica of the Delorean. (Photo via Lou Photography)
West Virginia: If you’re looking for a haunted tour free of the fake stuff, the Whipple Company Store & Appalachian Heritage Museum Haunted History Tour explores the darkest corners of the area’s oldest Coal Miner’s Store, and you’ll even be equipped with the tools to go on your own paranormal excursion… if you dare.
Wisconsin: Manitowoc is home to the world’s first Halloween-themed bed and breakfast. Dead by Dawn Dead & Breakfast includes an “unhappy hour” with the host family, spooky tours of themed rooms and what they promise won’t be a good night’s sleep due to “bumps in the night.” (Photo via Dead by Dawn Bed & Breakfast)
Wyoming: Folks in Wyoming will for sure want to check out the Field of Dreams Corn Maze, which includes family friendly happenings during the day, a “field of screams” at night and lots of events, including a Wine and Dine, which we think would make for a PERFECT date.
What are some of your favorite Halloween events? Let us know in the comments!
