Spooky Halloween Events in Wilmington This October

The eerie chill in the air means that the best Halloween events in Wilmington are right around the corner. While figuring out this year’s costume and plotting the best trick-or-treat neighborhoods, stop by Wilmington for frightening fun for the entire family!

Immerse yourself in the historic town of Wilmington this Halloween, where countless ghost stories of the past and paranormal activity at haunted local landmarks await. With plenty of activities to feel the Halloween spirit, spending Halloween in Wilmington is a unique experience you won’t forget.

See what will give you a proper scare this October.

Goosebumps in the Grove

• When: October 26-27, 2024

The historic Popular Grove Planation sprouts spooky vibes this October during the Goosebumps in the Grove festival. Vendors and activities are sprawled across the plantation’s 14 acres for two days of family fun during Halloween in Wilmington.

Feel the goosebumps while walking through the eerie Haunted Manor House. Harmonize with spooky melodies in Mr. Mark’s Monster Sing-A-Long. Feed the belly of the beast at one of the tasty food trucks. Find the perfect souvenirs at the Halloween Gift Show and Carnival. Shop more than 75 artisan vendors to find trendy bag stuffers. Kids are invited to load up their trick-or-treat bags with plenty of candy stops around the plantation.

Don’t forget to wear your costume!

Battleship North Carolina Ghost Hunt

• When: October 11-12 & Nov. 23, 2024

The eerie battleship looming on the opposite bank of the Wilmington Riverwalk gets even spookier during this time of year. Embark on your own ghost hunt aboard the Battleship North Carolina and relive one of A&E Ghost Hunters’ scariest episodes. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Discover why Battleship North Carolina is considered one of the most haunted places in Wilmington—at night! Explore exclusive areas of the ship that are inaccessible during standard tours due to paranormal activity. You’ll get special equipment for tracking lingering spirits. Interact with a psychic medium to communicate with the ghosts of sailors who served on the battleship.

Wander Eerie Alleys on the Downtown Wilmington Ghost Walk

• When: October Hours – Nightly @ 6:30pm and 8:30pm

Ranked one of the top five ghost walks in America by USA Today, The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington takes you through more than 250 years of ghostly history.

The chilly evening air sends chills down your back as you set off with your group through the spooky streets and paranormal pathways dating back to the 18th century. Hear ghost tales about Wilmington’s most haunted sites at The Latimer House, Bellamy Mansion, The Price House, and The Old North Inn. If you’re still not spooked, wait until you’re standing in the Wilmington National Cemetery at night.

Uncover Horror Film Memorabilia

Wilmington’s reputation as the “Hollywood of the East” includes a filmography of some of the most iconic scary movies. From locations still open today to objects left behind after filming, there’s plenty to send a horror film-lover down memory lane.

Visit the Museum of the Bizarre to see freaky film props like the Conjuring’s Annabelle doll and a sinister head prop used in the Exorcist film. Look out for film locations during your Wilmington visit. Scream was shot entirely in Wilmington at the Riverwalk, Wilmington North Carolina Convention Center, and Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern) and The Conjuring (shot at the former Carolinian Inn).

U-Pick at the Pumpkin Patch

October is all about pumpkins—try the seasonal pumpkin spice latte from Java Dog Coffee House and pumpkin scones from Apple Annie’s Bake Shop. Join the pumpkin craze with pick-your-own at pumpkin patches near Wilmington.

Scour the Pumpkin Patch at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church for the plumpest, firmest, and orangest pumpkin to bring back to your Wilmington vacation rental to carve a Jack o’Lantern. You’ll love fall-themed photoshoots surrounded by pumpkins at Amber Dale’s Pumpkin Patch.

Halloween-themed shows at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

• When: All month long

Halloween-inspired live shows arrive at Thalian Hall just in time for Wilmington’s spookiest holiday. This historic theatre opened its doors in 1858 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You’re in for a treat this Halloween as you get to see performances sure to send a chill down your back.

Get tickets in advance for Halloween-themed shows that fit every genre. Watch ghoulish dance moves by local dance troupes. Watch frightening film screenings of popular scary movies. Watch wickedly good theatrical productions adapted from classic horror films.

Keep an eye out for the thespian ghosts rumored to haunt the theatre.

Pumpkin-Palooza at New Hanover County Extension and Arboretum

• When: Mid-October

Local youth development organization 4-H puts on one of the most exciting family-friendly Halloween events in Wilmington. Let your Halloween-inspired creativity shine during the Pumpkin-Palooza at New Hanover County Extension and Arboretum.

This annual festival hosts a Garden Pumpkin Walk showcasing the best carved pumpkins in Wilmington. Walk the paved paths and snap pictures of your favorite pumpkins, find your own, or simply enjoy the autumn atmosphere in these lush gardens.

Pumpkins are due the day before the festival, so even out-of-towners can participate! Pumpkins are judged based on how scary, funny, and original the faces are. Winners get a ribbon!

Haunted Cotton Exchange Tours

• When: Daily tours available

Most people know The Cotton Exchange as a favorite shopping destination. But peel back the renovated facade of these trendy shops to reveal the original cotton export business from the 1900s that holds some of Wilmington’s most chilling tales during this spooky tour.

Stand inside shops and restaurants atop sites of local tales of murder, mystery, and mayhem. Watch for mysteriously moving objects caused by the little boy haunting Scoops Ice Cream shop. Spot the Confederate soldier lurking inside Paddy’s Hollow Restaurant and Pub.

Go on the Haunted Pub Crawl

• When: All month long

Turn Halloween in Wilmington into a drunken fright fest on the Haunted Pub Crawl. This award-winning tour pairs spirits with spirits. Drink your way through Wilmington’s most haunted bars.

The Haunted Pub Crawl was featured on the History Channel. Hear tales of the drunk, ghoulish patron lingering inside The Blue Post Billiards. Cold beer won’t be the only thing giving you chills inside The Husk. Look out for the shadowy figure of Cooter’s ghost inside Lula’s Pub. Several people have spotted the ghostly painter inside the Front Street Brewery.

The tour lasts two and a half hours, and drinks aren’t included.

Jam with the Undead at Zombiefest

Music brings life to everybody—even zombies! Zombiefest is a highly anticipated music festival for audiophiles to get into the Halloween spirit. In recent years, more than 600 people have attended the festival. Each time, it gets bigger, better, and spookier.

Local rock bands take the stage to turn The Eagle Bar into Wilmington’s liveliest music venue. Watch musicians perform sets on the stage and relax with a cold one in the beer garden between sets.

Don’t forget about the costume contest!

Spooktacular Stays Near Wilmington

Escape the local frights and retreat safely to your Wilmington vacation rental. These spellbinding properties enchant you with comforts and convenient location. Book your stay for a Halloween in Wilmington.