Durham's Halloween Events and Spook-tacular Spots

Boo-yah. It's time for you to put on a costume, watch throwback horror films, and shop for Halloween-worthy novelties while eating a terrifying amount of candy! Celebrate all things spooky with these Durham activities and autumn events, as well as the lesser-known corners of the city that are sure to make your hair stand on end.

Family Fun

Trick or treat your family to some sweet and spooky Halloween fun. Pumpkins, candy (lots of candy corn) and yummy fall treats await at these kid-friendly Durham events.

Pumpkin Patch Express at the Museum of Life and Science | Jump aboard the Ellerbe Creek Railway at the Museum of Life + Science for a pumpkin picking expedition every Saturday and Sunday in October. Enjoy arts and crafts, then return home with your perfect Jack O’ Lantern. Tickets are $15 per person, in addition to general admission to the museum.

BooFest at the Museum of Life and Science | Gather your gremlins and head to the Museum of Life and Science for BooFest. Create your own boo bubbles in their lab, listen to a not-so-scary story, and more Halloween-themed fun.

Barktoberfest | Join Durham Parks and Rec for an afternoon of doggone good times at Durham Central Park. Local celebrity judges will determine the winner of the costume contests, and you can enjoy treats from local food trucks and brewers while watching canine attendees show off their wooftastic tricks.

Hallow-Eno | Campfire stories, hayrides, crafts, face painting, and treats equals one amazing Halloween celebration! Bring the kids out for this free event at West Point on the Eno. No guarantees you won’t return home without a sugar high!

Duke Homestead’s Halloween Phantasmagoria | People of all ages are invited to wander the property to discover surprises. No experiences are designed to scare, but some may not be appropriate for young children. The educational event takes place at the 19th-century homestead of the Duke family. Tickets are $15 plus tax at the door.

Spooky Spots

Perhaps the must-see spooky spots of Durham are right under your nose. For those who might be more intrigued by a little mystery and hauntingly historic places, check out these eerie spots.

Arcana Bar & Lounge | It's said that the ground Arcana Bar & Lounge is on is filled with paranormal experiences waiting to be discovered. Erin Karcher, the creative force behind Durham's Arcana Bar and Lounge says, "According to at least one customer, Arcana has a ghost cockatiel that flies around above the sofas." They host spooky, and fun events, like Goth Prom, a night of sipping craft cocktails, clearing cobwebs, finding clarity in the tarot cards, and engaging in dusty rituals of courtship and despair.

MagikCraft - Bull City Magic | This Ninth Street shop specializes in metaphysical products, including incense, candles, tarot decks and alternative healing supplies. Stop in for tarot or palm readings and medium work.

Corpse Reviver Bar & Lounge | We know you are just dying to enjoy a cocktail at Corpse Reviver Bar & Lounge, a cocktail bar that serves drinks in, well, an old coffin shop. With a menu showcasing an abundance of gin cocktails and more, co-founders Melissa and Lee Katrincic are on a mission to "serve drinks strong enough to revive your spirits." Take in the vibes at the bar and enjoy their spin on the classic Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail.

Dunnagan Trail/Eno River State Park | If you're into seeing the supernatural in its natural environment, take a stroll by the sinking grave and gravestone of Catharine Dunnagan while hiking the Dunnagan Trail in Eno River State Park. The adventure will be replete with the sounds of the season – try not to be spooked by the crunchy leaves, canopies, and fallen timber.

Maplewood Cemetery | Additionally, the rich history of the Maplewood Cemetery is alive and well with the pasts of many Durham luminaries.

Spooktacular Halloween Built Story Tours | The team from Built Story, the world's first marketplace for self-guided tours based out of Durham, is at it again with new and updated Halloween tours for 2022. Download the free app in the Apple Store or GooglePlay store. Once you have the app, search for Halloween Homes in South Durham or Durham's Most Terrifying and Mysterious Ghosts, Murders and Legends Tour.

Spooky Haunts

Head to the theater and get into the spooky spirit by watching a pulse-racing, heart-pounding, bone-chilling, spine-tingling film.

Rocky Horror Picture Show: Halloween Ball | Folks have been asking for this for two decades — and now, the Carolina Theatre and Retro Film Series will present a "fully interactive, theatrical FX-driven, light show-blazing, fog-blowing, call-backing, costume-wearing, motion picture extravaganza" you won't want to miss. Head there for door prizes, grab bags, and concessions specials.

*The Carolina Theatre is requiring all guests to provide PRINTED proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72-hours of your event OR proof of full vaccination to enter the venue.

Looking for more autumn activities?

[ CHECK OUT OUR FALL GUIDE]