Durham's Halloween Events and Spook-tacular Spots

Boo-yah. It's time to wear 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 Halloween activities and autumn events, as well as the lesser-known corners of the city that are sure to make your hair stand on end.

Pumpkin Patches & Fall Farms Near Durham, NC

The weather is cooler, the trees are putting on a colorful display of foliage and something inside of you is screaming for squash and decorative gourds in all shapes and sizes. It's inexplainable, but the urge for a weird, warty gourd just hits. Start thinking of your jack-o’-lantern design and get your stoop ready for the season with a trip to a Durham pumpkin patch.

Perkins Orchard

5749 Barbee Rd.

Since 1970, Perkins Orchard has provided fruits and vegetables to Durham from their farm stand in Southeast Durham. Take advantage of the $99 pumpkin deal to load up on gorgeous gourds at a great price — fill a cart with any pumpkins in the lot, plus their popular “$25 bag” with any produce from the market and a free item, plus one jarred good from the shop. For an extra-festive outing, choose from classic candy or caramel apples to snack on while you shop. Your porch will be the best dressed on the block. 

Holder Hill Farm

4814 Holder Rd.

Sitting on seven acres in East Durham, Holder Hill Farm is your go-to Durham pumpkin patch. Every day of the week, you can pick your pumpkin straight off the vine. The fall farm provides a wide variety of pumpkins to fit all family needs, plus fun play areas, hayrides, corn mazes and walking trails. 

For Garden's Sake

9197 NC Hwy 751

For Garden's Sake is a wonderland for lovers of plants and locally-made goods. With drinks at The Potting Shed, a large variety of decorative pumpkins, classes and workshops, farm animals and plenty of indoor and outdoor plants and gardening supplies, a trip to this spot is worth setting aside a few hours.

The Durham Co-op

1111 W. Chapel Hill St.

The Durham Co-op is a grocery store owned by the community that focuses on carrying local, natural and organic foods. In the fall, the co-op has numerous pumpkins of all sizes available for purchase. Pro tip for locals: Co-op owners receive a free gift every month, and October's gift is typically a free pumpkin!

Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Durham

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 Halloween events.

If Halloween themed entertainment is your jam, the Bull City has got you covered. Get into the spooky-season spirit with Halloween-themed concerts, complete with scary songs and terrifying tunes. Looking for a little more fright in your life? Catch a horror flick or a live-scored halloween classic at one of Durham's theaters. Don't miss Carolina Theatre's monthlong lineup of scary flicks in their SplatterFlix Film Series.

Boo-zy Halloween Events at Durham's Bars and Breweries

Halloween is a holiday for night owls and late-night aficionados. True to form, Durham's bars and breweries celebrate the season. Take a cocktail class. Do the monster mash at a themed dance party. Grab your ghouls and let's ride. 

Durham's Spookiest 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.

Fate & Folklore

A step into Fate & Folklore's downtown shop is a journey into a spellbound world. Shop witchy wares by local makers, get your cards read, attend workshops and energ readings, prepare for seasonal rituals and more. The experts behind the counter will help you explore the shop's spiritual realm.

Conniption Bar & Lounge

We know you are just dying to enjoy a cocktail at Conniption Bar & Lounge, a cocktail bar serving drinks in, well, an old coffin shop. With a menu showcasing abundant 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, cobwebs, canopies and fallen timber.

Maplewood Cemetery

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

Stranger Things

The writers of Netflix's hit series "Stranger Things," Ross and Matt Duffer, grew up in Durham. Naturally, they've drawn inspiration for the show from their hometown. Some of the references, like Enzo's and Bullock's Bar-B-Cue, are everyday, normal connections. But others get a bit more... strange. For instance, the forest the gang calls Mirkwood in the show and Durham's Duke Forest actually both converge at the corner of Kerley and Cornwallis. For a spooky, strange day, hop in the car and seek all of these spots out.