The Top 4 Halloween Events Happening in Charlotte, NC

Oct 13, 2016

pumpkincarving Celebrating Halloween is something that people throughout the country enjoy. From young children to older adults, there is something for everyone at these fun Halloween-themed events in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area.

1. Haunted Trolley Ride

You can hop aboard the haunted trolley ride, held on Oct. 28 and 29 in Spencer. This small town is one of the oldest railroad stops on the historic Southern Railroad, so there are plenty of people who have passed through it and have tales to tell. The trolley leaves on both nights at 7:30 p.m., and those aboard will hear stories about apparitions seen by visitors to the area as well as railroad conductors.

You’ll also hear the local legends and spooky ghost stories about events that happened in Spencer. Cost is $12 for adults and $10 for kids, and the ticket includes a tour of the Spencer Doll and Toy Museum.

2. Pineville FallFest

This family-friendly event is held in mid-October at Pineville Lake Park on Johnston Drive. It’s about 20 minutes from Charlotte, but there are plenty of fun activities and attractions that make it worth the drive. Admission is free, but bring some cash if you want to play midway games or go on the carnival rides. Live entertainment is provided by Bad Romeo, Kenya Safari Acrobats, Band of Oz, On the Border, and Mr. Nigel. You can also participate in a pie eating contest.

3. Huntersville Halloween Festival

The Huntersville Halloween Festival is the perfect activity if you have young children, since the activities are fun and fall-themed but never scary. When you arrive at Historic Rural Hill on Neck Road in Huntersville, you’ll find vendors selling their arts and crafts, a moon bounce for younger kids, games, live music, face painting, a pumpkin patch, and tasty snacks and entrées. Don’t forget to get decked out for the holiday, since the festivities include a costume contest.

Admission is free, but if you want to participate in the Amazing Maize Maze, the cost is between $8 and $16 per person.

4. GUTS Pumpkin Carving Contest

Carving a pumpkin isn’t always easy, but if you’re fascinated by the artwork that some carvers create with their seasonal gourds, you’ll want to visit the GUTS Pumpkin Carving Contest. This year it will take place on Oct. 22 at BB&T Ballpark, and the carving starts at 2 p.m. You can watch the master artists work on their creations and then vote on your favorite. The event also benefits the Make-a-Wish Foundation, so bid on items at the silent auction. Kids can also pick up GUTS-themed temporary tattoos for free.

Those participating in the carving contest have until 4:30 p.m., when winners will be announced. Your vote will help crown the People’s Choice Award winner.

Get ready for Halloween by visiting one (or several) of these fun seasonal activities in the Charlotte area. The weather tends to be nice during autumn, so you can get outdoors and enjoy it before the temperature dips too low.

Image by Jeannette S., Licensed via CC BY 2.0