Halloween Happenings: A Guide to Spooky Fun in Winston-Salem

 

All-Ages Fun and Frights
Costume parties, movie nights, museums, and more

October (throughout the month)
Pumpkin Pick Hayrides at Tanglewood Stables. Take a scenic tractor-drawn hayride through Tanglewood Park to a pumpkin patch where kids can choose a pumpkin and snap plenty of photos. Offered all October on pre-scheduled weekend rides or by private booking for groups of 20–30. Cost: $11 per person or $220 for a private ride. Reservations required at tanglewoodstables.com or 336-766-9540.

October 10
Innovation in Cinema Series: "Little Shop of Horrors." 7 p.m. This free movie screening in downtown's Bailey Park will feature the ‘80s classic musical film "Little Shop of Horrors," perfect for the Halloween season. Food and beverages will be available for purchase starting at 7 p.m., and the movie begins at sunset. Pets must be leashed. 

October 11
Treat Trail at Bolton Park. 4:30–6:30 p.m. Hosted by Winston-Salem Parks & Recreation, this free community event welcomes families to stroll the park in costume while enjoying games, prizes, and candy from local vendors. The festive trail draws hundreds each year and offers plenty of Halloween fun for all ages. Businesses interested in participating can email [email protected] for an application.

October 17
ART CRUSH: 'Wigtober' + Trick-or-Treat. 7–10 p.m.. Held monthly every third-Friday, this FREE block party in the Downtown Arts District features live music, local artists, street vendors, and family-friendly activities. This October, the celebration takes a spooky twist as shops, galleries, and vendors along Trade Street hand out candy. Costumes are encouraged, and guests can compete in the “Wigtober” contest, with prizes for the best, spookiest, and most creative wigs..

October 18
Reynolda Pumpkin Patch Hayride. 10:30 a.m.–noon. Part of Reynolda’s Garden Sprouts programming, this family event for ages 2–10 includes a festive hayride through the meadow, hands-on Pumpkin STEM activities, and nature-based play. Children can pick a pumpkin from the field and decorate it with natural materials from the gardens. Rain date: Oct. 27.

October 19
Clemmons Monster Dash & Goblin Hop. 2–4 p.m. Kids in costume can “goblin hop” along the Village Point Greenway, where local businesses and organizations host games, crafts, and giveaways. Activities range from pumpkin golf tee hammering and mummy apple making to bean bag tosses, spoon races, and dance moves. Each stop offers prizes like candy, spider rings, tote bags, and more.

October 19
Winston-Salem Symphony’s Halloween SPOOKtacular. 3–4 p.m. Conductor Michelle Merrill leads the Symphony in a kid-friendly concert of spooky tunes at Brendle Recital Hall, Wake Forest University. Costumes are encouraged, and Halloween candy will be handed out—along with a few surprises. Tickets are $10 for children and $20 for adults.

October 21
Witch Hat Decoration Station at CasaShanti. 12–5 p.m. Wannabe witches of all ages can drop in for a spell at CasaShanti in the Downtown Arts District for a make-and-take Witch Hat Decorating event. Creativity bubbles over with velvet ribbons, shimmering stones, glittering charms, and silken feathers. Bring your imagination and craft the perfect hat ahead of downtown’s annual Witches Walk on Oct. 24. Cost: $13 (includes materials).

October 24
Annual Downtown Witches Walk. 6–8 p.m. Dress in your best witchy attire and join the second-annual Witches Walk through the Downtown Arts District. Begin at CasaShanti, then visit participating shops to collect letters that form a secret magical word. Return to CasaShanti to submit your card for a raffle entry—extra tickets earned with purchases. This free, family-friendly event promises spellbinding fun, with participating locations announced soon.

October 25
Boo! At Bethabara. 1:30–4:30 p.m. Historic Bethabara Park’s annual Halloween celebration features seasonal crafts, games, a scavenger hunt, and a not-too-spooky ghost walk through the historic grounds. Families can enjoy ghost stories, live music in the 1798 Gemeinhaus, a magic show, Colonial games, corn husk doll making, face painting, and more.

October 25
Ghoul Times at Kaleideum. Noon–5 p.m. Let the ghoul times roll with a day of costumes, crafts, face painting, and trick-or-treating inside and outside Kaleideum. Families can enjoy wacky science experiments, a haunted hallway and obstacle course, rooftop dance party, and food trucks along 3rd Street. Admission: $7 online or $10 day of; free for children under 1.

October 25
West Salem's Ghoul Moon Festival. 4–10 p.m. Celebrate the season at the annual Full Moon/Ghoul Moon Festival, a family-friendly gathering at the West Salem Art Hotel. Explore art, maker, and vintage vendors alongside live music, performances, workshops, and demonstrations from local artists and nonprofits. Enjoy contests with big prizes, plus delicious bites from food trucks and pop-ups, and a wide selection of beer and beverages.

October 26
Halloween at Wise Man Brewing. 12–11 p.m. This all-day event at Wise Man features face painting, fire spinning, food trucks, and live music from Barefoot Modern (6-9 p.m.) Admission is free.

October 26
Day of the Dead party at Fiddlin' Fish. 12–11 p.m. Fiddlin' Fish Brewing is hosting this 7th annual event featuring live music, food, and vendors selling everything from tie-dyes to crafts to baked goods. Headlining the show is the famed Grateful Dead tribute band Cosmic Charlie. Admission is free.

October 30
Candlelight Concert: An Evening of Halloween Classics. 8:30 p.m. Experience a spine-tingling Candlelight concert inside the historic Millennium Center, where classical musicians perform Halloween-inspired works under a glowing sea of candles. The hour-long show blends spooky favorites like "Thriller" and "Ghostbusters" along with songs from The Exorcist, Stranger Things, Halloween, Beetlejuice, and more. Ages 8 and up welcome; under 16 must be with an adult. Tickets start at $24.

October 30 - November 2
Halloween Haunted Scavenger Hunt. Begins after 5 p.m. Explore Winston-Salem’s spookiest spots in this outdoor adventure that blends scavenger hunt, escape room, and walking tour. Guided by the Questo app, you’ll follow clues, solve puzzles, and “capture” virtual ghosts as you play solo or in teams. Costumes are optional, but fun is guaranteed. A family-friendly version is also available with lighter scares. Cost: $10 per download. Begins after 5 p.m. nightly; the starting point is Corpening Plaza (First and Liberty streets).

October 31
Downtown Kernersville Trick or Treat. 6–8 p.m. Now in its 30th year, this free event closes off streets of downtown Kernersville for trick or treating as merchants open their doors and give out candy. Presented by the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce.

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Halloween Fun for 21+
Dress to impress and join the fun at local bars, breweries, vineyards, and music venues.

October 6
Murder at Raven’s Cove: An Interactive Mystery. 7:30 p.m. Event company JJ Brown Productions brings a mingling-style murder mystery game to downtown’s Incendiary Brewing, which will transform into the ghoulish Poe Mansion for the night. Guests receive character roles with light reading and dive into gothic chaos, gossip, and eerie twists as they work to uncover the killer. Costumes encouraged but not required. Tickets: $35 solo or $55 duo; advance purchase required. Check-in at 7 p.m.

October 11
Halloween Candle-Making Workshop at Foothills. 2–4 p.m. Sip, pour, and create something wickedly beautiful at Foothills Tasting Room. With an instructor to guide you, craft two custom soy candles using seasonal scents and dried botanicals. All materials are provided, and food and beer are available for purchase during the workshop. Cost: $43 (includes supplies for two candles).

October 18
Joytoberfest at Joymongers. Noon–11:30 p.m. This annual fall celebration at Joymongers Barrel Hall channels a German-style Oktoberfest with steins, music, and plenty of cheer. Local favorite Ears to the Ground provides the soundtrack as guests celebrate all day and dance into the night. Admission is free.

October 18
Day of the Dead at Fiddlin’ Fish. Noon–11 p.m. Celebrate the 8th annual Day of the Dead at Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Co., an all-day music festival and the brewery’s biggest party of the year. Headlining is Grateful Dead tribute band Cosmic Charlie, with more live music, local vendors, and Shakedown Street shopping. The event is family-friendly, and admission is free.

October 23
Halloween Bingo Bash at The Nash. 6–9 p.m. Get ready for a ghoulishly good time as The Nash (formerly Winston Cup Museum) hosts its second annual Halloween Bingo Bash. Enjoy an evening of bingo, food, drinks, music, and prizes while showing off your best costume. Hosted with the Junior League, the event supports community initiatives. Tickets start at $30 and include dinner, drinks, and a bingo card; VIP options are available.

October 25
Winston-Salem Halloween Bar Crawl. 4–11 p.m. Grab your friends and explore multiple downtown bars during this Halloween-themed crawl featuring drink and food specials, live DJs, a kickoff and after party, and a $2,000 costume contest. Tickets start at $9 and include a PubCrawls.com wristband for entry and perks. Check-in details provided with ticket.

October 25
Hoots Scared Stupid Halloween Bash. 7–11:30 p.m. Head to Hoots Beer Company for a night of Halloween fun and live music from bands including Dai Morti, Killer Antz, and Holy Figures. A costume contest keeps things spooky, with prizes up for grabs. Tickets are $10.

October 26
Murder Is Forever at Radar Brewing. 7 p.m. Mystery Men Productions brings a spy-inspired murder mystery adventure to downtown’s Radar Brewing, which transforms into the glamorous estate for one night only. Expect espionage, secrets, and outrageous gadgets as you mingle with stylish characters and help crack the case. Participants are encouraged to dress the part (tuxes and costumes are encouraged), and food trucks will be on site. Tickets are $30; ages 21+ only.

October 27
Barks, Booze & Boos Bash at Tucker’s. 4–8 p.m. Tucker’s Tap Yard, the city’s only dog park bar, hosts its annual Halloween bash featuring a doggie costume contest, DesiLu Pup Photo Booth, spooky cocktails, and food from My Kitchen. Admission is free; contest entries are $5, with proceeds benefiting Unchained Winston.

October 31
Spirited Halloween Ball at Körner’s Folly. 6 p.m.–late. Step into Kernersville's enchanting 1880 house museum for a night of Victorian-inspired snacks, cocktails, and a lively DJ party. Throughout the evening, The Ghost Girls lead small-group paranormal investigations of the historic house, with entry times offered on the hour from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets ($55) include two drinks, refreshments, and a tarot reading. Aura photography available for a fee. Ages 21+. Costumes encouraged.

October 31
The Ultimate Ozzy Osbourne Tribute at Ramkat. 7 p.m., doors. 8 p.m., show. Celebrate Halloween with Flying High Again: The Ultimate Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Experience, delivering a high-energy rock show packed with classics from Black Sabbath through Ozzy’s solo career. Expect powerhouse music, cheeky banter, and pure metal mayhem. Opening the night is Love It To Death: The Ultimate Alice Cooper Tribute. Tickets start at $28.

October 31
Halloween with the HolliRockets at Joymongers. 7–10 p.m. Celebrate Halloween at Joymongers Barrel Hall with local favorites the HolliRockets. The high-energy trio delivers covers from classics to current hits, plus a few surprises along the way. Costumes are encouraged for this festive night of music and fun. Admission is free.

October 31
Halloween Party at Miller's on Trade. 9 p.m. Miller's on Trade in the Downtown Arts District is having a Halloween party featuring living music from Spindle 45. Bring your dancing shoes and wear your favorite costume. Admission is free.

October 31–November 1
Boos, Brews & Booze Halloween Bash at Wise Man. (various times). Wise Man Brewing’s annual Halloween party expands to two nights with special beer releases, food trucks, fire spinning, live music, face painting, and costume contests with prizes. A ticketed voodoo doll–making class kicks off Friday evening. Family-friendly and free to attend, this double-feature bash runs Oct. 31 from 3–11:30 p.m. and Nov. 1 until midnight.

November 1
Day of the Dead Bar Crawl. 4–10 p.m. Celebrate Día de Muertos with a downtown crawl featuring colorful décor, festive cocktails, and exclusive drink specials at multiple bars. Wear your best Day of the Dead face paint or costume and join hundreds of revelers. Tickets include a PubCrawls.com wristband and digital map for seamless entry.

*NOTE: Some family-friendly events, such as Halloween happenings at local breweries, are listed in both All-Ages Run and 21+ categories

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Stage Frights & Delights
Local live theatre shows for the spooky season

October 9–12
Theatre Alliance: "Alien: The Musical Parody." 7:30 p.m. The Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance presents a hilarious send-up of the 1979 sci-fi classic, following a crew of cosmonauts, cephalopods, and one misunderstood alien who just wants to be a mom. Expect big laughs, witty songs, and even a tap-dancing showstopper. All shows start at 7:30 p.m., with 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees also available. Tickets are $25.

October 23–November 1
Theatre Alliance: "The Rocky Horror Show." 7:30 p.m. A Halloween tradition returns as Theatre Alliance stages the cult-classic musical that mixes campy comedy, catchy songs, and a dash of horror. Inspired by the 1975 film, the show promises plenty of thrills and audience participation. Performances take place at the Theatre Alliance stage on Sixth Street. Tickets are $25. See the event listing for specific show dates.

October 23–November 2
"Evil Dead: The Musical" at Camel City Playhouse. Times vary. Camel City Playhouse brings blood, laughs, and campy thrills to the stage in this annual show inspired by the "Evil Dead" and "Army of Darkness" films. Shows run Thursdays through Sundays, with 7 p.m. shows and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. NOTE: this production includes a “splatter zone” in the first four rows, so beware where you select your tickets!

 

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Haunted Attractions, Spooky Tours, and more

October 1–31 
Mystery & Mayhem Segway Tour. Glide through Winston-Salem’s most chilling legends on a two-hour guided Segway adventure with Triad Eco Adventures. Hear tales of murder, mischief, and local lore as you explore after a brief indoor training. Public tours depart Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. in October; private tours available all season. Check the event listing for current rates and group discounts.

October 17-18, 24-25, 30-31
Old Salem Night Watchmen Tours. Embark on a spine-tingling lantern-lit walk through Old Salem this Halloween. Join costumed guides inside original buildings to hear chilling tales and long-ago mysteries. Designed for ages 10+, the 60-minute tours run for six nights in October, departing every 15 minutes from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for uneven streets and stairs.

October 3-25 (Fridays and Saturdays)
Wicked Whimsies. Now in its 13th year, this fairy-tale–themed spook trail in nearby Pfafftown twists beloved childhood stories into something far darker than the Grimm Brothers imagined. Encounter more than a dozen eerie scenes as you wander the haunted forest. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets start at $15. On October 22, there will be a gentler version for young children, Little Whimsies Night, with candy, costumes, and mild scares. Tickets start at $5; costumes encouraged! 

YEAR-ROUND TOURS

• Carolina History & Haunts Tour. Explore the historic West End—home to some of Winston-Salem’s oldest, most beautiful houses—on West Endings, the city’s popular year-round ghost walk. This 90-minute, four-block tour blends spooky tales with rich local history. Cost: $20 adults, $15 children 7–12, free for ages 6 and under. Reservations required; private and corporate tours available.

• Winston-Salem True Crime Tour. Dive into the city’s dark past on this one-hour, one-mile walk led by Triangle Walking Tours. Hear chilling true stories of serial killers, cult leaders, and infamous scandals that shaped local history. Tours meet at Fair Witness Fancy Drinks, 290 E. Fourth St., and are typically offered Saturday evenings. Cost: $19. Private or custom tours are available by request.

• Colonial Haunts Tour. Discover Old Salem’s haunted history on this one-hour walking tour led by US Ghost Adventures. Covering about a mile and stopping at three to four locations, the tour stays outside historic buildings (unlike the Night Watchman Tours). Tickets are $26 for adults, $17 for children 7–12, and free for ages 6 and under. Optional upgrades include an extended tour and EMF detector rental.

NIGHTTIME CORN MAZES (Sept. 19-Nov. 1)

For those wanting a less intense thrill, a dark walk through a corn maze is just the ticket. Several corn mazes in the area stay open late on Fridays and Saturdays from mid-September through Halloween. As a bonus, you can come before sunset to enjoy all the other onsite activities (hayrides, pumpkin patches, apple canons, carnival games, etc.) Here are three great nearby options:

• Armstrong Artisan Farm.  Explore North Carolina's largest corn maze and enjoy some thrills along the way. The nighttime maze adventure runs Fridays and Saturdays from Sept 19–Nov 1. Tickets are $15 and also include a complimentary nighttime hayride and access to the petting zoo, bounce house, jumping pillow, tractor rides, and more.

• Fryes Creek Family Farm. This 4-year-old corn maze in the Arcadia area, just a few miles south of Winston-Salem, features multiple loops and dead ends.  In addition to daytime treks, you can enjoy the Night Maze each Friday and Saturday starting around dusk. Tickets are $5; free for kids 4 and under. Daytime attractions are open until dark and include a pumpkin patch, tractor rides, apple cannons, old-fashioned games, slides, and more. Fridays and Saturdays, 7-9 p.m.

• Flashlight Maze at Zane’s Clodbuster Farms. This Kernersville farm offers a six-acre corn maze that changes design every year—challenging during the day, and even more thrilling after dark with just a flashlight or pure nerve. Bring your own light and enjoy evening firepits for s’mores (supplies sold on-site). Admission: $9 for the maze, or $15 for maze+hayride. Daytime activities include a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and classic farm games. Fridays & Saturdays, dusk–10 p.m.

 

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Looking for more scary-good times?  Check out our full event calendar to see what's happening throughout the Halloween season.

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