by Winston-Salem, North Carolina — Halloween 2026 is bringing spooky attractions, costume celebrations, pumpkin-picking adventures and family-friendly activities to Winston-Salem and the surrounding Triad region.
With Halloween falling on Saturday, October 31, residents and visitors can enjoy a full season of haunted trails, historic ghost tours, fall festivals and community celebrations. Many activities take place throughout October, giving families several opportunities to plan an outing before Halloween night.
1. Downtown Witches Walk and Night Market
The Downtown Witches Walk and Night Market is one of Winston-Salem’s seasonal attractions for people who enjoy costumes, shopping and Halloween-themed entertainment.
The 2026 event is scheduled for Friday, October 23, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Downtown Arts District, beginning near CasaShanti on Trade Street.
Visitors can dress in witch-themed costumes and participate in a scavenger hunt by collecting letters from participating shops. The event also features a night market with local vendors, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating and live music.
Admission is free, making this a suitable option for families, couples and groups of friends who want to experience the city’s Halloween atmosphere.
2. Boo! at Bethabara
Families seeking an educational Halloween activity can attend Boo! at Bethabara at Historic Bethabara Park.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the event combines Halloween entertainment with the history of one of the region’s earliest Moravian settlements.
Activities include a Fear on the Frontier walk, regional ghost stories, a magic show, face painting, crafts and games. Children can participate in seasonal activities while learning about the area’s past.
Admission is free, making it an appealing choice for families looking for an afternoon of Halloween entertainment without an entry fee.
3. Ghoul Times at Kaleideum
Kaleideum offers a Halloween celebration designed for children and families who enjoy hands-on activities.
The 2026 Ghoul Times event is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from noon to 5 p.m. at the children’s museum in downtown Winston-Salem.
The celebration includes trick-or-treating, science demonstrations, face painting, Halloween crafts, a haunted hallway and a spooky obstacle course. Children can also enjoy a costume party and Monster Mash activities.
Admission is listed at $7 for tickets purchased online and $10 at the door. Children under one year old enter free. Families should check the event’s registration requirements before attending.
4. Wicked Whimsies Haunted Trail
Visitors looking for a more frightening Halloween experience can explore Wicked Whimsies, an outdoor haunted trail in nearby Pfafftown.
The attraction transforms familiar fairy-tale settings into spooky scenes, featuring costumed performers, eerie forest pathways and theatrical surprises.
The 2026 season includes Friday and Saturday evenings during October, with the trail scheduled to operate from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on October 30.
The experience is recommended for older children and adults who enjoy haunted attractions. Families should consider the age guidance and intensity of the scares before bringing younger visitors.
5. Old Salem Night Watchman Tours
History and ghost-story enthusiasts can explore Winston-Salem’s past through the Old Salem Night Watchman Tours.
These guided evening walks take visitors through the historic district by lantern light while guides share stories about former residents, unusual events and local legends.
The 2026 October schedule includes tours on October 29, 30 and 31, with departures offered at several times during the evening. The experience lasts approximately one hour and is recommended for visitors aged 10 and older.
Tickets are listed at $50 per person. Visitors should plan for walking outdoors and wear comfortable shoes suitable for historic streets and pathways.
6. Carolina History and Haunts Ghost Tour
The Carolina History and Haunts Tour provides another opportunity to experience the spooky side of Winston-Salem.
The approximately 90-minute walking tour explores the historic West End, combining local history with ghost stories, mysteries and accounts of unusual events associated with the area.
The experience is offered on selected evenings throughout the year, including the Halloween season. Adult tickets are listed at $20, while children’s tickets cost $15. Reservations are required, and group sizes may vary.
This activity can appeal to couples, adult visitors and older children interested in local history alongside Halloween storytelling.
7. Pumpkin Pick Hayrides at Tanglewood Park
Families looking for a less frightening seasonal activity can enjoy Pumpkin Pick Hayrides at Tanglewood Park.
The experience combines a tractor-drawn hayride with a visit to a pumpkin patch, where families can select pumpkins and take autumn photographs.
The attraction operates during the fall season, with rides scheduled on selected dates through October. Tickets are listed at $12 per person, and reservations are required.
The outdoor setting makes it a good option for parents who want to introduce younger children to autumn traditions without visiting a haunted house.
8. The Rocky Horror Show at Theatre Alliance
Theatre Alliance brings a Halloween-season stage production to audiences who enjoy live performances and dark comedy.
The 2026 production of The Rocky Horror Show is scheduled for October 23 through October 31. The musical combines science fiction, comedy, rock music and audience participation in a cult-classic theatrical experience.
Performances are scheduled during the evenings, with tickets listed at approximately $25. The production is intended for mature audiences, so visitors should review the show’s age guidance before purchasing tickets.
It provides an alternative to traditional haunted attractions for adults who prefer theatre and live entertainment.
9. Halloweekend at Wise Man Brewing
Wise Man Brewing is hosting its Halloweekend celebration on October 29–31, offering a mix of live entertainment and seasonal festivities.
The event features special beer releases, food trucks, live music, face painting, fire-spinning performances and costume contests with prizes.
Halloween Events in Cedarburg, WI 2026: Date, Time, Pumpkin Walk, Ghost Tours and Trick-or-Treating
The celebration is listed as free to attend, although food and drinks cost extra. Visitors should check the schedule for individual performances and family-friendly arrangements before arriving.
This event is particularly suited to groups looking for a lively Halloween atmosphere with music and costumes.
10. Halloween Night Activities and Trick-or-Treating
On Halloween itself, families can look for neighborhood trick-or-treating, community gatherings and seasonal activities around Winston-Salem and nearby communities.
Saturday, October 31, gives families an opportunity to plan afternoon activities before heading out for evening candy collection. Parents should check local announcements for confirmed neighborhood times, participating locations and any safety arrangements.
Children should wear visible costumes, use well-lit routes and remain accompanied by a responsible adult when necessary. Visitors travelling between events should also allow extra time for parking and traffic.
Which Halloween event in Winston-Salem would you most like to attend this year? Share your favorite spooky attractions and family traditions in the comments.
