by Knoxville, Tennessee — Halloween 2026 is bringing costume celebrations, candy trails, haunted attractions and family-friendly activities to Knoxville and the surrounding East Tennessee area. With Halloween falling on Saturday, October 31, families have an opportunity to enjoy seasonal entertainment, visit downtown businesses and explore spooky attractions before the holiday weekend comes to an end.
From the popular Boo! at the Zoo celebration to free trick-or-treating downtown, Knoxville offers options for children, parents and adults looking for a Halloween outing.
1. Trick or Treat on the Square
One of the main family-friendly Halloween events in downtown Knoxville is Trick or Treat on the Square. The free celebration is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Market Square and along Union Avenue.
Participating shops, restaurants and businesses will distribute candy and other treats to children in costume. Families can follow a designated trail marked by giant candy-corn decorations to find participating locations.
The event also includes character appearances, family-friendly games and a costume contest. Free trick-or-treat tote bags will be available while supplies last.
Parents looking for a convenient downtown activity can combine the candy trail with an evening walk around Market Square. Since the event is free, it can be an appealing option for families planning a budget-friendly Halloween.
2. Boo! at the Zoo at Zoo Knoxville
Boo! at the Zoo is a seasonal favorite for families who want Halloween entertainment in a zoo setting. The event features a Storybook Trick-or-Treat Trail, themed carnival games, character appearances and the Monster Mash Dance Party.
The 2026 celebration runs on select evenings through October 30, with the final scheduled dates on October 29 and 30. Activities run from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the last zoo entry is at 8 p.m.
A new attraction for 2026 is HallowGlow Forest, an immersive light experience included with admission. Children can wear costumes while exploring the decorated areas and collecting treats.
Advance tickets are listed at $15 per person for adults and children ages 3 and older, while same-day tickets at the gate are listed at $20. Children under 3 enter free. Visitors should check ticket availability before arriving.
3. Screamville Haunted Attraction
For visitors who prefer a scarier Halloween experience, Screamville offers a seasonal haunted attraction in North Knoxville.
The outdoor experience features a haunted walk-through with themed scenes, costumed actors and spooky surprises. Its atmosphere is better suited to older children, teenagers and adults who enjoy jump scares than to very young visitors.
The attraction is located at 6825 Tindell Lane. Its usual seasonal operating hours are on Friday and Saturday evenings, although visitors should confirm the final 2026 dates and entry times before travelling.
Anyone planning a visit should check age recommendations and admission requirements to make sure the experience is suitable for their group.
4. The 13th Hour Haunted Trail
The 13th Hour is another seasonal attraction in the greater Knoxville area, located in Corryton. Its outdoor haunted trail combines cornfield-style sections, wooded scenes and live performers to create a suspenseful Halloween experience.
The attraction is particularly appealing to groups of friends and visitors who want something more intense than a traditional fall festival.
The venue is located at 7201 East Emory Road in Corryton, northeast of Knoxville. Because operating dates and hours can depend on the seasonal schedule and weather, visitors should verify availability before planning a late-night outing.
5. Halloween Activities Around Knoxville
Halloween celebrations extend beyond major attractions, with neighborhood gatherings, school events and community trunk-or-treat activities taking place around Knoxville during the final week of October.
Families may find costume contests, candy stations, pumpkin crafts, games and seasonal entertainment at local community venues. These events can be particularly convenient for parents with younger children who prefer shorter activities close to home.
The schedule varies by organizer, so residents should check local announcements for events taking place on October 29, 30 and 31.
Which Halloween event in Knoxville would you most like to attend this year? Share your plans and favorite Halloween traditions in the comments.
