A look at spooky Halloween happenings and fall festivities coming to the Triangle
October — arguably the coziest month of the year — brings with it not only cooler fall temps, but an almost unlimited number of ways to commune with pumpkins, hay and corn.
Throw in the N.C. State Fair, Halloween and spooky ghosts and goblins, and you’re going to have a pretty full schedule to launch you toward Thanksgiving.
We’re collecting fall festivals, corn mazes, pumpkins patches, hayrides and haunted houses for our October outings list. Check out what we have here. If your group or venue is hosting something we should know about, let us know (email ask@newsobserver.com). We’ll continue to update the list all month.
▪ Unless otherwise noted, events (such as fall festivals) are free to attend, but there could be costs associated with food and some activities. If the event requires a ticket to enter, we’ll note that.
▪ Be sure to check out each organization’s website or Facebook page to get full details, including COVID-19 protocols.
▪ In all cases, if weather is bad, check with the organization before heading out.
Spooky (and kid-friendly) corn mazes and hayrides
▪ Crossroads Corn Maze (5712 Watkins Road, Wendell) — Explore your way through this 5-acre corn maze (or the hay maze) or take a relaxing hayride around this family friendly Wendell farm. Other activities include pumpkin picking, giant Jenga, volleyball, s’mores and more. Daytime activities are good for kids, with spookier after-dark fun on Friday and Saturday nights (bring a flashlight). Open: Friday to Sunday, Oct. 1-31 (Friday and Sunday, 1-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.). Cost: $12 children, $15 adults (includes a pumpkin to take home). Info: crossroadscornmaze.com.
▪ Ken’s Korny Corn Maze (3175 Benson Road, Garner) — Nearly 2.5 miles of twists and turns through 6-foot-tall corn stalks. One trip through usually takes between 60 and 75 minutes to complete. There’s also a maze for kids. If you’re not into wandering around a corn field, you can play mini-golf and gourd checkers, go on a hayride, compete in rubber duck races, explore a wooden pirate ship, buy concessions and more. Open: Friday to Sunday Cost: $6 for kids, $12 for adults. Info: 919-779-4765.
▪ Naylor Family Farm and Corn Maze (6016 U.S. 401 N., Fuquay-Varina) — This giant farm has a lot: a 10-acre corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, peddle carts and more. You can navigate the maze in the daytime or at night (bring a flashlight). Group campfire options are available for an additional fee. Open: Monday to Thursday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), Friday 1-6 p.m., Saturday (9 a.m.-6 p.m.), Sunday (1-6 p.m.). Season ends Nov. 7. Cost: $20 per person (includes a free pumpkin), age 2 and under free. Info: facebook.com/NaylorFamilyFarm
▪ Page Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze (6100 Mt. Herman Road, Raleigh) — A fourth-generation farm offering strawberry-picking in the spring, blackberry-picking in the summer and pumpkin-picking in the fall. Admission also grants access to the corn maze, hay rides, a hay stack slide, a cow train, farm animals, a Duck Run race and more. Open: Wednesday to Thursday (9 a.m.-1 p.m.), Friday to Sunday (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) Cost: $15 per person (includes a free pumpkin), age 2 and under free. Info: pagefarmsraleigh.com
▪ Phillips Farm Corn Maze and Haunted Farm (6701 Good Hope Church Road, Cary) — This working farm has a long history in Cary, producing hay, straw, corn, strawberries and sunflowers. Each fall, the Corn Maze and Haunted Farm draws thousands of visitors. Word on the street is that the Haunted Farm scares can be a little intense. Be prepared to be scared! Open: Fridays (3-6 p.m.), Saturdays (10 a.m.-6 p.m.), Sundays (1-6 p.m.). Cost: $15 per person or $55 for a family 4-pack. Group rate (20 or more persons) is $13 per person. $12 for seniors 60+/military/first responders. Info: phillipsfarmsofcary.com/corn-maze
▪ Tractor’s Corn Maze (13912 Bold Run Hill Road, Wake Forest) — This corn maze is family friendly and fun for all ages. The Corn Quest twists through 8 acres, and you can do that in the daylight or after dark. There’s also great pumpkin-picking, with a variety of pumpkin types (orange, blue and pink dolls, ghost white and warty goblins). Open: Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) Sept. 18-Oct. 31. Cost: $10 (includes a pumpkin to take home plus corn maze and hayride). Info: tractorscornmaze.com.
Instagram-worthy pumpkin patches
▪ DJ’s Berry Patch and Farm Fresh Produce (1223 Salem Church Road, Apex) — Pick a pumpkin here, and also grab some mums. You can also get pre-picked decorative pumpkins and gourds as well as Indian corn, sweet potatoes, apples and more. Open: Monday to Saturday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Sunday (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Info: djsberrypatch.com
▪ The Family Farm on Avent Ferry (1719 Avent Ferry Road, Holly Springs) — This six-generation family farm opens to the public during the fall and Christmas seasons. Right now you can purchase carving pumpkins, specialty pumpkins and gourds, plus corn stalks and hay bales for decorating. It’s also just a beautiful place to hang out and take family photos. In addition to all the pumpkin setting, you can take a photo on a vintage John Deere tractor. Open: Weekdays (4-6 p.m.), Saturdays (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sundays (1-6 p.m.) Info: thefamilyfarmonaventferry.com
▪ Ragan & Holly’s Pumpkin Patch (38 Lewter Shop Road, Apex) — This pumpkin patch (part of Jean’s Berry Patch) has a great selection of pumpkins picked fresh each morning, plus hay bales, mums and cornstalks to decorate at home. Did we mention homemade ice cream? Maybe we should have led with that. Open: Through Oct. 31: Monday-Wednesday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.), Thursday to Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (1-6 p.m.). Info: jeansberrypatch.com.
Haunted houses (and forests) — if you dare!
▪ Haunted Night at the Pines (Carolina Pines Park, 2305 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh) — This haunted event is sponsored by the Raleigh Parks & Rec Dept. with themed, haunted rooms and scary music. Masks are required indoors and groups are limited to 4 people. Date: Oct. 29 Time: 8-10 p.m. Cost: $5 per person. Info: raleighnc.gov
▪ Haunted Forest at Panic Point (2808 Cedar Creek Road, Youngsville) — This is supposed to be the scariest haunted activity in the area, and also for what it’s worth, you could not make me go. For the price of admission, your Panic Point menu includes: a Haunted Forest, a Dark Trail, a Haunted Hayride, Killers in the Corn, a Menacing Maze (and for an additional charge, a Carny Crypt). Children 8 and under are not permitted to enter the haunted attractions, and children between ages 9 and 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Open: Weekends through Nov. 6. See calendar online for details. Cost: Price varies according to which day you go, but expect to pay $30-$35 and more if you pay at the door. VIP tickets are also more and Carny Crypt is an extra $5. Info: raleighhauntedhouse.com.
▪ Granville Haunt Farm (4534 Highway 15, Oxford) — Granville Haunt Farm offers a ton of scary-good drive-thru/drive-in fun, including Zombie Paintball, a Haunted Trail and a 9-acre corn maze. Open: Opens at sunset each Friday and Saturday through October, plus Halloween night (Sunday, Oct. 31.) Cost: Admission is determined per car/per passenger, starting at $10. See website for details. Info: granvillehauntfarm.com.
▪ Night of Nightmares Haunted Car Wash (8012 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh) — Splash Car Wash presents a new — and COVID-safe — twist on the Haunted House, with this Haunted Car Wash, which they have named the Night of Nightmares. A “hair-raising experience” is promised, courtesy of scary clowns, ghostly graveyards, haunted cornfields and of course, your car gets washed. Open: Oct. 22-24, Oct. 29-31, 8-11 p.m. Cost: $20 per car or $10 per car for Fast Pass members. Info: splash-carwash.com.
▪ Edward’s Battle Haunted Drive-By (9401 S. Mere Court, Raleigh) — This haunted attraction has a touching backstory (and a much appreciated new zebra cobra element): Edward Thompson started creating a haunted house several years ago when he was 12 years old and battling cancer. Because of the pandemic, the inside haunted house has become a haunted yard for the second year. New this year — and we love this — is a large replica of Raleigh’s Zebra Cobra and a scene from the “Wizard of Oz” movie, plus all the usual Halloween decorations. Edward, grateful to now be in remission, is accepting donations (not required) and proceeds go to the “Give Kids the World” resort for Make-A-Wish children in Kissimee, Florida. You can give in person by dropping the donation into the zebra cobra’s mouth (be careful!), or donate online: give.gktw.org/fundraiser/3427642. Open: 7-10 p.m. nightly, Oct. 14-31.
▪ Apex Scarecrow Row & Haunted Trail (2200 Laura Duncan Rd., Apex) — Homemade scarecrows have been placed along a “haunted” nature trail, which will be open to everyone to take a spooky walk the week before Halloween. This event is free, open to anyone and no registration is required. You can find this trail directly across from the large shelter, just before entering the path around the lake from the parking lot. Come by anytime the park is open. Open: Oct. 22-31, 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Info: https://www.apexnc.org/1419/Stay-Play.
Fall festivals, carnivals, markets and fairs
▪ Barktoberfest (Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St., Durham) — For the pups! This is a chance to celebrate Fall with your canine family members. There’s a costume contest, a beer garden, pet-friendly groups and vendors on site, food trucks and more. Date: Oct. 23, 3-6 p.m. Info: dprplaymore.org.
▪ Not So Scary Spiders (Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center, 5611 Jaguar Park Dr, Raleigh) — A hands-on crafting activity that is also a fun way to learn about spiders. First you’ll spend some time exploring Lake Johnson Park looking for spiders in their native habitat, and then it’s craft time. Adults must accompany children. Registration required. Date: Oct. 24 Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Cost: $3 per kid (accompanying adults are free) Info: raleighnc.gov
▪ Fall Drive-thru at Carolina Pines Park (Carolina Pines Park, 2305 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh) — Drive through the park and see Halloween scenes, plus get prizes and snacks along the way. Free. Date: Oct. 25 Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Info: raleighnc.gov
▪ Hallow-Eno (West Point on the Eno, 5101 Roxboro St., Durham) — This 33rd annual Halloween event is an evening of fun for the whole family, but designed particularly for kids aged 12 and under. The event features campfire stories and songs, hayrides, treats, crafts, games, and face painting. Registration not required, event happens rain or shine, they say. Date: Oct. 31. Time: 6-9 p.m. Info: drplaymore.org.
▪ 79th North Carolina Gourd Arts and Crafts Festival (Holshouser Building, State Fairgrounds, Raleigh) — This annual festival features displays of gourds from around the world, special gourd workshops, and vendors of dried gourds, gourd seeds, gourd crafts, gourd art, books, t-shirts and crafting supplies. Ribbons and prizes awarded in various competitive categories, plus a silent auction and a free gourd crafting table for kids. Date: Nov. 6-7: Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $3 for age 13 and up; free for under 12. Info: ncgourdsociety.org or 919-996-9192.
▪ Apex Oktoberfest (Downtown Apex) — This event features a car show (8 a.m. - 2 p.m.), chili cook-off (12-5 p.m.) and corn hole tournament (6-8 p.m.). There will be a beer garden, kid zone and live music. Date: Oct. 31 Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Info: apexlegionpost124.org/get-involved.
▪ Howl-O-Ween (2117 E. Club Blvd., Durham) — The Animal Protection Society of Durham is hosting Howl-O-Ween! Come for the costume contest and trick or treating, leave with your new best friend. This event is sponsored by Two Men And A Truck for their Movers For Mutts campaign, who are asking our fans to help “Fill The Truck” by bringing in items from our wish list. If you donate an item, you can take a festive pet portrait from Assorted Poppies Photo – and get a free print! Date: Oct. 24 Hours: 1-4 p.m. Info: apsofdurham.org/event/howl-o-ween/.
▪ Clayton Harvest Festival (Various locations in Clayton) — This five-day festival incorporates a midway full of carnival rides, car show, Latin American Festival, Squealin’ on the Square, and other community-focused events, vendors, food, music, and fun. The festival will take place at Horne Square, Town Square, along Main Street and a few other places. Open: Oct. 27-31 Info: claytonharvestfestival.com/.
▪ Halloween Fall Festival at Laurel Hills Park (3808 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh) — This year’s Halloween Fall Festival at Laurel Hills Community Center will be family friendly and packed with fun Halloween games, crafts, and activities for all. Feel free to wear a family-friendly costume and enjoy this free event, which is open to all ages. Date: Oct. 28 Hours: 6-8 p.m. Info: raleighnc.gov/events/halloween-fall-festival-laurel-hills-park.
▪ Halloween Fun and Concert at Peach Road (911 Ileagnes Road, Raleigh) — Enjoy a concert from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. by the North Carolina Chamber Music Institute, an exciting program that provides Triangle area music students (generally aged 7 to 19) the opportunity to enrich their playing and learning experiences through small-group ensembles. NCCMI will perform a fun range of music outside in the park. This event is outside and weather-dependent. It is free and family-friendly. Date: Oct. 30 Hours: 1-4 p.m. Info: raleighnc.gov/events/halloween-fun-and-concert-peach-road.
▪ Spook-tacular Fall Festival (7420 McCrimmon Pkwy, Cary) — Children’s Lighthouse of West Cary is hosting a Spook-Tacular Fall Festival for all families in Cary and surrounding communities. This event will feature mummy wrap contests, pumpkin decorating contests, a DJ with music and games, food trucks and more. Date: Oct. 29 Hours: 3-5:30 p.m. Info: cdn.childrenslighthouse.com/october2021newsletter1.pdf.
Trick-or-treat and trunk-or-treat events
▪ Trunk or Treat in Durham (Holton Career & Resource Center, 401 N. Driver St., Durham) — The Holton staff has planned a family event that includes trunk-or-treating and cool decorations. Costumes are welcome but not required. Date: Oct. 29 Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Info: dprplaymore.org
▪ Sanderford Drive-thru Trunk or Treat (Sanderford Road Park, 2623 Sanderford Road Park, Raleigh) — This is a drive-thru event. You can see all the decorated trunks and bags of candy will be passed out. Date: Oct. 30 Time: 5-7 p.m. Info: raleighnc.gov
▪ Trunk or Treat Fall Festival (Chatham Northeast Park, 5408 Big Woods Road, Chapel Hill) — An afternoon of outdoor Halloween activities including a trunk-or-treat, pumpkin carving and painting, games, crafts, a photo booth and more. Date: Oct. 30 Time: 2 to 5 p.m. Info: Search Facebook.
▪ Trunk or Treat (St. Paul UMC parking lot, 2700 N. Roxboro St., Durham) — Safe trick-or-treating environment for the kids. Date: Oct. 31 Time: 6:30-8 p.m. Info: facebook.com/stpaulumcdurham or 919-220-2458.
▪ Apex UMC Trunk or Treat (100 S. Hughes St., Apex) — Safe trick-or-treating environment for the kids. Date: Oct. 31 Time: 2:30-4 p.m. Info: apexumc.org/trunk-or-treat/ or 919-362-7807.
▪ Cary Hospital Trunk or Treat (1900 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary) — WakeMed Cary Hospital departments will be showcasing their tricked-out trunks for the event, which is brought to you by The Volunteers at WakeMed Scary (Cary) Hospital. Join us in the parking lot as we provide a safe and fun trick-or-treat experience for our kids while practicing safe social distancing. Date: Oct. 29 Time: 5:30-8 p.m. Info: wakemed.org/classes-and-events/trunk-or-treat-cary-hospital.
▪ Hillsborough Downtown Business Trick or Treat (Downtown Hillsborough) — A lengthy list of downtown Hillsborough will be participating in a Trick or Treat event the Friday before Halloween. Date: Oct. 29 Time: 3-6 p.m. Info: visithillsboroughnc.com/event/downtown-trick-or-treat-2/.
▪ Selma Trunk or Treat (114 N. Raiford Street, Selma) — Businesses and organizations will have their trunks decorated for Halloween and will be giving away candy. This is a safe, fun event for families to attend. Date: Oct. 28 Time: 5:30-8 p.m. Info: selma-nc.com/departments/parks-rec/ or 919-975-1411.
▪ Crossroads Plaza Trunk or Treat & Concert (213 Crossroads Blvd, Cary) — Join for some Halloween fun as you and your family trick or treat at Crossroads Plaza for a ghoulishly good time and enjoy some musical entertainment brought to you by Dave and The Sol Beats. The first 200 people get a FREE pumpkin! This event will be located at the parking lot in front of Dick’s sporting goods. Date: Oct. 30 Time: 6-9 p.m. Info: facebook.com/events/574742860346795.
Other notable October events
▪ Artsplosure, Oct. 9-10 (downtown Raleigh) — This two-day event features an Art Market of about 175 juried visual artists from across the country showcasing works in ceramics, glass, fiber art, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, wood and more. There are also live music performances on the main stage from emerging national and regional artists. Bring the kids and they can do free arts & crafts at Kidsplosure. Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Info: raleighartsfestival.com.
▪ Cary Diwali Celebration, Oct. 9 (Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary) — Diwali — also known as The Festival of Lights — is the most widely-celebrated religious and cultural event in India, and marks the victory of good over evil, light over dark, and the beginning of the New Year. Cary Diwali includes music, dance, theater performances, a handicraft bazaar, Indian food vendors, sponsor booths, an exhibition of Indian art and culture, activities for children, demonstrations and more. Open: 3 p.m. with fireworks at 8:45 p.m. Cost: Free (parking $5 per car). Info: townofcary.org.
▪ Apex Witches’ Night Out, Oct. 29 (N. Salem St., Apex) — Shop, eat, and have some witchy fun on Salem Street during Finally Friday and Witches’ Night Out! Be sure to wear your witches’ hats for special discounts at your favorite shop. Participating businesses may offer anything from live music, demonstrations, activities and specials, specialty menus and drinks, and more! Open: 5-9 p.m. Info: thehalle.org/Calendar.aspx.
▪ N.C. State Fair, Oct. 14-24 (1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh) — The State Fair returns! Visit cute farm animals, ride crazy rides, eat ridiculous food — what more could you ask for? Hours: Gates are open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday (except Thursday, Oct. 14, which opens noon to 11 p.m.) and 8 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: The admission ticket prices vary according to age, specialty group and when you buy them. Check website for details. Info: ncstatefair.org.
This story was originally published October 5, 2021 at 11:55 AM.
