As the calendar ticks toward the end of the month, it is time for Halloween festivals around the country to kick off. These events feature parades, massive pumpkin displays, and celebrate the country’s spookiest tales from the past.
Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or just want an excuse to hit the streets for some community-led fun, these events are sure to be a hit.
From California to Sleepy Hollow, Massachusetts, these annual events take place in the rain, snow, and warm autumn days. So throw on your best costume and bring the Halloween season to life at these terrifyingly fun events.
Salem Haunted Happenings, Massachusetts
What better place is there to throw the largest Halloween celebration in the world than in Salem, Massachusetts? Once home to the infamous Salem Witch Trials, this city embraces its haunting past to put on a series of celebrations that will keep the Halloween spirit running all month long.
Be sure to check the schedule, as there is always something happening from late September to Halloween.
West Hollywood Halloween Carnival, California
On Halloween night, a one-mile-long stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard shuts down and is transformed into a costume-filled street party. Come for the party, but stay for the costumes as revelers go all out in transforming themselves into real-life characters.
Village Halloween Parade, New York City
A tradition that stretches back over 50 years, the Village Halloween Parade features over 50,000 costumed entrants who march their way along 6th Ave. Taking place on Halloween night, this event has been a family-friendly favorite for decades.
Sleepy Hollow Halloween, New York
There may be no creepier place to spend Halloween than in Sleep Hollow, New York – the setting for the Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the spooky headless horseman. This area is extremely popular during the Halloween season, so make sure to check the event schedule ahead of time and buy your tickets in advance, or the spookiest part of your trip may be the sad ride home after getting turned away.
Krewe of Boo, New Orleans, Louisiana
A Halloween celebration as only New Orleans can do. With professionally built floats, costumes that would rival what you’d find on movie sets, and a celebration that lasts well into the night, this event takes the voodoo history of this southern town to the max.
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival, California
If you’ve ever wanted to see the largest pumpkin ever grown, then one of the best places to do it is at the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin & Art Festival. This celebration of all things art and gourds kicks off with the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off and culminates the following week with the 52-year-old celebration.
With music, food and drinks, and, of course, the giant pumpkins, this is a Halloween event for the whole family.
Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, Kentucky
The Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular may be one of the most impressive Halloween displays in the world. Along this wooded path, you’ll pass by over 5,000 intricately carved Jack O’Lanterns that extend from the ground to the treetops above.
Move over Zoo Lights, Jack O’Lanterns are taking off the forest.
Keene Pumpkin Festival, New Hampshire
Once a quaint New England fall festival, the Keene Pumpkin Festival grew to attract tens of thousands of revelers who were more interested in partying in the street than celebrating the Halloween spirit. After one event led to riots on the streets, the event massively scaled back and is now a more family-friendly affair. Here, you can take in the giant pumpkin displays and enjoy the friendly fall atmosphere.
Little Five Points Halloween Festival, Atlanta, Georgia
Just on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll find one of the best Halloween festivals in the entire country. The weekend is filled with a costume parade, pumpkin smashing, wrestling, bar crawls, live music, ghost tours, and more.
