Halloween in the USA is getting bigger and more fun every year. You can find everything from spooky theme parks to eerie historical tours. America is full of the best places to celebrate Halloween.
Get ready for a blast of excitement before October 31st. We’ve picked the top spots for Halloween fun in America. There’s something for every ghost and goblin.
1. Screams Halloween Theme Park – Dallas, Texas
If you’re looking for the ultimate scare, head to Screams Halloween Theme Park near Dallas, Texas. This park transforms into a scary wonderland every October. It’s filled with some of the most terrifying haunted houses in Texas.
“Zombie Wasteland” is a standout attraction, taking you into a world after the apocalypse. Another hit is “Klownz in 3-D,” a journey through a creepy circus.
Screams Halloween Theme Park isn’t just about haunted houses. It also has Scary-Oke, where you can sing your favorite songs in spooky outfits. Plus, there are Halloween games that add to the excitement. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to dive into the Halloween spirit in Dallas.
2. Neewollah Festival – Independence, Kansas
Since 1919, the Neewollah Festival in Independence, Kansas has been a big deal. It’s a nine-day October celebration that draws about 75,000 visitors. It’s one of the top Halloween events in Kansas.
The festival is filled with fun activities. It features parades that light up the streets with Halloween magic. These parades are a big hit, bringing joy to everyone.
The famous chili cook-off is a highlight of the festival. People from all over compete to make the best chili. They use special spices and secret ingredients to impress the crowd.
The festival also has live music. Local bands and musicians perform on the streets and stages. The music is diverse, making sure there’s something for everyone.
These live music festivities are key to the Neewollah experience. They show the community spirit of Independence, Kansas. It’s a big part of the Halloween fun.
3. Knott’s Scary Farm – Buena Park, California
Knott’s Scary Farm turns Buena Park into a spooky place every fall. It’s a top Halloween event in Southern California. With 15 haunted mazes and scare zones, it’s a place for thrill-seekers.
Every year, Knott’s Scary Farm introduces new scares. The haunted mazes are a highlight, with themes and designs that will make you jump. They’re full of twists and surprises to keep you frightened.
The scare zones add to the fear, with monsters hiding everywhere. This makes Knott’s Scary Farm a top choice for Halloween fun in Southern California.
Knott’s Scary Farm is unforgettable, whether you live nearby or are just visiting. The park is filled with scary sets, intense scares, and entertainment. It’s a favorite for those who love horror and thrills.
4. Kersey Valley Spookywoods – Archdale, North Carolina
Archdale is home to Kersey Valley Spookywoods, a historic haunted attraction in North Carolina. It has a rich history dating back to 1881. This place is a mix of history and horror, making it a must-visit.
Every year, Kersey Valley Spookywoods introduces a new theme. It’s a thrilling experience that keeps visitors on edge. Imagine a Halloween funeral home visit or a spooky pumpkin patch filled with ghosts and eerie sounds. It’s a unique experience for thrill-seekers and families.
5. Village Halloween Parade – New York, NY
Every year, New York City’s heart beats with the NYC Village Halloween Parade. It’s the world’s largest Halloween parade, showcasing endless creativity and spirit. Over 60,000 people wear amazing costumes, and 2 million watch in awe.
This parade is more than just a show; it invites everyone to join in. Whether you live here or are just visiting, you can show off your costume. Tickets let you march with live bands, making the night even more exciting.
The parade is a highlight for Halloween fans. It’s not just the biggest parade but also a celebration of creativity and community. It’s a night you won’t want to miss.
6. Spirit of Halloweentown – St. Helens, Oregon
St. Helens, Oregon, is known as the real-life “Halloweentown.” It hosts a month-long celebration for fans of the cult-classic film. The town comes alive with activities like the Lighting of the Great Pumpkin.
This event marks the start of the festivities with a giant pumpkin lit up. It’s a magical moment for all who attend.
The town’s Halloween spirit goes beyond just the lighting ceremony. Haunted tours offer a cinematic adventure with spooky surprises. Costume contests add to the fun, encouraging people to wear their best Halloweentown-inspired outfits.
This makes St. Helens a place of enchantment in October. The Spirit of Halloweentown Oregon is more than just an event. It’s a chance to experience your favorite Halloween movie in real life.
From the pumpkin lighting to the haunted tours, St. Helens is a haven for Halloween celebrations. It’s a place where memories are made and traditions are born.
7. West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval – Los Angeles, California
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is a dazzling event every year. It fills Santa Monica Blvd with a wide range of street party costumes. This creates a magical atmosphere that draws crowds from everywhere.
This Halloween celebration is for everyone, not just adults. The street party is lively, but there are also family-friendly activities nearby. There are themed parties and live shows for all to enjoy. People love to show off their creative costumes, making it a special event for the community.
8. Halloween Capital of the World – Anoka, Minnesota
Welcome to the Halloween Capital of the World! Anoka, Minnesota is proud to hold this title since 1920. The community starts its Halloween with lively parade festivities. The streets are filled with costumes, floats, and laughter, making it a special event for all.
The Anoka Minnesota Halloween events feature exciting pumpkin carving contests. People of all ages compete to make the scariest pumpkin. The displays are a sight to see, whether you’re carving or just looking.
The car show is another favorite. It shows off cars decorated for Halloween. This tradition has brought joy for over a century.
Anoka, Minnesota, has always celebrated Halloween with passion. It’s a place where Halloween magic comes alive. It’s a fun place for Halloween lovers of all ages!
9. Telluride Horror Show – Telluride, Colorado
The Telluride Horror Show is a top spot for horror movie lovers. It’s held in the beautiful town of Telluride, Colorado. The festival features over 60 horror movies, dark fantasy films, and short thrillers.
It takes place every October. Fans from everywhere come to see the scary movies and enjoy the mountains.
This festival is special because it supports both new and well-known horror filmmakers. It shows famous films and has special events, guest talks, and panels. It’s more than just a film festival; it’s a celebration of horror’s creativity.
Whether you love horror or just enjoy it, the Telluride Horror Show is unforgettable. It’s a highlight of the horror world, set against the stunning backdrop of Telluride. It’s a place where chilling stories and classics come to life.
10. Louisville Zoo Halloween Party – Louisville, Kentucky
The Louisville Zoo Halloween Party is a top event in Kentucky. It’s called “Boo at the Zoo”. This is a rain or shine event. It’s a hit with families, offering fun for all ages.
There’s tons of activities such as carousels, spooky houses and snacks! Kids and adults alike can enjoy it. Plus, trick-or-treating is special with costumed characters everywhere. They add magic to the Halloween fun.
The Louisville Zoo also thinks of everyone with “Allergy Friendly Night”. This night features peanut-free treat booths and added non-food treats like stickers, tattoos, pencils and more. This means all kids can have fun without worrying. So, the Louisville Zoo Halloween Party is a great place for safe and fun Halloween activities in Kentucky.
11. Haunted Happenings – Salem, Massachusetts
Every October, Salem, Massachusetts, turns into the top Halloween spot. People from all over come to see it. The town is famous for its witch trials history.
During the Salem Haunted Happenings festival, there’s lots to do. You can take ghost tours, watch horror movies, and see cool parades. The Festival of the Dead is a big highlight, diving deep into the supernatural.
There’s something for everyone at this Halloween festival. You can find fun activities for families or scary haunted spots. Salem offers a unique and unforgettable Halloween experience.
Best Places To Celebrate Halloween in the United States
The United States is home to a wide range of spooky and fun Halloween spots. These places offer the best Halloween experiences for all kinds of visitors. From the scares at Screams Halloween Theme Park in Dallas to the spooky history of Salem’s Haunted Happenings, there’s something for everyone.
Places like the Neewollah Festival in Independence and Knott’s Scary Farm in Buena Park mix creativity with tradition. You can dance in New York’s Village Halloween Parade or explore Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens. Each spot offers a unique way to enjoy the Halloween spirit.
Visiting these Halloween spots is more than just attending a local event. It’s joining a national celebration of creativity, fear, and fun. Whether you’re in a big city or a small town, the US has plenty to offer during Halloween. So, get ready to explore these top spots and make unforgettable memories. If you liked this article, you might like to read about 11 Small Towns In America To Visit or about some of the most scenic train rides in the United States.
