18 Halloween events in Raleigh sure to give you a fright

Our most-awaited Halloween events in Raleigh include a trip to the symphony, fun with pups, girls-only dance parties, and Steven King-based plays, and plenty more.

RAL_NCMNSAdultnight_OCT2023

Head to NC Museum of Natural Sciences for a spooky, adults-only party.

Photo by Karen Swain/NC Museum of Natural Sciences

If you don’t have Halloween plans yet, don’t be scared — we’ve compiled 18 of our most-anticipated events in Raleigh. From dance parties for the whole fam to spooky nights out on the town, there’s plenty of tricks and treats to get into this Halloween season.

Family-friendly gatherings

  • Doggie bakery Hause of Dogs is holding a Lick or Treat Halloween event with a pup-up photo booth and plenty more spooky fun. (Oct. 22)
  • Head to Marbles for a Kooky Spooky Halloween Party and enjoy a monster mash dance party and mad scientist experiments. (Oct. 27)
  • Spellbound at Mordecai is a children’s market with magic, fortune tellers, and pumpkin painting — plus, show up in your costume. (Oct. 28)
  • Have some frightful fun with the NC Symphony at its Halloween Spooktacular with tunes from the silver screen, and dress your best for a costume contest. (Oct. 28)
  • Celebrate autumn at Brookside Bodega + The Optimist Raleigh’s Fall Fest Block Party, complete with local vendors, fun games, and Gouge Wrestling. (Oct. 28)
  • Party in your Halloween costume at Kings’ Monster Mash. It’ll be a graveyard smash with local DJs and an after party lasting til 2 a.m. (Oct. 28)
  • Party with some pups at Clouds Brewing with Freedom Ride Rescue’s Halloween Party. Participate in costume contests for dogs, adults, and kids alike, and enjoy games + vendors. (Oct. 29)
  • Satisfy your family’s sweet tooth with all day trick-or-treating at North Hills. (Oct. 31)

Witching hour events (for adults only)

  • Visit the NC Museum of Natural Sciences after dark. Meet creepy-crawlies up close, ride a mechanical shark, and enjoy local entertainment + special activities at Nocturnal by Nature, a Halloween party for adults 21 and up. (Oct. 27)
  • Gather your girl gang at The Ritz for Sorry Papi, an all-women costume party with DJs, a ghostly glam area, and spooky themed drinks. (Oct. 27)
  • Watch the Undead Jazz Cabaret at King’s for a variety show featuring aerial acrobatics, dance performances, and more. (Oct. 29)
  • Prepare your costumes for Wye Hill’s Halloween on the Hill, featuring a build-your-own-slider bar, Wye Hill brews + cocktails, Halloween-inspired trivia, and a costume contest. Plus, make this stop one of the evening and bring your drinks to go with Sip n’ Stroll. (Oct. 31)
  • Put your music knowledge to the test, with a Halloween twist. Answer free music trivia in your costume at Gizmo Brew Works. (Oct. 31)

More festive activities

  • Watch “Misery,” a psychologically thrilling play based on the Steven King novel, at the Raleigh Little Theatre. Be careful — this play isn’t for the faint of heart. (Oct. 20-Nov. 5)
  • At this Halloween edition of Geek and Grub Market, shop local vendors, explore a free haunted house + trail, and enjoy spirit-free beverages like butter beer. (Oct. 21)
  • Centro’s Day of the Dead 5K will run through Historic Oakwood. In addition to the run, bring offerings for the altars and dress your best for the costume contest. Plus, learn more about founder of the race Angela Salamanca. (Oct. 28)
  • Shop Rebus Works’ DIY Punk Rock Halloween Flea Market for oddities and records and enjoy local music, coffee + beer with the whole family. (Oct. 28-29)
  • Spend the evening under the stars at Dix Park and watch a double feature of “Casper” and “Us” with food trucks, s’mores, and trick-or-treat opportunities. (Oct. 28)
More from RALtoday
A potentially hazardous winter storm is brewing for the Southeast, including Raleigh. Here’s what we know so far and what you can do to prepare.
Join us to learn how the Lenovo Center transforms from a Wolfpack basketball game to a Carolina Hurricanes game in just four hours.
When it comes to bagels in the Triangle, everyone’s got a favorite and a strong opinion. We’re here to help you find your new favorite or just try something new.
From historic houses to kid’s museums, check out this list of local venues to host your special event in the City of Oaks.
This year’s U-Haul Growth Index numbers are in, and the Raleigh metro came in at No. 8. Here’s what that means for you and your new neighbors.
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or are zero-proof curious, these places provide drinks that still enables fun during Dry January.
The City of Oaks is preparing for a jam-packed year. There are plenty more, but we’ve compiled 26 of the biggest Raleigh events to attend this year — don’t miss them.
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
If you’re looking for plans to bring in the new year, Raleigh is bustling with events. Explore each event and plan where you’ll bring in 2025.