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)
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