Spook-tacular Halloween Events Across the USA in 2025

Halloween in the United States is more than just costumes and candy. It’s a season filled with dazzling jack-o’-lantern displays, eerie parades, spooky festivals, and family-friendly traditions.

Looking for Spook-tacular Halloween Events Near You?

If you’re planning your Halloween adventure this October, here’s a guide to some of the most exciting events happening across the country in 2025.

Cozy Pumpkin Walks and Lantern Nights

Naumkeag Pumpkin Show – Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Tucked away in the Berkshire Hills, Naumkeag transforms into a glowing pumpkin gallery throughout October. Over 1,500 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns light up the gardens, creating a magical atmosphere for families and visitors. Running October 1–31 (Wed–Sun, 5–8 pm), this event combines local history with Halloween artistry.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns – Glencoe, Illinois
At the Chicago Botanic Garden, more than 1,000 intricately carved pumpkins, some weighing up to 150 pounds, light up a half-mile path. Open on October 16–20 and 23–27 (6:30–10:30 pm), visitors can stroll through glowing displays of classic horror icons, pop culture favorites, and seasonal designs.

Festivals of Magic and Mystery

Festival of the Dead – Salem, Massachusetts
Few towns capture Halloween’s spirit like Salem. The Festival of the Dead blends psychic fairs, séances, and the iconic Witches’ Halloween Ball on October 31. All month long, Salem’s streets host walking tours, performances, and gatherings that embrace its rich witchcraft history.

Days of Incandescence – Corning, New York
This three-day celebration brings Corning’s historic Market Street to life with live music, costumes, and performances inspired by 19th-century folklore. Held from October 23–26, the event immerses visitors in Victorian-era storytelling, crafts, and haunted tales.

Parades, Music, and Extravagant Displays

Village Halloween Parade – New York City, New York
The country’s largest Halloween parade takes over Greenwich Village on October 31 (7–11 pm). With more than 50,000 costumed participants and giant puppets, this legendary event draws over 2 million spectators. If you want to be part of the action, arrive early to secure a viewing spot along Sixth Avenue.

Krewe of Boo – New Orleans, Louisiana
Mardi Gras spirit meets Halloween magic at Krewe of Boo. Floats, marching bands, and elaborate costumes bring Bourbon Street to life on October 25 at 6:30 pm. Known for its family-friendly vibe, this parade offers bead throws, spooky characters, and after-parties throughout the French Quarter.

West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval – West Hollywood, California
Dubbed the largest Halloween street party in the U.S., this event takes place on Santa Monica Boulevard on October 31 (6–11 pm). With live music stages, extravagant costumes, and celebrity sightings, it’s one of the most iconic celebrations for adults looking for an unforgettable Halloween night.

Family-Friendly Fun and Community Traditions

Spirit of Halloweentown – St. Helens, Oregon
Fans of Disney’s Halloweentown flock to St. Helens from September through October. Weekends feature parades, haunted houses, and pumpkin displays. The celebration runs through October 31, offering kid-friendly activities alongside spookier attractions for older visitors.

Witches & Warlocks Paddle – Morro Bay, California
For a unique twist, head to Morro Bay where costumed witches and warlocks paddle through the harbor on October 26 (2–4 pm). Started as a small gathering, it has become a community spectacle with hundreds of participants floating past cheering crowds.

Terror on Tillson Street – Romeo, Michigan
Known as one of the best Halloween neighborhood displays in the country, Terror on Tillson Street draws thousands of visitors every year. From mid-October through Halloween night, homeowners transform their properties into elaborate haunted showcases. Trick-or-treating runs on October 31 (6–8 pm), but displays are open earlier in the month.

Thrills and Chills with a Twist

Thriller Parade & Halloween Festival – Lexington, Kentucky
Zombies take over downtown Lexington in this lively event inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” On October 26, the parade kicks off at 6:30 pm, followed by the famous Thriller reenactment at 7 pm. Local vendors, food stalls, and after-parties keep the excitement going late into the night.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races – Manitou Springs, Colorado
One of the quirkiest Halloween traditions, the coffin races honor Emma Crawford, a local legend. Teams race custom coffins down Manitou Avenue on October 25, creating a lively, fun-filled day complete with costumes, vendors, and live music.

Quick Event Overview Table