Halloween is a season filled with ghosts, witches, and all things mysterious and spooky. Across the United States, towns and cities transform into eerie wonderlands, offering unique and immersive Halloween experiences. Whether you’re into haunted houses, family-friendly events, or over-the-top parades, there’s something for every type of Halloween enthusiast. Here are the top 8 Halloween festivals in the USA for 2024 that you absolutely can’t miss.
Salem Haunted Happenings – Salem, Massachusetts
No list of Halloween festivals is complete without Salem, the infamous site of the 1692 witch trials. The entire month of October is transformed by the Salem Haunted Happenings, an annual celebration that immerses visitors in all things Halloween. Expect guided ghost tours, haunted houses, psychic fairs, séances and even re-enactments of the witch trials. There are also more family-friendly activities like pumpkin decorating and street performances.
In 2024, Salem Haunted Happenings is going even bigger, with expanded events including a newly introduced “Witch City Walk” taking visitors to historical sites tied to the trials. The month-long celebration culminates with a Halloween night parade that is nothing short of magical.
Dates: October 1 – 31, 2024
Must-see: Haunted happenings parade on Halloween night
Check all the details here: https://www.hauntedhappenings.org
Halloween Horror Nights – Universal Studios, Orlando
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Orlando is the place to be known for its incredibly detailed haunted houses and scare zones, this annual event pushes the boundaries of fright, bringing horror movies to life.
In 2024, Universal promises several all-new haunted house experiences based on popular horror franchises, along with original, hair-raising concepts.
From “The Last of Us”-themed mazes to terrifying and thrilling street performances, this year’s event promises even more heart-stopping moments. If you’re a horror movie lover, this is your Halloween paradise.
It is named “Best Halloween Event” for 14 years (2006, 2008-2018, 2021-2022) by “Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards”
Dates: September 6 – November 2, 2024
Must-see: Immersive horror-themed haunted houses
Web link: https://www.universalorlando.com/hhn/en/us
Sleepy Hollow Halloween – Sleepy Hollow, New York
The village of Sleepy Hollow, made famous by Washington Irving’s classic tale “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is one of the most atmospheric Halloween destinations in the USA. In 2024, the Sleepy Hollow Halloween festival will feature haunted hayrides, gothic cemetery tours, and live performances of the famous tale of the Headless Horseman.
One of the most exciting parts of the celebration is the “Horseman’s Hollow” a haunted trail that reimagines the story’s dark forest filled with eerie surprises. Family-friendly events are also abundant, including the ever-popular Great Jack-O’-Lantern Blaze, where thousands of hand-carved pumpkins light up the night.
Dates: October 1 – 31, 2024
Must-see: Horseman’s Hollow haunted trail and the Great Jack-O’-Lantern Blaze
Web: https://visitsleepyhollow.com/halloween-in-sleepy-hollow
The Louisville Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular – Louisville, Kentucky
If you prefer a more artistic Halloween experience, the Louisville Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular offers a breath-taking display of over 5,000 intricately carved pumpkins. Set along a scenic trail through Iroquois Park, the pumpkins are illuminated and arranged into impressive themed scenes that change every year. The 2024 edition promises to up the ante with new designs and light displays, offering a truly awe-inspiring Halloween event for all ages.
This festival is less about scares and more about the art and beauty of Halloween, making it ideal for families and those looking for a more relaxing way to celebrate the season.
Dates: October 3 – November 2, 2024
Must-see: Themed pumpkin displays along the illuminated trail
Web link: https://www.jackolanternlouisville.org
For those looking for a massive Halloween street party, the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is where you need to be. This lively festival draws over half a million people each year and is the largest Halloween street party in the world. In 2024, expect extravagant costumes, live music, drag performances, and food trucks, all set in the heart of West Hollywood.
The Carnaval is less about scares and more about celebrating diversity, creativity, and inclusiveness through Halloween. It’s also free and open to the public, making it one of the most accessible and exciting Halloween events in the country.
Date: October 31, 2024
Must-see: Costume contests and live performances
Website link: https://www.visitwesthollywood.com/halloween-carnaval
Halloweekend at Cedar Point – Sandusky, Ohio
For those who love theme parks and roller coasters, Halloweekend at Cedar Point is a must-visit. Known as “America’s Roller Coast,” Cedar Point offers thrilling rides year-round, but during the Halloween season, the park transforms into a spooky wonderland. The 2024 event features haunted mazes, scare zones, and Halloween-themed live shows. For younger visitors, there’s the “Tricks and Treats Fall Fest,” offering pumpkin painting, family-friendly activities, and seasonal treats.
Halloweekends provide the perfect mix of thrill rides and spooky attractions, making it a great destination for Halloween fans of all ages.
The park is open only on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Do visit the website for details
Dates: September 13 – October 27, 2024
Must-see: Haunted mazes and night rides on Cedar Point’s famous roller coasters
Web link: https://www.cedarpoint.com/events/halloweekends/nighttime-frights
Village Halloween Parade – New York City, New York
One of the most iconic Halloween events in the country, the Village Halloween Parade in New York City is a spectacle of creativity and excitement. Each year, thousands of people march through the streets of Greenwich Village in elaborate, often outlandish, costumes.
In 2024, expect to see even larger-than-life puppets, dancers, and marching bands as the parade celebrates its 50th anniversary.
So get your costumes on and feel free to join the parade, whether you’re walking or watching, the energy and atmosphere of this event are unmatched, and it’s an unforgettable way to celebrate Halloween in the heart of NYC.
Date: October 31, 2024
Must-see: Massive puppets and extravagant costumes
Web link: https://halloween-nyc.com
Festival of the Dead – Salem, Massachusetts
Salem makes the list twice, and for good reason. In addition to Haunted Happenings, the city is home to the Festival of the Dead, a month-long celebration that delves into the mystical side of Halloween. This event is perfect for those interested in witchcraft, magic, and the occult. Highlights include psychic fairs, séances, and witchcraft rituals that honours the spirit world.
The 2024 edition will feature workshops on divination, astrology, and spell-casting, offering visitors a chance to explore the magical traditions of Halloween. This festival is ideal for those seeking a deeper, spiritual connection to the holiday.
Dates: October 1 – 31, 2024
Must-see: Witches’ Ball and psychic fairs
Website link: https://www.festivalofthedead.com
Conclusion
From the chilling haunted houses of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights to the artistic pumpkin displays of the Louisville Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular, these top 8 spooktacular festivals offer something for everyone this Halloween season. Whether you’re in it for the scares, the parties, or the history, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of unforgettable Halloween events across the USA. Make sure to mark your calendars for these spine-tingling celebrations and experience Halloween like never before!
