Spooky Things to Do on the Outer Banks, NC This Halloween

Seasonal Farm & Garden Activities

Island Farm Pumpkin Patch – Manteo, Roanoke Island

Step back in time at Island Farm on Roanoke Island, where the annual Pumpkin Patch is a favorite fall tradition. Families can pick the perfect pumpkin, enjoy hayrides through the farm, watch blacksmith demonstrations, and try their hand at 19th-century games. With costumed interpreters and plenty of hands-on activities, it’s a fun and educational way for kids to experience life on the Outer Banks in the 1800s.

• When: Every Saturday in October
• Where: Island Farm, Roanoke Island
• What to Expect: Traditional farm fun—pumpkin picking, hayrides, blacksmithing, and 19th-century games.
• Perfect For: Families with younger kids.

Grandy Greenhouse & Farmer's Market – Grandy, Currituck Mainland

Just across the Wright Memorial Bridge, Grandy Greenhouse & Farmer’s Market is a one-stop fall destination. Stroll through rows of vibrant pumpkins and gourds, shop seasonal produce and baked goods, and let the kids enjoy a hayride or explore festive displays. The market is known for its welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly charm, making it a perfect spot to kick off your autumn adventures before heading onto the Outer Banks.

• When: Every Saturday in October
• Where: Island Farm, Roanoke Island
• What to Expect: Traditional farm fun—pumpkin picking, hayrides, blacksmithing, and 19th-century games.
• Perfect For: Families with younger kids.

Night of 1587 Pumpkins – Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island

The Elizabethan Gardens glow with Halloween magic during the Night of 1587 Pumpkins. More than 1,500 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns light up the historic gardens in tribute to the Lost Colony, creating a breathtaking display. Families can enjoy trick-or-treat stations, costume contests, and festive entertainment while strolling through the illuminated paths.

• When: Saturday, October 29, 2025
• Where: Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo
• What to Expect: 1,587 glowing jack-o’-lanterns honoring the Lost Colony, trick-or-treating stations, and costume contests. Pet-friendly!
• Perfect For: Families, history lovers, and dog owners.

Festive Runs & Community Events

Dare to Scare 5K + Sweet Treat Fun Run – Downtown Manteo, Roanoke Island

Get ready to lace up your running shoes and don your best costume for the Dare to Scare 5K and Sweet Treat Fun Run in historic downtown Manteo. This festive community event combines fitness with Halloween fun, featuring a costumed 5K race and a special fun run!

• When: Saturday, October 25, 2025
• Where: Downtown Manteo, Roanoke Island
• What to Expect: A costumed race and kids’ fun run!
• Perfect For: Runners, families, and Halloween enthusiasts.

Harborween – Wanchese Marina, Roanoke Island

Celebrate Halloween on the waterfront with trick-or-treating for kids, inflatables, music, and food vendors. Families can stroll the docks in costume, collect candy, and enjoy the festive fall atmosphere. A perfect combination of spooky fun and seaside charm makes this a can’t-miss event.

When: October 25, 2025
Where: Wanchese Marina, Roanoke Island
What to Expect: A waterfront trick-or-treat event with inflatables, music, and food vendors.
Perfect For: Families, young kids, and locals.

Downtown Merchants Trick-or-Treat – Manteo, Roanoke Island

Historic downtown Manteo transforms into a Halloween wonderland as local shopkeepers line the streets with candy and treats for little ghosts and goblins. Families can enjoy the small-town charm, admire creative costumes, and stroll the waterfront while soaking in the festive fall spirit.

When: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Where: Downtown Manteo
What to Expect: Local shops hand out candy, and kids parade in costume through the historic streets.
Perfect For: Families with children, locals, and visitors alike.

Nouveins’ Vampire Blood Drive

Give back this Halloween at a community blood drive with a chilling twist. Hosted in true spooky-season style, the event offers themed décor and a chance to save lives while celebrating the holiday. A meaningful way to support the Outer Banks community while still getting into the Halloween spirit.

When: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Where: Manteo
What to Expect: A life-saving blood drive with spooky Halloween flair.
Perfect For: Community-minded visitors and locals.

Brewtäg – Nags Head

One of the Outer Banks’ quirkiest fall traditions returns at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head—Brewtäg! Watch as teams attempt to launch empty beer kegs high into the sky using homemade contraptions, all while enjoying a lively festival atmosphere. With craft beer tastings, local food trucks, and live music, this event offers plenty of fun for adults looking for a unique way to celebrate the season.

• When: Saturday, October 26, 2025
• Where: Soundside Event Site, Nags Head
• What to Expect: A quirky festival where teams launch beer kegs, paired with craft brews, live music, and food trucks.
• Perfect For: Adults, beer lovers, and festival-goers.

Oregon Inlet Ships & Sweets – Oregon Inlet Marina, near South Nags Head

Ahoy, ghouls and goblins! Hop from boat to boat along the marina docks in costume while collecting candy, enjoying spooky games, and savoring seasonal treats. This festive waterfront event is perfect for kids, families, and anyone looking for a fun, safe, and spirited Halloween evening. Jack-o’-lanterns, laughter, and community cheer set the stage for a memorable night by the water.

When: October 26, 2025 @ 5:30PM
Where: Oregon Inlet Marina, near South Nags Head
What to Expect: Dockside trick-or-treating, games, music, and raffles along the waterfront.
Perfect For: Families, kids, and marina lovers.

Halloween Costume Parade – Aviation Park, Kill Devil Hills, NC

The Annual Outer Banks Halloween Parade of Costumes returns for its 10th anniversary! This free, family-friendly event kicks off at 2:00 p.m. with trick-or-treating around the frog pond, festive displays, and photo opportunities. The short walking parade begins at 3:00 p.m., followed by judging for Best In Show costumes in three categories. Local nonprofit organizations and businesses help provide treats and fun throughout the park. The parade is documented by Halloween Daily News, featuring highlights on their YouTube channel and interviews with winners. Costumes are encouraged for all attendees. Registration to walk in the parade is free and available on-site or online starting mid-October.

When: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Where: Aviation Park, Kill Devil Hills, NC
What to Expect: A low-key celebration of costumes, candy, and family fun!
Perfect For: Families, children, and anyone wanting to join the largest Halloween celebration on the Outer Banks.

Halloween Night Spooktacular – Outer Banks, NC

Halloween night on the Outer Banks is alive with spooky fun across the beach towns. From community trunk-or-treats and haunted houses to family-friendly trick-or-treating and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting the northern beaches, Hatteras Island, or the Currituck Mainland, you’ll find festive ways to celebrate under the moonlit sky.

When: Friday, October 31, 2025
Where: Various Outer Banks towns
What to Expect: Community parties, haunted attractions, trick-or-treating, and live entertainment across Dare and Currituck counties.
Perfect For: Anyone spending Halloween night on the OBX.

Moondog Funeral Home Art Exhibit – Downtown Manteo, Roanoke Island, NC

Step into the darker side of the season at this haunting art showcase. Featuring gothic, eerie, and horror-inspired works from local and regional artists, the exhibit transforms the gallery into a chillingly creative space. Perfect for those who love art with a spooky twist.

When: October 2025 (date TBA)
Where: Manteo
What to Expect: Gothic and horror-inspired art on display in a chilling gallery setting.
Perfect For: Art lovers, culture seekers, and spooky season fans.

Ember Room Monster Ball

Dance the night away at one of the Outer Banks’ hottest Halloween parties. With live DJs, themed cocktails, and a high-energy atmosphere, the Ember Room Monster Ball is the place to show off your best costume and celebrate the season with friends and fellow night owls.

When: October 2025 (exact date TBA)
Where: Ember Room, Nags Head
What to Expect: A high-energy costume party with DJs, dancing, and themed drinks.
Perfect For: Nightlife lovers, couples, and groups.

Crystal Dawn Haunted Booze Cruise

Set sail for a Halloween evening like no other. This adults-only cruise combines breathtaking sunsets with eerie tales, themed cocktails, and plenty of costumed fun. A floating party with spooky vibes makes for an unforgettable Outer Banks October night.

When: October 2025 (select nights)
Where: Shallowbag Bay, departing Manteo
What to Expect: A spooky sunset cruise with themed cocktails, eerie storytelling, and costumes.
Perfect For: Adults, couples, and friends.

Kill Devil Pumpkin Carving Contest

Show off your carving skills at this community favorite event! Families and friends gather to create unique jack-o’-lanterns, from spooky to silly, with prizes awarded for the most creative designs. It’s a lighthearted, festive way to celebrate the season in the heart of Kill Devil Hills.

When: October 2025 (date TBA)
Where: Kill Devil Hills
What to Expect: Locals and visitors compete to carve their most creative jack-o’-lanterns.
Perfect For: Families, kids, and creative spirits.

Kiiiller Cocktails Costume Party & Cocktail Class

Shake things up this Halloween at a spooky-themed mixology class paired with a lively costume party. Guests learn how to craft frightfully good cocktails before competing in a costume contest with prizes. A perfect evening out for adults looking for something both festive and fun.

When: October 2025 (date TBA)
Where: Kill Devil Hills
What to Expect: A spooky-themed mixology class and costume contest with prizes.
Perfect For: Adults, couples, and groups of friends.

Haunted Trails & Scary Encounters on the Outer Banks

Wicked Woods Haunted Trail – East Lake, Dare County, NC

Looking for the scariest haunted attraction on the Outer Banks? The Wicked Woods Haunted Trail in East Lake delivers. Set deep in the woods of Dare County, just minutes from Manteo and Nags Head, this haunted trail offers live actors, creepy ghouls, and immersive scare zones guaranteed to give you chills. Open select October nights, tickets are $20 per person (cash only). Perfect for thrill-seekers visiting the central Outer Banks.

• When: Select nights in October 2025
• Where: East Lake, Dare County (near Nags Head)
• What to Expect: A terrifying walk through dark woods filled with live actors, jump scares, and themed scare zones. Tickets: $20 (cash only).
• Perfect For: Thrill-seekers, groups of friends, and horror fans.

Backwoods Haunt – Barco, Currituck County, NC

Head north toward Currituck for one of the OBX’s spookiest seasonal attractions—Backwoods Haunt in Barco, NC. This fright experience winds through dark woods with multiple scare areas, creepy creatures, and costumed actors lurking in every corner. Located near Moyock and the Currituck Mainland, it’s a short drive for vacationers staying in Corolla or Carova Beach. Tickets: $15 for one walkthrough or $25 for unlimited.

• When: Late October, 2025
• Where: Barco, Currituck County
• What to Expect: Deep-woods scares with multiple fright zones and costumed actors. Tickets: $15 for one walkthrough or $25 unlimited.
• Perfect For: Teenagers, groups, and brave couples.

Harbinger Haunted Trail – Harbinger, Currituck County, NC

The Harbinger Haunted Trail is one of the Outer Banks’ most talked-about Halloween attractions. Guests wander through eerie wooded paths filled with fog, live actors, and carefully crafted scare zones designed to keep you on edge. Expect creepy sound effects, sudden frights, and chilling scenes lurking around every corner. It's also completely FREE!

• When: Select nights in October 2025
• Where: Harbinger, Currituck County, NC (just minutes north of the Wright Memorial Bridge)
• What to Expect: Guests wander through eerie wooded paths filled with fog, live actors, and carefully crafted scare zones designed to keep you on edge. Free.
• Perfect For: Thrill-seekers, haunted house lovers, and groups of friends looking for a heart-pounding night out.

OBX Ghost Tours – Downtown Manteo, Roanoke Island, NC

Step into the shadows with OBX Ghost Tours, a lantern-lit walk through downtown Manteo. Guides share spooky tales of shipwrecks, pirate hauntings, and maritime legends that bring Roanoke Island’s history to life. A must for those staying in Manteo, Nags Head, or Kill Devil Hills who want a blend of history and fright.

• When: Mondays & Wednesdays in October 2025
• Where: Downtown Manteo, Roanoke Island
• What to Expect: Lantern-lit walks with tales of pirates, shipwrecks, and mysterious hauntings from the Outer Banks’ past.
• Perfect For: History buffs, ghost story lovers, and couples.

Halloween International Film Festival – Downtown Manteo, Roanoke Island, NC

The Pioneer Theatre in Manteo transforms into a haven for horror lovers during the annual Halloween International Film Festival. This three-day event showcases independent horror and thriller films from around the globe, with opportunities to meet filmmakers, attend Q&A sessions, and enjoy special screenings. It’s the perfect mix of creativity, community, and spine-tingling entertainment—ideal for film buffs, date nights, or anyone looking to celebrate the season with cinematic flair.

• When: October 2–4, 2025
• Where: The Pioneer Theatre, Manteo
• What to Expect: A showcase of independent horror and thriller films from around the world, with filmmaker Q&As and special events.
• Perfect For: Film buffs, horror fans, and date nights.

Outer Banks Podcast: Haunts & Happenings!

Check Out Spooky Season on the OBX!

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From pumpkin patches and haunted trails to costume parades and film festivals, the Outer Banks knows how to celebrate Halloween in style. Whether you’re visiting with little ones in tow, planning a spooky date night, or looking for a thrilling scare, there’s an event waiting for you this October. For more spooky inspiration, check out our guides to the Top Spooky Places on the Outer Banks, a full Spooky Outer Banks Vacation Itinerary, and the 13 Festive Pop-Up Bars for 13 Nights of Halloween. Don’t forget to see all the Halloween Island 2025 events so you can plan the perfect October getaway. Book your Outer Banks vacation rental today and start making spooktacular memories by the sea!

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