Autumn is magical in the Triangle, and the options to enjoy the season are nearly endless. Jump on a hayride, navigate a corn labyrinth or visit one of the area’s lively festivals. Looking for thrills and chills? Head to a haunted attraction where creatures of the night lie in wait.
We’ve curated a robust selection of fall activities in the Triangle and beyond, and offer even more in our online roundups at midtownmag.com and 5westmag.com.
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
Crossroads Corn Maze
October 6–29; Friday, 1–9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 1–7 p.m.
Enjoy hay and rope mazes, hayrides, lawn games and s’mores. Visit the website for admission fees. “When the Stalks Go Dark,” a haunted attraction, takes place Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7–9 p.m. and requires a separate entrance fee.
5712 Watkins Road, Wendell
DJ’s Berry Patch
Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Choose from pumpkins of all varieties and sizes, North Carolina apples and other fall produce.
1223 Salem Church Road, Apex
The Family Farm on Avent Ferry
See website for operating dates and hours.
Shop for specialty pumpkins and gourds. Take advantage of family photo opportunities on a vintage John Deere tractor.
1719 Avent Ferry Road, Holly Springs
Gross Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Visit the website for operating hours and ticket information.
Enjoy a corn maze, pumpkin patch, Tom’s Tunnel, hayride, pumpkin jump and various playgrounds.
1606 Pickett Road, Sanford
Hill Ridge Farms Fall Pumpkin Festival
Open September 27–October 29; Wednesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Experience a hayride, jumping pillow, train ride, gem panning and more. Visit a corn house and farm animals. Admission is $19.95–$29.95 per person; free for ages 1 and younger. Purchase tickets at the gate.
703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville
hillridgefarms.com
Holder Hill Farm
Open daily September 22–November 5; visit the website for operating hours and ticket information.
Navigate a corn maze, jump on a hay ride, visit farm animals, hike a nature trail, experience a play area and explore a pumpkin patch. Admission is $15 per person.
4822 Holder Road, Durham
holderhillfarmllc.com
Yea Huckleberry Trail Farm
Visit the website for operating hours and ticket information.
Jump on a hayride, visit a pumpkin patch and navigate a corn maze.
143 Pleasant Hill Church Road, Siler City
Ken’s Korny Corn Maze
Open late September–early November; visit the website for operating hours.
Run through a 10-acre corn maze, jump on a hayride, explore a corn tunnel, play miniature golf and more. Visit the website for admission fees. A haunted attraction takes place on select nights in October and requires a separate entrance fee.
3175 Benson Road, Garner
Naylor Family Farm & Corn Maze
Visit the website for operating dates, hours and rates.
Enjoy a hayride, visit farm animals, explore a pumpkin patch, navigate a barrel train and more.
6016 U.S. 401 N., Fuquay-Varina
Page Farms
Open September 23–October 29; Wednesday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Explore a 5-acre corn maze, hayride, cow train, farm animals and pumpkins. Admission is $12–$25 per person.
6100 Mount Herman Road, Raleigh
pagefarmsraleigh.com
Phillips Farms Corn Maze
Open September 16–October 29; Friday, 3–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 1–6 p.m. Admission is $15–$17 for ages 2 and older.
Navigate a corn maze, take a wagon ride, see a cow train and explore a sunflower field. A haunted attraction takes place Fridays and Saturdays, September 22–October 28 from 7:30–11:30 p.m. and requires a separate entrance fee.
6720 Good Hope Church Road, Cary
Porter Farms & Nursery
Open through October 31; Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, noon–6 p.m.
Shop for pumpkins, mums and fall produce.
7615 Ten Ten Road, Raleigh
porterfarmsandnursery.com
Pumpkin Patch Express
Saturdays and Sundays in October (starting September 30)
Celebrate fall with science activities, games, pumpkin decorating and a ride on the Ellerbe Creek Railway. Tickets cost $15 per person; kids two and under are free. Museum admission is not included.
Museum of Life and Science
433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham
Ragan & Holly’s Pumpkin Patch
Open daily, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mums, pumpkins and fall produce.
38 Lewter Shop Road, Apex
Scarecrow Row
October 21-31
See community-decorated scarecrows at Apex Community Park. Take a flashlight after sunset.
2200 Laura Duncan Road, Apex
Fall Festivals
PoeFest
October 21, 1–4 p.m.
The Poe Center for Health Education (224 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh) hosts PoeFest, a free community festival to celebrate healthy choices. Enjoy food and prizes, interactive theaters, local entertainment and more. Free books and produce will be available, along with fun at the KidsLab.
poehealth.org/events/poefest-community-festival-2023
BooFest
October 28-31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wear a costume for hands-on activities in the lab, a pumpkin-party station with take-home goodies, and themed enrichment and encounters around campus. Activities are included with museum admission.
Museum of Life and Science
433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham
Clayton Harvest Festival
October 26–29; Thursday, 5–10 p.m.; Friday, 5–11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.: Sunday, noon–9 p.m.
This four-day festival in downtown Clayton features carnival rides, a barbecue cook-off, kids activities and car, motorcycle and tractor shows.
Falling for Local
October 7, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Take the family for hay rides, inflatables, lawn games, kids activities and a free pumpkin patch.
The Big Field at Dorothea Dix Park
101 Blair Drive, Raleigh
Festifall Arts Market & More
October 14, 21 and 28; 1–6 p.m.
Chapel Hill’s annual fall arts festival features three separate markets in the downtown district offering interactive art experiences, entertainment and artisan vendors.
chapelhillarts.org/festifall-arts-market-more
North Carolina State Fair
October 12–22; visit the website for hours and rates
Rides, music, live entertainment, livestock competitions and every fried food you can imagine highlight this annual fair and agricultural exposition at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh
Oktoberfest at Lafayette Village
September 30, noon–4 p.m.
This German-inspired festival features traditional foods, fall brews, live music and fun activities.
8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh
lafayettevillageraleigh.com/oktoberfest
Triangle Oktoberfest
October 6, 5–10 p.m.; October 7, noon–4 p.m. and 4–8 p.m.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre turns on the Bavarian charm with live music, authentic cuisine, beer sampling, wiener dog races, a German car show and a Kinder Platz. Tickets are $15–$25 per person; free for ages 16 and younger.
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary
Wendell Harvest Festival
October 7, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Celebrate fall’s arrival in downtown Wendell with a parade, stage performances, vendors, food trucks and an evening concert.
wendellchamber.com
Family-Friendly Halloween Events
Halloween Boo Bash
October 26, 4-7 p.m.
Attractions include balloon animals, a haunted obstacle course, a free pumpkin, and ghostly games and activities.
1 Carroll Joyner Park
701 Harris Road, Wake Forest
Downtown Clayton Trick-or-Treat
October 31, 1–3 p.m.
Children ages 10 and younger trick-or-treat at participating merchants on Main Street and play games in Horne Square.
348 E. Second Street, Clayton
johnstoncountync.org
“Frankenstein”
October 12–29
Carolina Ballet’s interpretation of this not-so-scary story is true to Mary Shelley’s original novel in that the creature longs to be loved by his creator, Victor Frankenstein. The program also features “New Haunted Tale” choreographed by Robert Weiss.
A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater
2 E. South Street, Raleigh
Fuquay-Varina Haunted Trails
October 21, 5–6 p.m. and 7–9 p.m.
Wear a costume and interact with characters along the sunlit Family Trail, 5–6 p.m. The Full Fright Trail, 7–9 p.m., is a scary journey through the nighttime woods and is not recommended for children under the age of 10. Children between the ages of 10–12 should be accompanied by an adult. Park at the Fuquay-Varina Community Center and take the shuttle bus to the park.
Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park
301 Wagstaff Road, Fuquay-Varina
Goblin’s Groove Dance
October 28, 5–7 p.m.
Costume contests, cool games, dance contests and a haunted gallery await kids and their parents. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for ages 2 and younger. Purchase tickets online.
Halle Cultural Arts Center
237 N. Salem Street, Apex
Halloween Food Truck Rodeo
October 29, noon–4 p.m.
Enjoy more than 35 food and beverage trucks, cuisine from all over the world and family fun for the ultimate Sunday Funday.
Durham Central Park
501 Foster Street, Durham
eventbrite.com
Magic and Mischief: A Wizard’s Market
November 5, 10–3 p.m.
Young wizards and witches enjoy activities, crafts, music, handmade goods, and magical food and drink. Admission is free.
Fred Fletcher Park
820 Clay Street, Raleigh
Marbles’ Kooky Spooky Halloween Party
Visit the website for the date and to purchase tickets.
Don a costume and experience the magic of Marbles Kids Museum after dark with Halloween activities like Mad Scientist Lab, Monster Mash Dance Party and more. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult over the age of 18. Advance ticket purchase required online.
Marbles Kids Museum
201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh
marbleskidsmuseum.org
The North Carolina Symphony: “Halloween Spooktacular”
October 28, 1 and 4 p.m.
The North Carolina Symphony performs frightfully fun music from classic movies, including “E.T.,” “Jurassic Park,” “Indiana Jones” and more. Wear a costume to enter a costume contest. Purchase tickets online.
Meymandi Concert Hall
2 E. South Street, Raleigh
October Storytime on The Roof at The Durham
October 25, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
The Durham partners with Durham County Library for a free Halloween-themed storytime. Children can wear a Halloween costume and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.
The Durham
315 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham
thedurham.com
Pumpkin Flotilla
October 28, 4–7 p.m.
Take a carved pumpkin to Bond Park from 4–6 p.m. and let it set sail across Bond Park Lake at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy boat rentals from 4–6:30 p.m., live music and food trucks.
Bond Park Boathouse
801 High House Road, Cary
Spellbound at Mordecai
October 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Encounter mysterious creatures, masterful magicians, fortune tellers and vendors selling handmade items and treats in Moore Square Park. Wear your best Halloween finery to enter the costume contest and parade. Admission is free.
1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh
Spirits of Wake Forest
September 29-October 28; Thursday-Friday, 6:30 and 8 p.m.; Saturday, 6:30, 7, 8 and 8:30 p.m.
Learn about the restless spirits that make up a small piece of downtown Wake Forest’s haunted history. Walking tours last 75 minutes. Tickets are $15.
301 S. Brooks Street, Wake Forest
Spooktacular
October 14, 5–7 p.m.
Attractions include candy stations, slime-making, costume contest and s’mores for ages 3–11.
Sugg Farm Park
2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs
hollyspringsnc.us/2524/spooktacular
Track-or-Treat Halloween Express
October 14, 21 and 28; rides depart at 2:15, 3:30, 4:45, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.
Hop aboard the Triangle’s Train to view scenes of flying witches, smoking cauldrons, Count Dracula and other friendly creatures on a train ride through the New Hill woods. Passengers can play Mummy Mayhem, a game where riders search for 13 mummies hidden along the train tracks. Listen to songs by the singing pumpkins in the rail yard and watch model trains zip around the Garden Railway. Purchase tickets for $16/person online.
New Hope Valley Railway
3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill
Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Fuquay-Varina
October 27, 2–5 p.m.
Visit the businesses in both downtown districts for candy.
Downtown Fuquay-Varina
Trick-or-Treat the Trail
October 21, 3–6 p.m.
Venture down a trail for candy, vouchers and coupons from local businesses at Morrisville Community Park.
1520 Morrisville Parkway
Trick-or-Treat the Trail
October 31, 3-6 p.m.
Trick-or-treat along a 1-mile trail at White Deer Park in costume.
2400 Aversboro Road, Garner
“When The Whistle Blows: A History That Haunts Cary Trolley Tour”
October 5, 6, 8, 11,12,13,15,18, 26 and 29; 7 p.m.
Take an immersive journey to the very locations where chilling historical events, heralded by the train whistle approaching Cary, took place. The tour features downtown “whistle stop” locations, such as Graffiti, The Matthews House, The Walk Up and Cotton House to begin and end the tour, with transportation provided by a historic trolley. Curious guests are welcome to activate investigation apps, equipment and cameras to capture any paranormal energy. Purchase tickets online.
thecitydoctorproductions.ticketspice.com/when-the-whistle-blows
The Witch’s Haunted Barn
October 7, 14, 21 and 28; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Visit with a witch at Firefly Farm’s haunted barn. Tickets are $10/person.
4911 Hunt Road, Hillsborough
fireflyfarmnc.com
Witches Night Out in Downtown Apex
October 27, 5-9 p.m.
Dust off your broom sticks and pointy hats, and head to participating businesses along Salem Street for Witches Night Out, featuring magic potions and spellbinding discounts.
Zombiepalooza
October 20, 7 p.m.
Wear a costume and enjoy zombie-themed and family-friendly movies outdoors at Downtown Cary Park. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes prior to the film screenings. Admission is free.
Downtown Cary Park
319 S. Academy Street, Cary
thecarytheater.com/zombiepalooza
Haunted Adventures
Clayton Fear Farm
Opening October 6–31 on select nights.
Creatures of the night haunt this farm in Clayton, which adds new horror features each year.
1620 Loop Road, Clayton
claytonfearfarm.com
Creepy Crabtree
October 28; noon-1 p.m.,1-2 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.
Combine Halloween thrills with hands-on learning about the natural world’s spookiest aspects. Register online for a 60-minute session.
1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville
Darkside Haunted Estates
Open September 22–November 4; Friday–Saturday, 7–10 p.m. and October 31, 7–10 p.m.
Bring your nightmares to life in an insane asylum, witch doctor’s emporium, haunted hotel, mayhem hayride, spooky cemetery and more. Admission fees are $22–$50 depending on the date.
11959 N.C. Highway 222 W., Middlesex
darksidehauntedestates.com
Edward’s Battle Haunted House
Dates will be posted on Facebook.
Drive past a haunted yard in Raleigh filled with ghosts, goblins, vampires and other ghouls created by a Raleigh teen who has battled cancer. Donations are accepted and benefit Give Kids the World. Follow Edward’s Battle Haunted House on Facebook for details about this year’s event.
9401 S. Mere Court, Raleigh
faceb00k.com/edwardsbattlehauntedhouse
Funhouse, a Terrifyingly Twisted Circus Show
October 8, 7 p.m.
Triangle-based Purple Marble Circus showcases burlesque, pole dance, acro yoga, trapeze, silks, hooping, juggling, LED flow arts, contortion, and more for ages 18 and older. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $20-$40.
Motorco Music Company
723 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham
Granville Haunt Farm Drive-Thru
Open October 6–31; Friday–Saturday nights and October 29–31; hours vary.
Enjoy thrills and chills from the safety of your car. Admission is $10–$25 per car for up to 4 passengers; $5 per person for vehicles with 5 or more passengers.
4534 U.S. Highway 15, Oxford
granvillehauntfarm.com
Haunted Forest at Panic Point
Open September 16–November 4 on select nights; hours vary.
Five haunted attractions include a hayride, forest, dark trail, corn maze and farm. Visit the website for admission fees. Purchase tickets online or at the gate.
2808 Cedar Creek Road, Youngsville
raleighhauntedhouse.com
Haunted History Walking Tour
September 2–October 28; Fridays and Saturdays (times vary).
Learn about the history of some of downtown Raleigh’s most important landmarks as tour guides tell a ghost story at each stop. Admission is free, but online registration is required and tips are appreciated. Tour departs from the North Carolina Executive Mansion.
200 N. Blount Street, Raleigh
Myrtle Grove Haunt
October 1–31; Friday–Saturday, 8–11 p.m.; no-scare admission 6–7 p.m.
Face your fears in a two-level haunted barn in Hillsborough.
3510 N.C. Highway 86 N., Hillsborough
Raleigh Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour
Operates year-round Friday–Sunday nights; tours depart at 7:30 p.m.
Ghost stories, history and folklore are interwoven in a 1.5-mile walking tour that stops at several ghost and paranormal sites. Suitable for ages 8 and older. Admission is $20 adult, $16 ages 8–14, and tickets must be purchased online. Ninety-minute tours depart Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh (exact meeting location provided after ticket purchase).
tobaccoroadtours.com
Xtreme Haunt
October 20–21 and 27–28, 7–11 p.m.
Face your fears in the Zombie Corridor, Phobia House, Black Maze, Prison Cell and more.
7460 Wake Forest Road, Durham
Herbert’s Haunted House
October 27–28, 7–10 p.m.
The spirits have grown restless. Step inside the Cary Teen Council’s house of horrors, if you dare. Parental discretion is advised for young children. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Herbert C. Young Community Center
101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary
Ghostly Legends at the Old Hotel
October 28, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Feel the presence of the past at Cary’s old hotel with ghostly legends and haunted tales. Tickets cost $20.
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
119 Ambassador Loop, Cary
etix.com
