Best Halloween Events in the USA
We’ve put together a guide to the best Halloween events in the US, from California to New York, to help you decide how to celebrate the holiday. From parades to pumpkin carving, there is a Halloween event for everybody. Check out our list of the USA’s best Halloween events, including...
- Museum of Illusions
- Knott’s Scary Farm
- Village Halloween Parade
- Haunted Happenings
- And more!
Trick or Treat at the Museum of Illusions Orlando
Head down to the frighteningly fabulous Museum of Illusions this October to experience their ‘edutainment’ exhibitions for a trick and a treat like no other!
Visitors are encouraged to put on their best creepy costumes to come to see the exhibits on Wednesdays when they will undergo a monstrous makeover. What’s more, you’ll be given complimentary candy as you make your way through the museum!
Many of the Museum of Illusions’ mind-bending rooms - including the distorting Ames Room, the Color Room, the Reversed Room, and the hilarious Head on the Plate exhibit - will be reimagined in a ghoulishly brilliant Halloween theme... and how better to enjoy them than with some extra sweet treats?
Be sure not to forget your camera - these reimagined exhibits make for some seriously spooktacular snaps!
Getting in: go and spook yourself silly every Wednesday in October (6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th), 5 - 8PM. The Trick or Treat event is included with your Go Orlando pass.
Knott’s Scary Farm
September 16 - October 31.
The usually sweet Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into the always spooky Knott’s Scary Farm for Halloween. Visit Southern California’s largest – and some would say scariest – Halloween event, for haunted houses, scary shows, mazes, and more.
Keep an eye out for ghosts, clowns, and monsters lurking in the dark as you make your way around the adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. There will even be a ‘Boo-fet’ dinner, and an ‘Awaken the Dead’ DJ set and dancefloor.
Please note: Knott’s Scary Farm is not recommended for children under 13. For more ideas, check out our guide to Halloween in Los Angeles.
Getting in: Regular admission to Knott’s Berry Farm is included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Tickets to Knott’s Scary Farm are not included and must be purchased separately.
Village Halloween Parade
Greenwich Village, New York, October 31, 2021 - 7PM
Arguably the best Halloween parade in the USA, New York’s Village Halloween Parade attracts thousands of New Yorkers every year. Anyone is allowed to take part in the parade, as long as they’re in costume! That means you can get creative and start making your costume right away. Take a look at our guide to Halloween in New York to make the most of your visit.
Getting in: The Village Halloween Parade is free to participate in and to spectate. If you want to participate, head to Sixth Ave at Canal Street at 6.30 PM. Just make sure to be in scary costume to walk in the parade!
For more information, check out the NYC Village Halloween Parade website. Admission to many top New York attractions is included with the Go New York pass.
Día de Los Muertos
San Antonio, October 23 - 24, 2021
Though not a Halloween event, San Antonio’s 9th Annual Día de Los Muertos falls on the weekend before and is sure to be a fun, festive event. Celebrate the Mexican holiday with an altar-building contest, workshops, a procession, live poetry and music, art vendors, and food.
Día de Los Muertos is a traditional Mexican celebration that has pre-Hispanic origins in Mexico and Central America. The holiday remembers loved ones who have passed away. Unlike spooky Halloween, Día de Los Muertos is a happy holiday, celebrating with colorful decorations like flowers and calaveras or “sugar skulls."
Did you know, National Geographic selected SA's Día de Los Muertos as one of the '7 Best Fall Festivals in the USA' as if you really needed any more encouragement to attend...!
Getting in: The Día de Los Muertos event is free. Admission to top San Antonio attractions is included with the Go San Antonio pass.
Halloween events in Salem
Salem, MA Throughout October
If there’s one place to be this Halloween it’s the US’s spookiest town: Salem.
Famous for its witch trials, Salem has a dark and eerie history. As a result, it’s one of the best places to celebrate Halloween! They even have a festival dedicated to Halloween called ‘Haunted Happenings.’ There’s always so much going on in Salem for the holiday, such as a parade, ghost tours, a witch museum and more. Check out our full guide to Halloween in Salem and Halloween in Boston for spine-chilling ideas to add to your itinerary.
Getting in: There are many free events in Salem this Halloween but note that some require tickets. Admission to top Boston attractions, including the Witch Museum, is included in the Go Boston pass.
Save on admission
Admission to attractions in Los Angeles, New York, San Antonio, Boston, and Chicago are included with Go City®. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price with Go City.
Share your trip with us
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your adventure with us. Tag us at @GoCity to keep us up to date with your vacation!