Wilmington, North Carolina, is not only a charming coastal city but also a hotspot for Halloween festivities. With its historic downtown, scenic waterfront, and small-town charm, Wilmington offers a mix of family-friendly fun, spooky haunted experiences, and seasonal fall festivals.
Whether you’re looking for haunted tours, pumpkin patches, ghostly history, or costume parades, Wilmington provides something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Halloween festivals and events in Wilmington for 2025, making it easy to plan your October Events in Wilmington
🏰 Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington
For those who enjoy history with a spooky twist, the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington is a must-visit. Guided tours take visitors through historic streets, alleys, and old graveyards while storytellers recount chilling tales of ghosts, pirates, and legends from the city’s past.
Highlights:
- Historic Haunted Streets: Explore Wilmington’s oldest neighborhoods.
- Storytelling & Legends: Hear tales of spirits, shipwrecks, and haunted buildings.
- Evening Tours: Perfect for teens and adults seeking a mix of history and fright.
This experience combines Wilmington’s rich history with Halloween thrills, making it one of the best Halloween events in Wilmington
🌲 Haunted Forests and Pumpkin Patches Nearby
While Wilmington is a coastal city, several nearby farms and attractions offer haunted forests and pumpkin patches perfect for family fun during the day and mild scares at night.
Highlights:
- Pumpkin Picking: Choose your own pumpkins and enjoy festive farm activities.
- Corn Mazes: Navigate winding paths with Halloween-themed decorations.
- Hayrides & Games: Family-friendly activities like hayrides, face painting, and fall-themed games.
These events offer a safe and festive environment for kids while still allowing adults to enjoy the fall atmosphere.
🎃 Haunted Attractions and Evening Thrills
For those seeking a real scare, Wilmington and nearby areas host several haunted attractions and evening events designed to thrill teens and adults.
Popular Attractions:
- Haunted Houses: Interactive haunted experiences with actors, props, and spooky effects.
- Halloween-Themed Boat Tours: Some waterfront tours add ghost stories and spooky decorations for a unique coastal Halloween.
- Evening Hayrides & Trails: Nearby farms offer haunted hayrides with fog, jump scares, and costumed actors.
These attractions allow visitors to experience classic Halloween frights while enjoying Wilmington’s scenic charm.
👻 Family-Friendly Festivals and Community Events
Wilmington is also home to several family-friendly Halloween events that are perfect for children and adults who prefer light-hearted fun.
Highlights:
- Boo at the Zoo (North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is nearby but similar events are hosted locally): Trick-or-treating, games, and seasonal décor.
- Downtown Halloween Festival: Costume contests, local vendors, street decorations, and music.
- Community Parades: Family-friendly costume parades in parks or community centers.
These events provide a safe, festive environment for families to enjoy Halloween together.
🦇 Coastal Haunted Tours and Evening Walks
Wilmington’s historic downtown and waterfront offer haunted walking tours and ghost-themed experiences for those looking for mild frights mixed with storytelling.
Highlights:
- Evening tours through haunted districts and historic buildings.
- Interactive experiences where guides share local myths, legends, and ghost sightings.
- Great for adults, teens, or anyone interested in Wilmington’s spooky history.
These tours highlight the unique coastal charm and haunted heritage of Wilmington during Halloween.
🎭 Costume Contests and Local Celebrations
Local businesses, schools, and community centers host Halloween-themed events, costume contests, and parties throughout October.
Highlights:
- Kids’ Costume Contests: Safe events with candy and prizes.
- Pet Costume Contests: Fun for animal lovers and families.
- Adult Costume Parties & Events: Breweries, restaurants, and pubs host themed parties for adults.
These community events add a personal and festive touch to Halloween in Wilmington.
🌟 Why Wilmington is a Great Halloween Destination
Wilmington stands out as a Halloween destination because it combines:
- Historic Charm: Haunted tours in the city’s oldest streets.
- Coastal Beauty: Waterfront activities and themed events.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Pumpkin patches, festivals, and safe trick-or-treating.
- Thrill-Seeker Attractions: Haunted houses, trails, and night-time events nearby.
Whether you’re seeking scares or seasonal festivities, Wilmington provides a full range of Halloween experiences for visitors of all ages.
You may also read our blog about “Best Places to Visit for Halloween in North Carolina 2025“
Conclusion
Halloween in Wilmington, North Carolina, offers a perfect balance of spooky thrills and family-friendly fun. From the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington to haunted houses, pumpkin patches, festivals, and costume parades, there’s something for everyone. This October 2025, plan your visit to Wilmington and experience a Halloween filled with scares, seasonal fun, and coastal charm. Dress in your favorite costume, enjoy the festivities, and make memories at some of the best Halloween events in Wilmington, NC.
