Halloween Events & Trunk-or-Treats in the Triad (2026)

Spooky season has arrived, and families across the Triad are buzzing with excitement for candy, costumes, and festive fun. If you’ve been searching for the best Halloween events in 2026, you’re in luck. This year is packed with everything from safe trunk-or-treats to thrilling haunted attractions. Parents often search “Halloween events near me” hoping to find something safe, memorable, and age-appropriate. Younger kids may be too small for haunted houses, while older ones crave bigger thrills. With so many options, it can feel overwhelming to decide. That’s why this guide highlights the top local Halloween events for every age group. Whether your family is looking for spooky fun, sweet treats, or community parades, the Triad has you covered.

If we missed any, email us at kodia@triadmomsonmain.com to get it added in!

Halloween Events in the Triad

The biggest 2026 Halloween events in the Triad include Ghoulash! Halloween Festival at LeBauer & Center City Park in Greensboro, Trick or Treat on Elm St in downtown Greensboro, the Boo Bash Carnival at High Point City Lake Park (Oct 10, $5 ride pass), the free Halloween Spooky Hoopla in High Point (Oct 17), Boo! at Bethabara in Winston-Salem (Oct 24) and Burlington’s Dark at the BallPark. Halloween falls on a Saturday this year (Oct 31, 2026).

October in the Triad means costumes, candy and fall fun for every age. Whether you want a not-so-scary trunk-or-treat for toddlers, a downtown trick-or-treat with the whole family or a haunted trail for your teens, here’s your guide to Halloween events in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Kernersville, Burlington and beyond.

Trunk or Treat Events

When parents look for Halloween events for kids, trunk-or-treats always rise to the top of the list. These events are some of the most family-friendly gatherings you’ll find in the Triad. Schools, churches, and community groups host them in well-lit parking lots, with rows of decorated car trunks filled with candy. Kids love walking from car to car collecting treats, while parents enjoy the safe, laid-back setting.

Most trunk-or-treats also feature bounce houses, face painting, live music, and food trucks. Some even host best costume contests or offer hayrides to add to the excitement. Many families make a day of it—pumpkin patch in the afternoon, trunk-or-treat in the evening. For anyone typing “free Halloween events near me,” these are usually the best options since most are free or only ask for a small donation of candy to share.

Haunted Attractions

For families with older kids and teens or anyone looking for halloween events for adults, the Triad has plenty of thrills. . For families with teens and thrill-seekers, the Triad offers some of the region’s most legendary haunted houses. These events are not for the faint of heart, but they’re perfect if your older kids want a night of screams and scares. Here are some of the top picks:

• Woods of Terror (Greensboro, weekends Sept. 12 – Nov. 8): One of North Carolina’s most famous haunted attractions, packed with Hollywood-level sets and actors.
• Spooky Woods (Archdale, weekends Sept. 26 – Nov. 1): Features haunted mazes, creepy trails, and chilling surprises around every corner.
• Wicked Whimsies Haunted Trail – 6130 Yadkinville Rd, Pfafftown | Fridays & Saturdays in October except Oct 31 | wickedwhimsies.com
• Scarrigan Farms (Mooresville, select dates in October): Recommended for ages 12+, this farm-turned-haunt is filled with terrifying trails and unexpected scares.

These attractions often rank high on the list of Halloween events this weekend, so plan ahead and buy tickets early. If you have multiple kids of different ages, consider splitting up—one parent can head to a haunted house with older kids, while the other takes younger ones to a trunk-or-treat.

Ghost Tours in the Triad

Looking for a spooky outing that blends history with haunts? Ghost tours are a fantastic way to celebrate Halloween without the jump scares of haunted houses. Families with older kids love these walking tours, which mix storytelling, local legends, and just enough eerie atmosphere to keep things exciting. Cities like Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point all have popular ghost tours that guide you through haunted streets, historic buildings, and mysterious tales from the past.

These tours are perfect for families who want something unique beyond the usual trick-or-treating. They’re also a great option if you’re searching for Halloween events near me that can be enjoyed together, without being too overwhelming for kids. For a full list of tours, check out our [Ghost Tour Guide for the Triad].

Trunk or Treat Events

If you’re looking for safe, family-centered fun, trunk or treat near me is one of the most popular searches every October. These events are hosted by churches, schools, and community groups. Kids can trick-or-treat from decorated car trunks while parents enjoy music, food trucks, and games. Expect bounce houses, face painting, and contests for the best costumes.

Halloween Tips for Triad Families

• Pick by age. Toddlers do best at daytime festivals and trunk-or-treats. Save haunted trails for ages 12+.
• Go early. Lines at popular trunk-or-treats get long fast, and candy can run out.
• Bring a bag of candy to share. Some trunk-or-treats ask families to contribute.
• Look for teal pumpkins if your child has food allergies. They mean non-food treats.
• Add reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes for evening events.
• Check Facebook the day of. Rain often moves outdoor events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What day is Halloween in 2026?

Halloween is Saturday, Oct 31, 2026. Many Triad towns and neighborhoods hold trick-or-treating on Halloween night itself, and some events move to the weekend before, so check each listing.

Where can I find a trunk-or-treat near me in Greensboro or Winston-Salem?

Top picks include Ghoulash! and Trick or Treat on Elm St in Greensboro, Boo! at Bethabara and Kaleideum’s Ghoul Times in Winston-Salem, and the free Halloween Spooky Hoopla in High Point. Local churches and schools also host trunk-or-treats and usually post them in early October.

Are trunk-or-treats free?

Most are free or very low cost. Some ask families to bring a bag of candy to share, and a few farm events require tickets.

What’s the best Halloween event for toddlers in the Triad?

Daytime events with crafts, bounce houses and face painting are best: Ghoulash! in Greensboro, Boo! at Bethabara in Winston-Salem and the Enchanted Character Trick or Treat Trail in High Point.

What are the best haunted houses near Greensboro?

Woods of Terror in Greensboro and Spookywoods in Archdale are the area’s best-known haunted attractions. Both are best for ages 12 and up.

How can I make sure Halloween candy is safe?

Stick to sealed, packaged candy and check it before kids dig in. After Halloween, some dental offices host candy buyback programs.

Final Thoughts

The Triad is bursting with Halloween events near me for every age and stage, from toddlers to teens. Families can enjoy free festivals, creative trunk-or-treats, thrilling haunted attractions, and everything in between. Whether you want a scare-filled night or just a sweet way to celebrate, 2025 offers no shortage of opportunities. Grab your costumes, bring your candy buckets, and make this October one your family will never forget.

More Fall Fun in the Triad

• Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides & Corn Mazes Near the Triad
• October Festivals in the Triad & NC
• September Festivals
• Fall Bucket List: Fall Activities Near the Triad
• Halloween Ideas for Teens · Halloween Costumes for Every Age & Stage! · Haunted Houses in the Triad (link to the existing TMoM posts)
• Halloween Ideas for Teens: Fun Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating

Hosting a trunk-or-treat? Email kodia@triadmomsonmain.com to have it added. And sign up for the Triad Moms on Main newsletter for weekend events every Sunday.