As the leaves begin to change and the air cools, theme parks across America embrace the season with unique fall events. From spooky Halloween celebrations to family-friendly harvest festivals, here’s a look at what America’s top theme parks have to offer for the 2024 fall season.
Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Disney’s Magic Kingdom transforms into a playful Halloween wonderland for guests of all ages. The event features themed parades, special character appearances (often dressed in Halloween costumes), and trick-or-treating. Cinderella’s Castle is adorned in festive lighting, and there are special shows like the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.
- Dates: Select nights from August 16th through November 1st.
- Highlights: "Boo-To-You" Halloween Parade, trick-or-treat spots, and the "Not-So-Spooky Spectacular" fireworks show.
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Though primarily a culinary event, the Food & Wine Festival takes on a festive fall atmosphere as EPCOT’s World Showcase is decorated in autumnal themes. Guests can sample food and drinks from around the world, enjoy cooking demonstrations, and catch live music.
- Dates: July 27th through November 18th.
- Highlights: Global food marketplaces, celebrity chef appearances, and the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.
Universal Studios Orlando, Florida
Halloween Horror Nights
This annual event is not for the faint of heart. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights are known for their terrifying haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows inspired by horror movies and TV series.
- Dates: Select nights from September 1st through November 4th.
- Highlights: Haunted houses based on new themes each year (2024 highlights include The Exorcist: Believer and Stranger Things), and "Scare Zones" scattered throughout the park.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, California
Fright Fest
Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest combines roller coasters in the dark with spine-chilling haunted mazes and scare zones. During the day, families can enjoy less spooky attractions, while the nighttime transformation caters to thrill-seekers looking for a scare.
- Dates: Select nights from September 8th through October 31st.
- Highlights: Haunted mazes, live entertainment, and night rides on top coasters like Twisted Colossus and Full Throttle.
Cedar Point, Ohio
HalloWeekends
Known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point offers a unique fall experience with HalloWeekends. The park transforms into a blend of fear and fun, with daytime activities for families and nighttime haunted attractions.
- Dates: Select nights from September 13th through October 27th.
- Highlights: Kid-friendly events like the Great Pumpkin Fest, thrilling haunted houses, and the “Terror Island” scare zone.
Knott’s Berry Farm, California
Knott’s Scary Farm
The original Halloween theme park event, Knott’s Scary Farm, is renowned for its intricate mazes and scare zones that change themes annually. This event is strictly for those seeking a real scare, as it turns the entire park into a haunt experience.
- Dates: Select nights from September 19th through October 31st.
- Highlights: New and returning mazes (with a focus on original concepts), live shows like "The Hanging," and scare zones that utilize over 1,000 monsters to keep you on edge.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia
Howl-O-Scream
This park’s colonial setting adds to the eerie atmosphere of its Howl-O-Scream event. Haunted houses, scare zones, and sinister shows fill the park after dark, while daytime activities remain family-friendly with the "Count's Spooktacular" for younger guests.
- Dates: Select nights from September 13th through October 31st.
- Highlights: Nighttime haunted attractions, live entertainment, and the "No Escape" escape room experience.
Hersheypark, Pennsylvania
Hersheypark in the Dark
Hersheypark gets a Halloween makeover that’s perfect for families. The park offers trick-or-treating, lights-out coaster rides, and the “Creatures of the Night” walk-throughs at ZooAmerica.
- Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from October 13th through October 29th.
- Highlights: Night rides on roller coasters, including "Laff Trakk" and "Candymonium," and live Halloween shows.
Dollywood, Tennessee
Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Dollywood’s fall event, Great Pumpkin LumiNights, showcases thousands of illuminated jack-o-lanterns and harvest-themed displays throughout the park. The festival is part of Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, which also features gospel music performances and craft vendors.
- Dates: September 20th through November 4th.
- Highlights: Pumpkin displays, fall-themed foods, and live bluegrass music.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Indiana
Happy Halloween Weekends
Holiday World embraces its family-friendly reputation with Happy Halloween Weekends. The event includes a maze, hayrides, and Halloween-themed shows, all with the park’s signature focus on wholesome fun.
- Dates: Weekends from September 21st through October 27th.
- Highlights: “Holidog’s 3D Adventure” maze, magic shows, and festive decorations.
Silver Dollar City, Missouri
Pumpkins in the City
Silver Dollar City’s fall event is a picturesque celebration of all things autumn. The park is adorned with pumpkin displays, seasonal foods, and live music, creating a charming harvest atmosphere.
- Dates: September 23rd through October 28th.
- Highlights: Over 20,000 pumpkins in the “Pumpkin Plaza,” a nightly pumpkin light parade, and fall-themed entertainment.
From family-friendly pumpkin festivals to spine-chilling haunted experiences, America’s top theme parks provide diverse fall events for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a mild harvest celebration or a night of terror, there’s something for every fall enthusiast in 2024! Enjoy the season, and don’t forget to check park schedules and ticket availability before planning your visit.