Dive headfirst into Columbia's Halloween hysteria with our comprehensive guide, offering a smorgasbord of spooky events and supernatural spectacles to explore. Our handbook: a beacon for both local bats and cave-curious tourists.
One of the standout attractions this season is the Field of Screams, where thrilling haunted mazes and chilling encounters await. Additionally, The Nevermore Haunt lures visitors in with its immersive storytelling and captivating scares. And the Laurel's House of Horror is something you definitely don't want to miss for its unique blend of classic horror themes and interactive experiences. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Columbia
- Field of Screams (Olney)
- Halloween Bar Crawl (Washington D.C.)
- Laurel's House of Horror (Laurel)
- The Nevermore Haunt (Baltimore)
- Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill (Spring Grove)
- Wizarding Weekend Themed Cookie Decorating Class and Milkshakes (Ellicott City)
- Halloween Brunch at Alexandra's American Fusion (Ellicott City)
- Truck or Treat
- CandyFEST Columbia
- Monster Mini Golf
See these and even more events listed below!
Columbia Area Haunted Experiences
The Nevermore Haunt
What to Expect:
An ever-changing and developing Halloween attraction with historically themed sets and interactive cast.
Description:
The Nevermore Haunt is a highly-rated haunted house in Baltimore, Maryland, offering a unique and terrifying experience. This historically themed attraction transports visitors into macabre visions of Baltimore's past with its elaborate sets, detailed special effects, and interactive cast. It features bizarre creatures, terrifying visions, and heart-pounding horrors, making it one of the most realistic and unique haunted houses in the area.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: The Nevermore Haunt
Laurel's House of Horror
What to Expect:
Immersive horror movie-themed escape rooms and real paranormal investigations.
Description:
Experience the ultimate in horror at Laurel's House of Horror, a top-rated haunted attraction built inside a half-century-old abandoned movie theater. This immersive experience features iconic horror movie themes, new challenges, and four incredible new rooms. Enjoy fully immersive horror movie-themed escape rooms and real paranormal investigations with experienced guides.
Where: Laurel | More Info: Laurel's House of Horror
Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted experience with multiple themed attractions.
Description:
Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill is a terrifying haunted house experience located in Spring Grove, PA. This haunted attraction features a historic grist mill with 4 floors of horrific horror and scares, including the Haunted Mill, Horror of Menges Mill, House of Eyes, Terror Trail, and Dark Despair. The event is open every weekend from September 20 to November 3, with additional dates including Halloween Thursday. Visitors can enjoy various add-on attractions like the Zombie Escape Room and Hearse Rides.
Where: Spring Grove | More Info: Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill
Field of Screams
What to Expect:
Features 55 horrifying stations including the new Super Screams Haunted Trail and the Slaughter Factory Haunted House.
Description:
Field of Screams Maryland is a highly-rated haunted attraction located in Olney, Maryland. This year, it features 55 horrifying stations, including the new Super Screams Haunted Trail and the Slaughter Factory Haunted House. The event also includes Stitchy's Nightmare Factory, a new light canopy show, and local ghost story vignettes. It is not recommended for children under 13 and offers a touchless experience with electronic tickets only.
Where: Olney | More Info: Field of Screams
Shady Rest Haunt
What to Expect:
A Halloween event that combines family-friendly activities during the day with intense haunted experiences at night.
Description:
Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood is a Halloween event that offers a unique experience for all ages. During the day, guests can enjoy family-friendly fun with festive food and special autumn decorations. The event features more than 30 rides and attractions, including festive fall food and decorations. As the sun sets, the park transforms into a spooky atmosphere with six haunted houses and four scare zones, providing a thrilling experience for those who dare to face the night.
Where: West Friendship | More Info: Shady Rest Haunt
NIGHT OF TERROR at Creamy Acres Farm
What to Expect:
The unique feature of NIGHT OF TERROR is its comprehensive and immersive haunted experience, including a Haunted Paintball Hayride, which offers a thrilling and interactive scare.
Description:
NIGHT OF TERROR at Creamy Acres Farm is New Jersey's largest and scariest haunted attraction, featuring a variety of terrifying experiences including the Haunted Paintball Hayride, one of the first in the country. The event offers multiple haunted attractions, with timed ticketing to ensure safety and reduce onsite capacity. General Admission tickets start at $40 for four haunted attractions, while VIP and Premium Admission options are available for those seeking a more exclusive experience.
Where: Mullica Hill | More Info: NIGHT OF TERROR at Creamy Acres Farm
Haunted Nightmares
What to Expect:
A new immersive experience called "Beyond the Veil" combines narrative and puzzle elements to engage visitors in a non-linear quest.
Description:
Experience a Halloween festival of epic proportions at Eastern State Penitentiary. This annual event features five thrilling haunted houses, historic tours, themed bars, live entertainment, and more. The festival also includes a new immersive experience called "Beyond the Veil," which combines narrative and puzzle elements to engage visitors in a non-linear quest. All proceeds benefit Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and National Historic Landmark.
Where: Easton | More Info: Haunted Nightmares
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Columbia
Truck or Treat
What to Expect:
A "wheely fun" day outdoors where children can trick-or-treat at various vehicles while meeting local heroes.
Description:
Truck or Treat is a family-friendly Halloween event where children can trick-or-treat at trucks, tractors, and emergency vehicles while meeting hometown heroes. The event offers a fun and interactive way to celebrate Halloween outdoors, with a 75-minute time slot registration and a limit of two adults per child.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Truck or Treat
CandyFEST Columbia
What to Expect:
A multicultural community celebration offering free candy and a costume contest for all ages.
Description:
CandyFEST Columbia is a family-friendly Halloween alternative event hosted by Bridgeway Community Church. On October 31st, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm, families can enjoy games, activities, and receive free candy, including allergy-sensitive alternatives. The event is open to all kids in the community and encourages creative costumes for a chance to win a grand prize. It's a multicultural celebration at either the Columbia or Owings Mills/Reisterstown campuses.
Where: Columbia | More Info: CandyFEST Columbia
Monster Mini Golf
What to Expect:
Immersive glow-in-the-dark mini golf experience with animated monsters and dynamic audio-visuals.
Description:
Monster Mini Golf in Columbia, MD, offers an exciting blend of family-friendly entertainment and whimsical adventure. The attraction features 18 vibrant, glow-in-the-dark holes under dazzling black lights, lively animated monsters, and a mix of classic and contemporary music. Visitors can also enjoy the thrilling mini golf and arcade, as well as the challenging laser maze.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Monster Mini Golf
Halloween Karaoke Party
What to Expect:
A fun and spooky karaoke session where kids can enjoy yummy snacks and sing their favorite songs.
Description:
Join the Lexington County Library for an inBeTween Halloween Karaoke Party at the Swansea Branch Library. Enjoy yummy snacks and sing your favorite songs with friends. This event is designed for grades 6-8 and promises a hauntingly good time.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Halloween Karaoke Party
DoodleHATCH
What to Expect:
A variety of interactive exhibits and workshops designed to foster creativity and imagination in visitors of all ages.
Description:
DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum is a unique and creative space designed to inspire imagination in children and adults alike. The museum features interactive exhibits, including a "Giant's Bed," a "Space Command Center," and various workshops like Fairy Houses and Portraits. Visitors can engage in dress-up, play, and creative activities, making it an ideal destination for family fun and educational experiences.
Where: Columbia | More Info: DoodleHATCH
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near Columbia
Halloween Bar Crawl
What to Expect:
Enjoy exclusive drink specials and waived door covers at participating bars while navigating through a Halloween-themed digital 3D map.
Description:
Join us for a frightfully fun night at the Washington D.C. Official Halloween Bar Crawl On October 26, 2024, gather your goblins, witches, and vampires for a night of thrills and chills. Enjoy free entry into over 4+ venues, 2-3 drinks or shots, Halloween swag, and a free after-party. Participate in a $2,000 value costume contest and capture the best moments with our photographer and videographer. This event is not to be missed!
Where: Washington D.C. | More Info: Halloween Bar Crawl
Halloween Brunch at Alexandra's American Fusion
What to Expect:
The event features a creative brunch menu inspired by the season, with locally sourced produce and meats.
Description:
Join Alexandra's American Fusion for a spooky Halloween Brunch on Sunday, October 27th, 2024. Enjoy a creative brunch menu inspired by the season, featuring locally sourced produce and meats. The event promises a unique dining experience with an atrium-style restaurant, private event rooms, and outdoor dining with a fantastic view of the golf course. It's the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with a delicious and festive meal.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: Halloween Brunch at Alexandra's American Fusion
Wizarding Weekend Themed Cookie Decorating Class and Milkshakes
What to Expect:
Expert instruction and supplies for decorating 5 wizard-inspired cookies, along with a Crazy Mason milkshake.
Description:
Join Wizarding Weekend in Old Ellicott City for a magical cookie decorating class and milkshake experience. Learn new decorating techniques while enjoying a delicious milkshake at Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar. This event is perfect for all ages and Harry Potter fans, offering a fun and creative afternoon filled with wizard-inspired cookies and treats.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: Wizarding Weekend Themed Cookie Decorating Class and Milkshakes
Trick Or Treat Peabody Brunch
What to Expect:
A Halloween-themed drag brunch featuring special guest Winifred Sanderson and an audience costume contest.
Description:
Join Absolutely Dragulous for a spooky-ooky Halloween brunch at Peabody Heights Brewery. Featuring special guest Winifred Sanderson, this event promises an unforgettable experience with drag performances by Dustyn Dawn, Chanel Belladonna, Numi Von, and Winifred Sanderson. Enjoy food by Fuzzie's Burgers and participate in an audience costume contest. This show is suitable for anyone 13+, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Trick Or Treat Peabody Brunch
The Reagan Years Monster Mash and Glow Party
What to Expect:
A fun-filled Halloween celebration with an 80s tribute band performance and a costume contest.
Description:
Join The Reagan Years for a nostalgic 80s tribute band performance at the Monster Mash and Glow Party. Sing along to the greatest hits of the 80s, participate in a costume contest with prizes for the top 5, and enjoy a cash bar and lite fare. Doors open at 7 PM, and the show starts at 8 PM.