Step into a realm where nightmares become reality in Portsmouth this Halloween, guided by our meticulously researched compilation of the most bone-chilling events and eerie attractions. Our Halloween guide peels back the veil on Portsmouth's otherworldly offerings for both indigenous apparitions and ectoplasmic explorers.
In the heart of the season, Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream transforms into a fright-filled wonderland, featuring haunted houses and terrifying live entertainment. Venture to the Haunted Hunt Club Farm, where a pumpkin patch hosts family-friendly fun during the day and spine-tingling spooky activities at night. And the Olde Towne Ghost Walk is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it invites participants to explore the haunting tales and spectral sightings of Portsmouth's historic streets. Check out more details on these and other engaging events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Portsmouth
- Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream (Williamsburg)
- Haunted Hunt Club Farm (Pumpkin Patch) (Virginia Beach)
- Trunk or Treat
- Olde Towne Ghost Walk
- Terror Woods (Chesapeake)
- Haunted Temple (Norfolk)
- National Night Out
- Workhouse Haunt: Twisted Tales of Terror (Lorton)
- Family Halloween Movie Night
- Ghosts of Thoroughgood Past (Virginia Beach)
See these and even more events listed below!
Portsmouth Area Haunted Experiences
Haunted Hunt Club Farm (Pumpkin Patch)
What to Expect:
Immersive Halloween experience with various terrifying attractions and live entertainment.
Description:
Haunted Hunt Club Farm is a Scream Park offering Halloween thrills with terrifying haunts, live entertainment, midway concessions, and vendors. The event features unlimited times through all featured haunts from admission until closing, including a haunted hayride, death alley cemetery walk, forbidden fields haunted cornfield maze, and a village of the dead.
Where: Virginia Beach | More Info: Haunted Hunt Club Farm (Pumpkin Patch)
Olde Towne Ghost Walk
What to Expect:
A guided walking tour through historic Olde Towne, Portsmouth, featuring costumed actors retelling ghostly legends.
Description:
The Olde Towne Ghost Walk is a family-friendly, guided walking tour through the historic district of Olde Towne, Portsmouth. Participants will hear costumed actors retell legends of ghostly visitations and other spooky tales. The event takes place on October 25, 2024, and features a spooktacular marketplace with vendors and entertainment. The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and begins and ends at the Ghost Walk Marketplace in front of Trinity Episcopal Church.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Olde Towne Ghost Walk
Terror Woods
What to Expect:
A 13-14 minute haunted walk-through trail filled with actors and animatronics.
Description:
Experience the ultimate Halloween thrill at Terror Woods, located at the Great Bridge Pumpkin Patch in Chesapeake, VA. This eerie evening tour features a bone-chilling journey through a haunted trail filled with actors and animatronics. The event is open from October 1st to October 31st, with specific dates and times listed. Prepare for a memorable and terrifying experience that will leave you screaming.
Where: Chesapeake | More Info: Terror Woods
Haunted Temple
What to Expect:
The unique feature of the Norfolk Haunted Temple is its immersive and expansive haunted house experience with a variety of terrifying elements and attractions.
Description:
The Norfolk Haunted Temple is a thrilling Halloween attraction located at 7001 Granby Street in Norfolk, VA. This year, it has expanded to over 5000 square feet, offering an immersive experience with demonic spirits, zombie infestations, and maniacal clowns. The event also features a 3D maze and other terrifying elements, ensuring a night filled with fear and excitement.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: Haunted Temple
Workhouse Haunt: Twisted Tales of Terror
What to Expect:
A haunted trail experience where classic fairy tales are twisted into dark and terrifying parodies.
Description:
Workhouse Haunt: Twisted Tales of Terror is a heart-pounding haunted trail experience that takes guests on a journey through the eerie remnants of the historic Workhouse prison. Classic fairy tales are twisted into dark and terrifying parodies, immersing visitors in a world of gruesome characters and nightmarish surprises. The event features a sensory-friendly trail time on October 20 and offers a variety of Halloween-themed activities, including music, refreshments, and food truck treats.
Where: Lorton | More Info: Workhouse Haunt: Twisted Tales of Terror
Ghosts of Thoroughgood Past
What to Expect:
A guided paranormal tour of the historic Thoroughgood House with costumed storytellers.
Description:
Experience the spooky season with a paranormal tour of the historic Thoroughgood House. Costumed professional storytellers will guide you through the night, highlighting ghostly happenings in the gardens and house. Enjoy candlelight, campfires, and cider as you warm your spirits during these hauntingly fun fall nights.
Where: Virginia Beach | More Info: Ghosts of Thoroughgood Past
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration featuring five newly-reimagined haunted houses and six terror-tories.
Description:
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2024 is a thrilling Halloween event celebrating its 25th anniversary. The event transforms the park into a spooky realm with five haunted houses, six terror-tories, and four sinister shows. Guests can also enjoy nine world-class roller coasters at night, offering a unique and frightening experience. Parental discretion is advised due to amplified scares.
Where: Williamsburg | More Info: Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Portsmouth
Trunk or Treat
What to Expect:
A safe and family-friendly Halloween celebration where children can trick-or-treat from car to car.
Description:
Trunk or Treat is a safe and fun Halloween event where children can trick-or-treat from car to car, enjoying a variety of treats and activities. The event takes place at Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion and Festival Park, offering a festive atmosphere for families to celebrate Halloween early.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Trunk or Treat
Story Time and Crafts at Churchland Branch Library
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling and hands-on crafts for young readers.
Description:
Join us at the Churchland Branch Library for a delightful Story Time and Crafts session. Bring your young readers to hear stories read by a neighborhood librarian, accompanied by coloring and crafts activities. This event is perfect for families looking to engage in fun and educational activities together.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Story Time and Crafts at Churchland Branch Library
Book Club for Children at Churchland Branch Library
What to Expect:
A monthly book club designed for children to foster a love for reading and discussion.
Description:
The Churchland Branch Library is hosting a monthly book club for children aged 10-12. This event encourages kids to enjoy reading and discussing books in a fun and interactive environment. Pre-registration is required due to limited spaces, and more information can be obtained by calling 757-686-2538.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Book Club for Children at Churchland Branch Library
Line Dancing classes at Churchland Library
What to Expect:
Beginner-friendly line dancing classes with step-by-step instructions.
Description:
Join us for free Line Dancing classes at the Churchland Library in Portsmouth. No experience is needed, and you will receive step-by-step instructions. These beginner-only classes are a great way to get moving and have fun.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Line Dancing classes at Churchland Library
National Night Out
What to Expect:
A collaborative effort between residents, police, fire, and public works departments to promote community safety and unity.
Description:
National Night Out is a community-building event where residents in Portsmouth, NH, come together with local law enforcement, fire departments, and public works staff to foster stronger neighborhood relationships. The event features block parties, cookouts, parades, contests, and youth activities across various locations throughout the city.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: National Night Out
Umoja Festival
What to Expect:
The festival brings together a huge lineup of national acts in various genres, making it a unique celebration of unity and diversity.
Description:
The 2024 Umoja Festival is a celebration of African-American culture, featuring a diverse lineup of national acts in jazz, reggae, gospel, and rhythm and blues. The event includes live music performances, international foods, traditional arts, and crafts. It is held at Festival Park in Portsmouth, VA, and is free and open to the public, except for the RB Money Tour concert.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Umoja Festival
Special Needs Sundays at Children’s Museum of Virginia
What to Expect:
A specially designed event for children with special needs, featuring adapted programs and exhibits in a reduced-visitor setting.
Description:
Special Needs Sundays at Children’s Museum of Virginia offers a less overwhelming environment for children with special needs and their families. Each month features themed activities and special guests, aligning with the museum's Second Saturdays programming. The event aims to alleviate stress by providing adapted programs and exhibits in a reduced-visitor setting.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Special Needs Sundays at Children’s Museum of Virginia
Homeschool Day at Children’s Museum of Virginia
What to Expect:
The event offers a diverse range of interactive educational activities tailored specifically for homeschooling families.
Description:
Homeschool Day at the Children's Museum of Virginia is a special event designed for homeschooling families. The day features a variety of activities, including workshops, demonstrations, sample classes, educational games, and planetarium shows. This event provides an engaging and educational experience for children, fostering their curiosity and love for learning.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Homeschool Day at Children’s Museum of Virginia
Toddler Days at Children’s Museum of Virginia
What to Expect:
Interactive and educational activities for young children.
Description:
Toddler Days at the Children’s Museum of Virginia is a delightful event designed for young children. As school is back in session, it's the perfect time for toddlers to explore the museum's engaging exhibits, enjoy a planetarium show, and create their own crafts. This interactive experience encourages learning through play, making it an ideal activity for families with little ones.