Discover where the skeletons dance in Waterloo with our Halloween event guide. Our Halloween handbook charts the stars of Waterloo's supernatural sky for resident astronomers and alien visitors alike.
Popular Events: Experience the excitement of the Cedar Rapids Halloween Parade, where costumed revelers showcase their creativity and spirit in a festive procession. Thrashers House of Terror is known for its spine-chilling adventures that will test your bravery as you navigate its haunted attractions. And the Trick or Treat event is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering families a chance to collect treats in a safe and fun environment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Waterloo
- Trick or Treat
- Cedar Rapids Halloween Parade (Cedar Rapids)
- Thrashers House of Terror (Mount Pleasant)
- Scream Acres (Atkins)
- Circle of Ash (Central City)
- UNI Homecoming (Cedar Falls)
- Heart of Darkness
- Mayhem Haunted House (Ottumwa)
- Dine With Zombies (Cedar Rapids)
- 11th Annual Halloween Bash (Iowa City)
See these and even more events listed below!
Waterloo Area Haunted Experiences
Thrashers House of Terror
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted experience with trained performers and physically demanding environments.
Description:
Thrashers House of Terror is Southeast Iowa's beloved haunted attraction, offering an 18-year legacy of spine-chilling experiences. From clowns to mad doctors, the event promises heart-pounding scares with special effect lighting, intense audio, and physically demanding environments. It is recommended that visitors avoid entering if they are pregnant, have sensitivity to distorting lights, or have a heart condition.
Where: Mount Pleasant | More Info: Thrashers House of Terror
Scream Acres
What to Expect:
Immersive and terrifying haunted attractions with original storylines and professional makeup artists.
Description:
Scream Acres in Atkins, IA, offers a chilling Halloween experience with four incredible haunts: 3D Sinister Silo, Cell Block Z, The Slaughterhouse, and the Haunted Cornfield. Trained actors and talented makeup artists create a haunting experience that brings nightmares to life. The event also features live music, scare entertainment, and a Glass Alley Beer Garden for guests 21 and older.
Where: Atkins | More Info: Scream Acres
Circle of Ash
What to Expect:
The unique feature of Circle of Ash Haunted Attraction is its variety of haunted experiences, including a traditional indoor haunted house, a walkthrough funhouse maze, and a haunted forest, all designed to provide an immersive and terrifying experience.
Description:
Circle of Ash Haunted Attraction is Iowa's scariest haunted house, featuring three terrifying attractions: Frightmare Forest, Socko's Fun House, and Circle of Ash. Each experience offers a unique scare, from navigating a haunted forest to escaping a maze filled with terrorizing clowns. The event promises an evening filled with screams and unforgettable frights.
Where: Central City | More Info: Circle of Ash
Heart of Darkness
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted complex with 13 separately themed areas designed to strike fear into all who dare enter.
Description:
The Heart of Darkness is Iowa's longest-running haunted attraction, featuring over 31,000 square feet of sheer terror. With 13 separately themed areas, this complex offers a variety of Halloween fun and fright. Visitors can enjoy unique open-lineage attractions, zombie and pumpkin photo ops, a fog maze, live DJ, monster merchandise shop, karaoke, pumpkin patch, and concessions with alcoholic beverages available for those 21 and older.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Heart of Darkness
Mayhem Haunted House
What to Expect:
A meticulously designed and decorated haunted house experience with a strong focus on detail and scare factor.
Description:
Mayhem Haunted House is a highly acclaimed haunted attraction in Ottumwa, Iowa, known for its detailed set design and décor. Voted the best haunted house in Iowa multiple times, it offers spine-chilling thrills with tours from 7:30 PM to midnight, including an intermission break from 10 PM to 10:30 PM. Admission is $15 per person, and cash and card payments are accepted.
Where: Ottumwa | More Info: Mayhem Haunted House
Manor of Escape
What to Expect:
An immersive haunted house experience with six terrifying attractions and special events like Kids Day and Lights Out Admission.
Description:
Hundred Acres Manor is Pittsburgh's largest and scariest haunted house, spanning over a mile with six terrifying attractions. The haunted house offers an immersive experience with Hollywood-quality sets, escape rooms, coffin burial rides, and a weekend beer lounge. It is a must-visit for Halloween enthusiasts, featuring a variety of themed sections and special events like Kids Day and Lights Out Admission.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Manor of Escape
Disturbia Haunted House
What to Expect:
Expertly designed rooms and scenarios with state-of-the-art special effects.
Description:
Disturbia Haunted House in Downers Grove, IL, offers a bone-chilling experience with expertly designed rooms and scenarios, state-of-the-art special effects, and stunning set designs. Visitors can face their deepest fears and brave the terror that awaits them around every corner. This haunted house attraction is perfect for those seeking a heart-pumping, spine-tingling thrill.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Disturbia Haunted House
Basement of the Dead Haunted House
What to Expect:
Expertly designed to provide an unforgettable, bone-chilling experience with both heart-pumping thrills and immersive terror.
Description:
Experience the thrill of Basement of the Dead Haunted House in Aurora, IL, where two distinct attractions await. Navigate through the twisted corridors of an abandoned underground laboratory in the Basement of the Dead, and then step into a surreal world with stunning visuals and spine-tingling scares in the Shattered 3D haunted house attraction.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Basement of the Dead Haunted House
All Hall-loo's Eve Mini-con
What to Expect:
A murder mystery dinner set in a historic mansion.
Description:
All Hall-loo's Eve Mini-con is a thrilling two-day event taking place at The Weis Mansion B&B in Waterloo, Iowa. The event features a variety of activities, including true crime and paranormal expert talks, a creepy tea, a murder mystery dinner set in a historic mansion, and a book release party. This unique celebration offers something for everyone, making it an unforgettable experience for those who dare to explore the darker side of Halloween.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: All Hall-loo's Eve Mini-con
The Deranged Haunted Attraction
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted forest experience with themed nights.
Description:
Deranged Haunted Attraction is a premier haunted house experience in Romulus, Michigan, offering a frightening yet fun adventure through a dark forest filled with eerie creatures. The attraction features various themed nights, including 18+ nights, Clown Carnage, Classic Monsters, and Fan Appreciation. It also hosts a Scare-Free Trick or Treat Event for younger visitors.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: The Deranged Haunted Attraction
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Waterloo
Cedar Rapids Halloween Parade
What to Expect:
The largest Halloween parade in Iowa, featuring elaborate floats and costumed marchers.
Description:
The Cedar Rapids Halloween Parade is the largest Halloween parade in Iowa, transforming downtown Cedar Rapids into a spooky spectacle. Elaborate floats and costumed marchers wind through the streets, captivating onlookers with eerie sights and sounds. This tradition dates back to 1985 and has grown from a small community event to a major regional attraction. The parade culminates in a lively street party, bringing together locals and visitors in a celebration of all things Halloween.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Cedar Rapids Halloween Parade
UNI Homecoming
What to Expect:
A diverse range of activities celebrating the unique spirit of UNI, including a parade, concerts, and athletic events.
Description:
UNI Homecoming 2024 is a vibrant celebration showcasing the unique spirit of the University of Northern Iowa. The event features a variety of activities, including the Panthers on Parade, a project highlighting the community's panther pride, and a Homecoming bash with a free concert by The Pork Tornadoes. Other activities include the Homecoming Goosechase, the Traditions Challenge Amazing Race, and a Homecoming Dance Party. The weekend also includes athletic events like soccer and volleyball matches, as well as a Homecoming 5K run/walk.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: UNI Homecoming
11th Annual Halloween Bash
What to Expect:
The event features a GIANT CANDY GRAB, making it a standout for trick-or-treating enthusiasts.
Description:
Join Iowa City Moms for the 11th Annual Halloween Bash at The Celebration Farm. This family-friendly event features games, crafts, and activities, along with indoor trick-or-treating and a GIANT CANDY GRAB. Costumes are encouraged but not required. The event offers two time slots to minimize crowds and ensure shorter lines at each activity. Adults and babies under one year old are free, but registration is required for an accurate head count.
Where: Iowa City | More Info: 11th Annual Halloween Bash
Find & Flourish Market
What to Expect:
A unique gathering of vendors showcasing local goods and crafts in a picturesque setting.
Description:
Find & Flourish Market is a carefully curated collection of vendors gathering in the heart of eastern Iowa, specifically in the Amana Colonies, for a beautiful weekend. The event features a variety of vendors and activities, making it a delightful experience for attendees.
Where: Amana | More Info: Find & Flourish Market
Halloween Cookie Class with South Street Cookies at Fireside Winery
What to Expect:
Hands-on instruction in decorating Halloween-themed sugar cookies with royal icing.
Description:
Join South Street Cookies at Fireside Winery for a fun and interactive Halloween cookie decorating class. Learn how to decorate six Halloween-themed sugar cookies with royal icing, and take your creations home in a box. This beginner-friendly class is perfect for those curious about cookie decorating and offers a delightful experience for all ages.
Where: Marengo | More Info: Halloween Cookie Class with South Street Cookies at Fireside Winery
Trick or Treat
What to Expect:
A community-driven Halloween celebration with a costume parade, games, and candy.
Description:
Downtown Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Waterloo is a festive event featuring entertaining activities, games, and plenty of candy. The event takes place on Saturday, October 26, from 10 AM to 12 PM, with additional trick-or-treating and activities in Lincoln Park. The community comes together to celebrate Halloween with a variety of fun-filled activities.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Trick or Treat
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near Waterloo
Dine With Zombies
What to Expect:
A zombie-themed dinner event with beer pairings and spooky activities.
Description:
Join Lion Bridge Brewing Company for a fun and spooky evening with Dine With Zombies. This event honors their Zombie Awakening Black Ale with zombie-themed food specials and beer pairings. The event includes dinner and a variety of scary fun activities, but please be mindful that it might not be suitable for children.