Spooky Delaware: Halloween Events to Enjoy in 2024
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and the air cools, Delaware transforms into a festive Halloween wonderland. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun or spine-chilling thrills, the First State has something for everyone. From haunted houses to pumpkin patches, here's your guide to the best Halloween events happening in Delaware this 2024!
1. Frightland Haunted Attractions
- Location: Middletown, DE
- Dates: Select nights from late September through early November
- Website: Frightland
Widely regarded as one of the scariest haunted attractions on the East Coast, Frightland offers eight terrifying experiences. From a haunted hayride through dark cornfields to the chilling Zombie Prison, this is the place to be if you’re looking for heart-pounding scares. Don’t miss the walk-through haunted house, complete with actors ready to give you the fright of your life!
2. The Great Delaware Pumpkin Carve Festival
- Location: Delaware Agricultural Museum, Dover, DE
- Date: October 17-19
For those looking for a more family-friendly Halloween experience, the Great Delaware Pumpkin Carve Festival is perfect. Artists and amateurs alike showcase their pumpkin-carving skills, turning simple gourds into intricate works of art. There are also food vendors, live music, and a pumpkin decorating station for kids. It’s a fantastic event to enjoy the festive spirit without the frights.
3. Bellevue State Park's Wagon Rides
- Location: Bellevue State Park, Wilmington, DE
- Date: See website for dates in Oct & Nov
Relax on a leisurely wagon ride through the Bellevue grounds, see all the beauty that the park has to offer in Fall. Afterward, enjoy a cozy campfire. Both the wagon and the campfire are limited to a maximum group of 20 adults or 25 for a mix of adults and children. The wagon has benches, and the ride will be about 50 minutes. The wagon ride is followed by an hour at the campfire, tended by a staff member. Guests are encouraged to bring their own refreshments for the campfire. Accessible Wagon available upon request.
4. Sea Witch Festival
- Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE
- Dates: October 25-27
- Website: Sea Witch Festival
One of Delaware’s most beloved events, the Sea Witch Festival is a weekend packed with Halloween-themed activities for all ages. Enjoy the costume parade through downtown Rehoboth, live music, magic shows, and the Sea Witch Hunt. Kids will love the beach games, trick-or-treating, and crafts. Don’t forget to dress up – both for the parade and the dog costume contest!
5. Victorian Hallowe'en: Stories, Spooks and Spirit
- Location: Delaware City
- Dates: October 31
- Website: Fort Delaware
Many of our Victorian forebears had a fascination with all things spooky! For this special program, we are going to let you experience some of the Victorian customs related to Halloween, as well as some practices that they would do for fun. Tickets are $25 each, and can be purchased at delawarestateparks.reserveamerica.com.
6. Pumpkin Picking & Corn Maze at Ramsey's Farm
- Location: Wilmington, DE
- Dates: Weekends through October
For those who prefer autumnal fun without the scares, head to Ramsey’s Farm. Their corn maze is a popular attraction, offering a day of adventure for families. Wander through towering cornstalks, pick out the perfect pumpkin, and enjoy hayrides around the farm. There are also fun fall activities like a giant slide and straw bale maze for the little ones.
7. Historic Haunts of Lewes Walking Tours
- Location: Lewes, DE
- Dates: Fridays and Saturdays in October
- Website: Lewes Historical Society
Explore the haunted history of one of Delaware’s oldest towns with the Historic Haunts of Lewes walking tour. Led by local historians, these nighttime tours take you through the streets of Lewes, sharing spooky stories about the town’s past and the spirits that are rumored to linger. It’s a fascinating blend of history and ghost lore, perfect for those who love a good mystery.
8. Scarecrow Making Killens Pond State Park
- Location: Felton, DE
- Dates: October weekends
Make your own scarecrow! Materials will be provided but feel free to bring accessories to make it unique (hat, scarf, wig, etc). Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov to reserve your scarecrow. Meet at campground pavilion 4. This event is hosted by the Friends of Killens Pond. One scarecrow for $15 or two for $20.