October on the Outer Banks is one of the most incredible times to visit. The summer crowds have all gone home, and long sunny days are replaced with cool fall nights perfect for cozying up by a beach bonfire. If you’re looking to see a side of the shore that few visitors witness, coming in time for spooky season may be just the thing! Families, friend groups, and couples all find fun ways to celebrate between pumpkin patch Saturdays and ghostly parades. So, if you’re considering a fall getaway, our Outer Banks Halloween guide is here to highlight our favorite activities and events. Check it out and get ready for a scary good time when you visit.
Treat Yourself to Fall Savings
Still deciding on a fall trip? Our weekly specials make it easy to plan an OBX Halloween getaway. You’ll find deals on everything from cozy soundside retreats to spacious oceanfront homes big enough for the whole family.
In This Article:
- Halloween Events in the Outer Banks
- Plan Your Fall Getaway
- Frequently Asked Questions
Halloween Events in the Outer Banks
From costume parades to haunted trails and glowing pumpkin paths, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Halloween on the Outer Banks. Here are some of the season’s standout events happening across Corolla, Manteo, Nags Head, and even down on Hatteras Island.
Halloween International Film Festival
Kick off October with a three-day celebration of indie horror and Halloween-themed films at the historic Pioneer Theater in Downtown Manteo. Guests will enjoy Q&A sessions, filmmaker meet-and-greets, networking events, and even an outdoor vendor market filled with unique souvenirs and keepsakes. Films will showcase a variety of work, from the strange and unusual to the absolutely terrifying. Tickets are on sale now with three-day VIP passes starting at just $75.000. The sale ends September 30th, so don’t wait!
- Dates: October 2–4, 2025
- Location: 113 Budleigh Street, Manteo, NC
- Tickets: Single-Day tickets are $20 | 3-Day Passes and VIP Passes available.
- Screening Schedule
Halloween Island (Downtown Manteo)
This month-long event turns Downtown Manteo into a spooktacularly festive district with thirteen different bars, restaurants, and businesses rolling out themed menus and Halloween decorations that will get everyone in the ghoulish spirit. Shops stay open late so you can stroll the streets with friends, sip apple cider, and enjoy the sights. Don’t forget to grab your Halloween Island t-shirt! If you’re looking for some family-friendly fun for all ages, this is a great way to embrace Halloween on the Outer Banks.
- Dates: October 3–31, 2025
- Location: Queen Elizabeth Ave., Manteo, NC
- Admission: Free
- Halloween Island Updates
Island Farm Pumpkin Patch Saturdays
Travel back in time to the 1850s at Island Farm, a living-history farm where every Saturday in October means pumpkins, historic games, and fall crafts. Kids will love candle-making and jumbo bubbles, while adults can browse a maker’s market of local artisans. Don’t miss the samples of fresh apple cider and popcorn. This family-friendly tradition is a must if you’re spending time near Roanoke Island during your fall OBX visit.
- Dates: October 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: 1140 N US Highway 64, Manteo, NC
- Admission: $11 (ages 4+), free for kids 0–3
Witch Craft Surf Gathering
Hosted at Jennette’s Pier, Witch Craft celebrates alternative surfboards and the creative folks who make and ride them. While the surf contest is October 4th, the fun actually begins September 27th at Duck Dive for the Surfboard Unveiling. There will be early viewing and bidding on all custom boards, live music by the Yacht Dogs, and early access to this year’s t-shirts (which always sell out).
A few days later, on October 1st, Whalebone Surf Shop is hosting a Witch Craft kickoff party at Swells’A Brewing. Tickets are $40 and the party will feature music from Matthew Logan Vasquez from Delta Spirit, plus an exclusive poster featuring art by Creighton Barrett from Band of Horses. Tickets are limited (only 50!), so don’t wait too long.
For the main event on October 4th, get to the beach early. First heats begin at 8 AM. After a day on the waves, head back to Swells’A for a post-contest party at 6 PM, where winners will be crowned. The night will feature more live music, an auction for all the boards used in the competition, and fun prizes and raffles, with 100% of the funds going to support the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.
- Date: Surfboard Reveal Saturday, September 27th, Kickoff Party Wednesday, October 1, Surf Competition Saturday, October 4th
- Location: Surf Competition at Jennette’s Pier, 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC
- Admission: Free to attend the competition. Tickets ($40) required for kickoff party.
Wicked Woods (East Lake)
If you’re looking for a true fright, head to East Lake, where a creepy walk through darkened woods will have your heart beating fast in no time. This haunted trail is full of eerie sounds, distant screams, tricky shadows, and jump scares around every corner. If some classic Halloween fun is what you’re after, this is an affordable way to add some real terror to your spooky season.
- Dates: Begins October 11, 2025 (weekend evenings through October)
- Time: Dark – 9:30 PM
- Location: 18766 US Hwy 64, East Lake, NC
- Admission: $20 *Based on 2024 prices. Updated details will be featured on their Facebook page.
Outer Banks Halloween Parade of Costumes
The biggest of all Outer Banks Halloween events, this annual parade in Kill Devil Hills is back and bringing even more fun. Before the main event, kids can trick or treat around Aviation Park, where nonprofit booths will be brimming with candy. Decorated cars and props are on the scene for photo ops, and costumes of every kind will be on display, with prizes awarded for the three Best in Show!
- Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Time: Pre-party at 2:00 PM, parade at 3:00 PM
- Location: Aviation Park, Kill Devil Hills, NC
- Admission: Free
Night of 1587 Pumpkins at Elizabethan Gardens
Help light up The Elizabethan Gardens with more than 1,500 glowing jack o’ lanterns during this magical Halloween event. Celebrating the year colonists first came to Roanoke Island, Night of 1587 Pumpkins is an Outer Banks tradition you’ll love. Let the kids trick or treat through glowing paths and compete in fun contests, while you kick back with hot chocolate and fall-flavored confections. You can even contribute your own creation if you visit the gardens October 23rd and 24th and carve a free pumpkin!
Event Schedule
- 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM - Pumpkin drop off and Trick or Treating
- 6:30 PM – Contests Begin
- Costume Contest, Scream Contest, and Pumpkin Carving Contest
Event Details
- Dates: October 23–25, 2025
- Location: 1411 National Park Dr., Manteo, NC
- Tickets: Adults - $16 | Youth (3-17) - $11.60 | Dogs - $6.00 | Child (2 and under) – Free
- Highlights: Bonfires, s’mores kits, fall-themed treats, contest prizes
Dare to Scare 5K & Sweet Treat Fun Run
Dress up and dash through the streets of Manteo in this costumed 5K. Awards are given to the best runners and best costumes, and the Sweet Treat Fun Run ensures kids get their share of the action. This race adds a sporty spin to the lineup of Outer Banks Halloween events.
- Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM (5K), 9:00 AM (Fun Run)
- Location: Virginia S. Tillett Community Center, 950 Marshall C. Collins Dr., Manteo, NC
- Entry Fee: $45 in advance, $50 day-of
Creepy Escape Room: Rest In Peace Motel
Step inside a twisted motel where nothing is as it seems. This extreme escape room is designed for adults only, with truly terrifying twists and turns, and a 90-minute clock to make your escape. Not for the faint of heart, but perfect for those who want their OBX Halloween to feel like a real horror movie.
- Dates: Ongoing
- Location: OBX Escape Rooms, Nags Head, NC
- Cost: $50 per player
- Details: 4–10 players, 90 minutes, very hard difficulty
- Age Restrictions: Those under 16 should not participate
Plan Your Fall Getaway with Brindley Beach
Featured Property: HIS4, Moon Landing - Enjoy a relaxing hot tub soak after a day of Halloween fun
You’ve seen what fun you can have on the Outer Banks at Halloween, but the real treat for your family is where you stay. From Corolla to Hatteras Island, Brindley Beach’s collection of vacation homes puts you close to the action while giving you the comfort and space you need to truly unwind.
If you’re ready to trade crowded summer weeks for starlit fall nights and a cozy beach house to all your own, browse our OBX vacation rentals and secure your stay today. We can’t wait to welcome you!
See All Outer Banks Vacation Rentals
Frequently Asked Questions: Outer Banks Halloween
Is the Outer Banks good in October?
Yes! The crowds thin out, the weather is mild, and you’ll find a mix of fall festivals and Halloween events that perfectly complement your beach days. Plus, shoulder season prices mean you can usually book your stay for much lower than peak summer rates. If you’ve never been in the fall, October is one of the best months to experience all OBX, North Carolina, has to offer.
What should I wear to the Outer Banks in October?
Pack layers. Daytime temps are comfortable, but evenings can be chilly, especially if you’re out enjoying Halloween events. Bring a light jacket for nights and costumes that work in cooler air.
Is there a lot to do in the Outer Banks at Halloween?
Absolutely. From trunk or treat events and parades to haunted woods, escape rooms, and pumpkin festivals, there’s something for everyone all throughout the OBX.