Cool breezes, glowing pumpkins, lively festivals, and playful scares make October in the Outer Banks a standout season. This guide rounds up the best Halloween events and fall activities so you can enjoy autumn on the coast in the most fun, colorful way.
October in the Outer Banks is a sweet spot in the year. The heat eases up, the breeze feels just right, and you can still stretch out on the sand without breaking a sweat. The beaches stay warm enough for long walks and lazy afternoons, and the crowds thin out to a level that feels almost custom-made for you.
On top of the beach time, the whole area leans into fall fun. Halloween pop-ups, pumpkin patches, spooky tours, and family-friendly festivals roll in across the islands. From the quiet roads of Currituck to the waterfront streets of Manteo, you'll find plenty of little adventures tucked into every corner.
Here's a little peek behind the scenes:
- Island Farm's Pumpkin Patch: Pumpkins, hayrides, animals, and hands-on activities.
- Grandy's Greenhouse & Market: Hayrides, pumpkin picking, and seasonal treats.
- Wicked Woods: A spooky walk through themed scenes tucked into a forest setting in East Lake.
- Backwoods Haunt: A suspense-filled Halloween trail with live actors, scare zones, and playful frights.
- Night of 1587 Pumpkins: Hundreds of carved pumpkins, costumes, and seasonal displays.
- Dare to Scare 5K & Fun Run: A cheerful Halloween run through Manteo's waterfront.
- OB-Xscape Rooms: A motel-themed escape room with creepy clues and fun puzzles.
- Outer Banks Ghost Tour: A guided evening stroll filled with legends, pirate tales, and historic twists.
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In this blog post, I've rounded up some of the most anticipated Halloween events and activities in the OBX so you can soak up the fall-season vibe in a delightful, vibrant, and slightly spooky way.
Let's dive right in!
1. Island Farm's Pumpkin Patch
Manteo — Pick a pumpkin, wander the grounds, and enjoy a mix of old-fashioned activities.
Island Farm in Manteo rolls into fall with a pumpkin patch that feels warm, lively, and full of simple fun. Every Saturday in October, the farm opens its gates for relaxed autumn afternoons where you can pick a pumpkin, wander the grounds, and enjoy a mix of old-fashioned activities. It's an easygoing event that blends a touch of history with seasonal charm, making it a great stop for families, couples, or anyone who wants a laid-back fall outing on Roanoke Island.
Highlights
- Pumpkin patch with plenty of sizes to choose from.
- Hayrides around the farm on crisp fall afternoons.
- Meet the farm's animals and learn about life on Roanoke Island in the 1800s.
- Corn husk doll making and other hands-on activities.
- Blacksmith demonstrations and interpreters in period clothing.
- Wide grassy areas are perfect for wandering, relaxing, or snapping photos.
- Easy access to the gift shop for local goods and small treats.
2. Grandy's Greenhouse & Market
Grandy — Hop onto an open trailer for a ride through cotton fields, sunflower patches, and pumpkin fields.
If you drove to the OBX before, you've probably cruised past Grandy's Greenhouse & Farmer's Market on your way to your accommodation and maybe even stopped in for fresh produce. The big green sign and striped awnings make it almost impossible to miss. In October, the whole place shifts into fall mode, and their hayrides steal the show. You hop onto an open trailer for a relaxed ride through cotton fields, sunflower patches, and straight to their pumpkin field, where you can hunt for your seasonal favorite. After the ride, you can build a scarecrow, sip some apple cider, and snag a small frozen yogurt as a sweet finish.
Highlights
- Big selection of pumpkins, gourds, mums, and seasonal plants.
- Fresh produce sourced from local farms.
- Homemade pies, jams, breads, and sweet treats.
- Photo spots with colorful fall displays.
- Easy stop for families heading toward Corolla, Duck, or Nags Head.
- Friendly staff who share tips on plants, produce, and seasonal goodies.
3. Wicked Woods
East Lake — Seasonal trail experience with jump scares, eerie sounds, and creative Halloween setups.
Wicked Woods in East Lake puts you right in the middle of a spooky forest adventure every fall. This seasonal trail experience leans into jump scares, eerie sounds, and creative Halloween setups that unfold as you walk through the woods. It's a fun option for anyone who enjoys a good scare mixed with the natural nighttime atmosphere of the OBX. The energy ramps up as you move deeper into the trail, and each turn has a new surprise waiting for you. It's a laid-back, seasonal outing that adds a playful jolt to any October visit.
Highlights
- A wooded walking trail filled with themed scenes and live characters.
- A mix of eerie lighting, sound effects, and props that keep you guessing.
- Local volunteers who help create new surprises every year.
- Family-friendly options on select nights for younger visitors.
- Easy parking and a straightforward entry point near the trailhead.
- A fun choice for fall evenings before heading to dinner or another Halloween stop.
4. Backwoods Haunt
Currituck — Walk deep in the dark woods with plenty of suspense, jump scares, and creative scenes.
This is a one-of-a-kind walk deep in the dark woods of Currituck, filled with live actors and multiple scare zones. Backwoods Haunt serves up a dose of Halloween fun with plenty of suspense, jump scares, and creative scenes tucked into a wooded trail. The setup changes each year, so you never know exactly what you'll run into as you move through the maze of props and characters. The atmosphere is always playful and spooky without going overboard, which makes it a great fall outing for families with older kids, groups of friends, or anyone who enjoys a good seasonal scare. It's a fun way to add a little adrenaline to your autumn trip to the OBX.
Highlights
- Wooded trail filled with themed scenes, eerie lighting, and surprising moments.
- Live actors who stay in character and add to the suspense.
- New twists and updated setups each season.
- Family-friendly, though best for teens and adults who enjoy a good scare.
- Easy access from the Currituck mainland for a quick fall outing.
5. NIGHT OF 1587 PUMPKINS
Manteo — Playful displays, trick-or-treating, and contests.
Night of 1587 Pumpkins at The Elizabethan Gardens transforms the grounds of this beloved OBX attraction into a glowing fall wonderland. The paths are filled with carved pumpkins, soft lights, and playful displays that fit the season perfectly. For the event, they light 1,587 jack-o'-lanterns in honor of the English colonists who arrived on Roanoke Island in 1587. There's also trick-or-treating and a few fun contests. Families, couples, and friends wander through the gardens at their own pace, taking in the colors and cooler evening air. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume.
Highlights
- Hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins light up the garden pathways.
- Seasonal displays inspired by the Lost Colony and local lore.
- Kid-friendly activities like costume strolls and themed photo spots.
- Live storytelling or music on select nights.
- Beautiful after-dark views of the historic gardens.
- A calm fall outing that works for everyone.
6. Dare to Scare 5k & Fun Run
Manteo — Show up in your Halloween costume and follow a course that winds through scenic streets and waterfront stretches.
Adding a playful twist to fall in the OBX, the Dare to Scare 5K & Fun Run invites runners of all ages to show up in their most creative Halloween costumes and follow a course that winds through scenic streets and waterfront stretches. The whole event has an upbeat community feel, and it's a lighthearted way to stay active.
Highlights
- Scenic route through Manteo's charming streets and waterfront areas.
- Kid-friendly atmosphere with plenty of cheerful runners and families.
- Great way to enjoy cooler fall weather while staying active.
- Organized by local groups that put real heart into the event.
Great Activities to Complement Your Halloween Thrills
7. OB-Xscape Rooms (Rest In Peace Motel)
The Rest In Peace Motel room at OB-Xscape Room in Southern Shores adds a fun jolt of Halloween energy to any fall visit. The theme leans into eerie motel vibes with clues tucked into every corner, and the whole challenge pulls you into a story that unfolds as you solve it. You and your group move through puzzles at a steady pace, trying to uncover what went wrong inside this not-so-normal roadside motel. It's a playful mix of mystery and light scares, perfect for anyone who wants a fall activity that's a little creepy and a lot of fun.
Highlights
- Immersive motel-themed escape room with a spooky storyline.
- Puzzles, clues, and hidden details that keep everyone guessing.
- A mix of mild scares and mystery that's great for groups.
- Creative set design that sets the tone right away.
- Suitable for families, friends, or couples who enjoy solving challenges together.
8. THE OUTER BANKS GHOST TOUR
Year-round, the Outer Banks Ghost Tour is a unique way to learn about some of the area's most legendary stories, but if you experience this amazing tour during Halloween, it feels even more special and fun. A local guide leads you through historic streets after dark and shares tales of pirates, shipwrecks, and long-standing mysteries. The walk is easy, the vibe is playful, and the storytelling keeps everyone entertained.
Highlights
- Guided evening walk through historic areas with plenty of personality.
- Stories of shipwrecks, pirates, hauntings, and local folklore.
- Family-friendly pacing and an easy route.
- Engaging guides who keep the storytelling fun and lively.
- A casual way to learn about Outer Banks legends without anything too intense.
- Great activity to pair with dinner in Manteo or a sunset stroll nearby.
Experience the best of the Outer Banks
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Our rentals range from oceanfront homes with stunning views to cozy cottages perfect for families or couples. Many properties include amenities like private pools, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring your stay is as relaxing as it is adventurous.
Booking with Village Realty means you can focus on enjoying everything this North Carolina treasure has to offer while resting easy in a home tailored to your needs. Start your journey by choosing the perfect rental for your outdoor getaway today!