haunted walking tour raleigh

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Ghost Tour in Raleigh, N.C

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Raleigh, N.C., has a long and storied history, and tales of haunted mansions, graveyards and old state buildings have flourished for decades. There are guided tours, such as those offered by Tobacco Road Tours , that will take you to the sites of some of the more notable ghost stories around town. You can always venture out on your own, if you dare, to see for yourself*.  

Mordecai House

Mordecai House, a two-story mansion located at Mordecai Historic Park , was built in 1785 by Joel Lane and was named for Moses Mordecai, who married Lane’s daughter, Margaret. Mary Willis Mordecai Turk, a descendant of Margaret and Moses, lived there during the 19th century. She enjoyed socializing, playing piano and showing off her magnificent house. The mansion is oldest house in Raleigh still on its original foundation and is nationally renowned for its paranormal activity. Visitors and workers have reported seeing a woman wearing a long black skirt, white blouse and a black tie moving quietly through the hallways. It has been rumored that she can sometimes be seen standing on the balcony if you pass by late at night. In recent years, visitors have recounted hearing a piano playing.  

Andrew Johnson Birthplace

Adjacent to the Mordecai Mansion is the ancestral home of the 17th U.S. president, Andrew Johnson , who took office following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The small house has only three windows–one beside the front door, one above and a tiny second-floor window on the side. Several realtors who have managed the property, as well as local neighbors, have reported seeing a lighted candle being held by an invisible hand in the first-floor window by the front door. Some have also said they have seen the candle reappear in the little window in the middle of the second floor, so quickly that there is no way a person could go up the stairs that fast to light another candle. The candle is then extinguished, as if with a snuffer.

Historic Oakwood Cemetery

In the northwest corner of the beautiful and Historic Oakwood Cemetery (pictured in header) lays a rather notable angel statue known as the “Guardian of Oakwood.” The stone angel can be seen from the fence on Watauga St. According to legend and locals, at midnight every Halloween, the angel’s head spins around 12 times then stops. There are some who claim that the angel appears to completely turn around, depending on your vantage point, as if to keep an eye on those watching her. It has also been reported that those visiting the cemetery at night could actually see her carved stone eyes following their movement.  

North Carolina Executive Mansion

The North Carolina Executive Mansion has had its share of ghostly activity. In the early 1970s, Governor Bob Scott replaced a bed that had belonged to a previous governor, Governor Daniel Fowle, dating back to 1891. Governor Scott replaced the large, carved antique bed with a modern king-sized bed. After moving the new bed into place, Governor Scott reported being awakened by loud banging on the other side of a wall where the old headboard had been. Historians informed him that Governor Fowle had died in the antique bed that he had moved. The banging continued for years, but the source was never identified. After Governor Scott left office, Governor Fowle’s bed was returned to its original location. The banging abruptly ceased, and has not returned since.

White-Holman House

Dating to 1799 and located on E. Morgan St., the White-Holman House , also known as Whitehall, is an original late Georgian/early Federal-style dwelling that was built for secretary of state William White. Residents and visitors have both recounted incidents of hearing the distinctive sound and rhythm of a “peg-legged ghost” walking up and down the back staircase of the house.  

North Carolina State Capitol

Built in 1840, North Carolina’s State Capitol building is one of the best preserved of all our nation's state capitols. The three-story Greek Revival structure, with granite halls and period-type furnishings, looks much like it did 160 years ago. Although the state's representatives have conducted their business in another building since 1961, it is suspected that some of the Capitol’s former inhabitants still putter around the old building. A night watchman, over a period of 15 years, often heard noises including screaming, doors slamming, books hitting the floor in the third-story library, breaking glass, the jingling of keys and footsteps on the stone floors. He also witnessed the manually-operated elevator go up and down by itself. In 1981, a building curator working late at night reported hearing sounds coming from the committee room off the senate chamber. He investigated, encountering an apparition in the doorway, which quickly dissolved.

Other ghostly inhabitations have been noted at Haywood Hall House and Gardens , City Cemetery and Moore Square , where a slate of gruesome acts are said to have occurred after the park was dedicated in the 1790s.  

*As always, no trespassing onto private or restricted properties as marked or after official hours, and always be respectful of historic landmarks and properties.

7 haunted ghost tours in Raleigh, NC

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City Cemetery | Photo via Raleigh City Cemeteries Preservation, Inc.

In the spirit of Halloween, we love a good spook. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 7 haunted tours in Raleigh that are sure to give you a good fright.

👻 Haunted History Walking Tour

• Date: Fri., Oct. 22, Fri., Oct. 29, Sun., Oct. 31, Fri., Nov. 26, and Saturdays from now through December
• Time: Various times
• Cost: Pay what you want
• On this tour, members will learn about the history and legacy of 4 different city landmarks and discuss Raleigh hauntings — aka: the perfect combination of haunts and history.

👻 Raleigh Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour

• Date: Every Friday-Sunday and Thurs., Oct. 28
• Whether you believe in ghosts or not , you’ll enjoy this 1.5 mile family-friendly walking tour. Tour goers will hear stories of the peg-legged ghost, sneak a peek of the Yarborough House ghosts, visit the Raleigh City Cemetery, and end the tour at Moore Square.

👻 Raleigh Pub Crawl & Haunted Adventure Tour

• Date: Every Friday + Saturday
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Explore the dark side of Raleigh while also exploring its various bars + pubs. On this walking tour, patrons will visit 3 bars and pubs while learning about the Capital City’s haunted past.

👻 2021 Dark Raleigh Walking Tour

• Date: Thu., Oct. 28-Fri., Oct. 29
• Time: 5:30-9:30 p.m.
• The Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum bring to life true death and crime stories in this interactive walking tour. Pro tip: The tour is recommended for ages 16 and older.

👻 Haunted Trolley

• Date: Fri., Oct. 22-Sat., Oct. 23 + Fri., Oct. 29-Sat., Oct. 30
• Time: 6:45-9:45 p.m.
• Hop on board the Haunted Trolley and discover history, mystery, and lore on this evening tour of Downtown Raleigh’s most haunted places.

👻 Capital City Haunted Stories

• Date: Fri., Oct 22-Sat., Oct. 23
• Join NC celebrity story teller JD Thomas as he guides groups through spooky Raleigh sights while telling “spine-tingling” stories. Pro tip: Wear good walking shoes.

👻 Raleigh’s Most Terrifying Ghosts, Spirits, and Haunts

• Date: Year round
• This self-guided tour shares the locations and lore associated with notorious Raleigh ghosts, as well as their burial places.

Looking for more chills + thrills? Check out our story on local ghost stories to learn about the spirits that haunt the NC State Capitol Building and the Historic Oakwood Cemetery — or learn more about statewide haunted spots here .

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Welcome to raleigh's #1 rated ghost tour.

Lost colonies and lost battles still torment North Carolina’s capital city. Descend deep into the darkness to unveil the darker side of Raleigh.

Join a Raleigh ghost tour to discover the lost colony of Sir Water Raleigh and why some of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles are just a few of the reasons this city is one of the most haunted spots in the south.

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Welcome to Raleigh Ghosts

Join Raleigh Ghosts to reveal the hauntings that make this east coast tech corridor and research triangle more closely resemble The Bermuda Triangle.

Bone-chilling Battle Cries and Civil War Disaster

From ghostly drinking buddies to a vengeful governor, North Carolina’s capital city has plenty of haunted secrets waiting to be heard. Raleigh is a one-stop shop for visitors who crave vibrant culture and a good time, but for those who seek a more sinister nightlife hiding in the shadows of Oak City don’t have to look far to reveal a frightening underbelly with roots tracing back to the Revolutionary War.

Chock-full with years of a composite and gruesome history, Raleigh is one of the oldest and most haunted cities in the US. From ghosts of Civil War veterans to dirty politicians, the action that once grazed these streets may appear subdued until the grisly truth of this war-torn city becomes evident the deeper you go.

Take a ghost tour with Raleigh Ghosts and hear authentic accounts of the city’s most prolific ghosts and hauntings to discover historical evidence behind its most notorious locations, also known to be sites brimming with ghostly activity and unexplained encounters.

With underground tunnels that provided an escape route in the Civil War, the State Capitol building holds an incredibly dark history that you will soon uncover. Rolling barrels can still be heard bouncing along the old city streets, echoes of past politicians smuggling in whiskey at all hours of the night. Chills will run down your spine keeping your eyes as wide as they’ll go when you see the glimmer of brass buttons from Confederate jackets still shimmering in the windows as sharpshooters still take refuge from a battle long past.

Why is Raleigh So Haunted?

Caught up in political unrest during antebellum years and heated debates about whether North Carolina should secede from the union, the people of Raleigh had some things to settle. The state was even nicknamed “The Old North State” because of its split sentiments before eventually seceding from the Union.  Brothers stared each other down on opposite sides of the battlefield, uncles were ordered to shoot at their nephews, and families were torn apart just as violently as the state itself. After centuries of bloodshed, epidemics, and fatal deaths in almost every scenarios imaginable, the land became populated by more than just the living as the dead returned to haunt and dwell in this beautiful City of Oaks.

Raleigh Ghosts lays it all bare with true stories on this authentic yet terrifying ghost tou. Hear tale after tale of tragedy that gave birth to the ghosts of Raleigh, from a young joyous girl with her whole life ahead of her… who suffered a tragic, fatal accident to a crochety old woman whose cries still echo of her loneliness. The locals of the city are no strangers to activity beyond the grave that continues to reach out to them each and every night.

Dark Secrets and Darker Deaths

North Carolina was the last state to secede from the union, and the citizens of the Tarheel State had plenty of opinions about it. As the state’s capital, Raleigh was the epicenter for not only opinions, but emotions surrounding the decisions regarding the Civil War. From troops passing through our streets, to the death of soldiers, the city saw quite a bit of unrest before, after, and during the war.

From union troops hiding out downtown to the smuggling of liquor under hidden underground tunnels during prohibition, Raleigh has had its fair share of sordid stories. We will explore the reason for politicians choosing Raleigh as the capital of the state and the story behind the legendary “Cherry Bounce” cocktail that played a role in that decision.

While most people enjoy the pastime of watching sports together, in the 1800s, the “sport” that drew the biggest crowd of spectators occurred right downtown Raleigh in Moore Square. That sport was none other than a good old-fashioned public execution. On Fridays, in the British Tradition, hangings would occur, drawing crowds of up to 30,000. With that many people viewing your death, you just might have some unfinished business to deal with in the afterlife.

* This is a walking tour and we do not enter privately-owned buildings or private property *

Preview The Most Haunted Locations In Raleigh

Heck-andrews house.

The Heck-Andrews House is one of Raleigh’s most haunted homes, inhabited by an entity that’s become a permanent fixture.  This is a house surrounded by mystery, including even simple facts, such as no one knowing the exact date that it was built. Who lived here? Who died here? We’ll cover all of this and some theories on our Raleigh Ghosts tour.

North Carolina State Capitol Building

A paranormal hot-spot, the State Capitol is a host to a myriad of ghosts. From destruction by fire of the original building, to heated riots, to Civil War history, this building is teeming with restless souls. Discover these hallowed grounds as we explore the history of the building, and find out the secrets beyond the granite exterior.

The Executive Mansion

Are there dark secrets beyond the opulent exterior of this grand mansion? Do former governors come back to pay a visit to the current residents? What are the strange noises that happen at night? Learn the answer to these questions and more on our tour.

6 Reasons Why You Have To Take This Tour

You want to experience a ghost sighting.

If you’ve always wanted to be part of a ghost-hunting team, now’s your chance! Whether you’re a certified ghostbuster or a curious skeptic, you’ll leave our tour with all of the most bone-chilling and recent evidence of paranormal activity in Raleigh. Of course, we can’t guarantee that the spirits will choose to interact with us, but we’ve had guests spot oddities while reviewing their tour photos, so make sure to bring a camera!

You want to learn more about Raleigh!

Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Oak City, or just passing through on vacation, a Ghost tour is the perfect way to learn about Raleigh’s unique history. Intertwined with fascinating, true stories, this tour shines light on a history that you may not find in history books. Looking for a way to learn local history without boring yourself to the grave? You’ll come for the ghosts and stay for the secrets, mysteries, and murders strewn throughout Raleigh’s history.

You’re looking for a cool nighttime activity!

If you’ve hit up all the best restaurants and bars Raleigh has to offer, you’re probably ready for something different. Something adventurous. Maybe something even spooky. This tour is the perfect evening activity to do with friends that will send chills down your spine, and not just because the sun went to sleep. This experience beats other tours in the fact it won’t disrupt your daytime plans, but will give you an encounter you will never forget.

You want an unforgettable party, work event, or family outing!

Raleigh Ghosts offers customizable group tours to anyone looking for the perfect way to bond with family, friends, or coworkers! From kids’ birthday parties to professional team-building, we’ll work with you to tailor the tour to your specific needs. Do you want to focus on a certain era of history or spot in town? Is there a true crime lover in the group who wants to hear all of the grizzly details of Raleigh’s most famous crimes? Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll craft an unforgettable experience they’re sure to remember!

You don’t like conventional tours!

We get it. No one wants to trudge from stop to stop listening to a guide rattle off the same boring script they’ve recited dozens of times. That’s why we’ve crafted an engaging, interesting, and downright thrilling experience that’s different for every group! We’ve chosen unique, off-the-beaten-path locations with stories that even some of the locals don’t know — or maybe wish they didn’t know. Combine that with the fact that we visit the most paranormally-active spots in the area and you’re in for a very unconventional experience indeed!

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Tobacco Road Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Haunted History Tour

Date and time for this past event.

• Saturday, Jan 20, 2024    4pm-5:15pm

Raleigh Walking Tours

This tour is pay-what-you-want, and advance registration through Eventbrite is REQUIRED. Please click the link in this listing to sign up!

Get ready to uncover the dark secrets and ghostly tales that lurk within the city of Raleigh's historic streets! Your tour guide will lead you to some of the most haunted places in Raleigh, including the Governor's Mansion and the State Capitol Building. You will hear stories of paranormal encounters and unexplained phenomena. Brace yourself for a chilling journey into the unknown!

This walking tour is not your typical “ghost tour” with special effects, and we will not be looking for ghosts. Instead, it is a historical tour that discusses some alleged hauntings resulting from past events.

Raleigh Ghosts

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About the Business

US Ghost Adventures is the leading provider of haunted ghost tours in America — we even own some of the most haunted properties in America, like the Lizzie Borden House! Every tour is hosted by an experienced, knowledgeable local guide. You’ll hear firsthand accounts from people who have witnessed the unexplained — sometimes even a guest’s eerie encounter or the guide’s own!   US Ghost Adventures offers an authentic experience that strives to make sense of the unexplainable. Our ghost tours are based on real-world portrayals of hauntings and well-documented history. …

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I took the tour last night and had a amazing guide who was very insterested in telling the stories.

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Jan 4, 2024

Michael, thanks for this 5-star review. We're glad you enjoyed your tour!

One of the best Raleigh walking tours we have been on. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the city and it's haunted sites. I would recommend purchasing the extended tour as it includes even more haunts.

See all photos from Jennifer P. for Raleigh Ghosts

We're glad you enjoyed your tour, Jennifer! Thanks for sharing these great photos.

Taking this tour is one of the first things we did after arriving in Raleigh. Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of great historical information about the city as well as current. We had a very small group which made it a great experience. This tour is not designed to scare your pants off, but rather give you a glimpse into the creepy and intriguing. We weren't fortunate to experience any sightings on our tour, but I did experience full body goosebumps at one stop! I won't tell you which one ; )

We're so glad to hear this. Thank you for joining us for a tour, Jennifer! We hope to have you on another tour with US Ghost Adventures in the next city you visit.

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Raleigh Walking Tours, LLC

Next Public Walking Tours in Raleigh :  Sat. Apr. 13th @ 11:00 am (Part II Murals tour); 1:30 pm (True Crime & Curious Tales tour) & 3:30 pm (Sip n' Stroll Public Art tour)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS :   Celebrate Mother's Day weekend by joining me for the Raleigh Women's History tour or the Spring Oakwood tour!  Tour dates are limited, so don't miss out!  For the Women's History tour, sign up HERE !  For the Spring Oakwood tour, please click HERE !  

Also, Sip n' Stroll Public Art tours are now available!  Sign up HERE ! 

Want to take a public walking tour?

You name the price for all public tours! You will be immersed in the history and culture of Raleigh as I share my passion for this city with you. Choose from a variety of unique and entertaining walking tour experiences. 

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Haunted History

On this ghost tour, y ou will see some of the most haunted places in Raleigh.  Your guide will regale you with an eerie story at each stop. Brace yourself for a chilling journey into the unknown!  

Book The Haunted History Tour

True Crimes & Curious Tales

Murder, mayhem, and other strange happenings! Journey back in time to Raleigh’s most interesting true crime stories and other quirky tales. 

Book The True Crime & Curious Tales Tour!

Original Raleigh Murals

Some of Raleigh’s best art is found off the beaten path. Join us to view vibrant and creative murals, learn about the artists and their inspiration, and see other cool public art. Bring your camera!

Book The Original Raleigh Murals Tour

Raleigh Murals , Part 2

Did you love the Original Raleigh Murals Tour? Join us for part 2 to see even more amazing artwork, and capture some great photo opportunities.

Book Part II: Raleigh Murals Tour

Public tours are not available every weekend, so make sure you check out our calendar! Most public walking tours last between 1 hour and 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

Private, fixed price tours are also available .

Do you want to display your enthusiasm for Raleigh Walking Tours?  Then be sure to check out our line of merchandise on Zazzle! 

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"Had a friend in from out of town, and this looked fun. It totally delivered. 100% recommend one of these tours if you are local or from out of town. Tricia was fun, informative and really great to work with. I will definitely be doing another tour! " - Google review from Lauren Gaspar

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The Ultimate Guide to Halloween Events in Raleigh & the Triangle (2023)

Is there a holiday that’s more fun than Halloween? I think not. I thought it was a bit silly until we lived in the USA, went to our first Halloween house party, and experienced the fun of dressing up in costume and partying with friends. 

I was shocked at the lengths people went to, not just with their costumes, but decorating their homes with garden cemeteries, spooky light shows, and haunted mazes. 

And then our kids came along, and we experienced the joy of trick or treating. You spend your years warning your children to never accept candy from strangers (because that’s how the baddies trap you) and then for one night of the year you encourage them to knock on strange doors and collect bags full. 

Halloween is one crazy holiday and this year in Raleigh is shaping up to be spooktacular!

After researching for this guide on Halloween in Raleigh and the Triangle, I’ve realized just how many more things there are to do during Halloween. Thankfully many of these haunted houses and attractions start and finish way before and beyond October 31, 2023

Don’t tire yourself out searching for “Halloween events near” me on your phone, let us save you the time with this Halloween guide!

I’m breaking this guide down into categories including Halloween Festivals and events, Haunted Houses and Farms, Ghost tours, Halloween for kids in Raleigh, and adults only Halloween things to do across Wake County, the Triangle, and up to a 90-minute drive away.

Please leave your suggestions in the comments section at the bottom of this post if we have missed any fun events you know of?

Zombiepalooza, Cary

Haunted trolley tour, 2023 halloween boo bash, granville haunt farm drive thru, boo-ze halloween wine walk, halloween festivals & events, raleigh halloween house.

• Where:  504 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh
• When: approximately 1 week before Halloween.

One of the best things to do for Halloween in Raleigh is visit the legendary Halloween House in Historic Oakwood, famous for its elaborate and spooky Halloween decorations including a lawn full of zombies and skeletons.

It’s our Halloween tradition to visit every year and see what is new. We are always wowed at the amount of detail and work that goes into it. This Raleigh Halloween attraction is kid friendly. Our girls love it, but use discretion based upon your child’s age and personality.

NOTE: the decorations at this house usually start to come out approximately one week before Halloween and are added over time. I would wait until a few days before Halloween to see the full display, or even go on Halloween night for the full effect.

Watch our video below of the Raleigh Halloween House from 2021. You can see our Reel of the House for 2022 .

And another video of a Halloween House around the corner in Oakwood on Elm Street.

Carolina Ballet presents Dracula

• Where:  Memorial Auditorium at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
• Various Times
• Tickets:  

What better way to enjoy Halloween than with a performance of Dracula and The Red Death from the Carolina Ballet. This hauntingly theatrical and seductively beautiful interpretation of Mary Shelley’s story is true to the original novel in that the creature longs to be loved by his creator, Victor Frankenstein.

Clayton Harvest Festival

• Where: 310 E Main ST Clayton
• When: Oct 26-29, 2023

Enjoy thrilling Midway Carnival Rides and Games, delicious food from food trucks, and craft beer. Family Night will bring joy to all with a Kid’s Trunk-or-Treat event and a movie night.

Scare-olina Skies

• Where: Morehead Planetarium Science Center, Chapel Hill
• Sat Oct 28; 5-6pm Family friendly version
• Sun Oct 19, 6pm – 7pm Adults and teens

Carolina Skies: Scare-olina Skies edition is a Halloween-themed version of Morehead’s classic star show. Come learn about stars, constellations and celestial events through legends from ancient cultures, featuring monsters, mayhem and madness!

Oakwood Cemetery Series: Burning Coal Theater Company

• Where: Oakwood Cemetery
• When:  September 29 – 30, 2023 at 6:30 pm and October 1 st , 2023 at 2 pm
• Cost: $20 adults | $10 students
• Website:  

What a fantastic way to get to know the history and haunting tales of Raleigh in its most historic cemetery.

Every October, Burning Coal Theatre partners with the historic Oakwood Cemetery to present a series of short plays based on the lives of people buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, their partners, neighbors, associates and nemeses’. These short plays are written from Triangle playwrights. 

Movies on the Lawn: Halloween Double Feature

• Where: Flowers Field, Dorothea Dix Park
• When:  October 28 2023 6-11pm

There is so much to love about this ScreamFest in Dorothea Dix Park. Two classics back-to-back: Casper (7pm) followed by US (8:30pm). Come dressed in your favorite costume. There is a parade and prizes starting at 6pm. Food trucks on site and you can BYO.

• Where:  Cary Theater, Downtown Cary
• When: October 20,2023, 7pm
• Website:  www.thecarytheater.com/zombiepalooza

We were quite surprised by the dedicated turn out for Zombiepalooza when we visited pre-COVID. 

The Cary Theater hosts a free event showcasing locally created zombie short films on a huge outdoor screen. Plenty of people dressed in their best zombie gear! This is a FREE family-friendly event.

Raleigh Ghost Tours, 2023

While you can join most of these Raleigh ghost tours at any time of the year, why not add extra sprinkles to your tingles by doing it for Halloween.

Raleigh Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour

• Where: Downtown Raleigh, NC
• When: Fri-Sun, 7:30pm
• Cost: $15 child (8-14)   $18 adult
• Website: Tobacco Road Tours

Let’s forget the fake zombies and ghouls, let’s bring Halloween to the REAL life. 

The 90-minute family friendly Raleigh Ghost Walk combines local ghost stories, folklore and history from the 1700’s through the 20th century. You’ll visit four different Ghost & Paranormal sites. It’s entertaining and educational at the same time.

Ghosts and Dark History Guided Night Walking Tour

• Where: Downtown Raleigh
• When: Daily 8pm
• Reserve your spot

Prepare to be spooked outside some of the most haunted locations in Raleigh on a ghost walking tour. Journey to eight sites that cast a shadow over the city’s history, including the Heck-Andrews House. 

Choose to extend your ghost hunt with the 1.5-hour tour which takes you to four additional locations downtown. Step into history at Isaac Hunter’s Tavern and uncover more terrifying tales of the past.

Self-Guided Ghost Hunt

• When: your own time
• Website: Built story

Here’s a Halloween idea to do yourself at a time that suits you. Purchase the ghost hunt tour and stories via the Built Story app . 

Follow the app to explore 20 locations and listen to the haunted stories and legends connected to these notorious haunts and the City of Oaks former citizens. Sites are mostly located in downtown Raleigh and N.C. State University. You will need a car for this Raleigh ghost hunt. Suitable for elementary ages and above.

Haunted History Walking Tour

• Where: Starts Governor’s Mansion 200 Blount St.
• Fri, 7-8:30pm
• Sat, 5-6:30pm
• Sat, Oct 28 Sat, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
• Cost: Pay what you want (suggested donations $15-$20 per adult)
• Book tickets in advance

This 90-minute guided walking tour will take you to four city landmarks where you’ll hear eerie tales and stories of the history and legacy of the Raleigh landmarks. 

This is a history tour sharing real haunting tales from past events. You’re not ghost hunting, but that’s not to say you won’t see one! Kid-friendly but does depend on your child’s sensitivity!

Spirits of Wake Forest:

• Where: Downtown Wake Forest
• Thursdays and Fridays – 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Saturdays – 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.

Downtown Wake Forest’s buildings and sidewalks have seen well over 100 years of history, and they have some eerie stories to tell. Join WFD, Inc. and FTC’s incredible cast of storytellers to learn about the restless spirits that make up just a small piece of downtown’s haunted history.

Ghostly Legends at the Old Hotel

• Where: Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Cary
• When: Sat Oct 28, 2023 6:30pm & 8:30pm
• Cost: $18.65
• Tickets : Age 12 and up

Ghostly legends and haunted tales with a bit of mystery are brought to you through a medium’s special connection with the world beyond. Feel the presence of the past at Cary’s old hotel with the help of Cary Players. 

• Where: Mordecai Historic Park
• When: Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28; 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
• Website : Recommended 6+

Raleigh’s ghostly residents are eager to greet you onboard the Raleigh historic trolley. Discover history, mystery and lore with your ghost host on the Haunted Trolley, if you dare, for a special late-night tour of downtown Raleigh’s most haunted places.

Kid-Friendly Halloween Experiences in Raleigh for 2023

While some of the other Triangle Halloween experiences we’ve mentioned may be for kids (depending on age and personality), you can be assured that the below suggestions are family-friendly Halloween events for all ages, but probably more geared to younger kids. 

Kooky Spooky, Marbles Kids Museum

• Where: Marbles Kids Museum
• When: Oct, 27, 2023, 6-8:30pm
• Cost: $18 for members / $20 for non-members
• Website: 

Fans of Marbles Kids Museum will love having a spooktacular Halloween after dark with a Monster Mash Dance Party, a Mad Scientist lab and more. Come in costume!

Track or Treat Halloween Express Train Ride

• Where: New Hope Valley Railway / North Carolina Railway Museum (NCRM)
• When: Oct 14, 21,

What kid wouldn’t want to ride on a train with scenes of flying witches, smoking cauldrons, Count Dracula and other friendly creatures. You can also search for 13 hidden mummies along the train tracks. 

The vintage New Hope Valley Railway travels along 4 miles of historic woods from Bonsal to New Hill and back. The journey takes about an hour, and you can bring food and drink. Train lovers will also enjoy the model railroads and artifacts located onsite at the open-air North Carolina Railway Museum.

The Great Pumpkin Carve

• Where : Downtown Cary
• When: Saty Oct 28, 2-8pm
• Cost: Pumpkin!

Pick out the perfect pumpkin at the patch and carve it or try out one of their new water-marbling pumpkins. There’ll also be hourly story time from the Downtown Wake County Library, fun art activities, and more. Stay for family-friendly Halloween specials shown outdoors, including “It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.”

Pumpkin Flotilla, Bond Lake, Cary

• Where:  Bond Lake, Cary
• Time:  Oct 27, 2023 4-7 pm
• Cost:  Free
• Website:  https://www.townofcary.org

Each October, pumpkins set sail across picturesque Bond Park Lake at twilight accompanied by local music, snacks, and Halloween activities!

Floats are limited and first come first served. If you want to show off your carved pumpkin, drop it off at the Bond Park boathouse in the days leading up to the event. If you miss the flotilla evening, the pumpkins are typically left on the lake and they relight them for the next couple of nights.

Scarecrow Festival

• Where: Pullen Park
• When: Sat Oct 7, 2023; 3-6pm

Bring old clothes, some props, and the family to build your own scarecrow. Twie, straw and a structure will be provided, and there will be fall stories and activities.

Gabi’s Ghostly Gala

• Where: Whitaker and Atlantic 1053 East Whitaker Mill Road #STE 111 Raleigh, NC 27604
• When: Friday, October 13 2023 | 7p.m. – 10.p.m.
• Cost: $50 – $150
• Tickets 

A fun night of dancing, music, food, drinks, and a silent auction. All money raised will go to grow the team at Gabi’s, who employs people with special abilities. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine included with the ticket. Masquerade mask and costumes optional-there will be a costume contest.

Halloween Spooktacular – NC Symphony

• Where: Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts
• When: Friday, October 28, 2023 | 1 & 4 pm

Happy Halloween! Enjoy frightful fun from the movies, including music from E.T., Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, and more! Plus a costume contest!

Spellbound at Mordecai

• When: Sat, October 28, 202310am-3pm

Encounter mysterious creatures and amazing magicians, have your fortune told, create spooky crafts, and decorate a pumpkin to take home for All Hallow’s Eve. Don’t forget your costumes!

• Where: E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road
• When: Thurs, Oct 26, 2023 4:30pm-7pm

The Halloween Boo Bash presented by Capital Chevrolet is a free, family-oriented festival for children ages 12 and younger.

This year’s festivities will include balloon animals, inflatable slides, and a variety of other ghostly games and activities. Small pumpkins will be available to the first 300 children. Costumes are optional, but best costumes may be featured on the Town website and social media pages.

Haunted Homes, Farms + Hair Raising Attractions, 2023

Some of the most popular things to do for Halloween is to scare yourself witless at any of the elaborate haunted houses and fear farms throughout Wake County and our neighboring counties. 

You’d be dead wrong if you didn’t think these were worth the drive! I’ve chosen hair raising attractions that won’t take you much longer than an hour to get to.

Edward’s Battle Haunted House

• Where: 9401 S. Mere Street, Raleigh
• When: Not yet announced
• Cost: Donation

Edward’s Battle Haunted House was created by a Raleigh family for their son who was battling cancer. The walk through Haunted House is filled with ghosts, goblins, vampires and other ghouls. 

Donations are accepted and benefit Give Kids the World and there is a special Blood Drive connection on Oct 29. Starve the vampires!

Phillips Farm Haunted Farm

• Where: 6701 Good Hope Church Road, Cary, NC
• When:  Friday 9/29 – Oct 29 Various times
• Cost: $25 cash ($27 CC) per person
• Not recommended for 12 and under

Not only does Philips Farm in Cary have one of the biggest and most popular Fall farm experiences in Wake County, they also take it to another level at night with their Haunted Farm.

The four scary attractions include live actors, flashing lights, sudden scares, dark spaces and sound effects. You’ll be daring to live through

• The Field of Lost Souls
• The Rebellion Trail
• Big Top Terror
• The Gore House

Clayton Fear Factory

• Where: 1620 Loop Road, Clayton
• When: Oct 6 – 31, 2023; 7pm..-10p.m.
• Cost:  $25
• Website: https://claytonfearfarm.com/

The most legendary Halloween attraction in Johnston County is the Clayton Fear Farm. Get ready to run, crawl, get through tight spaces in complete darkness.

Creatures of the night haunt the Slaughterhouse, Farmhouse, Fear Forest, Haunted Hayride, Fear Farm Academy and Black Hole attractions. Online ticket purchase required.

This haunted Halloween scream park is on the Boyette Family farm in Clayton, just a 30-minute drive from downtown Raleigh .

We loved their Fall Farm experience, which is sadly no longer running. Here are other 17 pumpkin patches and corn mazes near Raleigh to experience in the Fall.

Darkside Haunted Estates

• Where: 11959 NC-222, Middlesex, NC 27557 (40 mins – 1 hour)
• When:   every Friday & Saturday from September 22nd through November 4th, as well as Halloween night 10/31, from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm
• Cost:  $22+

From the ¼ mile haunted walking trail to the Mayhem Hayride through the backwoods, this Screamfest is filled  with dynamic special effects in every haunted attraction at Darkside Haunted Estates.

Newest attractions include the Insane Asylum, JoJo’s Clown Town, the Slaughterhouse, the BUNDIE Hotel, the S. S. Sea Hag and RottenKorr Cemetery!

Haunted Forest Panic Point

• Where: 2808 Cedar Creek Rd, Youngsville, NC 27596 (about an hour)
• When: Sep 16 – Nov 4 Open on Halloween night
• Cost: $20 – $75 (prices change for different nights and experiences)

Are you ready for North Carolina’s most haunted house? That’s what the ratings say anyway. And Kalyra and I went last year with one of her friends. It was loads of fun and got a few screams out of me!

There are five haunted attractions and 38 unique scenes at the Haunted Forest Panic Point. The featured attraction is the half-mile “Haunted Forest” Trail with over 30 haunters hounding your every step. (wear sturdy shoes, you’ll be on an uneven trail)

You’ll have a good two hours wandering through woods with murderers, spiders and aliens, and getting chased by bootleggers and insane creatures. 

Not for children under 8 and then only daredevils with an adult for ages 9-12. Everything is designed to scare the crap out of you so be warned. There will also be bonfires, food and music.

This is their lucky 13th season. You will have to go on Friday Oct, 13 – I dare you!

• Where: 4534 US-15, Oxford, NC 27565 (about an hour from Raleigh)
• When:  Oct 6- 31, 2023 Every Friday and Saturday, Sunset to various
• Cost:  $10+ depending on how passengers
• Website: https://www.granvillehauntfarm.com/tickets.html

Here is a unique Halloween experience about an hour from Raleigh. The Granville Haunt Farm Drive-Thru is an expedition through your favorite scary movies. 

Drive through their giant movie screen and watch your favorite horror movie monsters come to life in their natural habitat. This unique haunt experience is fun for all ages.

Adults Only Halloween Fun 2023

Check out breweries and bars near you for their fun Halloween party events. There will be many happening across the month of October.

Official Halloween Bar Crawl in Raleigh

• Where: Glenwood Ave
• When: Oct 21; 27, 28,
• E vent Registration

Bring your best costume to this Halloween Bar Crawl party in Downtown Raleigh.

Ticket includes cover-free, full access to all of the top-rated venues in Raleigh while dancing to the hottest local DJs, enjoying discounted themed food specials at 5+ venues with 100’s of people, and following an easy-to-navigate digital bar list.

2023 Raleigh Zombie Walk

• Where: Moore Sqare, Raleigh
• When: October 21, 2023; 7pm
• Facebook page

Zombies Unit for a mile long trek in downtown Raleigh terrifying its residents. Dress up and drag, limp or shamble through the city in character as the undead.

Night of the Living Dead Prom

• Where: Boxcar Bar + Arcade
• When: Friday, October 13th 9pm – 3am

Dress to impress in your deadliest prom attire and join Boxcar’s “Night of the Living Dead Prom” Party!

Dance all night to the sounds of DJ Handsome Robb, sip on ghoulish cocktails and spooky-inspired spirits. Score 4 free game tokens at the door for dressing in theme!

• Where: Village District
• When: Friday, Oct 13, 2023; 6-8pm

Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume for shopping, trunk-or-treating, scary good deals, a DJ and wine!

Comment: What Halloween attraction are you most looking forward to? What Halloween event in Raleigh or nearby did we miss? Share below and why you love it.

OTHER POSTS FOR FALL IN RALEIGH

• 17 Pumpkin Patches and corn mazes near Raleigh
• 27 of the Best Fall festivals and events in Raleigh
• A guide to the NC State Fair
• Things to do in Raleigh in the Fall
• Where to see the Fall Foliage in Raleigh

About The Author

Caroline Makepeace

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