A little fright, a lot of fun, and plenty of spirits to lift yours are in the mix this spooky season in Chapel Hill & Orange County, NC
From spine-tingling ghost tours, creepy movie marathons, or just a cozy night sipping something spirited by the fire, there’s no shortage of otherworldly happenings around town. From haunted farms and mysterious murder mysteries (with goats, no less) to mixology classes and moonlit walks listening to local lore, the season’s best haunts are waiting for you.
Spooky haunts
From a happy frolicking scene to spooky eeriness, Spring Haven Farm transforms for a night of mystery on October 11. Add this adults-only whodunit to your Halloween bucket list! You’ll mingle with mischievous goats, toast s’mores by the firepits, sip local beer and mead, and grab some delicious eats from the Salt & Pepper food truck all while uncovering clues, confronting secrets and work to solve the mystery before time runs out. Murder & Mystery Night with Goats runs 8–11 p.m. If you’re craving even more thrills, come back on October 18 for Boos & Brews—a 21+ spooktacular evening with live music, local beer and cider, a costume contest, and, of course, baby goats! Check out all the details on Spring Haven Farm’s website.
For the horror lovers out there—mark your calendar for Friday, October 24, when The Chelsea Theater hosts its 3rd Annual Halloween Horror marathon. From 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., you’ll be glued to the screen with back-to-back classics: Frankenstein, Pulse, and Häxan. Enjoy live music, trivia, and a costume contest that’s sure to draw some creepy creativity. Check out their website for details
Every Halloween, Morehead Planetarium turns its beloved *Carolina Skies* show into something delightfully dark: Scare-olina Skies! This special Adult & Teen edition is full of monsters, mayhem, and cosmic madness. Catch one of the two showings on Friday, October 31, at 4:30 or 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available through their website.
Whispers from beyond
Step back in time with Ghost Host Enoch Pugh—who’s been dead for 254 years—and take part in the Original Historic Ghost Tour in Hillsborough. You’ll explore three haunted houses, visit two cemeteries, and even stop by an execution site, all while learning about eerie local legends and centuries-old history. Check the Haunted Hillsborough Tours website for dates and times.
The historic Hughes Academy is the stage for chilling tales told by some of Hillsborough's most famous spirits. For one eerie night, Oct 18, haunting histories will come to life before your very eyes. And if you dare, take a moonlit stroll among the graves of St. Matthews Church and a chance meeting with spirits that roam the grounds. Details for The Haunting Hour can be found on the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough's website.
If you’re in Chapel Hill, don’t miss the Chapel Hill Ghost Walk. This guided tour dives deep into the town’s ghostly lore—tragic duels, mysterious figures, and mischievous spirits who still linger among us. Tours run Saturdays from 8–9 p.m. Find more details and other Chapel Hill tours on their website.
Sip something spell binding
Raise your glass to the season at Little Gem Bar, Chapel Hill’s cozy new neighborhood spot. They’re offering monthly mixology classes, and this month’s theme is as mystical as it gets: Eldritch Wizardry with Absinthe Cocktails. Perfect for your inner alchemist! The class is Tuesday, October 21, from 6:30–8:30 p.m., limited to just 16 spots—so grab your ticket fast via this link.
For another spirited experience, join Six of Cups + Yonder Bar in Hillsborough on October 26 at 4 p.m. for The Herbal Apothecary: Cocktails & Botanical Lore. Tickets (available on their website) are $45 and include three drinks and a seed packet. Expect folklore and the medicinal background behind the ingredients + delightful concocted potions.
Jujube Restaurant, Sophie Barrett and Haw River Wine Man present Fates & Fortunes Wine Dinner. Join them for an evening of bewitching wines and courses made for the season! October 28th at 6pm. Make your reservation today on their website Jujube Restaurant
For Halloween themed family - friendly events and community events held by the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Orange County, check out our calendar of events for October
