Halloween weekend in Charlotte is shaping up to be a busy one. With neighborhood trick-or-treating, costume contests, fall festivals and family-friendly celebrations across the Queen City, there are plenty of reasons to get out before October ends.
Whether you're spending the weekend in South Charlotte, exploring Lake Norman or staying closer to Uptown, here are five Halloween events worth adding to your 2026 calendar.
1. Tricks and Treats at Carowinds
When: Saturdays and Sundays through November 1, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Carowinds, Charlotte, NC
Carowinds brings a lighter side of Halloween to the Charlotte area with Tricks and Treats, a daytime celebration designed for families with younger children.
Expect festive decorations, seasonal entertainment and appearances by the Peanuts characters in costume around Camp Snoopy. The event is included with regular park admission.
For older kids and teens looking for something scarier, SCarowinds offers a separate nighttime Halloween experience. The park does not recommend it for children under 13.
Explore the official Carowinds event calendar for admission information and schedules.
2. ACC and Friends Trunk or Treat in Pineville
When: Friday, October 23, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Subaru South Charlotte, Pineville
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control is putting a pet-friendly spin on Halloween with its ACC and Friends Trunk or Treat.
Families can enjoy decorated trunks, candy, food trucks and activities for children while meeting adoptable shelter dogs. It's an especially fun option for animal lovers in Pineville, Ballantyne and South Charlotte.
Admission is free, but organizers request advance registration. RSVP for ACC and Friends Trunk or Treat.
3. Halloween in Huntersville
When: Sunday, October 25, 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Huntersville Athletic Park
For families around Lake Norman, Halloween in Huntersville offers an afternoon of free seasonal entertainment without traveling into central Charlotte.
The celebration features trick-or-treat booths, live music, a costume contest and a Halloween drone show to close out the evening.
It's a convenient outing for residents of Huntersville, Cornelius and nearby North Charlotte neighborhoods.
Visit the Town of Huntersville's event page for details.
4. Candy Crawl and MonsterMarket Near NoDa
When: Friday, October 30, starting at 4 p.m.
Where: Urban District Market, Charlotte
Looking for something to do the night before Halloween? Candy Crawl and MonsterMarket combines trick-or-treating with an opportunity to explore local market vendors.
Children can collect candy while adults browse the market. Its location near North Davidson Street also makes it easy to extend the outing with dinner around NoDa.
This event requires tickets, so purchasing ahead is recommended.
View Candy Crawl and MonsterMarket tickets.
5. Halloween Night and Neighborhood Trick-or-Treating
When: Saturday, October 31
Where: Charlotte neighborhoods and surrounding communities
Sometimes the best Halloween plans are right outside your front door. Charlotte neighborhoods such as Dilworth, Plaza Midwood, Myers Park and Ballantyne offer different residential settings for traditional trick-or-treating.
With Halloween falling on a Saturday, families may want to prepare for busier sidewalks and an earlier start to evening activities. Individual neighborhoods and communities may have their own guidelines.
Bonus: Sweet Street Trunk-or-Treat in Kannapolis
For another organized Halloween option, Kannapolis is hosting Sweet Street Trunk-or-Treat at the North Carolina Research Campus on October 31, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Tips for Planning Halloween Weekend in Charlotte
- Book early: Ticketed events and popular time slots may fill up as Halloween approaches.
- Check the forecast: Late October evenings can feel noticeably cooler than daytime temperatures.
- Allow extra travel time: Expect heavier traffic around major attractions and busy neighborhood celebrations.
- Confirm event details: Schedules, admission requirements and weather-related changes can affect plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family-friendly Halloween events in Charlotte in 2026?
Tricks and Treats at Carowinds, Halloween in Huntersville and ACC and Friends Trunk or Treat are good options for families with younger children. Each offers a different experience, from amusement park entertainment to community trick-or-treating.
Are there free Halloween events near Charlotte?
Yes. Halloween in Huntersville and ACC and Friends Trunk or Treat are advertised as free events, although ACC requests advance registration. Neighborhood trick-or-treating is another option, subject to individual community guidelines.
When is trick-or-treating in Charlotte in 2026?
Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Many Charlotte-area neighborhoods traditionally celebrate on Halloween night, but exact start times and community rules can vary. Check with your neighborhood or HOA before making plans.
Explore Charlotte Beyond Halloween
One of the things that makes living in Charlotte appealing is the variety of neighborhood traditions, local events and activities throughout the year. From walkable streets in Dilworth to family-oriented communities around Lake Norman, each area offers its own experience.
Planning more outings around the Queen City? Explore these related Stone Realty Group guides:
Thinking About Making Charlotte Home?
From seasonal traditions to everyday conveniences, finding the right neighborhood means understanding how an area fits your lifestyle. At Stone Realty Group, we help buyers and sellers navigate Charlotte's neighborhoods with practical, local insight.
If you're considering a move, connect with Stone Realty Group to explore your options across Charlotte and the surrounding communities.
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