With three weeks left until Halloween, the biggest seasonal events at US theme parks are still running and well worth the ticket price for visitors who want something more immersive than a costume party. Here is where to go, what to expect, and what to keep in mind if you are booking last-minute.
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights
Universal runs two simultaneous Halloween Horror Nights events - one at Universal Studios Hollywood and one at Universal Studios Orlando - and both run through Saturday 1 November 2026.
Universal Orlando’s event is the larger of the two, featuring around 10 original horror houses built around both original IP and licensed properties, plus scare zones spread across the park and live entertainment. The event runs on selected nights only; check the Universal calendar before you visit as some dates in late October sell out a week or more in advance. Single-night tickets start from approximately $75, though bundled hotel packages are significantly better value if you are already staying on-resort.
Universal Hollywood runs a smaller but still substantial version of the event at its studio park. Houses are typically themed around recent horror films and Universal Monsters. The event runs Thursday through Sunday in the final two weeks of October, with additional nights added the week of Halloween.
Knott’s Scary Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California runs Knott’s Scary Farm on selected nights through 1 November. The event is one of the longest-running Halloween theme park experiences in the United States, having launched in 1973.
The park features a dozen or more haunted mazes of varying intensity, scare zones where roving actors work the crowds, and live shows including the popular Carnaval de los Muertos stage production. Tickets from approximately $55 for off-peak nights. The event is particularly popular with local Southern California residents so Saturday nights tend to sell out; Thursday and Friday evenings are typically quieter.
Six Flags Fright Fest
Six Flags operates Fright Fest across most of its parks nationwide simultaneously. The event adds haunted attractions and themed decorations to the existing roller coaster lineup, making it one of the more cost-effective ways to combine thrill rides with Halloween entertainment.
Coverage varies considerably by park. Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Six Flags Over Georgia typically offer the most content. Fright Fest runs through 31 October at most locations. Standard park tickets include Fright Fest entry.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Busch Gardens runs Howl-O-Scream at both its Tampa and Williamsburg parks. The Tampa event runs through 1 November, while Williamsburg closes out on 2 November. Both events operate on a separate ticketed basis from daytime park entry.
Howl-O-Scream is pitched slightly older than general Halloween events - it is designed for adults rather than families with young children. Williamsburg in particular has a strong reputation for its scare houses. Tickets from approximately $40 at Tampa and $50 at Williamsburg.
Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
If you are travelling with young children, Disney World’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom is a better fit than the adult-oriented events above. The event runs through 1 November on selected evenings, and the park takes on a full Halloween overlay including trick-or-treat stations, character meet-and-greets in Halloween costumes, special fireworks, and the Boo-To-You Parade.
Tickets are separate from standard Magic Kingdom entry and have been selling from approximately $109 per person. The final dates in late October are the most popular - and the most expensive - so if flexibility exists, book a mid-October evening instead.
Practical Notes
- Booking: Most events sell out on peak nights, particularly the last two Saturdays of October. If you are flexible, Wednesday and Thursday evenings offer the shortest queues.
- Ages: Universal Horror Nights, Knott’s Scary Farm, and Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream are all recommended for ages 13 and over. Children under 13 are admitted at Universal and Knott’s but the content is genuinely intense.
- Combined tickets: If you are already planning a theme park day, check whether the park offers day-to-night combo tickets. Universal and Knott’s frequently discount evening admission when purchased alongside a daytime entry.
- Travel context: Orlando and Los Angeles both have multiple Halloween events running simultaneously, making them the easiest bases for back-to-back experiences. Our guide to theme parks in the USA covers the major parks and how to plan your visit.