2024 Halloween Events and Attractions: What to Look Forward To

Laura in Arts & Entertainment Sep 26 • 29 min read

As Halloween approaches, it’s not just about costumes, candy, and spooky decor—it’s also about experiencing the thrills and chills of Halloween-themed events and attractions. Every year, cities across the globe turn into haunted playgrounds, offering everything from family-friendly festivals to spine-tingling haunted houses. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate scare or a more laid-back event, Halloween 2024 has something for everyone.

This guide will help you explore some of the best Halloween events and attractions to look forward to in 2024. Plus, we’ll show you how to save big on tickets and more using CouponUpto!

1. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios

Location: Orlando, FL & Hollywood, CA
Dates: September 6 – October 31, 2024

Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights is one of the most iconic Halloween events in the world, and 2024 is set to be its scariest year yet. This year’s event promises terrifying haunted houses based on the latest horror films, TV shows, and classic fright icons. From eerie mazes to scare zones filled with ghouls, HHN provides an immersive experience for horror lovers.

What to Expect in 2024:

New Haunted Houses: Each year, Universal Studios debuts new haunted houses that align with pop culture’s biggest horror hits. In 2024, expect to see houses based on recent films like The Exorcist: Believer and Netflix’s Stranger Things, as well as original, spine-chilling concepts.
Scare Zones: Outside the haunted houses, you’ll walk through outdoor scare zones filled with costumed actors ready to jump out at any moment.
Live Entertainment: Special Halloween-themed performances, such as live-action stunt shows and dance performances, add another layer of entertainment to the event.

How to Save:

Tickets to Halloween Horror Nights can get pricey, especially if you’re planning on visiting during peak weekends. Use CouponUpto to find promo codes and discounts for Universal Studios tickets, including bundle deals and savings on multi-day passes. You can also look for savings on Express Passes, which help you skip the long lines at the haunted houses.

2. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
Dates: Select nights from August to November 1, 2024

For families or anyone who prefers a less frightening Halloween experience, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World is the perfect choice. This family-friendly event allows kids (and kids at heart) to enjoy the magic of Disney with a spooky twist. You’ll find festive parades, trick-or-treat stations, and character meet-and-greets in costume.

What to Expect in 2024:

Boo-to-You Parade: A lively, Halloween-themed parade featuring Disney characters dressed up in their best costumes.
Trick-or-Treating: Kids can trick-or-treat around the park at specially designated stations.
Halloween Fireworks: A spectacular firework show lights up the sky with Halloween colors and spooky music.
Character Meet-and-Greets: Meet your favorite Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes for the occasion.

How to Save:

Look for discounted tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party through CouponUpto, where you can find exclusive Disney promos and deals. Check for multi-day ticket discounts if you plan to spend more time at the theme park outside of the event.

3. Salem Haunted Happenings

Location: Salem, MA
Dates: All of October 2024

Salem, Massachusetts, home of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, is one of the most iconic Halloween destinations in the U.S. Every October, the town transforms into a Halloween wonderland, offering ghost tours, haunted houses, historical reenactments, and more. Salem’s Haunted Happenings is a month-long celebration of all things spooky, drawing in tourists from around the globe.

What to Expect in 2024:

Witch Museum and Historical Tours: Explore Salem’s witch history through guided tours, reenactments, and the famous Salem Witch Museum.
Haunted Houses: Salem’s haunted attractions offer everything from historically accurate scares to traditional Halloween frights.
Street Fairs and Parades: Throughout October, Salem hosts a variety of street fairs, food festivals, and Halloween-themed parades, making it a festive experience for all ages.

How to Save:

Plan your trip ahead of time and book your tickets for tours and events early to secure lower prices. Check CouponUpto for travel deals, including discounted flights, hotels, and rental cars for your Salem visit. You can also find promo codes for local Salem attractions, ensuring you get the most out of your spooky adventure.

4. Knott’s Scary Farm

Location: Buena Park, CA
Dates: Select nights from September 19 – November 2, 2024

For those on the West Coast, Knott’s Scary Farm is another thrilling Halloween event not to be missed. Known for its incredibly detailed mazes, terrifying monsters, and a fully immersive scare experience, Knott’s Scary Farm is Southern California’s premier haunted theme park.

What to Expect in 2024:

New and Returning Mazes: Every year, Knott’s Scary Farm features several haunted mazes, each with its own unique theme. In 2024, expect a mix of new mazes and returning fan favorites.
Interactive Scare Zones: Roam freely through themed scare zones where monsters and ghouls are lurking around every corner.
Halloween-Themed Rides: Some of Knott’s classic rides get a spooky makeover for Halloween, adding to the park’s overall eerie atmosphere.

How to Save:

Visit CouponUpto to find deals on tickets for Knott’s Scary Farm, including combo tickets that offer admission to both the day and night parks. Knott’s often offers early bird pricing, and you can find additional savings with online-only promotions.

5. Dia de los Muertos Celebrations

Location: Multiple Cities (Notably in Mexico, Texas, and California)
Dates: November 1-2, 2024

While Halloween in the U.S. is all about ghosts, ghouls, and scares, many people also celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to honor deceased loved ones. This vibrant Mexican holiday is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., with major cities hosting their own celebrations filled with colorful altars, traditional dances, and sugar skull decorations.

What to Expect in 2024:

Traditional Altars: Beautifully decorated altars, known as ofrendas, are set up in public spaces to honor the deceased. These altars often feature flowers, candles, food, and photographs.
Parades and Festivals: Cities like Mexico City, Los Angeles, and San Antonio host large Day of the Dead parades and festivals, complete with music, dancing, and performances.
Sugar Skulls and Face Painting: Sugar skulls, or calaveras, are a staple of Dia de los Muertos, and you’ll often find face painting stands where you can transform into a living skull.

How to Save:

While most Dia de los Muertos events are free to attend, you may still need to budget for travel, food, and special performances. CouponUpto offers discounts on flights and hotels for cities with major Day of the Dead celebrations, so you can enjoy this cultural experience without breaking the bank.

6. Local Haunted Houses and Pumpkin Patches

If you’re looking for something closer to home, local haunted houses and pumpkin patches are always a hit during the Halloween season. In 2024, many local attractions are stepping up their game with interactive haunted mazes, themed hayrides, and family-friendly festivals.

How to Save:

Check out CouponUpto for coupons to local attractions like pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and haunted houses in your area. You’ll find discounts on admission, group rates, and special event passes, making it easier to enjoy the fun without overspending.

Conclusion: Get Ready for a Thrilling 2024 Halloween Season

Halloween 2024 is set to be one of the most exciting yet, with events and attractions for every type of thrill-seeker. Whether you’re planning to visit Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights for the ultimate scare, join the family fun at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, or experience the history of Salem’s Haunted Happenings, there’s something for everyone.

And remember, Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive! By using CouponUpto, you can find amazing deals on tickets, travel, and more. So, start planning your spooky adventure and get ready to enjoy the scariest season of the year—without breaking the bank.