Carowinds Fall Festival: 2025 In-Depth Guide

Every autumn, Carowinds transforms the state-line theme park into a spellbinding playground of chills and thrills. From blood-curdling nights at SCarowinds to candy-coated daytime fun during Tricks and Treats, Carowinds Halloween invites both scream-seekers and little pumpkins to celebrate the spooky season in Charlotte/Fort Mill. Here’s everything you need to plan the ultimate fright-filled getaway.

Nightfall on the Border: Where the Magic Happens

From ghostly coasters to Peanuts pumpkins, the Carolinas collide in the most spirited way.

Carowinds straddles North Carolina and South Carolina, just off I-77, making it an easy drive from Charlotte, Columbia, and beyond. The park’s familiar midways morph into eerie scare zones packed with costumed creatures, while Camp Snoopy and the County Fair glow with kid-friendly decor during daytime festivities.

Calendar of Screams & Treats

Tricks by day, terror by night—fall weekends are packed with nonstop celebration.

The 2025 fall events at Carowinds run on the following schedule:

• SCarowinds: Select nights from September 12 to November 2, 2025
• Tricks and Treats: Saturdays and Sundays from September 13 to November 2, 2025
• Oktoberfest: Saturdays and Sundays from September 13 to November 2, 2025

All events are included with park admission, a policy introduced in 2024 and continuing for 2025, offering excellent value for visitors.

Who Should Brave the Gates?

From costume parades to haunted mazes, there’s a flavor of fright for everyone.

Fear-chasers 13 and up flock to SCarowinds’ five haunted mazes, four scare zones, and pulse-pounding coasters in the dark. Families with younger ghouls love the Great Pumpkin Fest-style activities inside Tricks and Treats—think costume parades, interactive games, and all the candy their treat bags can hold. With daytime rides running, even coaster newbies can join the fun without the fright.

Why This Halloween Reigns Supreme

Bold scares, tasty fare, and coaster hair—Halloween at Carowinds hits every note.

Carowinds ups the ante each year with new shows like Wake the Dead and fresh maze themes that keep even veteran visitors guessing. Signature coasters—Fury 325, Copperhead Strike, Afterburn—tear through the crisp night air, adding an adrenaline kick between haunts. Seasonal menus feature smoked turkey legs, pumpkin funnel cakes, and Oktoberfest bratwursts washed down with Carolina craft brews.

Park & Go Without the Panic

Park like a pro—arrive early, roll in smooth, and focus on the fun.

Arrive early to snag general parking (around $30) or spring for preferred parking (around $40) beside the main gate—both payable in advance online. From the lot, it’s a quick 5- to 7-minute walk through ticketing and security. Families rolling strollers may appreciate the tram loop that shuttles guests closer to the entrance on peak nights. Accessible parking and EV-charging spots are also available near the North Gate.

Plan, Bundle & Boo!

Skip long queues and bundle your thrills when you secure Carowinds tickets and nearby hotels in one swoop on Tripster. Enjoy exclusive discounts, instant mobile ticket delivery, and the freedom to mix lodging, park admission, and additional attractions—perfect for stretching your fall vacation budget.

Thrills, chills, and pumpkin-spiced smiles await—see you on the scream-side of the Carolinas this fall!