Castle Park Halloween: 2025 In-Depth Guide

Every fall, Riverside’s Castle Park transforms into Castle Dark—a pulse-pounding Halloween event where haunted mazes, scare zones, and after-dark rides converge to create one of Southern California’s most wallet-friendly fright nights. If you’re eyeing Castle Dark tickets for 2025, consider this your spell book to maximize chills and thrills.

Where Nightmares Lurk

Classic rides, haunted golf, and ghoulish mazes—terror hides in every corner.

Located at 3500 Polk Street, Riverside, CA 92505, Castle Park sprawls across 25+ ride acres, four mini-golf courses, and the Ghost Blasters dark ride—so the terror is never far away. The park’s classic attractions are reimagined with eerie lighting and Halloween overlays, ensuring a haunting experience at every turn.

Dates That Defy the Dark

The fog rolls in Fridays through Sundays—mark your calendar for screams.

Castle Dark 2025 runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from September 19 through November 1. Gates creak open at 7 p.m. and the event continues late into the night.

Daytime family-friendly Halloween festivities are also available on weekends during this period. The true scares begin after dark!

Frights for Every Fear-Level

Whether you’re a maze-marathoner, a thrill-ride junkie, or a family seeking PG-13 scares before curfew, Castle Dark offers:

• Four haunted mazes (including returning favorites and new experiences)
• Two immersive scare zones with roaming monsters and themed environments
• Three live shows featuring characters like Countess Elura, Lady Lou, and the Sliders of the Kingdom
• Glow-stick dance parties and interactive entertainment
• Classic rides with Halloween overlays and lighting
• Unlimited mini-golf and access to Buccaneer Cove’s steampunk décor

New for 2025:

• The Sinister Inn VR Maze: A 5D virtual reality haunted hotel experience (additional fee applies)
• The Labyrinth: Castle Dark’s largest-ever hedge maze, with multiple paths and a truly disorienting layout
• Fun House of the Demented: A clown-themed maze with special effects
• Seance: A pitch-black maze where guests use a candle to find their way, ending in a themed gift shop

Why Castle Dark Rules the Realm

Award-winning scares, glowing coasters, and top value make Castle Dark a Halloween legend.

• Expect four brand-new haunted mazes, two fresh scare zones, and three live shows in 2025.
• The park’s classic roller coasters glow in eerie hues to enhance the ambiance.
• Voted one of the top Halloween events in the U.S., Castle Dark delivers unbeatable fear-per-dollar fun.
• Tickets start around $34.99 online.
• Nighttime scares are recommended for ages 13+, but daytime activities ensure all-ages fun.
• Don’t miss exclusive themed merchandise available at select maze exits.
• Platinum and Gold passholders enjoy unlimited access to Castle Dark thrills!

Parking Hacks & Proximity

Roll up early and park close—your haunting starts at the gates.

General parking: Around $15 per vehicle, located right outside the castle gates

Overflow lots: Located along Polk Street, just a five-minute walk from the entrance

Pro tip: Arrive 30 minutes before opening to snag front-row spaces and breeze through security

Fog? Frights? Fun? Tripster Makes It Easy

Getting spooked shouldn’t mean getting stressed. Tripster helps you bundle Castle Park tickets with nearby Riverside hotels in one quick, budget-friendly booking—so you can focus on the scares, not the scheduling.

With real discounts and flexible vacation packages, Tripster keeps your planning chill, even when the fog rolls in. Snag your spot now before time slots vanish into the night—and let the scare-cation begin!