Screamfest Canobie: 2025 In-Depth Guide

When autumn nights grow crisp, Screamfest Canobie Lake transforms New Hampshire’s beloved amusement park into a thrilling realm where shrieks meet smiles. Featuring five chilling haunted houses, pulse-pounding rides, and live entertainment, this event ensures every guest—from fearless teens to parents seeking seasonal thrills—finds their perfect mix of fright and delight.

Haunts on the Lake: Where to Go

Enter a fog-drenched fairground where every path leads to chills beside a shimmering lake.

Screamfest or Screeemfest takes place inside Canobie Lake Park, located at 85 N Policy St, Salem, NH. Follow the glow of jack-o’-lanterns past the main gate to enter a sprawling 190-acre playground filled with monsters, midway games, roller coasters, and the sparkling lake as your eerie backdrop.

Fright Nights on Fall Weekends

Weekends of moonlit madness, haunting fun, and late-night screams await.

The 2025 Screeemfest event at Canobie Lake Park is expected to run on weekends from September through October, similar to previous years, but the exact 2025 dates have not yet been officially announced. Historically, Screamfest at Canobie Lake Park runs on weekends starting around late September through the end of October or early November, featuring haunted houses, themed rides, live shows, and family-friendly Halloween activities.

Who Should Attend? Everyone—If You Dare

From monster-loving teens to costume-curious kids, the frights are tailored to your thrill level.

During the day, the park offers kid-friendly fun with gentler attractions suitable for families and little ones. In the evenings, the fright factor rises with full-volume scares designed for tweens, teens, and horror buffs. Children under 13 can wear a special “Monster B’Gone” necklace for a toned-down experience that avoids the most intense scare zones. Multi-generational families enjoy blending carnival nostalgia with modern frights for shared seasonal memories.

Five Haunts, Countless Screams

Screamfest features five unique haunted houses:

• Terrorform: An alien nightmare filled with otherworldly creatures.
• Carnivus 2: Return to the sinister circus world, where deranged clowns and carnival horrors lurk.
• Facility 235: Explore the aftermath of a devastating meltdown with mutated workers haunting the grounds.
• Untamed: A wild, primal haunt where nature turns deadly.
• Yankee Cannonball: A classic haunt integrating themes from the park’s historic roller coaster.

In addition, enjoy roving monsters who add spontaneous scares throughout the park. A Monster Parade kicks off nightly at 5:45 p.m., featuring creepy characters and performers.

Rides and Live Entertainment

Classic coasters meet twisted sideshows and freaky tributes under fall skies.

Beyond the haunts, thrill seekers can ride Canobie Lake’s beloved coasters and attractions, including the iconic Yankee Cannonball roller coaster. Live shows, such as the fan-favorite Twisted SideShow, offer freaky performances, and a special tribute to Freddy Mercury is planned for the event (schedule to be announced). Carnival games, concessions, and seasonal treats complete the experience.

Park & Walk—It’s Free!

Free parking just steps from the gate means more time for treats and terror.

Parking at Canobie Lake Park is always free, with spacious lots just a five-minute walk from the entrance. Early arrival, especially on Saturdays, secures spots closest to the gates.

Please note: no costumes or full makeup are allowed inside the park for safety reasons, so plan accordingly.

Plan the Screams, Skip the Stress

Getting to Screamfest at Canobie Lake shouldn’t feel like a horror story. Tripster lets you bundle admission, nearby hotels, and must-see local attractions, such as a Salem witch tour, in one smooth, time-saving checkout.

With exclusive discounts, clear pricing, and easy itinerary tools, you can book your fall escape without the chaos. Snag your spot now—before the monsters and the cozy rooms disappear into the fog.