🎃 When the Moon Rises: A Haunted October in Wilmington & Carolina Beach

There’s something magical (and just a little eerie) about fall on the Cape Fear coast. The ocean breeze cools, the salt air mingles with the scent of fallen leaves, and the nights seem to whisper stories of what came before.

Here, Halloween isn’t just a holiday — it’s a whole season of celebration. Whether you’re after heart-pounding haunted trails, family fun by the sea, or a good costume contest with a cocktail in hand, Wilmington and Carolina Beach offer something for everyone.

Here’s your insider lineup of the area’s most unique Halloween happenings for 2025 — handpicked and written from your local cohost who loves every bit of the magic this time of year.

👻 The Spooklineup: Events & Dates You Won’t Want to Miss

🕸️ Haunted Trails, Midnight Hunts & Immersive Darkness

Haunted Trail Fundraiser (Wilmington Fire Dept)

Every Friday & Saturday night in October, plus Halloween (Oct 31)

A 30-minute self-guided trail filled with scares, props, and volunteer actors. Proceeds benefit the local fire department — a great way to support the community while getting your adrenaline fix.

“HAUNTED FOREST” Halloween Fest & Trail

October 24–25, 2025

About 25 minutes outside Wilmington, this one’s for the bold: live music, camping, circus sideshows, and a full haunted trail under the stars.

KOA Campground Halloween Fun

October 24–25, 2025

A family-friendly weekend of pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, train rides, and karaoke at the Wilmington KOA. Perfect for those who prefer cozy fall vibes over fright nights.

Battleship North Carolina Ghost Hunt

Select nights in October (8 PM – 2 AM)

Explore the historic decks after dark alongside paranormal experts. Rumor has it, the spirits aboard don’t rest easily.

Bellamy Mansion Ghost Hunts

Dates vary – limited tickets available

A hauntingly elegant experience inside one of Wilmington’s most historic homes. Expect flickering candles, old secrets, and a few chills.

🍸 Tours, Crawls & Nightlife Meets Spirit

Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington

Nightly throughout October

Wander beneath gas lamps and Spanish moss as local guides recount true tales from Wilmington’s haunted history.

Wilmington Official Halloween Bar Crawl

October 31, 2025 – 5 PM – 11 PM

Join hundreds of costumed partygoers for a night of themed drinks, haunted bars, and all-around coastal chaos.

Zombie Fest 2025 at The Eagle’s Dare

October 31, 2025 – 6 PM – 11 PM

Live music, food trucks, and a costume contest that brings the undead to life — with prizes and plenty of photo ops.

SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar SPOOKtacular Bash

October 25, 2025

A Carolina Beach classic — $5 cover, live music, themed cocktails, and an 11 PM costume contest with cash prizes.

🎠 Community, Family & Daytime Spooks

Carolina Beach Halloween Carnival

Date TBA (check Parks & Recreation listings)

Free fun for all ages — games, bounce houses, trick-or-treat stations, and live entertainment right by the water.

Carolina Beach Pier Pumpkin Patch

October 1 – 30, 2025

Coastal charm meets fall tradition. Enjoy live music on weekends, pumpkin picking, and seaside sunsets perfect for family photos.

Local Trick-or-Treat Events

October 24, 25 & 31, 2025

From the USS Battleship’s Trunk-or-Treat to neighborhood pop-ups across Wilmington and Pleasure Island, local communities go all-in on candy, costumes, and coastal spirit.

🌙 The Spirit of the Season

Halloween on the coast has its own rhythm — less haunted house and more haunted heartbeat. You’ll find stories tucked into every corner here: the creak of an old dock, the whisper through a live oak, the way the ocean fog rolls in just before midnight.

So whether you’re walking through historic Wilmington by lantern light, dancing in costume at SeaWitch, or carving pumpkins by the waves, take a moment to soak it all in. This is the kind of local magic that lingers long after the season ends.

✨ From Your Local Hosts at Cove + Bloom

At Cove + Bloom Hosting, we love helping guests experience the coastal Carolinas the way locals do — through connection, charm, and a touch of mystery. If you’re planning a fall getaway, we’d love to help you find your perfect stay or curate your own coastal Halloween weekend.

💌 Join our newsletter for Wilmington & Carolina Beach events, rental tips, and insider updates — or visit www.coveandbloom.com to see what’s blooming next along the coast.

Here’s to moonlit beaches, haunted laughter, and cozy nights spent where the coast comes alive. 🌾🌙