Escape to Wilmington, NC for a Hallo-Scream Getaway
Prepare for a hauntingly good time!
As one of the most actively haunted cities in the South, Wilmington has no shortage of spine-chilling stories intertwined with our rich history dating back to 1739. With renowned haunted sites around every corner and as the filming location for horror classics like "The Conjuring," "Halloween Kills" and "Scream," Wilmington is the perfect destination for a Halloween getaway. Find beautiful historic mansions where friendly souls still linger, a manor house haunted from a crime of passion and a haunted battleship, buildings, bars and graveyards, all of which are ranked as some of the scariest in the nation. There's plenty of Halloween fun for everyone in Wilmington and our island beaches year-round, especially in the fall.
Halloween Activities
Lights. Camera. Killer Vacation!
Famous for both haunted sites and film and TV locations, Wilmington is a perfect getaway for horror film enthusiasts. Classics such as "Firestarter," "Silver Bullet," "Maximum Overdrive" and "The Conjuring," are just a few horror movie favorites that have been filmed in Wilmington and Beaches. Other productions include "Halloween Kills," "Scream" and "The Black Phone." Find out more about Wilmington's famous film locations and embark on your own self-guided tour. Stop into the Museum of the Bizarre to see horror memorabilia and movie props like the "Halloween" Michael Myers mannequin and the Annabelle doll from "The Conjuring," along with frightful sights like shrunken heads and the Fort Fisher Mermaid.
Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington
Journey into the depths of old Wilmington on a 90-minute adventure to the city's most actively haunted homes and burial grounds. Listen to true ghostly occurrences told by professional storytellers and ghost hunters, including actual encounters during recent tours with Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington.
- Schedule & Admission:
- Tours embark nightly | Check website for times
- Adults: $17 plus tax | Seniors/Student/Military: $15 plus tax
- Children 6 and Under: Free
- Space is limited, and visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance
Dark History Halloween Tours
Dive into history with WilmingtoNColor as they host riders on a haunting guided experience through Wilmington. Meet at 1898 Memorial Park to catch the bus and explore downtown, Pine Forest Cemetery and more to hear about Wilmington's historical figures and see their final resting places on this 75-minute tour.
- Schedule & Admission:
- Offered each Friday in October, as well as Oct. 26, 27 and 31
- Tours begin at 6 p.m.
- All are encouraged to wear costumes during the tour!
- Space is limited, and visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance
Haunted Pub Crawl
Combine ales with haunted tales on a Haunted Pub Crawl and adventure around the city’s most extraordinary pubs, hearing true ghostly and grizzly tales of murder, mayhem, love and debauchery.
- Schedule & Admission:
- Available Wednesday-Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m.
- Tickets are $22.50 plus tax; drinks and tips are not included
- Space is limited, and visitors are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA
The most decorated battleship of WWII is destined to have some lingering souls. Step aboard for a self-guided tour and dive into this important piece of maritime history or spend an evening with the team from Haunted Rooms America as you participate in a real live paranormal investigation with access to equipment, the most haunted areas, VIP entry to the torpedo area and more during Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Ghost Hunt & Tour.
Cemetery Tours
Embark on a self-guided tour of two historic cemeteries in downtown Wilmington, the Bellevue Cemetery and St. James Parish. As you wander through St. James, look for the grave of Samuel Jocelyn Jr., who was buried alive and tried to claw his way out of his grave. Jocelyn's story is featured on the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington, but make sure and ask to hear the full story, as tours vary nightly. Bellevue Cemetery appeared in the locally filmed FOX Television series "Sleepy Hollow" and while enchanting during the day, seems fit for a headless horseman by night.
- Schedule & Admission:
- Download the St. James Cemetery Self-Guided Walking Tour
- Bellevue Cemetery is open between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily for a self-guided tour
- Free Admission
Fall Events
Take a peek into Wilmington's legendary past during the Haunts & History EBike Tour with Wilmington Bike and Brew Tours. Travel down dark alleys and explore outside secret nooks as you hear ghostly stories and urban legends of the past. Join a guided tour at Poplar Grove Plantation to chance a visit from spirits in the Manor House. Deceased members of the Foy family still make their presence known in particular rooms of the house. Enjoy the classic horror film "Night of the Living Dead" in historic Thalian Hall Oct. 28-30
This is just a sampling. Find all hauntingly fun events on the calendar below, which is updated daily as new events are announced.
