Throughout October, Delaware is home to a number of haunted attractions and fun events to celebrate the Halloween season. Between horror attractions, costume parties and authentic paranormal experiences, the First State has plenty of Halloween happenings to offer locals looking for a good scare and seasonal fun.
If you are looking for weekend of fear and fun while waiting for Halloween to finally arrive, check out these spooktacular attractions that will make your blood run cold.
New Castle County
Frightland
This beloved Delaware horror attraction has a special place in Smyrna and Middletown residents’ hearts. Located at 309 Port Penn Road in Middletown, Frightland features haunted horror attractions such as the two-mile Haunted Hayride, multiple indoor haunted houses and more. The haunted scream park has been scaring Delaware residents and visitors for over 25 years.
309 Port Penn Road, Middletown
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Fort Delaware Paranormal Adventures
This former harbor defense facility during the American Civil War is home to a three-hour paranormal investigation tour alongside Diamond State Ghost Investigators. The fort is interesting all year round, but the Halloween happenings tend to be some of the most popular. Fort Delaware holds tours on Fridays and Saturdays from October 6-28 starting at 6:30 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. Guests will be brought to the fort on a ferry, and tickets are $50 for ages 13 and up.
45 Clinton Street, Delaware City | 834-7941
New Castle Historical Society’s Hauntings in History Tours
If you’re brave enough to explore the darker side of New Castle County, Hauntings in History is the event for you. Held by the New Castle Historical Society on Fridays and Saturdays through October 30, Hauntings in History will indulge your ghost-hunting fantasies. Guests will get a tour of the Amstel House—which is notorious for being one of the most haunted houses in New Castle—and may get to meet the “Woman in Blue.”
30 Market Street, New Castle | 322-2794
Paranormal Rockwood Tours and Experiences
The Rockwood Mansion was featured on the popular TV show Ghost Hunters and is still considered one of the most haunted places in the state of Delaware. With paranormal experiences throughout the year, it’s no surprise that this haunted hotspot kicks it up a notch for October. On weekends throughout the month, enjoy attractions like The Revisionists: A Haunted Victorian Walk at Rockwood, a moonlight walking tour complete with ghost stories. Plus, on the last two Saturdays of the month, guests can participate in the classic Rockwood Paranormal Experience. Learn how to use sophisticated paranormal investigative equipment, and investigate the home from the unfinished attic to the decaying basement. Join a professional paranormal investigator who can help explain how instrument results may relate to the spirits thought to dwell in the house.
4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington | 761-4340
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Halloween Drag Show and Dining in the Dark at Liquid Alchemy
Liquid Alchemy Beverages brings a few fun Halloween happenings to Wilmington this year. First, on Thursday, October 26, enjoy the annual Hallow-queen Drag Show. Complete with bingo, trivia and spooky Halloween-themed performances between rounds, this show is sure to be a great kickoff to your Halloween weekend. Then, on Friday, along with the annual free Halloween movie night outside, Liquid Alchemy holds a brand-new ticketed experience inside the tasting room. Enjoy Dining in the Dark—a spooky experience where Jill and Brandon from 8213 Desserts guide guests through a blindfolded tasting of pastries paired with mead and cider. The blind tasting will be accompanied by the telling of a scary story. Dining in the Dark is the perfect Halloween experience for those looking for something new. Ticket information is coming soon and will be available on Liquid Alchemy’s Facebook page.
28 Brookside Drive, Wilmington | 438-0252
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Spirits at the Zoo
The Brandywine Zoo brings back this hit 21+ event for a second year! Put on your best costume and enjoy spooky cocktails and libations from local breweries and vendors. Plus, enjoy bewitching entertainment, Halloween photo-ops and animal encounters while supporting the Delaware Zoological Society of the Brandywine Zoo. Tickets are $35 for non-members and include two drink tickets, with more available for purchase throughout the evening.
1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington
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Kent County
John Dickinson Plantation
The John Dickinson Plantation is said to be haunted by the former founding father himself. Individuals have reported hearing the sound of a quill pen writing on parchment and witnessing rumpled bed sheets looking as if they had been slept on. While the plantation doesn’t offer paranormal tours, you can always try to witness this paranormal activity for yourself by checking out the website to schedule a tour.
340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover | 739-3277
Harvest Ridge Winery Trick or Treat Wine & Halloween Candy Pairing
Costumes are encouraged for this fun walking wine tour. As you walk through the beautiful Harvest Ridge Winery, you will experience five different candy and wine pairings. Then, sit and have a glass or two with your friends and make a whole spooky afternoon of it!
447 Westville Road, Marydel | 343-9437
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Sussex County
The Cemetery House
Running for 30 years, The Cemetery House is one of the longest operating haunted houses on the Eastern Shore. This scary attraction opens on Friday the 13th this year and features ghouls, zombies, creatures and more in order to give visitors a genuine scare. Visit the event’s Facebook page for details and accurate information about weather delays and closings.
205 W. 10th Street, Laurel
Nightmare’s Haunted House
Back for another year of scaring, Nightmare’s Haunted House operates as a nonprofit and raises funds for local organizations. This year’s event promises new thrills and frightening monsters. For more information and to see a weekly roundup of “victim” reaction photos, visit the attraction’s Facebook page.
10912 County Seat Highway, Laurel
“Mead O’Ween” Halloween Party at the Brimming Horn
Drink some great mead and participate in a costume contest, listen to live music and shop horror-themed art vendors. The costume contest is 21-plus, and all you need to do to enter is bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots. The mead-centric Halloween happenings start at noon on October 21, and the party lasts until 9 p.m.
28615 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Milton | 664-1188
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Boos & Brews at the Lewes Historical Society
The Lewes Historical Society invites you to enjoy this fun-filled Halloween event on Friday, October 27. This 21-plus event will take place at the main Historical Society campus on Shipcarpenter Street. The venue will be decorated for the occasion, and the event starts at 7 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume! There will be a costume contest, and winners will be chosen in categories like “scariest,” “most historic” and “best group costume.” Tickets are $50 and include live music, food, two drink tickets and a fun experience to benefit the Lewes Historical Society.
110 Shipcarpenter Street, Lewes
2023 Sea Witch Festival
Nothing says “spooky season” at the Delaware beaches quite like the annual Sea Witch Festival in downtown Rehoboth Beach. The last weekend in October, this award-winning festival draws mostly Delaware locals looking for Halloween happenings and fall beach fun. Festival goers can expect a costume parade, the scarecrow trail and show, beach games, vendors, a 5k, live entertainment and more. View the full 2023 festival program here.
Downtown Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach | 227-6446
Know of a cool event that didn’t make our list? Reach out to Sydney Livingston, Delaware Today‘s digital editor, at slivingston@delawaretoday.com.
