How to Find The Best Halloween Activities Near You

Halloween is one of the most celebrated holidays worldwide, with each community putting its own twist on spooky fun. From haunted houses and costume parades to massive street festivals, knowing where and how to look for events ensures you don’t miss out. Here’s a step-by-step guide — plus real examples of major Halloween happenings across the U.S. and beyond.

Utilize Local Event Calendars

Local event calendars are often the most reliable way to discover what’s happening in your town or city. These listings, usually managed by community organizations or city governments, give you a full breakdown of haunted attractions, pumpkin festivals, and trick-or-treat alternatives.

For example:

• New York City, USA – The legendary Village Halloween Parade draws thousands with its elaborate costumes and floats.
• Los Angeles, USA – West Hollywood Carnaval is one of the world’s largest street parties, attracting over 500,000 attendees.
• Salem, Massachusetts, USA – The Haunted Happenings Festival offers a month-long calendar filled with parades, psychic fairs, and historic ghost tours.

Subscribing to local newsletters or community boards ensures you’ll also hear about smaller, unique events like neighborhood haunted houses or church-hosted trunk-or-treat nights.

Check Social Media Platforms

Social media is a powerful discovery tool. Facebook Events, Instagram hashtags (#HalloweenBoston, #SpookyLondon, etc.), and TikTok clips often highlight both mainstream and underground Halloween events.

Through community groups, you’ll not only find out about official parades and haunted houses but also DIY block parties, flash mobs, or pop-up costume contests. For example, many smaller towns across the U.S. organize zombie walks and promote them primarily through Facebook groups.

Internationally, social media buzzes with posts about:

• London, UK – The London Dungeon Halloween Nights, filled with eerie performances.
• Derry, Northern Ireland – The Banks of the Foyle Halloween Festival, considered one of Europe’s biggest Halloween events.

Explore Community Centers and Libraries

Don’t overlook local hubs like community centers and libraries. They often organize family-friendly activities, such as:

• Storytelling sessions featuring spooky folktales.
• Pumpkin carving and arts-and-crafts workshops.
• Low-cost costume contests.

These are perfect if you’re looking for a budget-friendly Halloween celebration that doesn’t revolve around big crowds or late-night parties.

For example, many libraries in Toronto, Canada and Sydney, Australia host kids’ craft nights or “spooky story time” in late October.

Ask for Recommendations

Word of mouth remains one of the best ways to find hidden Halloween gems. Ask neighbors, coworkers, or friends about their favorite haunted houses or pumpkin patches. You might learn about:

• A small-town hayride that’s scarier than commercial haunted houses.
• A private costume party that’s open to community guests.
• The “best street” for trick-or-treating in your neighborhood.

In cities like Chicago, residents often recommend neighborhood-specific events, like the Northalsted Halloween Parade, which doesn’t always get the same national coverage as bigger festivals but is a local favorite.

Visit Local Tourism Websites

If you’re new to an area or traveling during Halloween, tourism boards are your best bet for official, well-organized events. These websites feature major highlights and often offer ticket discounts.

Globally, some standouts include:

• Mexico City, Mexico – The Día de los Muertos Parade, blending Halloween-style celebrations with the traditional Day of the Dead.
• Tokyo, Japan – The Shibuya Halloween Street Party, drawing costumed crowds by the thousands.
• Edinburgh, Scotland – The Samhuinn Fire Festival, celebrating Celtic traditions with fire, drumming, and costumed performers.

Tourism sites help you plan ahead, book tickets, and even secure packages that combine multiple events.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best Halloween events is all about using the right tools — event calendars, social media, and community spaces — and mixing them with local tips. Whether you’re in New York for a giant parade, Salem for historic ghost tours, or Derry for one of Europe’s biggest Halloween festivals, there’s no shortage of opportunities to celebrate.