Downtown Scary Park: Haunted Hotel
“Check in” for a full day of Halloween fun with our afternoon Family Pumpkin Carving Party, featuring costumed characters and festive activities at Downtown Cary Park. As the sun sets, the spooky vibes continue with a hotel-themed movie double feature, starting with the family favorite Hotel Transylvania. Before the movies, enjoy “lobby-level” fun with themed activities and treats that will have you feeling right at home…if your home happens to be a haunted hotel! Later in the evening, brave adults can extend their stay for a screening of 1408 (PG-13), where you’ll discover that not every hotel offers a peaceful night’s sleep. Don’t miss this “suite” Halloween celebration! Remember, Halloween costumes are HIGHLY encouraged!
- 2 – 6 p.m. | Pumpkin Carve
- Kids Area on Frantz Square Lawn with Witch Hat Ring Toss, ‘Pumpkin Suds’, and Golf Tee Pumpkin Pounding
- Pumpkin Carving on Frantz Square Lawn
- Interested in buying a pumpkin to carve? Follow these 3 steps! One, purchase a pumpkin ($5 each) at the tent on Frantz Square Lawn. Second, take your ticket to the pumpkin patch in the middle of Frantz Square Lawn and select your pumpkin(s). Lastly, carve away at a picnic table with the tools provided!
- Halloween Figurine Painting with Cozy Panda Event Co. on Academy Plaza (while supplies last)
- 2 – 9 p.m. | Food Trucks Available at Park St Courts
- Mr. Puebla Tacos
- Safari Eatz
- Baltic Bites
- 5 – 7 p.m. | Pre-screening activities throughout the Park
- ‘Casketerrariums’ with Garden & Gather on Academy Plaza
- Spooky Room Keychain Bedazzling at the Nest Pavilion
- Haunted Hand Puppets at the Nest Pavilion
- Eyeball Wall Pong at Park St Arena
- Candy Cornhole at Park St Arena
- Roving Characters: Maeve and Murray the Mummy from Hotel Transylvania!
- Available Vendors throughout the Park
- 2 – 9 p.m.: Umbrella Dry Bar on Academy Plaza
- 5 – 8 p.m.: Spooky Pumpkins from Haunted Harvest Props on Academy Plaza
- 5 – 9 p.m.: Ella’s Popcorn on Academy Plaza
- 7:15 p.m. | Hotel Transylvania (PG) screening at the Great Lawn Pavilion
- 9 p.m. | 1408 (PG-13) screening at the Great Lawn Pavilion; 18+ recommended
Know Before You Go
- For pumpkin sales: Downtown Cary Park is a cashless venue. All cards and contactless payment options are accepted. Pumpkins are $5 each.
- All activities listed above are open to the public.
- Bring your own chairs and blankets for a comfortable viewing experience during the performance.
- This event is suitable for all ages.
- Guests can bring their own food into the Park.
Inclusion Services
Downtown Cary Park strives to provide a positive experience for all guests. Our goal is to accommodate you and meet your individual needs. Please fill out the event accessibility form here and a staff member will be in contact with you.