Face Your Fears at
SCarowinds 2026.
SCarowinds 2026, presented by SNICKERS, runs on select nights from September 11 through November 1 at Carowinds, the theme park that straddles the North Carolina and South Carolina line. When the sun goes down, the park transforms into a haunted playground of mazes, scare zones, and rides in the dark. Here are the dates, the ticket picture, and what to expect your first time.
The essentials, fast.
What makes this festival special?
SCarowinds is the region's biggest Halloween haunt, and it spares no effort: multimillion-dollar mazes, zones of roaming scare actors, and the park's coasters running under the night sky. Pick your scare level and plan your route.
Haunted Mazes
Elaborate walk-through mazes themed around horror stories, clowns, and everything in between. Some are not for the faint of heart.
Scare Zones
Outdoor zones where scare actors roam the paths and the fog machines earn overtime.
Rides in the Dark
The park's major coasters stay running after sunset, which is a completely different ride at night.
Live Entertainment
Stage shows, DJ sets, and themed food and drink keep the party going between the scares.
How much does it cost?
SCarowinds requires its own ticket or a daytime add-on, and the calendar is select nights rather than every night, so check the official page before planning. Multi-night and season-pass options are usually the best value for haunt fans. October weekends sell out in advance, and there is no shame in a daytime visit to feel the place out first.
Official SCarowinds PageGood to know.
Some of the scariest zones are best for 18-plus; the park posts guidance so families can pick their route.
Wear closed-toe shoes and layer up; October nights on the state line get genuinely chilly.
Combine it with a daytime Tricks and Treats visit if you have kids too young for the haunts.
Curious about the neighborhood?
Carowinds sits right on the NC/SC line, minutes from Fort Mill and Lake Wylie neighborhoods. It is a landmark for the South Carolina side of the metro, and the surrounding communities are booming for good reason.
More fall festivals.
Fall Festivals Guide 2026
Every festival post in one place, from the Renaissance Fair to the Thanksgiving Eve Parade.
Tricks and Treats at Carowinds
Fort Mill Fall Festival
Sources: Carowinds / Six Flags official event page, Six Flags blog. Dates and details were verified against official event pages in September 2026; always double-check the official site before you go, since event details can change.
Festival season is my favorite
time to show off Charlotte.
If you are thinking about moving to the Charlotte area, or just wondering which neighborhood fits you best, I would love to help. Reach out any time, and I will bring the neighborhood cheat sheet.