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Spookiest Halloween events in the U.S.

It’s that time of year again — Halloween! Check out the scariest, most frightening festivals the U.S. has to offer!

Village Halloween Parade
Photo credit: asterix611 via Flickr

If you’re looking for something fun to do this Halloween and hoping to be scared, you’ve come to the right place. Check out the top eight Halloween festivals in the U.S. — but don’t say we didn’t warn you!

1

Kings Dominion Halloween Haunt,
Doswell, Virginia

What it is:Halloween Haunt at Kings Dominion is an amusement park featuring 10 mazes, tons of monsters and creepy creatures, hair-raising rides and six scare zones. Scary nighttime entertainment is also included. This event is so scary you’ll want to leave your kids at home!

Cost: Free with admission to park

2

Village Halloween Parade,
New York, New York

What it is: Celebrate New York City’s 40th annual Village Halloween Parade on Oct. 31. Quite possibly the best Halloween parade in the U.S., it features 53 bands playing different types of music, dancers, artists, puppets and thousands of parade-watchers showing off their best costumes.

Cost: Free

3

Fetish & Fantasy Halloween Ball,
Las Vegas

What it is: Voted one of the top 10 events in the world by Travel Channel, Vegas’ own takes place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. For adults only, this is the largest and most exciting event taking place in Vegas! Hear live music, enjoy some drinks, dress in your scariest (or sexiest!) costume and party the night away.

Cost: $68 per ticket

4

The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball,
Salem, Massachusetts

What it is: Cast spells all night long at the Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball! Events include dancing, laser light shows, plenty of hors d’oeuvres, psychic readings and, of course, a bar with your favorite magic potions. There are also live performances and a costume contest.

Cost: $150 per ticket

5

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios,
Hollywood, California

What it is: If you’re a movie lover and a Halloween lover, Halloween Horror Nights are for you. Experience spine-tingling mazes based on The Walking Dead and Evil Dead, beware of spooky creatures jumping out at you at every turn, go on frightening “Terror Tram” tours and more. Warning: This is not an event for those easily terrified!

Cost: Free with admission

6

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens,
Tampa, Florida

What it is:Howl-O-Scream is packed with live entertainment, haunted houses and incredibly creepy scare zones. It’s where evil comes out to play — 13 evils to be exact. Warning: This event contains adult content, such as violence, gore and blood. Be prepared!

Cost: $48 per ticket

7

Cedar Point HalloWeekends,
Sandusky, Ohio

What it is: Each night, beginning Sept. 13, Cedar Point transforms into a scary, horror-filled amusement park with thrilling rides and terrifying mazes. Though some rides and attractions are too scary for little ones, there are plenty of family-friendly events such as trick-o- treating and kids’ costume contests to partake in during the day.

Cost: $36 per ticket

8

Monsterland,
Mesa, Arizona

What to do:Monsterland is Arizona’s only Halloween festival that matches the ones in Hollywood. Found in the basement of a restaurant and bar, the haunted house features quality costumes, goblins galore, more than 50 animated props and more. We recommend dinner and drinks first, followed by a night of fear!

Cost: $10 per ticket

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