MINT HILL, NC – Now that we’ve flipped our calendars to October and temperatures have dropped into the 70s, it’s time to get ready for Halloween!  Here’s a look at some of the family-friendly Halloween activities happening throughout October in Mint Hill and the surrounding areas.

Rex’s Pumpkin Patch
Now through October 30, celebrate autumn at the Schiele Museum.  Visit an indoor pumpkin display of North Carolina-grown pumpkins perfect for Jack-O-Lanterns and fall displays alike.  Each pumpkin purchased (available while supplies last, dependent on local availability) includes a ticket to The Farm, where you can learn more about the history and nutritional value of pumpkins and their relatives.  The Farm also includes gardens, hands-on activities and live farm animals that tell the story of agriculture in the Piedmont.  Visit https://www.schielemuseum.org/uncategorized/pumpkin-patch/ for more information.

Scarowinds
Select nights through October 30, Carowinds turns into “Scarowinds” for the Carolinas largest Halloween event.  Note that a chaperone (21 or older) is required for guests 17 and under, and bags of any kind are not allowed.  Chaperones must accompany their party during entry, remain inside the park during their visit, and be available by phone throughout their stay.  One chaperone may accompany up to four guests.

Too scary for your blood?  Saturdays and Sundays through October 30, Carowinds hosts The Great Pumpkin Fest, a super-sized celebration of all things fall with games, activities, and just a touch of spooky for Carowinds’ pint-sized ghosts and goblins.  Learn more about Scarowinds and The Great Pumpkin fest at https://www.carowinds.com/.

Halloween Trivia at Mint Hill Coffee & Social House
On Thursday, October 13, Mint Hill Coffee & Social House will hold Halloween-themed trivia at 7:00 pm.  Sip on a Candy Corn Cold Brew or a #Basic PSL while you test your knowledge of Halloween movies, facts, and monsters.  There will also be a costume contest, so come dressed up!  Follow Mint Hill Coffee & Social House on Facebook for more information.

Halloween Happenings – Monroe
On October 15 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, join the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department for its Annual Halloween Happenings event in Downtown Monroe, NC.  There will be activities, games, crafts, a costume contest, and more!  Follow Monroe, North Carolina on Facebook for more information.

Halloween Spooktacular – Indian Trail
On October 21, The Town of Indian Trail is brewing up something spooky!  Join Indian Trail Parks and Recreation at Chestnut Square Park from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm for a night full of friendly ghosts, goblins and favorite characters.  There will be a trunk or treat line, kid-friendly activities, contests, a DJ and more!  Indian Trail’s Halloween spooktacular is free to attend.  No dogs, tobacco or outside alcohol are premitted.  Follow Indian Trail Parks and Recreation on Facebook for more information.

Halloween Train
Bring your little monsters and ghouls to the NC Transportation Museum for the Halloween Train! Halloween Trains will run Saturday, October 22, Saturday, October 29, and Sunday, October 30.  Kids and adults are encouraged to get into the holiday spirit by wearing their Halloween costumes! There will be a costume contest at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm on both Saturdays, and 2:30 pm on Sunday. Visit https://www.nctransportationmuseum.org/halloween-train/ for more information.

Matthews Charter Academy Trunk or Treat and Movie Night
On October 28 from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Matthews Charter Academy presents a free event for the community.  “Trunk or Treat” from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm; then kick back, relax and snack on your spoils while you watch a movie.  The movie will begin at 7:15 and run until approximately 9:00.  Grab dinner from food trucks including tacos, pizza, burgers, boba tea, Italian ice, funnel cakes, candy apples and more.  Follow the event on Facebook for more information.

Trick or Treat in the Park
Harrisburg’s Annual Trick or Treat in the Park event is back for 2022!  Children of all ages are invited to Harrisburg Park on October 28 from 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm for games, inflatables, candy, vendors and food.  Those planning to attend the event should register ahead of time; the cost is $3 per child for an “all you can play” wristband.  Adults do not need wristbands but are still asked to pre-register.  Registration information will be available soon, visit https://www.harrisburgnc.org/417/Trick-or-Treat-in-the-Park to learn more.

Monster Bash – Waverly
On October 29 from 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Waverly will host a “Monster Bash” Halloween celebration with a costume contest, live music and a pet parade.  Get there right at 3:00 pm to catch the Pet Parade, which begins promptly at 3:00 pm at PetPeople and ends at The Terrace.  Next, swing by and register from the costume contest; winners will be announced at 4:45 pm.  Live music will start at 6:00 pm and continue until the event closes at 10:00 pm.  The first 500 guests will receive mini pumpkins and $1 JJ’s Red Hots hotdogs!  Check Facebook for more information and up-to-date weather information.

Pajamas All Day 5k/10k – Spooky Edition
Roll out of bed and bring the whole family for a faBOOlous morning of moving and spooky surprises on October 29 at Blakeney Professional Park!  The 4th annual 5K/10k walk/run will be fun for adults and kids alike with a DJ, sponsor expo, food vendors, an adult DIY booth, adult beverages, raffle items, and kid-friendly activities like the children’s one-mile fun run, trick or treating and a petting zoo.  Proceeds from the race benefit the Move For Jenn Foundation, which offers grants in the form of activewear prosthetics to those who have suffered the loss of a limb to sarcoma or other affiliated diseases.  Visit https://moveforjenn.org/pages/pjsallday2022 to learn more.  

Trunk or Treats
“Trunk or Treats” have become a convenient and safe way for young children to enjoy the traditional Halloween activity or trick-or-treating, and many churches in Mint Hill hold their own “Trunk or Treat,” often paired with other fun season activities.  Mark your calendar for these Trunk or Treats happening in Mint Hill.

• Blair Road United Methodist Church – October 26, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Arlington Baptist Church – October 30, 6:30 pm
• Team Church – October 30, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm