Escape to Wilmington, NC for a Hallo-Scream Getaway

Prepare for a hauntingly good time!

As one of the most actively haunted cities in the South, Wilmington has no shortage of spine-chilling stories intertwined with our rich history dating back to 1739. With renowned haunted sites around every corner and as the filming location for horror classics like "The Conjuring," "Halloween Kills" and "Scream," Wilmington is the perfect destination for a Halloween getaway. Find beautiful historic mansions where friendly souls still linger, a manor house haunted from a crime of passion and a haunted battleship, buildings, bars and graveyards, all of which are ranked as some of the scariest in the nation. There's plenty of Halloween fun for everyone in Wilmington and our island beaches year-round, especially in the fall.

Halloween Activities

Jamie Lee Curtis posing with a Michael Myers mannequin at the Museum of the Bizarre in Wilmington, NC

Lights. Camera. Killer Vacation!

Famous for both haunted sites and film and TV locations, Wilmington is a perfect getaway for horror film enthusiasts. Classics such as "Firestarter," "Silver Bullet," "Maximum Overdrive" and "The Conjuring," are just a few horror movie favorites that have been filmed in Wilmington and Beaches. Other productions include "Halloween Kills," "Scream" and "The Black Phone." Find out more about Wilmington's famous film locations and embark on your own self-guided tour. Stop into the Museum of the Bizarre to see horror memorabilia and movie props like the "Halloween" Michael Myers mannequin and the Annabelle doll from "The Conjuring," along with frightful sights like shrunken heads and the Fort Fisher Mermaid.

Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington

Journey into the depths of old Wilmington on a 90-minute adventure to the city's most actively haunted homes and burial grounds. Listen to true ghostly occurrences told by professional storytellers and ghost hunters, including actual encounters during recent tours with Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington.

Schedule & Admission:
- Tours embark nightly | Check website for times
- Adults: $17 plus tax | Seniors/Student/Military: $15 plus tax
- Children 6 and Under: Free
- Space is limited, and visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance

The Battleship North Carolina sitting in the waters of Wilmington, NC

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA

The most decorated battleship of WWII is destined to have some lingering souls, so it's no wonder the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA was ranked as a Top 25 Halloween pick of all time by Syfy network’s "Ghost Hunters." Step aboard for a self-guided tour and dive into this important piece of maritime history or spend an evening with the team from Haunted Rooms America as you participate in a real live paranormal investigation with access to equipment, the most haunted areas, VIP entry to the torpedo area and more during Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Ghost Hunt & Tour.

Schedule & Admission:
- Nov. 4-5 from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Tickets begin at $129 each
- Tickets are limited and this event is expected to sell out

A wrought iron fence at Bellevue Cemetery in Wilmington, NC

Cemetery Tours

Both Bellevue Cemetery and St. James Parish were listed on Fox News Travel's List of "Spookiest Cemeteries in the U.S." As you wander through St. James, look for the grave of Samuel Jocelyn Jr., who was buried alive and tried to claw his way out of his grave. Jocelyn's story is featured on the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington, but make sure and ask to hear the full story, as tours vary nightly. Bellevue Cemetery appeared in the locally filmed FOX Television series "Sleepy Hollow" and while enchanting during the day, seems fit for a headless horseman by night.

Schedule & Admission:
- Download the St. James Cemetery Self-Guided Walking Tour
- Bellevue Cemetery is open between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily for a self-guided tour
- Free Admission

Fall Events

Copy Poplar Grove's Haint Blue All Hallows Masquerade

Take a peek into Wilmington's legendary past during the Lantern and Lore Walking Tour Oct. 26-28 and Oct. 31. Travel down dark alleys and explore outside secret nooks as you hear ghostly stories and urban legends of the past. Those who love a good scare will want to check out Chapel of Horrors, a new immersive haunted attraction that makes visitors feel like they've stepped into a horror movie. This downtown Wilmington attraction will be open every Friday and Saturday beginning Sep. 29 through Halloween. Join a guided tour every Friday evening at Poplar Grove Plantation to chance a visit from spirits in the Manor House. Deceased members of the Foy family still make their presence known in particular rooms of the house. Then, bring the whole family for a frighteningly fun time at GooseBumps in the Grove Oct. 28-29. This kid-friendly event will feature food trucks, carnival games and more.

This is just a sampling. Find all hauntingly fun events on the calendar below, which is updated daily as new events are announced.