Cary Guide to Halloween 2014

Cary, NC — As the air turns chilly and the evenings become darker, Cary plays host to many events that are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. Our Cary Guide to Halloween 2014 is the perfect companion to assist you in planning the best ways to celebrate fall with family and friends. 

Cary Guide to Halloween 2014

A hauntingly fun list of corn mazes, spooky films, tours, festivals, and more awaits you. For your convenience, the events below are detailed in chronological order.

Corn Mazes

No need to travel far–you can find two corn mazes right here in Cary! Both feature classic mazes in addition to countless fall festivities and activities for the whole family.

Green Acres Corn Maze
1132 Morrisville Carpenter Road, Cary, NC 27519
(919) 481-2435

The Green Acres Farm house was built in 1900, making this family-owned business a rich part of Cary’s history. Every year, the family is proud to welcome the public to their farm during the fall and winter months. What could be a better way to embrace the season?

Guests can use their smartphones to answer trivia questions throughout the farm’s corn maze. Additionally, they can enjoy hay rides, bounce castles, horseshoe and corn hole games, horseback rides, face painting, food and beverage, pumpkins, vintage train rides, and more.

Hours:

Fridays: Ticket office 4-9 p.m.
Saturdays: Ticket office 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sundays: Ticket office 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Pricing:

$10 per person
Children 3 and under are free
$8 per person if in a group of 20+ (paying) people
$8 for seniors over 60
$6 for military with current ID cards and scout troops, tribes, and leaders in uniforms/vests

Phillip’s Corn Maze
6701 Good Hope Church Road, Cary, NC, 27519

Like Green Acres, Phillip’s Farm is family-owned. The farm’s primary crops included straw, hay, and tobacco, but in 1996, the farm began a successful strawberry-picking business.

For the price of admission to Phillip’s farm, you can explore the corn maze, visit a brand new fun house, participate in roller racers, jump on a giant bounce pillow, ride the cow train, see baby goats, take a hay ride, select a pumpkin, and more. There will be hot food and cider, along with other fall snacks, available at the concession stand.

Hours:

Fridays: 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Sundays: 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

Pricing:

Adults/Teens 13+: $10
Children ages 3-12: $6
Children ages 0-2: Free

Phillip’s Haunted Farm

If you’re looking for something a bit more spooky, Phillip’s also offers a haunted farm experience. This year’s admission price provides visitors with a four-part haunting, including entrance to The Field of Lost Souls, The Rebellion Trail, The newly-revamped Gore house, and Big Top Terror–a brand-new attraction that plays on clown and circus-related nightmares.

The haunted farm is open Friday and Saturday nights, 8-10:30, through the last weekend in October. Admission is $20.

Halloween Plantings at Garden Supply Co.

1421 Old Apex Road, Cary, NC 27513
(919) 460-7747

Halloween Fairy Gardens, Thursday, October 9th, 6-7:00 p.m.

For a $20 fee, individuals can receive instruction as they create the foundation for their own garden and fill it with plants and Halloween critters (think ghosts and goblins).

Jack-O-Lantern Planter, Thursday, October 23rd, 6-7:00 p.m.

A $25 fee allows participants to create their own plant centerpiece using a pumpkin. The cost includes the pumpkin, dirt, plants, and instruction.

Downtown Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 18th, 2-6 p.m.
at Ashworth Village, on South Academy Street in Downtown Cary

Third annual Harvest Day sponsored by the Heart of Cary Association.

The whole family can participate in fall carnival games with prizes, corn hole, a bounce castle and slide, food, and music–all in one place! Costumes are welcome. Wristbands are $2 for kids and up; Adults are free.

Reel-y Scary Movies at Booth Amphitheatre

Thursday-Saturday, October 23-25th, Gates at 6 p.m.; Movies at 8.
at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC

Each Halloween, Koka Booth hosts a weekend of scary movies at their outdoor amphitheatre. Attendees are invited to bring their own picnic, beer, or wine, but food/beverage stands will also be available. The movie ticket price includes ONE walk through the Haunted House in addition to the screening.

Tickets: $10 per person; Children 12 and under are free. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning October 1st at the Booth Amphitheatre box office. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets–and dress warmly!

Reel-y Scary Cary Movie Schedule:

Thursday, October 23rd-Pet Sematary (R)
Friday, October 24th-Monsters University (G)
Saturday, October 25th-The Conjuring (R)

Halloween Pet Parade

Saturday, October 25th, 2-3:00 p.m.
at Garden Supply Company, 1421 Old Apex Road, Cary, NC 27513

Dress up your furry friends and bring them to Garden Supply for a parade! Prizes will be awarded for best costume.

Town 0f Cary’s Family Events: All-day Saturday, Oct. 25th

Looking for a not-too-spooky way to treat your kids to some seasonal fun? This year, the TOC is continuing their tradition of providing entertaining Halloween events for the entire family the Saturday before Halloween. Many of these events are meant to be experienced one after the other–and most of them are free or only $1!

Creative Costume Dance Party (Ages 5-12), 12:30-2:30 p.m.
at The Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC 27511

This costume party for kids coincides with the Marvelous Music Family Series Performances, including Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel at 10 a.m. and The Emperor’s New Clothes at 3 p.m. The party itself includes light refreshments, costume awards, and lots of dancing! Tickets are $3 per person or $10 for a group of 4.

Cary’s Great Pumpkin Carve, 2-8:00 p.m.
on the Performance Green in Downtown Cary

This free event invites individuals to carve their pumpkins in a fun group setting–while watching family-friendly Halloween classics outdoors. Pumpkins will be on sale for $3, or you can bring your own. A 3D pumpkin carving class will be offered at the event, and ribbons will be awarded to pumpkins of various styles (including funniest, most artistic, scariest, and most original).

Tricks & Treats Halloween Bash (Ages 3-8), 5-7:00 p.m.
at Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, NC 27513

This event is perfect for little ones–more specifically, children ages 3-8. This family-friendly carnival sponsored by the Cary Teen Council features games, not-so-scary stories, and many other activities. Tickets are $1.

Haunted Twilight Tour, 6:00, 6:20, 6:40, and 7:00 p.m.
at the Page-Walker Arts and History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Downtown Cary

Individuals ages 13 and up can take a haunted tour of Downtown Cary produced by the Cary Players. The walking tour guides will tell spooky legends and tales of yesteryear–sending a chill up your spine! Tickets are $15, sold at the Cary Arts Center.

Herbert’s Haunted House, 6:30-9 p.m.
at the Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, NC 27513

Brave souls are welcome to navigate throughout the building-turned-house-of-horrors to experience spook-tacular thrills. Tours are led by the Cary Teen Council. All ages are welcome, but parental discretion is advised. Tickets are $1.

Witches Tea (55+)

Wednesday, October 29th, 2-4:00 p.m.
at the Cary Senior Center, 120 Maury Odell Pl, Cary, NC 27513

Costumes are welcome but not required at this haunted tea for individuals over 55. Tasty treats and hot teas–or lizard legs and spider knees–will be served to celebrate Halloween! Tickets are $10 per person.

Nosferatu & the Mallarme Chamber Players

Thursday, October 30th, 7:00 p.m.
at the Cary Theater, 122 East Chatham Street in Downtown Cary

Watch Nosferatu, a terrifying silent film, accompanied by live, spooky chamber music performed by the Mallarme Chamber Players. Released in 1922, the film was one of the original vampire movies. Watch as Vampire Count Orlok expresses interest in a new resident and real estate agent’s wife. Tickets are $15.

Safe-N-Sane Halloween Celebration

Friday, October 31st, 6-8:00 p.m. 
at Cary Towne Center, 1105 Walnut Street, Cary, NC 27511

This free event invites participants to trick-or-treat around the mall, enjoy storytellings, sing-a-longs, a magic show, a costume contest, and more.

Halloween Parties at Bars & Pubs: Friday, Oct. 31st

Halloween Party & Late-Night Happy Hour, 8:00 p.m.
at Back in the Day Cafe, 3470 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC 27518
(919) 267-6389

Costume contest, drink specials, and a special guest DJ that will play all your spooky requests!

Halloween Party featuring DJ George, Friday evening
at Doherty’s Irish Pub, 1979 High House Road, Cary, NC 27519
(919) 388-9930

Costume contest winner will receive a Yuengling Cruzin’ Cooler.

Halloween Murder Mystery & Live Music by Tea Cup Gin, 8:30 p.m.
at Unvine’d Wine Bar, 201 W. Chatham Street, Suite 103, Downtown Cary
(919) 481-0881

$15 per person includes a glass of wine, mini appetizer plate, and participation in a 20s-themed murder mystery.

Halloween Burlesque Show, 9:30 p.m.
at Woody’s Sports Tavern & Grill, 8322 Chapel Hill Road, Cary, NC 27513
(919) 380-7737

Great costume contest prizes, including a flat screen TV and gift cards.

Other Halloween Events in Cary?

Cary doesn’t disappoint when it comes to Halloween celebrations. If I missed an event, feel free to leave a comment below.

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Story by Jessica Patrick. Photo by Kate Raynes-Goldie.

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Seasonal Guides are sponsored in part by Heart of Cary Association, Great Harvest Bread Company, RallyPoint Sports Grill, Whisk of Cary and Garden Supply Company.