Every October, Fayetteville, NC transforms into a spooky hub of Halloween festivities, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace the eerie enchantment of the season. The city’s rich history is intertwined with captivating legends and ghostly tales of spirits that refuse to rest, particularly those involving its haunted historic homes and old taverns. Keep reading to see what seasonal delights are in store for the Halloween season!
Halloween at the BOO-tanical Garden
The Cape Fear Botanical Garden becomes an interactive landscape with carved jack-o-lanterns, twinkling lights and candy stations galore! On Oct. 25, the garden is offering an enchanting evening where famous artists emerge from the shadows to delight with a night of creative wonder for all ages. Wander through the garden and encounter a Boo Crew dressed as iconic painters and sculptors who have stepped out of their masterpieces, ready to share spooky stories, hands-on art activities and festive fun. It’s a celebration of creativity and imagination like no other—where history and art collide in a thrilling Halloween adventure.
Learn more: www.capefearbg.org
Zombie Walk and Prom
A favorite among residents and visitors alike, the streets of downtown Fayetteville come alive with ghoulishly creative costumes and expertly applied zombie makeup on Oct. 22 as part of Cool Spring Downtown District’s Fourth Friday lineup. The family-friendly event features live performances, local vendors, a costume competition, art displays and more. The walk begins at 6 p.m. with events going until 10 p.m.
Learn more: www.visitdowntownfayetteville.com
Stoney Point Trail of Terror
Stoney Point Trail of Terror promises a spine-chilling experience. Traverse a terrifying indoor trail filled with creepy creatures and spine-tingling scares, all while supporting the local fire department. The Trail of Terror is open every Friday and Saturday evening in October, with a final date scheduled for Oct. 31. Learn more: www.undeadfd.com
Zombie Hayride & Haunted House Trail by Black Ops Paintball
Gear up for an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other! Safeguard your vehicle against relentless waves of zombies as you unleash glowing ammo from your mounted turret. Brace yourself for an exhilarating ride through thick woods and past eerie abandoned buildings, where unexpected thrills await at every turn.
Secure your adventure by reserving your spots at least 24 hours in advance. Don’t miss out on the pre-booking advantage – tickets will be priced $10 higher at the door, excluding Haunted House-only tickets.
Afterwards, prepare to have your socks scared off like never before! Get ready for an electrifying adventure that guarantees an adrenaline rush, featuring both an immersive outdoor trail and heart-pounding indoor experiences. Are you daring enough to step inside and face the unknown? Openings are available on Oct. 18-19 and 25-26.
Learn more: www.blackopspaintball.org/fayetteville/zombie-paintball/
Photo provided by magnific.comWith Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, I’d like to give a shoutout to my wonderful mom, who has done so much to shape me into the person I am today. My mom, Jeanne Meador, is a brilliant example of a selfless, in
At center, Chancellor Darrell T. Allison and Juanette Council, Ed.D., vice chancellor for student affairs, cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand reopening of Fayetteville State University's newly renovated Spaulding Building, joined by campus leaders
FCEDC has officially moved its staff and operations to 611 W. Russell St. The 35,800- square-foot center was previously home to Homemakers Furniture and Interiors. Renovations began in the fall of 2025 and are expected to be completed in the next six to eight months. Currently, FCEDC staff are working within an open 7,500-square-foot floor plan as initial improvements progress.
