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Reno Halloween and Haunted Events 2026 – Best Things To Do

Last updated August 2026. We check event dates against organizer and venue websites and update this guide as additional 2026 schedules are announced.

As the crisp autumn air sets in and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange, Reno transforms into a hub of Halloween and haunted attractions. Here’s a guide to the spookiest Halloween events in Reno, Sparks, and Virginia City for 2026 that you won’t want to miss.

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Reno Halloween Events At A Glance

Reno Halloween Events 2026 at a Glance

From pumpkin patches and haunted attractions to costume parties and family-friendly celebrations, Reno and the surrounding area offer plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween. Use this quick guide to find an event that fits your plans, then scroll down for more details on each experience.

Event 2026 Date Location Best For
Andelin Family Farm Fall Festival Beginning Sept. 19 Sparks Families, pumpkin picking & fall fun
Dark Prison Sept. 25–Nov. 1 Carson City – Near Reno Haunted-house fans & thrill seekers
Ferrari Farms Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch Sept. 26–Nov. 1 Reno Families, couples & pumpkin picking
Corn Creepers Haunted Attraction Thurs.–Sun. in October Sparks Teens, adults & serious scares
Virginia City Hauntober Oct. 1–31 Virginia City – Near Reno Ghost stories, history & day trips
Haunted Halloween Mini-Golf Dates TBA Reno Families, couples & casual Halloween fun
Haunted Hoops at Urban Roots Date TBA Reno Families & children
Reno Zombie Crawl Oct. 17 Downtown Reno Adults, costumes & nightlife
The Discovery Halloween Trick or Treat Oct. 24 Reno Families & younger children
Dirty Wookie 10K & 5K Oct. 24 Reno Runners, walkers & costumes
Animal Ark Harvest Festival Oct. 24–25 Reno Families, wildlife & trick-or-treating
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert Oct. 30–31 Reno Couples, families & Harry Potter fans
Halloween Overnight Ghost Investigation at St. Mary’s Oct. 30–31 Virginia City – Near Reno Paranormal fans & ages 13+
Reno Halloween Bar Crawl Oct. 31 Reno Adults, costumes & nightlife
The Final Hour Haunted House Thurs.–Sat. in October + Halloween Sparks Haunted-house fans & thrill seekers

2026 event dates and details are subject to change. Events marked TBA have announced their return but had not published final 2026 dates when this guide was last updated.

Spider from pumpkin art - Descanso Gardens

Best Reno Halloween Events for Couples

Best Reno Halloween Events for Couples

Planning a Halloween getaway for two? Reno has several seasonal experiences that work especially well for couples, whether you prefer spooky, playful, or a night out on the town.

  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert – A great Halloween-weekend date night with a live orchestra performing the film score as the movie plays on the big screen.
  • Reno Zombie Crawl – Dress up together and join one of Reno’s biggest Halloween nightlife events, with dozens of participating downtown venues.
  • The Final Hour Haunted House – An easy choice for couples who enjoy getting scared together at a full-scale haunted attraction.
  • Corn Creepers Haunted Attraction – Take on Andelin Family Farm’s haunted cornfield for a classic October date with considerably more screaming than pumpkin picking.
  • Ferrari Farms Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch – For something less frightening, stroll the farm, pick out a pumpkin, tackle the corn maze, and enjoy a relaxed autumn outing together.
  • Virginia City Hauntober – Make a day trip of it and combine historic Virginia City, ghostly attractions, old saloons, and seasonal events for one of the area’s most atmospheric Halloween experiences.

Our couples pick: Pair an afternoon at Ferrari Farms with dinner in Reno and an evening Halloween event for an easy fall date-day itinerary.

Animal Ark Harvest Festival

Celebrate Halloween with a wild twist at the Animal Ark Harvest Festival, a family-friendly weekend at the wildlife sanctuary north of Reno. Along with traditional Halloween fun, visitors get the unusual opportunity to watch the sanctuary’s animal residents enjoy the season, too.

During the festival, kids can trick-or-treat around the sanctuary, collect sweet treats, and enjoy seasonal activities while visiting Animal Ark’s resident wildlife. One of the highlights is watching the animals receive pumpkins filled with food as special enrichment. Some pumpkin treats will be presented at scheduled times, while other animals will have theirs available throughout the day. Animal Ark plans to publish its 2026 pumpkin schedule closer to the event. No advance RSVP is required for festival entry.

Dates: October 24–25, 2026, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary, 1265 Deerlodge Road, Reno, NV 89508
Website: Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary – Special Events

Corn Creepers at Andelin Family Farms

Corn Creepers Haunt offers thrill-seekers a spooky half-mile trek through a haunted cornfield at night. Known for its eerie atmosphere and attention to detail, this haunt is perfect for creating memorable fall adventures.

It operates from Thursday to Saturday and often sells out, so advance online ticket purchases are highly recommended. For those wanting a less intense experience, a glow necklace option is available to tone down the scares, making it a family-friendly choice for younger visitors or first-timers. Please note that Corn Creepers is a rain-or-shine event, not wheelchair accessible, and the trail may be muddy with uneven paths during wet weather.

Dates: Select nights in September and October
Address: 8100 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89436
Website: Corn Creepers

Dirty Wookie 10K & 5K

Add a little exercise to your Halloween festivities at the Dirty Wookie 10K & 5K, a costume-friendly running and walking event through Reno. Thousands of participants are expected to take part, and costumes are encouraged, giving the race a festive Halloween atmosphere even for those more interested in fun than setting a personal record.

For 2026, the event introduces a new point-to-point 10K course beginning at Reno Running Company’s Lakeside location and traveling through Virginia Lake, West Reno neighborhoods and Idlewild Park before finishing at the J Resort Festival Grounds. The 5K starts and finishes at the festival grounds and follows an out-and-back route through Idlewild Park. Both races welcome walkers, and participants receive chip timing and a finisher medal.

After the race, stick around for the Finish Line Festival with music and vendors. There’s also a Halloween costume contest open to registered runners of all ages, making the Dirty Wookie a particularly fun choice for travelers who want to combine sightseeing, exercise and Halloween festivities during a Reno visit.

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026; both the 5K and 10K start at 9 a.m.
Location: 5K – J Resort Festival Grounds, 251 N. Arlington Ave., Reno, NV 89503; 10K – Reno Running Company Lakeside, 3438 Lakeside Dr., Reno, NV 89509, finishing at J Resort Festival Grounds
Website: Dirty Wookie 10K & 5K

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert

Experience a little wizarding-world magic during Halloween weekend when the Reno Philharmonic presents Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert at the Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort. Watch the third Harry Potter film on the big screen while a live symphony orchestra performs the movie’s memorable score in sync with the action.

Follow Harry through his third year at Hogwarts as he encounters Dementors, rides the Knight Bus, and learns more about the mysterious Sirius Black. Performances take place Friday, October 30 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, October 31 at 1 p.m., making this a fun Halloween-weekend option for Harry Potter fans, couples, and families looking for something festive without the scares of a traditional haunted attraction.

Date: October 30-31, 2026
Location: Grand Theatre at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
Website: Harry Potter in Concert

Fall Festival at Andelin Family Farms

The Fall Festival at Andelin Family Farms pumpkin patch is perfect for a fun-filled day of adventure and exploration. Admission includes access to glowing U-Pick pumpkin patches, engaging hayrides, and an array of delightful activities such as the Barrel Train, a Mini Zipline for kids, Busters Barnyard Challenge, and a Hay Bale Maze.

Families can enjoy farm animals, lassoing, duck races, and other interactive offerings. While some experiences, like Pony/Horse rides, gem mining, and the thrilling 5-acre corn maze, require an additional cost, they add to the festival’s charm.

Guests can also explore the Farm Store, brimming with crafts and souvenirs, and indulge in the food trailers serving delicious bites like hot food and apple cider slushies. With fun for all ages, the Harvest Festival promises lasting memories and is a must-visit for seasonal fun lovers.

Dates: Returning September 19, 2026
Address: 8100 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89436
Website: Andelin Family Farm

Ferrari Farms – Pumpkin Patch

For a classic fall outing in Reno, head to Ferrari Farms Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch, a longtime local tradition along the Truckee River. The family-owned farm celebrates the season with more than 40 varieties of pumpkins and gourds, a corn maze, hayrides, food, local vendors, and plenty of opportunities for festive fall photos.

Families can pick out a pumpkin, explore the farm, and enjoy seasonal activities, while couples may appreciate stopping by for a relaxed autumn outing before an evening of Reno Halloween festivities. Ferrari Farms is one of the most convenient pumpkin-patch experiences to include in a Reno Halloween itinerary.

Dates: September 26 – November 1, 2026
Admission: Free
Location: 4701 Mill Street, Reno
Website: Ferrari Farms

The Final Hour Haunted House

For a full-scale haunted house experience near Reno, The Final Hour Haunted House in Sparks delivers more than 25,000 square feet of scares filled with professional actors and immersive haunted environments. The attraction is designed for visitors looking for a more intense Halloween experience, and organizers do not recommend it for children under age 8.

The Final Hour operates throughout October, giving visitors multiple opportunities to work it into a Reno Halloween getaway. General admission and VIP tickets are available, with VIP admission including front-of-the-line access. If haunted houses are high on your Halloween agenda, this is one of the Reno-Sparks area’s major seasonal attractions.

Dates: Every Thursday through Saturday in October, 8 p.m.–midnight, plus Halloween, 8 p.m.–midnight
Location: 2350 Oddie Blvd., Sparks, NV 89431
Website: The Final Hour Haunted House

Haunted Hoops

Enjoy TWO spooky nights at the farm. Beginning at 7 pm, take your chances in our kid-friendly Haunted (Hoop) House! There will also be spooky crafts, drinks, and snacks! Halloween costumes
are encouraged but not required. 

Date: October 22, 2026
Location: Urban Roots, 1700 E 2nd St, Reno, NV 89502
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
More Information: Haunted Hoops Reno

Northern Nevada Classics 6th Annual Trunk-O-Treat

Northern Nevada Classics is excited to host its Annual Trunk-o-Treat event! 🎃 This family-friendly celebration promises fun, laughter, and a whole lot of candy for kids of all ages. Get ready for spooky music, a lively community atmosphere, and the chance to judge the best-decorated rides.

Lions Club will also be on hand, collecting used eyeglasses for a great cause. Don’t miss out on one of our biggest events of the year as we come together to celebrate Halloween and make unforgettable memories.. 👻🧙

Date: October 24, 2026
Location: 670 East Prater Way, Sparks, Nevada, United States
Website: Northern Nevada Car Coalition

Crawl With Us Reno Halloween Bar Crawl

Celebrate Halloween night with costumes, cocktails, and a tour of Reno’s nightlife during the Reno Halloween Bar Crawl. Taking place Saturday, October 31, 2026, the event sends costumed crawlers to participating bars throughout Reno, with exclusive drink and food specials, included drink or shot vouchers, and no cover charge at participating venues.

Check-in takes place at The Z Bar from 4–6 p.m., after which participants can create their own route among the participating locations rather than following a fixed bar-to-bar itinerary. The evening also includes a mid-party and a late-night after-party with a DJ, making this an energetic Halloween option for adults looking to celebrate beyond haunted houses and pumpkin patches.

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm
Website: Crawl With Us Halloween Bar Crawl

Nevada Discovery Museum Annual Halloween Trick or Treat

Prepare for a spooky and fun-filled experience at The Discovery’s 15th Annual Halloween Trick or Treat in Reno, NV! Dress up in your favorite costume and explore the museum while collecting delicious treats from various galleries decorated for Halloween. This family-friendly event also supports the Teal Pumpkin Project, offering non-food items for children with food allergies or those who prefer alternatives to candy. Advance tickets are suggested but not required.

A note about costumes: For the safety of all visitors, costumes with weapons of any kind are not allowed.

Dates: October 24, 2026
Time: 10 am – 12 pm (members only); 12 – 5 pm (general admission)
Location: 490 S. Center Street, Reno, NV 89501
Website: Trick or Treat at Nevada Discovery Museum

Pumpkin Painting – Garden Center Rail City

Come paint yourself a fun friend for fall!

Paint a funny, scary, or cute friend on a pumpkin for fall. All supplies are included! A family-friendly event! You can also participate in scarecrow building.

Dates – Scarecrow Building: September 26-27, October 3-4 – 2026
Dates – Pumpkin Painting: October 10-11, 17-18 – 2026
Time: 11 am – 2 pm
Address: 1720 Brierley Way, Sparks, NV 89434
Website: Rail City Garden Center Events

Reno Zombie Crawl

15,000 Zombies, 40 Bars, 150+ Specials & You!

The Reno Zombie Crawl is one of the largest bar crawls in the world, attracting thousands of participants each year. Dress up in your best zombie attire and join the undead as they shuffle from bar to bar in downtown Reno. With 40 participating bars and clubs offering drink specials, live music, and costume contests, this event is the perfect way to kick off the Halloween festivities. Don’t forget to grab your commemorative cup and map to join the crawl!

Date: October 17, 2026
Time: 8 pm – 2 am
Location: Various locations in Downtown Reno
Website: Reno Zombie Crawl


Sparks – Haunted Halloween Mini-Golf

Join the Haunted Halloween Mini-Golf, a spooktacular event featuring a DIY artist-made mini-golf course with creepy obstacles and eerie surprises! Shop spooky handmade items from local artists, enjoy chilling drinks at our tiki bar, and dress up in your favorite Halloween costumes

This event, which takes place over two weekends in October, is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Don’t miss out on the haunted wonderland experience!

Date: October 16-31, 2026 (Fridays – Sundays)
Time: 6 pm
Location: The Generator Community Makerspace – 2450 Oddie Blvd, Sparks, NV 89431
More Info: Haunted Halloween Mini-Golf

Need a Place to Stay The Night in Reno?

Check out our interactive map to find a place to stay the night after your celebrations.

Fall harvest pumpkins

Halloween Events Near Reno

Carson City – Bonanza

Carson City’s BOOnanza is an exciting community Halloween celebration where approximately 3,000 trick-or-treaters can explore around 100 decorated booths hosted by local businesses and organizations under the park’s beautiful cottonwood trees. This free family-friendly event features food trucks, Halloween activities, spooky crafts at the Carson City Library, and complimentary rides on the Mills Park Railroad, making it the perfect adventure for families looking to create memorable Halloween experiences in Carson City, Nevada.

Date: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026
Time: 4 pm – 7 pm
Location: Mills Park
Website: Carson City Boonanza

Carson City – Dark Prison – Northern Nevada’s Largest Haunted House

Explore the abandoned Nevada State Prison, a historic site transformed into Northern Nevada’s largest and most terrifying haunted attraction. This immersive experience features three distinct haunts sprawling across the authentic prison grounds, with over 75 live actors ready to bring your worst fears to life. Navigate the possessed Cellblock C, uncover the twisted experiments of a mad doctor in Unit 15, and lose your mind in the gas-filled maze of the Institute for the Unwell. If you survive, you can calm your nerves at “The Shiv” bar or grab a bite from the food trucks in the yard. Your adventure into terror awaits.

Dates: Sept. 25–Nov. 1, 2026
Location: Dark Prison Haunted House At The Nevada State Prison – 3301 Warm Springs Ct., Carson City, NV 89701
Website: Dark Prison Haunted House

Lake Tahoe – Fright Night Halloween Crawl

Get ready for the ultimate Halloween adventure at Lake Tahoe! Fright Night Halloween Crawl returns to Caesars Republic & Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, bringing you an unforgettable night of themed venues, live DJs, specialty cocktails, and an incredible $10,000 in cash prizes. Crawl through multiple bars across both properties, showcase your creativity in costume contests, and dance the night away in this thrilling Halloween experience that perfectly combines the excitement of travel with the magic of Halloween celebration.

Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 9 pm
Location: Caesars Republic & Harrah’s Lake Tahoe (various bars and venues)
Admission: Free entry into most venues; paid admission into Peek if not in Costume
Ages: Must be 21+ to attend and participate
Website: Fright Night Lake Tahoe

Virginia City – Halloween Carnival & Oddities Show at The Mackay Mansion

The Halloween Carnival & Oddities Show in Virginia City is your ultimate spooky season experience! This one-day event offers a chilling mix of local artisans, eerie décor, séance events, and guided mansion tours at the historic Mackay Mansion.

Attendees can enjoy live music, tasty catering, and a full bar while exploring market stalls filled with strange and spine-tingling collectibles.

With VIP tickets including exclusive goodies like a canvas trick-or-treat bag, this family-friendly event (kids under 5 get in free!) is perfect for all ages. Don’t miss out on stepping into a world where the paranormal comes alive!

Date: September 13, 2026
Time: 11 am – 8 pm
Location: 291 S. D. Street, Virginia City, Nevada
Tickets: Halloween Carnival & Oddities Show

Virginia City – Hauntober

Just a short drive from Reno, historic Virginia City transforms into “Hauntober” throughout October, celebrating the town’s famously haunted past with ghost tours, paranormal investigations, train rides, costume events, and Halloween festivities for both families and adults.

The month-long celebration runs October 1–31, 2026. Highlights include Bats in the Belfry guided ghost tours, paranormal experiences at some of Virginia City’s historic buildings, seasonal V&T Railroad excursions, and The Spirits Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl on October 24. Halloween itself brings the Hauntober Costume Contest, Parade and Safe Trick-or-Treating on October 31 from 4:30–8 p.m. Other spooky activities are expected throughout the month, with additional 2026 dates continuing to be announced. With its Victorian buildings, historic cemeteries, old saloons, and long list of ghost stories, Virginia City provides an especially atmospheric setting for a Halloween day trip from Reno.

Virginia City – St. Mary’s Art Center Halloween Ghost Investigation & Sleepover

Spend Halloween night investigating one of Virginia City’s most atmospheric historic buildings during the Halloween Overnight Ghost Investigation at St. Mary’s Art Center. Built in 1876 and once used as a hospital, the property provides a suitably eerie setting for an evening exploring its history—and perhaps looking for signs of those who never quite left.

The 2026 investigations take place Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31. Guests join Paula Burris, co-founder of Women Investigating Ghost Sightings (W.I.G.S.), and her team for a guided overnight paranormal investigation through the historic building. Participants can explore some of the property’s most intriguing spaces before retiring to accommodations inside the former hospital. The event is open to ages 13 and older, making it an especially memorable Hauntober experience for paranormal enthusiasts willing to spend the entire night in one of Virginia City’s historic landmarks.

Advance tickets are required

Date and Time: October 30-31, 2026
Location: St. Mary’s Art Center – 55 R St. Virginia City, NV 89440
Website: https://www.stmarysartcenter.org/calendar

Virginia City – V&T Railroad Pumpkin Patch Train

A pumpkin patch is fall’s ultimate playground for kids, so why not make an adventure of it with a train ride to the Gold Hill Pumpkin Patch?

Dates: Select dates in October
Location: Virginia City Depot – 166 F Street, Virginia City
Website for Tickets: V&T Railroad Pumpkin Patch Train Tickets

09/11/2026 11:22 am GMT

Year-Round Spooky Things to Do in Reno

Reno Ghost Tour

This Halloween, experience the chilling side of Reno with Reno Ghost Tours. Join expert guides for a 1.5-hour walking journey through downtown, uncovering the city’s haunted history. Visit eerie locations like Sundance Books and Music, where at least two mysterious deaths occurred, and the Washoe County Courthouse, known for trapping both the guilty and innocent. Explore the Pioneer Center’s dark past, delve into old Chinatown’s spectral residents, and hear spine-tingling tales of the former Mapes Hotel.

This tour offers a unique blend of local history and supernatural intrigue, perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. 

Click To Book: Reno Ghost Tour

Learn about more things to do in Reno, Nevada

Reno Weekend Itinerary Ideas
Reno Festivals – Month by Month Guide

Also – Check out our Nevada articles and resources page

Enjoy a Safe and Fun Halloween Weekend

Halloween weekend is filled with spooky decorations, parties, and the joy of seeing everyone in their creative costumes. Whether you’re out for a night of safe Halloween trick-or-treating or hosting a gathering at home, ensuring safety while having fun is critical to making the holiday memorable for the entire family.

Safe Trick or Treating

Review safety tips with your little ones as you prepare to head out for some trick-or-treating. Stick to well-lit areas, and remember to bring flashlights or glow sticks. This adds to the spooky atmosphere and keeps everyone visible to drivers and other trick-or-treaters. Ensure costumes are comfortable and don’t obstruct vision or movement, allowing your children to move safely from house to house as they collect their favorite treats.

Consider Food Allergies

Halloween is all about delicious treats, but being mindful of food allergies is important. If you’re handing out candy, consider offering non-food items like small toys or glow sticks as an alternative for children with food allergies. For parents, inspect your child’s candy haul and set aside anything containing allergens. Many families also participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, which indicates that non-food treats are available for those with dietary restrictions.

Hosting Halloween Parties

If you’re planning to host a Halloween party, consider activities everyone can enjoy, regardless of age. From bobbing for apples to decorating pumpkins, there are plenty of ways to entertain the whole family. When planning your menu, include a variety of snacks and treats, considering those with dietary restrictions so that everyone can indulge safely. Spooky decorations and themed games will add to the festive atmosphere, making your gathering the highlight of the Halloween weekend.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your Halloween is safe and fun. After all, the best memories are made when everyone can enjoy the holiday, free of worries and full of joy.

Closing Thoughts – Halloween Events in Reno

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly festival or a heart-pounding haunted house, the Reno area has something for everyone this Halloween season. As we get closer to the end of October, get your costumes ready and prepare for a month of spooky fun and frightful festivities!

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