Straddling the state line, Carowinds theme park has been a Carolina staple since 1973! Not only is Carowinds home to more than 50 rides and attractions, but it's also famous for its world-class events. Here are five events you don't want to miss at Carowinds this upcoming season.

SCarowinds

Select Nights, September 15 - October. 29, 2023

SCarowinds, returning for the 2023 season, is the Carolinas’ largest Halloween event. 

Guests will sleep with the lights on after experiencing this new generation of SCarowinds, located along the North Carolina-South Carolina state line. Every corner is freshly cursed with horrifying haunted mazes, spine-tingling scare zones, and live entertainment.                                                                                  

SCarowinds will scare the living daylights out of you, but it is an amazing night and one of the best things to do for Halloween in the Carolinas. 

The Great Pumpkin Fest

Saturdays and Sundays, September 16 to October 29, 2023

This fall, ghosts and ghouls of all ages are invited to don their favorite costumes and celebrate during Carowinds’ The Great Pumpkin Fest. Taking place on select days from September 16 through October 29, this special event, with just a speck of spooky, is available during park operating hours. 

Tricks and Treats Parade

Saturdays and Sundays, September 16 to October 29, 2023

Carowinds' daytime celebration, The Great Pumpkin Fest, offers family-friendly excitement. Running from September 16 to October 29 on Saturdays and Sundays, this special event, with just a speck of spooky, is available during park operating hours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The culmination of The Great Pumpkin Fest is marked by the roving Halloween party, the Tricks and Treats Parade.

The Tricks and Treats Parade, starting at 3:30 p.m., takes the magic of Halloween to the park’s midways. Adorned with iconic Halloween scenes, the mesmerizing floats wind through Carowinds, offering a visual delight. This daytime spectacle features beautifully decorated floats, cooky-spooky characters that guests of all ages can dance with along the route, and a fang-tastic dance party with iconic Halloween jams.

Procession of Nightmares

Select nights from September 15 to October 29, 2023

For scenes from the underworld, the Procession of Nightmares, kicks off at 7:30 p.m. This enthralling display promises a convoy of hideous, monstrous structures slithering through the park, joined by grotesque characters, mesmerizing effects, and bone-chilling music. Seven exquisite floats, meticulously crafted by Kern Studios in New Orleans, La., stand as the centerpiece of the parade, adding an air of mystique to the festivities.

This parade unfolds against the backdrop of SCarowinds, the Carolinas' premier Halloween event. Scheduled for select nights from September 15 to October 29, SCarowinds encompasses five haunted mazes, six scare zones, live performances, and other haunting experiences.

WinterFest

Select Nights, November 20, 2023 to January 1, 2024 

Gather with friends and family to make lifelong memories at Carowinds' WinterFest, the Carolinas’ most immersive holiday event. Savor the season with a festive ambiance and fun holiday activities at WinterFest. 

New in 2023: Aeronautica Landing

As part of the 50th anniversary celebration in 2023, Carowinds launches even more fun things to do in Charlotte with the all-new, all-exciting Aeronautica Landing. Inspired by the spirit of adventure and innovation that made world history in the Carolinas, Aeronautica Landing sets the runway for curiosity and imagination to soar.

Mark your flight schedules for 2023 when it is wheels up for Aeronautica Landing!