Halloween Around Huntersville and Cornelius: Owl-O-Ween, a Treat Trail, Birkdale Trick or Treat, and Free Kids at Renfest

Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, which gives the north Mecklenburg towns a full two weekends of costumes, candy, and a few genuinely spooky evenings. Here is what we confirmed with each organizer, from a trick or treat trail at a bird of prey center to a free kids weekend at the Renaissance Festival.

Saturday, Oct. 17: Owl-O-Ween at the Carolina Raptor Center

The Carolina Raptor Center at 6000 Sample Road in Huntersville turns its Raptor Trail into a trick or treat trail from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bring your own bag. There is a costume contest with prizes for Best Bird, Best Non-Bird, and Best Group, plus storytime at 10:30 a.m. and Meet a Raptor programs at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. (Carolina Raptor Center)

• Cost: included with general admission.
• Tickets: the center says advance tickets are highly recommended, and program seating is first come, first served, opening 15 minutes before each one.

Saturday, Oct. 24: Halloween Treat Trail in Cornelius

Cornelius Parks and Recreation hosts its Halloween Treat Trail at Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Trick or treating runs in 30 minute time slots, and a Halloween movie plays from about 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Town of Cornelius)

• Who: the trail is for kids ages 2 to 12. Older or younger siblings can enjoy the other activities but not the trail itself.
• Registration: required. Register the children only and pick one slot. When we checked, the 5:30 slot was already sold out, with 6:00 and 6:30 still listed.
• Cost: free for Cornelius residents, $3 for nonresidents.

Saturday, Oct. 31: Trick or treat at Birkdale Village

On Halloween morning, kids in costume can trick or treat at participating shops and restaurants at Birkdale Village from 10 a.m. to noon. Check in at Concierge starting at 10 for a map of who is handing out candy. Treats are while supplies last. (Birkdale Village)

Oct. 31 and Nov. 1: Halloween weekend at the Renaissance Festival

The Carolina Renaissance Festival at 16445 Poplar Tent Road in Huntersville closes its season with a Halloween weekend, open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. both days. Kids 12 and under get in free on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, but they still need a ticket: choose one of those dates when you order online. If the dates sell out, adults with the kids need tickets already in hand. (Carolina Renaissance Festival)

Saturday, Nov. 7: Ghost hunt at the Hugh Torance House

For older kids and grown ups who want the real thing, the Charlotte Area Paranormal Society leads a ghost hunt through the rooms and grounds of the historic Hugh Torance House and Store, 8231 Gilead Road in Huntersville, starting at 6:30 p.m. It is limited to 24 guests, and guests must be 12 or older with an adult. (ticket page)

One caution: the ticket page lists $25 admission in its description but shows $32 and $21 ticket options labeled Friday and Saturday, even though the event is listed for Saturday only. Confirm the price and date at checkout.

Still to confirm

These three are on the Visit Lake Norman Halloween calendar, but we could not confirm this year's details on the organizer's own page, so check before you go:

• Halloween in Huntersville. Visit Lake Norman lists Sunday, Oct. 25, 4 to 7 p.m. at Huntersville Athletic Park. The town's event page still shows last year's date, so watch the town's page for the 2026 details. Last year's version had an egg dash, bounce houses, and a costume contest.
• Ghouly Gala at Discovery Place Kids Huntersville. Listed for Friday, Oct. 16, 5 to 8 p.m., at 105 Gilead Road, with limited tickets. (NC Science Trail listing)
• Halloweekend in Davidson. Listed for Friday, Oct. 23, starting at 5 p.m. on Main Street.

Good to know

Costume contests, candy, and time slots go fast at the free and low cost events, so register early where it is required. For anything outdoors, check the organizer's page the morning of for weather updates.

Last verified Oct. 15, 2026.