Your 2025 Guide to Halloween in Harrisonburg & the Shenandoah Valley

Fall in the Shenandoah Valley feels like magic — crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the promise of spooky fun right around the corner. Whether you’re chasing scares or hunting candy, here’s your go-to guide to Halloween in Harrisonburg, VA — featuring haunted attractions, family-friendly events, and the best neighborhoods for trick-or-treating.

Haunted Houses, Ghost Tours & Creepy Adventures

Madame Redrum’s Nine Gates of Doom (Waynesboro)
If you’re looking for one of the most talked-about haunted houses near Harrisonburg, Madame Redrum delivers theatrical terror inside an old mill. With immersive sets and live actors, this experience is perfect for anyone ready to test their fear threshold.
👉 madameredrums.com

Staunton Ghost Tour (Staunton, VA)
Step into Staunton’s haunted past with a lantern-lit ghost tour through Civil War-era hospitals, haunted inns, and mysterious alleyways. These expert-led tours blend local history with supernatural storytelling — a must for spooky season fans.
👉 usghostadventures.com/staunton-ghost-tour

DarkWood Manor (Luray, VA)
This legendary haunted attraction in the Shenandoah Valley is perfect for hardcore haunt lovers. Open weekends in October, it’s known for elaborate sets, theatrical performances, and a cinematic level of fright — all set against a scenic mountain backdrop.
👉 darkwoodmanor.net

Fear Forest (Harrisonburg, VA)
The local favorite! Fear Forest offers three unique experiences — each with its own level of terror:

• Fear Forest – a haunted woods trail

• Fear Crops – a haunted corn maze with zombie scenes

• Fear Factory – an indoor scare zone full of jump scares and effects

You’ll also find bonfires, concessions, and monster photo ops. It’s the ultimate Harrisonburg Halloween experience for thrill seekers.
👉 fearforest.net

Family-Friendly Halloween Events 

🎃 Broadway Hometown Halloweenfest — October 23, 4–7 PM
Downtown Broadway transforms for a night of games, candy, and costumes! North Main Street closes for safe, door-to-door trick-or-treating, and the Hometown Costume Contest kicks off at 6:00 p.m.

💀 Skeleton Fest (Downtown Harrisonburg) - October 25, 1-5 PM
Downtown Harrisonburg comes alive with trick-or-treating along Liberty and Mason Streets, live music, costume contests, and local food trucks. A perfect mix of festive fun and community spirit.
👉 downtownharrisonburg.org/skeleton-fest

🔥 Dayton Community Bonfire & Trick-or-Treat — October 25, 5–7 PM
Gather around the fire at 145 Sunset Drive for trick-or-treat stations, s’mores, and fall fun. Local businesses and community groups make this small-town event a family favorite each year.

🎃 Rockingham Park at the Crossroads — October 25, 4–7 PM
Enjoy trunk-or-treating, inflatables, face painting, and crafts — plus food trucks and lawn games for all ages. A guaranteed hit for families looking for safe Halloween fun.

🍭 Oakdale Park Trick-or-Treat Track — October 26, 2–4 PM
Walk the trick-or-treat track, collect candy from local businesses, and enter the annual costume contest. A relaxed, family-friendly event perfect for younger kids.

These community gatherings are perfect for families who want a fun, safe, and low-pressure Halloween experience — no door-to-door planning required!

 Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating

When Halloween night rolls around, there’s no shortage of great neighborhoods in and around Harrisonburg for classic door-to-door trick-or-treating.

Belmont Estates – Known for its festive spirit, generous candy selection, and wide, walkable streets. A local favorite every year!

Battlefield Estates – Spacious lots and quiet streets make this neighborhood perfect for families looking for a safe, relaxed evening stroll.

Barrington – A beautiful, tucked-away community where neighbors often decorate with plenty of Halloween flair.

Preston Lake – With its sidewalks, parks, and strong sense of community, Preston Lake is a top pick for family-friendly trick-or-treating (and some seriously cute costumes).

Reherd Acres – A classic, tree-lined neighborhood that’s always full of trick-or-treaters. Easy to walk, welcoming, and known for its friendly vibe.

Purcell Park Area – Homes surrounding the park make for an easy, scenic route — perfect for little ones. Keep an eye out for some creative porch setups!

Legion Hills – Quiet and cozy, this neighborhood offers a slower pace for families who prefer a low-key night of candy hunting.

Not sure where to start? Check your neighborhood’s Nextdoor Treat Map to see which homes are participating — or head to one of the local community events above for guaranteed treats and family fun. 🎃

 From Haunted Houses to Happy Homes

At Connexa Real Estate, we love helping you connect with the community — and this season is all about that! Whether you’re new to the area or planning your next move in the Shenandoah Valley, we’re here to make your real estate journey less scary (and more exciting).