Touch-a-Truck is a FREE event at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 NC Highway 49, Concord, North Carolina, on November 1, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission is free and parking is $8.
Cabarrus Arena will transform into a playground of machinery. Bring your family to see, touch and safely explore their favorite vehicles and machines while meeting the people who operate them. Check out trucks, tractors, construction vehicles and more!
Ninja Nation will have a mobile obstacle course to take on.
Come dressed in your Halloween costume. There will be candy, giveaways and more.
From 9 to 10:30 a.m., the event will be low-sensory, with no sirens or flashing lights.
Julia’s Café and Books, at ReStore at 1133 N Wendover Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting a fall festival on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It’s free to attend.
The festival features costume contests for humans and pets, with prizes. Every participant receives a 10% gift card to the Wendover location or ReStore.
Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall 2024. Photo by Sharon Welling
The Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall has become a much-loved tradition, not just for Elizabeth residents, but for many others in the community. It’s a giant display of dozens of carved pumpkins, and is an amazing sight to see.
2025 is the 21st year of the Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall!
Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall 2020. Photo by Sharon Welling
Every year the pumpkins are illuminated behind that year’s Pumpkin Wall Word.
The Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall will be at 2017 Greenway Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Elizabeth residents will carve the pumpkins, and will have a ceremonial Pumpkin Wall lighting on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 6:45 p.m.
The carving party is for residents of Elizabeth, but everyone is welcome to add a carved pumpkin to the wall.
2018 Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
After that, the wall will remain lit every night through Halloween, and will be taken down on November 2, 2025, so you will have five nights to enjoy the Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall in 2025.
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
2019 Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall. Photo: Tom Hanchett
Want to enjoy a dinner out while visiting Elizabeth?
Here are some restaurants to try:
The Fig Tree, 1601 E. 7th Street
The Crunkleton, 1957 E. 7th Street
Viva Chicken, 1617 Elizabeth Avenue
Cajun Queen, 1800 E. Seventh Street
2016 Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
When is Trick or Treating in the Charlotte area in 2025? This is a commonly asked question and the answer is simple. October 31st. Neighborhood trick or treating is always on October 31st in the Charlotte area. It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is, or what else is going on. It’s always on Halloween.
That said, there are many, many events at shopping centers, festivals, churches, and more, that include trick or treat or trunk or treat and these events can take place on any day. That’s what this list is all about.
As Halloween approaches, we are listing trick-or-treat and trunk-or-treat opportunities in the Charlotte area.
Typically, many festivals include trick-or-treating with vendors for kids. Churches and other organizations offer trunk-or-treat, where people decorate their cars and hand out candy. We’ll be adding these events as we hear of them.
So if you’d like to take your kids to an organized activity, rather than go door to door, check out this list. Or if your kids just want to maximize their candy take, this list will help.
And for neighborhood trick-or-treating, check out the Charlotte Trick or Treat Map, which will be updated as Halloween approaches by neighbors who want to be sure you don’t miss their house!
And when it’s all over, maybe you can convince your kids to take some of their excess candy to a Halloween candy buyback event at a local dentist office and get some cold, hard cash.
Let us know what else should be on the list and we’ll add it as time permits.
Naughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary, in Albemarle, NC, rescues and cares for abandoned and neglected senior and special needs animals.
The address is 24709 Canton Rd, Albemarle, NC.
They provide sanctuary, safe housing, nutritious food, medical care, and lots of love to dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, goats, alpacas, and, yes, one naughty donkey.
It’s just under an hour drive from Charlotte, and closer to Mint Hill, Midland and Mt. Pleasant.
Flocktoberfest takes place Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tour the sanctuary
Meet the animals and hear their stories
Shop local vendors
Eat vegan food
Enjoy photo ops
Collect candy on Taco’s Trick or Treat Trail
The cost is $20 per car in advance, or $25 at the gate, all of which goes to help take care of the animals. If you can’t make it maybe you’d like to donate! Tickets and donation here.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Flocktoberfest at Naughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary (price is per car)
When
October 25, 2025 @ 10:00 am-4:00 pm
What
Flocktoberfest at Naughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary (price is per car)
Central Coffee Co. and Louse Kleto with Keller Williams Southpark are holding a costume swap on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 8 to 10 a.m., at the shop at 719 Louise Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina.
This event is for all ages.
If you bring in an old costume you’ll get a $1 off coupon and a raffle entry for a Disney Loungefly backpack and $25 gift card to Central Coffee.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
More Halloween events
Check out our growing list of Halloween events or look at few here:
Comedy Arts of Theater of Charlotte presents The Spooky Show, a special Halloween-themed edition of Improv Game Night, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
It takes place at CATCh in Lower South End, 4128 South Blvd, Suite A3, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Prepare to let loose and laugh at Improv Game Night! It’s the hilariously unpredictable show where YOU play a pivotal role. Think Whose Line is it Anyway? but with no television cameras, musical talent of Wayne Brady or re-runs. This show will never happen the same way again – it’s just for you!
This Halloween edition features an audience costume contest, with prizes.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
The Spooky Show: comedy improv and audience costume contest
When
October 25, 2025 @ 7:30 pm
What
The Spooky Show: comedy improv and audience costume contest
Enjoy some free stuff (and some cheap stuff) on Halloween or around Halloween with this list of freebies and deals. Make sure to click on the links for necessary details. Participation varies by location.
Unless otherwise noted, these freebies and deals are for Friday, October 31, 2025, but make sure to follow the links for information on times and locations.
Keep checking back, as more will be announced soon, and we’ll add them as soon as they’re verified.
Do you know of other Halloween freebies or deals? Please email jody@charlotteonthecheap.com. As always, I’d particularly love to share information about locally owned businesses. Also, if you haven’t subscribed to Charlotte on the Cheap’s daily email, what are you waiting for? You’re missing so much! Sign up online now.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme: Wear your costume on Halloween and get a free Original Glazed doughnut. The deal is active October 25 and 31, 2025.
Zapata’s
Zapata’s, 8927 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina, is offering 15% off on Halloween if you wear a costume. There will also be a costume contest. Announced on Facebook.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Photo: Moe’s Southwest Grill
To celebrate both Halloween and Día de los Muertos, Moe’s Southwest Grill is offering customers the chance to enjoy BOGO entrées on October 31 and November 1, 2025, at participating locations. Redeeming online requires a Moe Rewards account. Valid for Moe Value Meal, Burritos, Bowls, Stacks, Nachos, Quesadillas, Three Tacos or Salads; excludes One Taco, Kids Meals and Meal Kits.
Noodles & Company
From October 27 to 31, 2025, Noodles & Company Rewards members can enjoy a Buy One, Get One 50% Off offer on regular entrées.
Schlotzky’s
Schlotzsky’s Rewards members get $3 off Giant Sandwiches on October 31, 2025. Must apply the Reward at checkout.
Cinnabon
Photo: Cinnabon
From October 27 to 31, 2025, Cinnabon Rewards members receive one free OREO Spookies & Cream Chillata with the purchase of CinnaPack through your rewards account at participating Cinnabon locations.
Firehouse Subs
Every evening on October, 2025, get 25% off order at Firehouse Subs after 6 p.m. The offer include subs, sides and drinks.
The offer is only available for Firehouse Rewards members for orders placed via the sub shop’s site or app. Join Firehouse Rewards here.
The deal is not available in-restaurant or via any third-party delivery services.
For existing loyalty members, activate the discount in the “Offers” section in your account before ordering.For new loyalty members, the offer will appear in your account within a few minutes of signing up.
Wendy’s Boo Books
Photo courtesy of Living on the Cheap
Wendy’s: Buy a Boo Book for $1 and get 5 coupons for a free Jr. Frosty. 90 cents from every $1 purchase goes to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
Deals offered by national chains are usually “participating locations only.” We can’t generally verify participation with a particular location, so we encourage you to contact the location to make sure. In addition, limited time offers can end without warning. Deals may not be available when you order from a 3rd party delivery service.
Carolina Theatre, which reopened in March of 2025 after being closed since 1978, is hosting concerts, comedy, films, discussions and more. After years of renovation, and the restoration of its original facade, it offers an atmosphere of grandeur to the heart of Uptown Charlotte, at 230 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.
This Halloween season it’s hosting the sCarolina Entertainment Series, featuring classic, full length horror movies. This series gives guests a chance to see these films how they should be seen — in a beautiful, ornate, two-tiered theatre that has a resident ghost.
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
The sCarolina entertainment series concludes on Halloween, October 31, 2025, with the movie Halloween (1978) at 7 p.m.
This movie came out the year that Carolina Theatre closed!
Carolina Theatre is offering one Charlotte on the Cheap reader a free four-pack of tickets for this show, and is also offering a discount for all Charlotte on the Cheap readers.
Discount to Halloween Movie
Tickets to see Halloween on Halloween are $16.05 per ticket, including fees. ($10 plus fees.) The total price of two tickets is $32.10, plus tax.
Use the promo code MYERS for buy-one-get-one free tickets.
To get this deal, go to the ticket page for the film. Make sure you have it selected for “2 Tickets.” Then click on the Unlock button.
Then, type in the Code MYERS. That will change the base price of each ticket to $5, and the total price, including fees, for two tickets will be $19.80 plus tax.
Win Tickets to Halloween Movie
Go to see Halloween on Halloween with three of your bravest friends. One Charlotte on the Cheap subscriber will win a free four-pack to the movie.
Then scroll down and leave a comment to enter the contest. Make sure to enter with the same email address that you used to subscribe to the newsletter. Please put your email address in the “email address” field, not the body of the comment. That way it won’t be visible to the public.
We will email the winner on Monday, October 27, 2025. You’ll pick your tickets up at Guest Services the night of the movie.
Matthews Playhouse is presenting its Halloween Haunted Trail from Friday, October 24, to Sunday, October 26, 2025.
The trail is on Four Mile Creek Trail, behind the Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews.
The popular event is a fundraiser for the theatre’s Sponsor-A-Student and Scholarship Funds that aim to make the performing arts more accessible to members of the community.
Each day there will be a “Not So Spooky” trail and a “Full Fright” trail.
The “Not So Spooky” trail is a fun, light-hearted walk through the woods before the sun goes down and is suitable for young audiences. Costumes and interactions with characters is encouraged. It’s designed for children ages 6 and up.
There will also be a Halloween “Fun Zone” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It features Trunk-or-Treat, face painting, a DJ, crafts, games, and other family-friendly activities. The Fun Zone is free when you purchase a Not So Spooky Trail Ticket. Recommended for kids ages 2-12.
Then it transforms into the “Full Fright” Trail, which is designed to frighten you. It’s recommended for ages 10 and up. You’ll make your way through the dark woods with your tour guide.
This is an outdoor attraction.
Dates
Friday, October 24
Saturday, October 25
Sunday, October 26
Times
Not So Spooky: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Halloween Fun Zone: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Full Fright: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Admission
“Not So Spooky” Trail: $10
Halloween Fun Zone: Free with trail ticket purchase
“Full Fright” Trail: $10
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
More Halloween events
Check out our growing list of Halloween events or look at few here:
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Matthews Playhouse’s Haunted Trail — “not so spooky” and “full fright” options, plus Halloween Fun Zone
Success on the Spectrum Lake Norman and Charlotte are joining up to present a Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m.
It will take place at Success on the Spectrum Lake Norman, 19900 W Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, North Carolina, and is free to attend.
Costumes are encouraged. There will be several prizes for decorated vehicles. A bounce house will be set up.
Candy-less options for those needing alternatives.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
Tiger Xpress, 701 Beatty Drive, Mount Holly, North Carolina, is presenting a Haunted Car Wash the following dates:
October 17 to 19, 2025: 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
October 24 to 26, 2025: 7 p.m. to midnight
November 1, 2025: 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
The cost is $29 per car, which includes Tiger Shine Wash.
The event features live actor interactions, flashing lights and intense scenes. Car doors will be pulled. If you leave them unlocked, actors may interact with you inside your vehicle. If you prefer less interaction, turn on your 4-way flashers until you exit the tunnel.
You can get out of your car at the end to vacuum and take pictures. A photo booth will be set up so that you can capture the memories.
Stowe Conservancy is hosting Cars + Coffee: Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. It takes place at the Trailhead Store, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, North Carolina.
This is a free event and doesn’t require you to pay admission to the garden. (It takes place outside the garden.)
All makes and models are welcome (and encouraged!) to meet up at the Garden Pavilion parking lot to show off their rides and chat with fellow enthusiasts.
This is a family-friendly meet, and you’re encouraged to decorate your vehicle “trunk-or-treat” style and be ready for Halloween excitement from the littles as this is a lead-in to our Bootanical Halloween event. No pre-registration is required.
All participants who bring a vehicle will receive free passes to visit the Gardens at Stowe – hang around for Bootanical beginning at 10 a.m., or visit another day. Stop at the Trailhead Store on your way down to the meet and mention you’re there for Trunk-or-Treat to receive a discount on your beverage.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
We are listing a few impressive displays here. We know that there are more, and we will add to this list as long as we hear about the homeowner or resident that they would like to be listed, or if they use a website or social media to publicly promote their display. We will share as much or as little as you want!
If you do go to visit these, please be considerate of the residents, who have put so much time into the displays, as well as their neighbors, who have put up with it.
One of the most impressive Halloween displays that you’ll see anywhere in the Charlotte is on Scaleybark Court, Mt. Holly, North Carolina. You’ll see giant, macabre creatures, dozens of skeletons, the biggest jack-o-lantern you’re likely to see, and more.
Scaleybark Court in Mt. Holly. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
What’s really impression is that the brains behind the operation has created most of the props himself. It’s mind-boggling. What’s more is that he has a YouTube channel where he shares tutorials on how he makes the props. Check out @IsaacAlexanderDIY on YouTube or Facebook.
Scaleybark Court in Mt. Holly. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLCScaleybark Court in Mt. Holly. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Walnut Avenue, Mt. Holly
139 W. Walnut Avenue, Mt. Holly, NC
Giant Monsters on Ridge Road
Photo provided by R. Suarez
Check out the giant monsters at 4706 Ridge Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. They are huge, plentiful and creative!
Photo provided by R. Suarez.
Curtis Pond in Mooresville
The Curtis Pond neighborhood in Mooresville is known for over the top Halloween decorations. We don’t know the specific address of the best houses, but the clubhouse is at 154 Almora Loop, Mooresville, NC.
Duncan Family Light Show
Check out Duncan Family Lights, at 3970 Highway 182, Lincolnton, North Carolina. Back for 2025. The show will be running every weekend until Halloween week and then every night through Halloween. Updates on Duncan Family Christmas Light Show’s Facebook page.
Union Street in Concord
Once again, the houses around Union Street North (near the intersection with Buffalo Avenue) in Concord, NC, are very well decorated! We will update with some pictures soon!
Ballantyne Country Club Drive
There’s an impressive display at 15631 Ballantyne Country Club Drive, Charlotte, NC.
Commonwealth Avenue
Check back soon to see what the well-known “Halloween House” on Commonwealth Avenue in Charlotte is doing this year. One year there was a creepy carnival in the front yard this year, with a ferris wheel, a 12-foot animatronic skeleton and more. The main night is typically Halloween. If you’re coming from Plaza Midwood, turn left on Commonwealth and drive up a bit.
We don’t have information for 2025 yet, but please check back soon.
Skeletons for St. Jude’s
Skeletons for St. Jude’s a grassroots project where people decorate their yard with massive skeletons for Halloween, and invite guests to make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. However, as far as we know, there’s no map saying where these houses are.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 8600 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Huntersville, North Carolina, is hosting Trunk or Treat and a Tailgate Plate Sale on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
The Trunk or Treat, which is free, takes place from 5 to 7 p.m.
Plates and takeout are from 12 to 7 p.m. Order food by October 28, 2025. You can enjoy your food at the event from 5 to 7 p.m., or grab and go between 12 and 7 p.m.
