Halloween is the season for all things spooky, and Halloween Great America Haunt is where the thrills hit their peak.
As one of the premier Halloween-themed events in California, this annual fright fest promises an unforgettable experience filled with haunted mazes, live performances, nightmarish zones.
Ghoulish characters roaming the park. Whether you are a Halloween fanatic or a first-time visitor, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know for Halloween Great America Haunt 2024.
What is Halloween Great America Haunt?
California’s Great America is famous for its exhilarating rides, but when Halloween rolls around, it transforms into a spine-chilling experience known as Halloween Haunt.
For over a decade, this seasonal event has brought a terrifying twist to the park’s attractions, featuring some of the most creative haunted mazes, scare zones, and live horror performances in the country.
The park morphs into a haunted landscape, filled with horror-themed areas where gory monsters, zombies, and creepy creatures lurk at every corner.
From mazes that test your nerves to adrenaline-pumping night rides, the Haunt delivers heart-pounding excitement for those who dare to attend.
Halloween Events in Great America Schedule List 2024
| Event | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halloween Haunt | California’s Great America, Santa Clara, CA | September 20 – October 26, 2024 | 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Tricks and Treats | California’s Great America, Santa Clara, CA | September 20 – October 26, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Fright Fest | Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL | September 16 – October 29, 2024 | Varies (check park hours) |
| Kids Boo Fest | Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL | September 23 – October 29, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Oktoberfest & Fright Fest | Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL | Weekends in September 2024 | Varies |
1. Halloween Haunt at California’s Great America (Santa Clara, CA)
Venue: California’s Great America, 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Dates: September 20 – October 26, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Ticket Price: Starting at $44.99 per person
Description:
Halloween Haunt is one of the scariest Halloween events in Northern California. It transforms the park into a frightening zone filled with haunted mazes.
Scare zones, live shows, and terrifying rides after dark. The horror intensifies with attractions like the eerie Everfall and the ghoulish Sweet Tooth Acres.
The event is best for thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline-pumping Halloween night. Haunted houses, freaky characters, and spine-chilling performances ensure guests are left screaming.
Attractions include:
- Haunted Mazes
- Live Horror Shows
- Creepy Rides in the Dark
Family-Friendly Alternatives:
For those who want a lighter experience, there’s also the family-friendly Tricks and Treats event during the day.
2. Tricks and Treats at California’s Great America
Venue: California’s Great America, 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Dates: September 20 – October 26, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ticket Price: Included with general park admission (starting at $39.99)
Description:
Designed for families, the Tricks and Treats event is a wholesome Halloween celebration for guests of all ages. The park offers activities like trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed games, live shows, and spooky yet light-hearted decorations.
Children can meet costumed characters, enjoy special themed food and participate in interactive crafts. The event offers an exciting alternative for families not interested in the scarier elements of the Halloween Haunt.
Activities include:
- Trick-or-Treat Stations
- Pumpkin Decorating
- Costume Contests for Kids
3. Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, IL)
Venue: Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Dates: September 16 – October 29, 2024 (Weekends Only)
Time: Park opening hours; horror attractions start at dusk
Ticket Price: Tickets start at $34.99, with additional haunted house admission sold separately
Description:
Six Flags Great America’s Fright Fest is one of the Midwest’s most renowned Halloween attractions.
By day, the park offers family-friendly activities, but as the sun sets, it turns into a terrifying haunt featuring haunted houses, live actors, and scary zones filled with monsters.
Guests can expect to be frightened by themed areas like Demon District and Zombie Infestation, where no corner is safe.
Main attractions include:
- Haunted Houses (additional charge)
- Scare Zones with live actors
- Nighttime rides on roller coasters like Goliath and Raging Bull
4. Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Great America
Venue: Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Dates: September 23 – October 29, 2024 (Weekends Only)
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ticket Price: Included with general admission (starting at $34.99)
Description:
Kids Boo Fest offers a scare-free experience for families and young children. This event runs during the day and is packed with fun Halloween activities like trick-or-treat trails, interactive games.
And live entertainment, all with a friendly, spooky twist. It’s a wonderful way for children to enjoy Halloween without the intensity of Fright Fest.
Features include:
- Trick-or-Treat Trails
- Halloween Crafts
- Kid-Friendly Costumed Characters
5. Oktoberfest & Fright Fest Combo at Six Flags Great America
Venue: Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Dates: Weekends in September 2024
Time: Varies (check park hours)
Ticket Price: General admission prices start at $34.99, food and drink sold separately
Description:
Six Flags offers a special combination of Oktoberfest and Fright Fest in September 2024. During the daytime, guests can enjoy traditional Oktoberfest-themed food, drinks, and music.
Creating a festive atmosphere throughout the park. As dusk falls, the park shifts gears to Fright Fest, where the scares begin. This unique event combines the best of fall celebrations, mixing German-inspired food and fun with the thrills of Halloween.
Highlights:
- Oktoberfest-Themed Food & Drink Stands
- Live Music and Entertainment
- Scary Zones and Haunted Attractions at Night
New Attractions for 2024
Every year, Halloween Great America Haunt introduces new and even more terrifying experiences. For 2024, the park promises some exciting new additions:
a. “Cursed Crypt” Haunted Maze
This maze is set to be one of the scariest yet. Visitors will explore ancient tombs and dark catacombs where cursed souls and ancient spirits await. Will you escape the crypt unscathed?
b. “Psycho Circus” 4D Experience
For fans of immersive horror, this new 4D experience brings together horror and technology. Step into the Psycho Circus and watch a deranged ringmaster control his terrifying performers with chilling precision.
c. “Midnight Clown Town” Scare Zone
This zone is not for the faint of heart. Clowns roam freely, causing chaos and fear with their twisted humor and maniacal laughter. Beware – you may be their next victim!
Ticket Information
For 2024, Halloween Great America Haunt offers several ticket options to accommodate different budgets and preferences:
- General Admission: $55 – Access to all haunted mazes, scare zones, and performances.
- Fast Lane Pass: $85 – Skip the lines for rides and attractions, giving you more time for the scares.
- Season Pass Holders: Free entry with the Gold or Platinum Season Pass.
- Fright Pass: $120 – Includes admission plus exclusive access to VIP-only mazes and experiences.
Tickets are available for purchase online through the official website, and it’s recommended to buy in advance since this event often sells out quickly.
Scare Zones and Haunted Mazes
One of the highlights of the Halloween Great America Haunt is the variety of scare zones and haunted mazes. These attractions are designed to disorient and terrify, with professional actors and detailed set designs that pull you into the horror.
Featured Mazes for 2024
- “Zombie High”: Face off against the undead in a high school where chaos reigns.
- “CarnEVIL”: Enter a twisted carnival where clowns and freaks have taken over.
- “Voodoo Bayou”: Navigate through a haunted swamp filled with voodoo magic and restless spirits.
Scare Zones:
- “Blood Gulch”: A Western-themed zone where bloodthirsty cowboys and outlaws rule.
- “Dead Man’s Wharf”: A seaside scare zone filled with ghostly sailors and eerie fog.
Halloween Haunt Rides
The park’s most popular rides take on a sinister twist during the Haunt. Ride your favorite coasters in the dark, with unexpected scares along the way. For 2024, featured rides include:
- Gold Striker: The park’s legendary wooden coaster that’s even more terrifying at night.
- Flight Deck: Take on sharp twists and turns in complete darkness.
- Drop Tower: Experience the thrill of plummeting 200 feet in the dark!
Live Performances and Entertainment
In between the haunted mazes and thrill rides, visitors can enjoy live entertainment that keeps the horror atmosphere alive. This year, Halloween Haunt is bringing back some crowd favorites and introducing new shows:
a. “The Witching Hour”
A dramatic stage show that tells the story of witches battling for control of the dark forces.
b. “Death Metal Apocalypse”
A live concert featuring heavy metal bands, with pyrotechnics and performers that add a touch of horror to the music.
c. “Fright Night Fireworks”
End your night with a fireworks display synced to spooky soundtracks.
Food and Drinks at the Haunt
Halloween-themed food and beverages are a must-try at Halloween Great America Haunt. Enjoy spooky snacks and creepy concoctions such as:
- Vampire Blood Punch: A tangy, blood-red drink perfect for quenching your thirst after a scare.
- Zombie Nachos: Black corn chips topped with slime-green guacamole and bloody red salsa.
- Witch’s Brew: A bubbling cauldron of flavors in a souvenir cup.
For adults, there are specialty cocktails served at designated bars throughout the park, featuring eerie names like “The Boogeyman” and “Poison Apple Martini.”
Family-Friendly Activities
While Halloween Haunt is primarily geared toward older teens and adults, there are select family-friendly areas during the daytime before the full terror kicks off. The Great Pumpkin Fest offers fun activities like:
- Trick-or-treating
- Interactive shows
- Pumpkin decorating
Families can bring young children to enjoy a less frightening Halloween experience.
Safety and Accessibility
Safety is a top priority at Halloween Great America Haunt. The park follows strict safety protocols, including:
- Trained security staff on-site
- Designated areas for medical emergencies
- ADA-accessible attractions
It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring layers, as October nights can get chilly.
Conclusion
Halloween Great America Haunt 2024 is set to deliver thrills, chills, and unforgettable experiences. With a perfect mix of terrifying mazes, scare zones, and haunted attractions.
It’s an essential destination for Halloween lovers. Whether you’re planning to face your fears in the haunted mazes or enjoy the live entertainment, there’s something for every thrill-seeker at this iconic event. Don’t forget to plan ahead, grab your tickets, and prepare for a hauntingly good time!
FAQs
The event runs on select nights from late September through October 31st, 2024.
Guests aged 13 and under may wear costumes. However, adults are not permitted to wear costumes or masks during Halloween Haunt.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed. However, there are plenty of food options available inside the park.
Weekdays are generally less crowded. To avoid long lines, it’s best to visit early in the evening.
The event is designed to be scary and is recommended for ages 13 and up. For younger children, the park offers the Great Pumpkin Fest during the day.
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