Guide to Annual Halloween Activities in Wilmington
Poplar Grove Plantation Halloween Festival
Poplar Grove Plantation, located on Highway 17 North, preserves the homestead of a successful farming family, and the outbuildings and crafts typical of an 1800s era working community. Poplar Grove owes its success to the peanut as stated on Poplar Grove’s website (www.poplargrove.com).
There are many things families and their children can enjoy at the Plantation, especially during October and its Halloween festivities. On October 13, 14, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31, visitors may enjoy the Haunted Barn, Haunted Hayride, and delicious food. On October 20, 21, and 22, visitors will love the annual Halloween Festival. This year, the Haunted Barn and Haunted Hayride has special effects to scare try and spook you. For those with a weak heart, there will be non-scary hayrides from 2 to 6pm on Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd. There will also be a Kiddie Funhouse with puppet show, games, prizes, and a maze. Furthermore, adults can also get insight into the future by fortune tellers, enter a costume contest, scream on the carnival rides, and win fun and challenging games. A wide variety of foods will be available to chow down on when you get hungry.
Admission to the Plantation is $8 for adults and $5 for students ages 6 to 15. If you are a teacher, this would be a great place to take your students for a field trip!
Haunted Trolley
On Halloween Night, take a Halloween Ghost Trolley tour through downtown Wilmington. Listen to ghost stories, suited for young children, and experience the Haunted Barn. The Haunted Trolley will run October 26 thru 31 from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Meet at the corner of Market and Water Streets downtown. It costs $11.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under 12. There will be free treats for children. Take it from me: Downtown Wilmington is extremely haunted and full of ghosts stories and sightings. Though I’ve never seen one myself, being downtown sometimes can be spooky and eerie! It would be a great experience to have on Halloween! You can visit www.horsedrawntours.com to get more information.
Battleship Boogie
Know of a better way to celebrate Halloween than enjoying in aboard the Battleship North Carolina? I don’t either! Battleship BOOGIE will be 7:00pm to 11:00pm on the Battleship, docked across the Cape Fear River from Downtown. Board the ship on Halloween in full costume for a night of scary delights that begins with a screening of the 1935 movie Bride of Frankenstein. Then there will be a Halloween costume contest and dance party. The winner of the costume contest will receive a free “Ghost Tour” with the Battleship’s night watchman and eight friends. Admission will be $20 in advance and $25 after Oct. 26th.
Halloween History Mystery Tour
The 11th Annual Halloween History Mystery Tour will be October 28th and 29th from 4:00 to 8:00pm. The tour will take you through Wilmington’s haunted houses and buildings and tell you about the many mysterious happenings that have happened here. Bellamy Mansion will be one stop on the tour. This historical house is said to be the most haunted house in Wilmington! Figures have been seen in the windows and workers have heard many strange noises inside the house. You should really check this out, especially since it is Halloween!
Trick of Treat Under the Sea
Take your kids to the Aquarium at Fort Fisher on October 27th. The 4th Annual Trick or Treat Under the Sea will be held from 5:00 to 8:30pm. Kids in costume will get to go trick or treating at candy stations set up throughout the decorated aquarium. This is a wonderful adventure for young children! Encourage your child to wear a nautical or marine costume to make them feel more connected with the fish in the tanks!
