50 Halloween Activities for Adults Who Want a Fun and Spooky October
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Get inspired with fun Halloween activities that are perfect for both cozy nights in and spooky nights out.
Halloween isn’t just for kids—adults can have just as much fun getting into the spooky spirit. In anticipation of the season I’ve put together this list of 50 fun Halloween activities for adults, all of which I’ve done in previous years, although not all in the same year! The key is finding the right activity that matches your mood and who you’re spending your time with, and this list has plenty of ideas to help you do just that.
Whether you’re someone who loves the thrill of haunted houses or would rather cozy up with a suspenseful book, this list offers a variety of ways to embrace the Halloween season. The best part is that you don’t need a huge party or extravagant plans to make the most of it. There are many Halloween activities for adults that can be just as enjoyable no matter if you’re celebrating solo, with friends, or alongside your significant other.
If you’d prefer some alone time, there are plenty of ways to get into the Halloween spirit by yourself. Maybe it’s time to unwind by crafting decorations or doing some Halloween-themed baking. When the night’s all yours, you have the freedom to indulge in whatever puts you in a spooky mood. Sometimes, a little solitude is all you need to fully embrace the vibe of Halloween.
On the other hand, Halloween is a great excuse to gather your friends or share the experience with your significant other. If you’re looking for lighthearted fun or something more thrilling, there are endless possibilities—from casual nights in to spooky adventures out. Halloween is a great time to bond with the people you enjoy most in a way that suits you best.
For even more seasonal fun, be sure to check out my fall bucket list post for a variety of autumn-inspired activities.
Below you’ll find 50 exciting Halloween activities for adults that are perfect for making the most of the spooky season.
Fun Halloween Activities for Adults
This wide range of activities has something to suit every preference. Whether you’re looking for something spooky or playful, there are countless ways to celebrate. You can enjoy Halloween at home with cozy solo activities or gather a group of friends for a more lively experience. No matter how you like to enjoy the season, there’s a perfect Halloween activity waiting for you.
This Halloween activities list isn’t a checklist of things you must do, but rather a collection of fun possibilities to help you spend your October in a way that brings you joy. Whether you choose to do one thing or try them all, you can embrace the Halloween spirit in a way that feels right for you.
1. Decorate the inside of your house for Halloween
Transform your home into a cozy Halloween haven in your style, whether that’s spooky decorations like flickering candles, eerie garlands, and skeletons, or cute pumpkins and friendly witches, to get into the Halloween spirit.
2. Decorate the outside of your house for Halloween
Give your home a festive Halloween makeover with outdoor decorations like jack-o’-lanterns, spooky lights, and cobwebs to welcome guests and trick-or-treaters.
3. Host or attend a Halloween party
Celebrate the spooky season by throwing or attending a Halloween party, complete with costumes, decorations, and festive treats. You can also check out local bars that might be hosting their own spooky celebrations.
4. Watch scary or fun Halloween movies
Get your adrenaline pumping with a spooky movie night, where you can choose from psychological thrillers, festive comedy, or classic horror films.
5. Watch the Halloween episodes of your favorite T.V. shows
Get a spooky dose of nostalgia from watching the Halloween episodes from your favorite TV shows. For easy selection, I’ve put together an ultimate list of Halloween T.V. show episodes that you can view here.
6. Give out Halloween candy to Trick-or-Treaters
Embrace the Halloween spirit by handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, making it a fun night for everyone. This is the perfect opportunity to wear a Halloween costume, and play Halloween Trick or Treat Bingo (#7).
7. Play Halloween Trick or Treat Bingo while giving out candy on Halloween
This fun printable game is perfect for playing while handing out candy! Simply write a costume you expect to see in each square. The first person to get five in a row wins. You can play solo, compete with whoever’s handing out candy with you, or even challenge friends over group text.
8. Go on a haunted hayride
Hop on a haunted hayride for a chilling experience that lets you enjoy a fall evening with some spooky fun.
9. Take a ghost tour
Immerse yourself in local legends and spine-tingling tales by joining a ghost tour in your area.
10. Host a Halloween-themed game night
Gather your friends for a fun and competitive Halloween game night with spooky-themed board games or party games.
11. Read ghost stories aloud around a fire pit
Gather around and share eerie ghost stories, setting the perfect spooky mood for the season.
12. Read a thriller or horror book
Get into the spooky spirit by diving into a chilling horror novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you’re enjoying this list of Halloween activities for adults, check out: Create Your Perfect Fall Bucket List With These 32 Awesome Ideas
13. Make or buy a Halloween costume
Get creative by making your own costume, or find the perfect outfit to wear for Halloween festivities like a party (#3) or while handing out candy on Halloween (#6).
14. Drink a pumpkin beverage of your choice, like a pumpkin spice latte or a pumpkin beer
Indulge in the flavors of fall & Halloween by sipping on a pumpkin spice latte or trying a seasonal pumpkin beer to help you get into the spirit of the season.
15. Make Halloween cocktails or mocktails
Mix up a festive Halloween drink, whether you’re going for creepy and fun or dark and elegant.
16. Bake a Halloween dessert
Whip up a batch of a Halloween-themed dessert, like cupcakes, cookies, or doughnuts. You can get creative with spooky shapes and colorful icing.
17. Eat Halloween candy
Satisfy your sweet tooth with some classic Halloween candy, whether you’re sneaking a piece from the trick-or-treat stash or enjoying your own favorites.
18. Build a spooky scarecrow for your yard
Add a touch of Halloween to your yard by building a spooky scarecrow to watch over your house.
19. Put together a Halloween song playlist
Create the ultimate Halloween soundtrack filled with spooky songs, perfect for a Halloween party or just getting in the spirit.
20. Visit a pumpkin patch
Visit a local pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkins while soaking in the fall foliage and festive atmosphere.
21. Carve, paint, or etch a pumpkin
Get creative with your pumpkin by carving a classic jack-o’-lantern, painting a unique design, or etching a more intricate image for a fun, hands-on Halloween activity that can be done solo or with a group.
22. Take a walk in a neighborhood that has a lot of Halloween decorations
Take a stroll through a festive neighborhood and enjoy the creative Halloween displays and decorations.
23. Make your house smell like pumpkin spice
Bring the scent of fall and Halloween into your home with pumpkin spice candles or homemade potpourri.
24. Listen to a horror, ghost, or thriller podcast
Immerse yourself in eerie stories and spine-chilling tales with a horror podcast, perfect for setting the mood. You can enjoy it on the go or while relaxing at home.
25. DIY a Halloween wreath for your front door
Get crafty by making a Halloween wreath to hang on your door, adding a personal touch to your home’s exterior.
26. Walk or run in a Halloween 5k
The temperatures in October can be ideal weather for a 5k, and by participating in a Halloween-themed 5k you can also enjoy the festive atmosphere.
27. Visit a theme park that’s hosting a Halloween event
Experience the thrill of Halloween at a theme park, complete with haunted attractions, shows, and seasonal decorations.
28. Go on a historic cemetery tour
Explore the history and mystery of a local cemetery by taking a guided tour with a local historian, perfect for those who enjoy a little real-life spookiness.
29. See a Halloween movie that’s playing at a local theater
Catch a classic Halloween movie on the big screen for a nostalgic and fun night out.
30. Attend a murder mystery dinner at a local restaurant, or host one yourself
Dive into a night of intrigue by attending or hosting a themed murder mystery dinner.
31. Attend a local Halloween-themed event
Check your local events listings for Halloween activities during the day and night. You might find Halloween activities for adults like craft fairs, festivals, events at breweries, live performances, jack-o’-lantern displays (pictured), or something else in your area that interests you.
32. Attend a Halloween-themed paint and sip
Unleash your creativity at a Halloween paint and sip event, where you can enjoy drinks while painting spooky masterpieces that will become part of your yearly Halloween decor. If you can’t find any events locally, you can host your own with inexpensive paint and canvases from your local craft store.
33. Bake pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffins
Fill your home with the warm, comforting smell of freshly baked pumpkin bread—a delicious treat that embodies the essence of fall. I love adding chocolate chips to mine!
34. Make a Halloween charcuterie board
Assemble a Halloween-themed charcuterie board with treats, snacks, and a seasonal twist. It’s fun to get creative when selecting the items.
If you’re enjoying these Halloween activities for adults, check out: The Cutest Fall and Halloween Dog Toys That Your Pup Definitely Wants
35. Do a Halloween-themed puzzle
Challenge yourself with a Halloween-themed puzzle that’s both fun and a great way to relax. This is also a good time to listen to a spooky podcast (#24).
36. Wear Halloween pajamas
Get cozy with a pair of Halloween-themed pajamas to embrace the season, perfect to wear while watching Halloween movies (#4) or T.V. episodes (#5).
37. Stay the night at a haunted hotel
Book a night at a haunted hotel for a truly immersive and spine-tingling Halloween experience…if you’re brave enough.
38. Take a weekend trip to a spooky place
Plan an October getaway to a famously spooky location like Salem, MA, Sleepy Hollow, NY, or New Orleans, LA, for a truly immersive Halloween experience.
39. Send a Happy Halloween card to someone who would benefit from receiving fun mail
Brighten someone’s day with a thoughtful Halloween card, spreading a bit of cheer through the mail. A nice thing to do for grandparents, aunts, uncles, children, or a neighbor.
40. Find your way through a corn maze
Challenge yourself and your friends to navigate a corn maze, a quintessential fall activity that combines outdoor adventure with seasonal fun.
41. Put a Halloween wallpaper on your phone
Embrace the season by adding a Halloween phone wallpaper to your lock screen, home screen, or both. Check out my 10 Awesome Free Halloween Phone Wallpapers.
42. Wear orange and black
Get into the Halloween spirit by wearing orange and black, embracing the holiday’s iconic colors.
43. Visit Trader Joe’s for all of their pumpkin items before they sell out
Trader Joe’s is known for their wildly popular seasonal items, which include many fall items that will perfectly add to your Halloween festivities. Other local food shops and bakeries may have seasonal specialties as well.
44. Try a new savory recipe that includes pumpkin
The possibilities are endless—check out Pinterest for recipes such as pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin risotto, and pumpkin ravioli.
45. Roast pumpkin seeds
They’re great by themselves or as a salad topper!
46. Do a tarot card reading
Tap into the mystical side of Halloween by doing a tarot card reading for yourself or with friends.
47. Watch a Halloween parade
Some elaborate Halloween parades are in New York City, NY (New York’s Village Halloween Parade), Portsmouth, NH (Portsmouth Halloween Parade), West Hollywood, CA (Halloween Carnaval), Atlanta, GA (Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade), Key West, FL (Fantasy Fest Parade), and Chicago, IL (Northalsted Halloween Parade), but there are others all over the country. If you know of any good ones, share them in the comments!
48. Make Halloween decorations
Get crafty and create your own Halloween decorations to add a personal touch to your festive decor. Some fun ideas are making yarn spiderwebs, Halloween mason jar lanterns, cutting out paper bats for your wall, and making your own Halloween garland.
49. Do a Halloween craft
Have fun making Halloween crafts, whether it’s creating Halloween-themed jewelry, candles, knitting a pumpkin hat for your friend’s baby, or other spooky DIY projects.
50. Visit a haunted house
Test your bravery by visiting a haunted house attraction for a night of thrills and chills.
Save This List of Fun Halloween Activities for Adults
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50 fun Halloween activities for adults.
Now that you’ve explored some fun Halloween activities for adults, hopefully you’re feeling inspired to make the most of the season. Whether you’re planning to celebrate solo, with friends, or alongside your significant other, there are endless ways to get into the spooky spirit.
From low-key nights at home to more adventurous outings, Halloween is a time to embrace your playful side and create memorable experiences, no matter how you choose to celebrate.
Remember, the best Halloween plans are the ones that fit your style and bring you joy. Whether you’re diving into scary movies, hosting a themed gathering, or just enjoying the thrill of the season, the goal is to have fun and make the holiday your own.
So go ahead, pick your favorite activities from the list, and get ready for a Halloween that’s perfectly tailored to you. Happy haunting!
Which of these Halloween activities for adults are you adding to your Halloween bucket list this year? Let us know in the comments.
