Halloween in Springfield, Missouri, offers a wide array of activities for all ages and interests, ranging from family-friendly festivals and pumpkin patches to haunted attractions and spooky tours. The city’s rich cultural background and community spirit come alive during this festive season, making it a prime location for celebrating Halloween. Here’s a guide to some of the best Halloween activities around Springfield, MO, for both locals and visitors.
1. Haunted Houses and Scary Attractions
Springfield has an impressive selection of haunted houses and thrill-filled attractions that are popular among Halloween enthusiasts. If you’re a fan of the spooky side of the season, you won’t be disappointed.
- Hotel of Terror: One of the oldest haunted attractions in the area, the Hotel of Terror is located downtown and offers multiple floors of terror, jump scares, and eerie effects. It is a mainstay in Springfield’s Halloween traditions and draws crowds looking for adrenaline-pumping experiences. It’s famous for its suspenseful and terrifying atmosphere that challenges even the bravest souls.
- Dungeons of Doom: Another popular attraction that has earned a reputation for delivering some of the most intense haunted experiences in the region. The actors, realistic props, and special effects make for an unforgettable (and heart-racing) time.
- Haunted Forests: Many rural areas around Springfield offer haunted forests and trails. Some take visitors deep into the woods, where eerie sounds, dim lighting, and well-placed actors create a truly immersive and terrifying experience. A notable example is the Fear Factory in nearby Nixa, MO, which combines outdoor scares with indoor frights.
- Field of Screams: Another popular Halloween activity in the Springfield area is the Field of Screams Haunted Trail & Forest. This haunted attraction features a large outdoor area filled with spooky scenes, creepy props, and talented actors who are experts at giving visitors a fright. With its eerie atmosphere and thrilling surprises, the Field of Screams is guaranteed to provide a memorable and chilling experience for all who dare to enter. Not recommended for small kids, on site concessions and a firepit. For more information or tickets Field of Screams
2. Family-Friendly Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
For families and those who prefer a more relaxed and fun Halloween experience, Springfield has several great pumpkin patches and corn mazes that offer activities for all ages.
- Campbell’s Maze Daze & Pumpkin Patch: Located in Clever, MO, this is one of the region’s best spots for families to enjoy traditional fall activities. It features a massive corn maze that can be navigated both in the daytime and at night for an added challenge. The pumpkin patch is ideal for picking out the perfect jack-o’-lantern, and kids can enjoy hayrides, bounce houses, and more.
- Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park: A beloved Springfield location for family-friendly Halloween fun, Rutledge-Wilson Farm offers a range of activities throughout the fall season. Their annual Harvest Fest runs through most of October, featuring pumpkin picking, a corn maze, a haunted trail (that’s spooky but not too terrifying for younger children), and hayrides. This park has a welcoming atmosphere and is a great spot for families with young children to spend a day outdoors.
- Pickin’ Patch Farm: Another excellent option for pumpkin picking is Pickin’ Patch Farm in Marionville, MO. It offers a large selection of pumpkins, a fun corn maze, and various children’s activities. The farm has a relaxed, country atmosphere, making it a great day trip for families looking to experience a traditional rural Halloween.
3. Halloween-Themed Events and Festivals
Throughout the month of October, Springfield hosts a variety of festivals, parties, and events to celebrate Halloween. These gatherings offer plenty of opportunities for people of all ages to dress up, enjoy food and drinks, and get into the Halloween spirit.
- Spooky Symphony: Springfield Symphony Orchestra hosts a fun, family-friendly event called Spooky Symphony. It’s a chance for kids and adults to enjoy classical music in a Halloween-themed environment. The musicians dress up in costumes, and audience members are encouraged to do the same. The music typically includes recognizable, eerie tunes, and the event often incorporates storytelling or dramatic elements.
- Halloween Hustle 5K and Fun Run: For those who like to stay active during the spooky season, the Halloween Hustle is a great option. This costumed 5K and fun run is held annually and is open to runners and walkers of all ages. Many participants dress in costumes, making it a festive and lively event. The race usually takes place in late October, and participants receive themed race gear, such as T-shirts and medals.
- Springfield Zombie Walk: An event for those who love to dress up as the und
ead, the Springfield Zombie Walk is a parade-like event where participants don their best zombie makeup and costumes and march through downtown Springfield. It’s a fun, interactive event that draws both participants and spectators. The makeup artistry on display is often impressive, with participants going all out to look as terrifying (or funny) as possible.
- Downtown Springfield BOO-tique: Another downtown tradition is the BOO-tique event, where local businesses open their doors for trick-or-treating, sales, and special Halloween-themed promotions. This is a family-friendly event that encourages locals to explore the downtown area, shop from local vendors, and enjoy treats from participating businesses.
4. Spooky Tours and Paranormal Experiences
For those interested in the supernatural, Springfield has a history rich in ghost stories and eerie legends. There are several walking tours and ghost hunts in and around the city that delve into these stories and give participants a taste of the paranormal.
- Springfield Ghost Tour: This guided walking tour takes participants through historic downtown Springfield while recounting local ghost stories and legends. It’s a great way to learn about the city’s haunted past while exploring its landmarks. Participants get to hear about ghostly sightings, unsolved mysteries, and eerie tales tied to some of the city’s oldest buildings.
- Pythian Castle Ghost Tour: Pythian Castle is a landmark in Springfield and is well-known for its rich history and paranormal activity. Built in 1913, the castle has been used for various purposes over the years, including as a military facility and hospital. It has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in the region. Visitors can participate in evening ghost tours or paranormal investigations that provide an eerie glimpse into the castle’s haunted past.
5. Halloween Parties and Nightlife
For the adults who are looking to celebrate Halloween in style, Springfield’s nightlife scene comes alive with themed parties, costume contests, and Halloween-themed bar crawls.
- Masquerades and Themed Parties: Many local bars and venues host Halloween parties throughout the weekend leading up to Halloween. These events often include costume contests with cash prizes, themed drinks, and live entertainment. Venues like Outland Ballroom and Ernie Biggs Piano Bar are known for their festive celebrations, making them hotspots for young adults looking for a night of Halloween fun.
- Halloween Pub Crawls: For a social and spirited night out, Springfield offers a variety of Halloween pub crawls. These crawls typically include multiple stops at popular bars, with participants dressed in costumes. The Annual Thriller on C-Street Pub Crawl is one such event, hosted on Commercial Street, one of Springfield’s most iconic areas for nightlife. Crawlers can enjoy drink specials, themed games, and live music while hopping from one venue to the next.
- Costume Contests: Throughout the city, many bars and venues hold costume contests with attractive prizes. The Blue Room Comedy Club and The Riff are two spots that host popular contests where creativity, humor, and effort are rewarded. Participants go all out with costumes ranging from classic monsters to pop culture icons.
- Monster Ball: The 6th annual Halloween Monster Ball is back at the Shrine Mosque in downtown Springfield. The wild night is October 26th with multiple cash bars, dancing, live DJ and Pappos Pizzeria pizza all you can eat included with your ticket. Make this night full of dancing and drinks with your spookiest friends the tradition you cant miss. For tickets Monster Ball
6. Trick-or-Treating and Trunk-or-Treats
For families with young children, trick-or-treating is a classic Halloween activity that never goes out of style. Springfield and the surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities for safe and fun trick-or-treating, with many neighborhoods and churches
organizing special events.
- Safe Trick-or-Treating Events: Many community organizations and churches offer trunk-or-treats throughout October, where families can enjoy a safe, controlled environment for collecting candy. Local churches, such as James River Church and North Point Church, are known for their elaborate trunk-or-treat events that feature themed trunks, music, and fun activities for kids.
- The Brentwood Neighborhood: This Springfield neighborhood is known for its impressive Halloween displays and family-friendly trick-or-treating experience. The homes in Brentwood go all out with decorations, making it a popular spot for families to take their kids for a traditional door-to-door Halloween.
Conclusion
Halloween in Springfield, MO, is filled with diverse activities that cater to thrill-seekers, families, history buffs, and nightlife enthusiasts alike. From haunted attractions and spooky tours to pumpkin patches and community festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The city’s rich history, coupled with its warm community spirit, makes it an ideal place to celebrate the Halloween season. Whether you’re looking for terrifying experiences or just a fun night out, Springfield offers a perfect mix of Halloween festivities to make your October unforgettable.