You’ll find North Carolina’s historic towns hosting exceptional annual ghost walks from mid-October through early November, with tickets ranging from $3-$20. Smithfield’s Riverside Cemetery offers four sessions on October 30th, while Wake Forest’s 75-minute Spirit Stories run Thursday-Saturday with limited slots. New Bern celebrates 35 years of ghostwalk tradition, and Beaufort’s tours explore 1711’s Old Burying Grounds with pirate legends like Blackbeard. These community-driven events feature volunteer actors, theatrical reenactments, and mobile app options, with many requiring advance online booking to discover the region’s most intriguing haunted histories.
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina hosts numerous ghost walks and haunted tours annually from mid-October through early November in historic towns and districts.
- Smithfield’s Riverside Cemetery Ghost Walk features four sessions on October 30, with narrated reenactments of historic figures and local legends.
- Wake Forest’s Spirit Stories run Thursday through Saturday, offering 75-minute theatrical ghost tours requiring advance purchase with limited participant slots.
- New Bern Ghostwalk is a longstanding annual event featuring historic storytelling and paranormal folklore at landmark sites throughout the town.
- Beaufort hosts maritime-themed ghost tours featuring pirate legends, shipwreck tales, and stories from the 1711 Old Burying Grounds year-round.
Smithfield’s Historic Riverside Cemetery Ghost Walk
Since 2005, the Johnston County Heritage Center has transformed Smithfield’s Riverside Cemetery into a living history experience through its annual Historical Ghost Walk, now celebrating its 21st year in 2025.
You’ll explore cemetery legends brought to life through haunted reenactments featuring five to six historical figures spanning colonial to modern eras—from Tuscarora Bear Clan Elders to Hollywood icon Ava Gardner.
Thursday, October 30, 2025, offers four tour times between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m. at 100 E. Church St.
Each guided tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, allowing you to experience Johnston County’s past through character reenactments at the meeting point beside St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
You’ll enjoy chilling organ music from the historic Zimmer at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, plus barbecue from the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
Adults pay just $5, students $3, and kids under five enter free.
Reserve online at johnstonnc.gov/heritage or call (919) 938-5912 to secure your spot. Author James Parker will sign copies of *Ghostly North Carolina* during the event.
Farmville’s Eerie Street Tours and Local Legends
You’ll find Farmville’s annual Ghost Walk running across six October nights (16-18 and 23-25). It offers 90-minute guided tours through the town’s haunted history from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM.
These family-friendly experiences blend documented local legends with dark humor as you walk one mile through eerie streets. Tours depart every 10 minutes to accommodate the community’s enthusiasm for this beloved tradition.
At just $13 for adults and $10 for children, over 100 tour slots are available nightly. All tours start at the EMD Gallery located at 3725 N. Main Street in Farmville. The event brings the town’s past to life through spine-chilling tales of local spirits and haunted locations. This makes the PG-13 rated event an accessible way to connect with Farmville’s supernatural past.
October Event Schedule Details
From October 16 to October 24, 2025, the Farmville Ghost Walk transforms downtown streets into a theatrical journey through the town’s most chilling legends, with guided tours departing nightly at 6:00 PM from the Paramount Theatre at 3723 N Main Street.
You’ll experience nine consecutive evenings of haunted tales spanning local history, with Saturday, October 18 offering multiple sessions to accommodate demand.
Each hour-long walking tour weaves spooky legends with dark humor as you navigate Farmville’s shadowy past.
Tours run Thursday through Saturday (October 16-18), then resume Wednesday through Friday (October 22-24).
You can secure your spot at fcac.ludus.com for specific dates.
Tickets are priced at $15 per person, available for purchase online or at the door on event nights.
This annual October tradition gives you freedom to explore authentic local legends alongside friends and family seeking spine-tingling entertainment rooted in community heritage.
Spine-Chilling Stories and Humor
As darkness falls over Farmville’s historic streets, the Ghost Walk delivers spine-tingling local legends mixed with dark humor across nine nights of theatrical storytelling from October 16-25, 2025. Your journey through shadowy lanes reveals paranormal research blended with ghostly folklore, creating an atmosphere that balances genuine chills with light-hearted spooking.
The experience features:
- Unforgettable local spirits tied to specific historical sites throughout Farmville’s haunted streets
- Dark humor integrated into narratives that temper intensity while maintaining eerie authenticity
- Relaxed pacing over one hour, allowing atmospheric tension to build gradually without horror-house extremes
Departing every 10 minutes from Emily Monk Davidson Gallery (6:00-7:30 PM), these $15 guided tours immerse you in the town’s supernatural legacy. The encounters focus on non-horror spirits that enhance the family-friendly atmosphere rather than frightening participants.
The community-supported event offers freedom to explore Farmville’s darker past while enjoying hauntingly fun storytelling.
Family-Friendly Historical Tradition
Since 2021, Farmville’s annual Ghost Walk has established itself as a beloved October tradition that brings families together for educational entertainment across nine carefully crafted evenings. You’ll discover this isn’t your typical tourist trap—unlike distant medieval castles or stuffy haunted museums, these tours immerse you in authentic local legends right where they happened.
Starting at 6:00 PM each Thursday through Saturday in mid-October, you’re free to explore real historical scandals like the Randolph family’s Bizarre Plantation incident and Longwood University’s tragic bell tower story. The walking format lets you experience downtown at your own pace while live storytelling and theatrical performances animate the eerie streets. Beyond the Ghost Walk, the community embraces Halloween through multiple family-friendly events, including Sandy River Distillery’s haunted trail weekends, Hampden-Sydney College’s trick-or-treating on October 26, and the Town of Farmville’s Costume Parade on October 31.
With tickets available through fcac.ludus.com and multiple nightly sessions from 6:30-11:00 PM, you’ll choose when to join this spookily accessible adventure.
Wake Forest’s Downtown Spirit Stories
Every fall, Wake Forest’s Historic Downtown transforms into an open-air theater where the town’s darker chapters come alive through the Downtown Spirit Stories walking tour. Running September 25 through October 30, 2025, this partnership between Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. and Firebox Theatre Company dramatizes over a century of urban legends and folklore characters at their actual locations along South White Street.
Your $20 ticket (on sale September 4 at noon) grants you access to:
- Theatrical performances depicting tragic train wrecks and murders from Wake Forest’s past
- Spine-chilling tales of haunted businesses and restless spirits
- Stories of “borrowed” corpses and frightening folklore specific to the area
Tours run Thursday-Saturday evenings, lasting 75 minutes. With a maximum capacity of 20 people per session, these intimate tours create an immersive experience where every participant can fully engage with the storytelling. Tours are recommended for ages 8 and up, with children under 17 requiring adult accompaniment. All proceeds support downtown essentials making your exploration both entertaining and community-building.
New Bern’s 35-Year Ghostwalk Tradition
You’ll explore 13 historic sites across New Bern’s 35th annual Ghostwalk, from five guided stops at Cedar Grove Cemetery to eight downtown porches in the historic district.
Your $20 ticket grants access to all three nights (October 23-25, 6-9:30 p.m.), letting you experience the stories at your own pace.
This self-guided format means you can spend more time at the locations that captivate you most while supporting a completely volunteer-run community tradition. Volunteer actors bring history to life through narrated performances depicting historic figures like the Rhone Sisters and George Fuller, founder of Fullers Music.
Historic Sites and Cemetery
Where can you walk through history while encountering spirits from three centuries of New Bern’s past? Cedar Grove Cemetery and 13 downtown historic sites open their doors for this immersive experience. You’ll explore at your own pace, following a map to ghost sites normally closed to the public.
Your self-guided adventure includes:
- Six dedicated ghost stations throughout Cedar Grove Cemetery (last entry 9:15 p.m.)
- Historic homes, churches, and theatres hosting volunteer actors on front porches
- Special “Moving & Shaking” skits at Attmore-Oliver House back porch
Real historical figures—from George Fuller’s 1905 music empire to the Rhone Sisters’ hotel legacy—come alive through data-driven narratives. Each year introduces fresh stories, including haunted artifacts and even vampire legends woven into New Bern’s colorful past.
Choose your path through history.
Self-Guided Tour Format
Since 1990, New Bern’s Ghostwalk has evolved into a beloved October tradition that puts you in control of your historical adventure.
After guided cemetery stops, you’re free to explore 13 sites at your own pace across all three nights.
Your ticket grants unlimited access to eight downtown porches and five Cedar Grove Cemetery locations, where interactive storytelling brings real historical characters to life.
You’ll choose your route and timing—no rigid schedules or group constraints.
Local volunteer actors deliver historical reenactments featuring fascinating figures like the Rhone Sisters and George Fuller, who sold pianos from his wagon in 1905.
Special “Moving & Shaking” skits await at Attmore-Oliver House’s back porch.
Enter the cemetery until 9:15 p.m., and experience this 35-year tradition exactly how you want.
Beaufort’s Crystal Coast Haunted History
Along North Carolina’s 85-mile Crystal Coast, Beaufort stands as one of the state’s most haunted maritime towns, with over 1,000 documented shipwrecks off its shores and 300 years of pirate legends embedded in its historic district.
You’ll discover authentic encounters with Blackbeard’s curse at Hammock House, where he allegedly murdered a companion, and witness the legendary Queen Anne’s Revenge ghost ship drifting through Beaufort Inlet on summer nights.
The town’s supernatural landscape includes:
- Old Burying Grounds dating to 1711, where a little girl rests in a rum keg
- Castle on Craven Street, an 1861 military hospital haunted by Civil War specters
- Fort Macon, built to protect against pirates and now home to Confederate soldier Ben Combs’ spirit
Haunted lighthouses dot the coastline, marking the Graveyard of the Atlantic where thousands perished.
Wilmington’s Downtown Ghost Adventures
Just 90 miles north of Beaufort’s pirate-haunted shores, Wilmington’s downtown district delivers America’s most acclaimed ghost tour experience—voted best by locals for over 20 years and ranked top 5 nationally by USA Today.
You’ll explore 275-year-old alleyways where tortured Revolutionary and Civil War souls still roam, while professional costumed storytellers reveal haunted phenomena at Thalian Hall’s ancient burial grounds and the Burgwin-Wright House prison.
The R-rated haunted pub crawl pairs haunted cuisine with supernatural tales at Prost Biergarten and Front Street Brewery, while spectral art manifests through ghostly painter sightings captured on camera.
Tours run nightly at 6:30pm and 8:30pm, covering one mile through Paradise Alley’s restless spirits and Lula’s Pub, where paranormal investigators contacted the resident ghost Cooter.
Self-guided app adventures offer complete exploration freedom.
Planning Your North Carolina Ghost Walk Experience
North Carolina’s ghost walk season runs from mid-October through early November, with five acclaimed events offering $3-$20 admission and attracting thousands of paranormal enthusiasts statewide. You’ll discover diverse experiences from Smithfield’s five colonial-era personalities at Riverside Cemetery to New Bern’s 35th annual celebration featuring 13 haunted sites across Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Tech innovations enhance your experience through online ticketing systems and reservations at johnstonnc.gov/heritage and fcac.ludus.com, eliminating wait times while maximizing audience engagement.
Each location offers unique scheduling flexibility:
- Farmville: Multiple sessions October 16-25, 6:00 pm nightly
- Wake Forest: Downtown historic tour with 100+ years of haunted history
- Beaufort: Pirate-themed walks through Blackbeard’s former haunts
Reserve early—Spirits of Wake Forest tickets sell out quickly after their September 4 noon release.
What Makes These Ghost Walks Unique
While most haunted attractions rely on manufactured scares, North Carolina’s authentic ghost walks immerse you in centuries of documented history through professional historical reenactments.
You’ll experience local volunteer actors embodying real spirits at multiple sites—from Cedar Grove Cemetery’s six locations to Wake Forest’s 100+ years of downtown haunts.
Each event delivers fresh perspectives through annual theme rotations and new scripts, blending urban legends with verified accounts.
New Bern’s 35th annual Ghostwalk transforms ghostly folklore into interactive experiences across 13 sites, while Smithfield’s 21st iteration offers guided cemetery tours with live organ performances.
What sets these walks apart? They’re community-driven educational experiences where documented bootleggers, outlaws, and colonial figures share authentic tales.
You’re free to explore self-guided portions after cemetery tours, encountering spirits on historic porches throughout downtown districts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are North Carolina Ghost Walks Suitable for Young Children?
You’ll find most North Carolina ghost walks welcome young children as family friendly activities. Events like New Bern’s Ghostwalk feature educational spooky storytelling perfect for all ages, with tickets starting at $3 for students and no minimum age restrictions.
What Should Visitors Wear for Evening Ghost Walk Tours?
You’ll want appropriate attire including layers, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and light jackets for weather considerations—temperatures drop to 50-60°F during evening tours. Don’t let the chill stop you from exploring North Carolina’s haunted heritage freely!
Do Ghost Walks Operate During Rain or Bad Weather?
You’ll find most ghost walks operate rain or shine, so weather preparedness is essential. Rain cancellation only occurs during severe safety risks, with full refunds issued. Pack accordingly and you’re free to explore haunted history regardless of conditions.
Are the Ghost Stories Based on Documented Historical Events?
Coincidentally, you’ll discover historical accuracy drives these tours—New Bern’s 35-year tradition and Smithfield’s documented cemetery records prove folklore meets facts. You’re experiencing real community heritage through verified events, authentic figures, and researched narratives that celebrate your freedom to explore truth.
Can Ghost Walk Tickets Be Purchased at the Event Location?
Ticket availability varies by event. You’ll find onsite purchase options at Smithfield Ghost Walk ($5 adults, $3 students), while Farmville, Wake Forest, and New Bern require advance online purchases to guarantee your spot on these haunting adventures.
References
- https://www.northcarolinahauntedhouses.com/north-carolina-paranormal-events.aspx
- https://www.johnstoncountync.org/blog/post/meet-local-ghost-legends-in-smithfield/
- https://visitfarmvillenc.com/calendar/farmville-ghost-walk-2025/
- https://www.wakeforestnc.gov/meetings-events/spirits-wake-forest
- https://www.outerbanks.org/events/holiday-events/halloween/
- https://newbernhistorical.org/ghostwalk/
- https://usghostadventures.com/wilmington-ghost-tour/
- https://www.crystalcoastnc.org/listing/beaufort-ghost-walk/15166/
- https://clayton.macaronikid.com/events/686c3dad70dad7f2f0d58b47/downtown-smithfield-historical-ghost-walk
- https://triangleonthecheap.com/ghost-walk-smithfield/
