Spooky Season in Hillsborough!
September 24, 2026
- Hillsborough is getting into the Halloween spirit this October with ghost stories, local art, trick-or-treating, costumes, pumpkins, and family-friendly fun. Whether you are looking for something spooky or simply want to enjoy the community, there are plenty of ways to celebrate.
The Haunting Hour – October 30th, 5:00-9:00pm
Step into the shadows of Hillsborough’s past at The Haunting Hour on Friday, October 30. This brand-new take on the dearly departed Spirits Tours is an immersive evening of storytelling, where ghostly tales and eerie legends unfold around you at the historic Hughes Academy.
Presented through a partnership between the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and the Orange Community Players, the experience brings haunting local histories to life through a spine-tingling performance.
Performances take place at 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. For those feeling especially brave, add Tales from the Grave, a moonlit mini walking tour through St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church graveyard.
Get tickets to The Haunting Hour
Last Fridays & The Art Walk – October 30th, 5:30-8:30pm
Get ready for Last Fridays & the Art Walk! The last Makers Market of the season will be October 30th, so you won’t want to miss it.
Last Fridays features live performances, a makers market, community groups, local artists, and family-friendly activities on the North Lawn of the Old Orange County Courthouse. Costumes are encouraged, so dress up and get ready for an evening of community fun.
A Halloween-themed craft will be available, including a free paint-your-own-pumpkin activity while supplies last!
Hillsborough Merchants Association Trick-or-Treat – October 30th 3-5pm
The Hillsborough Merchants Association Trick-or-Treat is a fun tradition that happens every year in downtown Hillsborough! Local businesses will be ready with candy, costumes, and community fun as trick-or-treaters make their way through downtown. It is a chance for families to celebrate Halloween while supporting and visiting local businesses. Check back to this article for an updated map and schedule.
Hillsborough Police Department Trunk or Treat – October 30th, 4:00-6:00pm.
The Hillsborough Police Department will host its annual Trunk or Treat on October 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot behind the police department at 127 N. Churton St.
Children of all ages can enjoy treats at this family-friendly event. Well behaved, leash pets are welcome too!
The department started the event in 2017 to provide a safe alternative to walking on dark streets and to create positive interactions between officers and local youth.
Firefly Farms: The Witch’s Haunted Barn & Pumpkin Patch – every Saturday in October, 12:00pm-7:00pm.
Every Saturday in October, Firefly Farms invites families to step into The Witch’s Haunted Barn & Pumpkin Patch from noon to 7 p.m., rain or shine.
The whimsical Halloween adventure is spooky enough to thrill without being too scary for little ones. Visitors can stroll through flower gardens, explore scenic trails, meet friendly farm animals, shop from local vendors, and pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch.
Tickets are available online at Firefly Farms or at the farm on the day of the event.