Let’s admit it. There’s just something about being scared.
From haunted houses to horror movies, people eagerly seek out experiences that
make their hearts race and their palms sweat.
For many, the thrill of fear is
part of the fun, offering an adrenaline rush, a sense of adventure, and a
chance to escape the ordinary. And haunted houses during the Halloween
season, provide the perfect opportunity to be frightened — not knowing what
lurks around the next dark corner.
America Haunts, the national association of premier haunted
attractions across the U.S. has announced the dates for its 2026 First
Fright calendar giving horror fans a chance to plan a road trip around 18 haunted
attractions or a weekend close to home. The season opens on September 11.
"In October, haunts are busy, but our biggest haunt
fans love the thrill of First Fright. It's about being there opening night and
getting the bragging rights to be one of the first to conquer your fears going
through these acclaimed haunts," said Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, spokesperson
for America Haunts.
She added, "It
is also fun to kick off your fall holiday early and fit them all in. Families
are busy, and our members are destinations in their own right, so opening night
can be the perfect excuse for a road trip. Find one within driving distance,
book a hotel, explore the community, have dinner, get scared, and make a
weekend of it. All before the rest of the goblins are out and about!"
For those looking to get their scream on, the 2026 America
Haunts Calendar includes:
- Niles Scream Park — Niles, Michigan: Sept.
11–Nov. 7
- The Dent Schoolhouse — Cincinnati, Ohio: Sept.
11–Nov. 13
- NETHERWORLD Haunted House — Atlanta metro: Sept.
18–Nov. 7
- Erebus Haunted Attraction — Detroit metro: Sept.
18–Nov. 7
- The Dead End Hayride — Minneapolis metro: Sept.
18–Nov. 1
- Spooky World/Nightmare New England — Boston
metro: Sept. 18–Nov. 1
- Thrillvania Haunted House Park — Dallas metro: Sept. 18–Oct. 31
- Nightmare on 13th — Salt Lake City: Sept.
18–Oct. 31, and special events through Nov. 13
- Factory of Terror — Canton, Ohio: Sept. 19–Nov.
13
- The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park — San Diego:
Sept. 25–Nov. 1
- Talon Falls Screampark — Paducah–Mayfield, KY-IL
metro: Sept. 25–Nov. 1
- The 13th Gate — Baton Rouge: Sept. 25–Nov. 7,
with special experiences including Flashlight Fright Nights and Séance
- Bennett's Curse Haunted House — Baltimore metro:
Sept. 25–Nov. 7
- Spookywoods at Kersey Valley — Greensboro-High
Point metro: Sept. 25–Nov. 7
- Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride — Philadelphia
metro: Sept. 25–Nov. 1
- Cutting Edge Haunted House — Fort Worth metro:
Sept. 25–Nov. 13
- Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted
Attractions — New York City area: Sept. 26–Oct. 31
- Beast and Edge of Hell — Kansas City: Oct.
2–Oct. 31
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