7 Spooky Season Must-Dos in the oed
Some fall days are made for pumpkin patches and hayrides. Others come alive after dark. Haunted trails, lantern-lit legends, eerie old buildings and a few full-on frights are waiting across the Olde English District. From ghost stories to theme park scares, these seven spooky season must-dos bring a little mystery to your October.
1. SCarowinds | Fort Mill
When the sun goes down, Carowinds gets a whole lot spookier. Haunted mazes, scare zones and live entertainment turn a familiar theme park into a full night of Halloween thrills.
For the brave: Take on the haunted attractions, then keep the adrenaline going with select rides and roller coasters after dark.
When: Select nights, September 11 through November 1, 2026. Check the park’s schedule and admission details before you go.
2. 10th Annual Lanterns & Legends Walking Tour | Fort Mill
Not every spooky story needs a jump scare. The Fort Mill History Museum brings local legends and mysterious tales to life with its annual walking tour.
By lantern light: Stroll through downtown Fort Mill while hearing stories of colorful characters, surprising moments and legends passed down through generations.
When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout October 2026. Tours begin at 6:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Tickets are $17 per person, and the tour is recommended for ages 12 and up. Check the museum’s event page for available dates and tickets.
3. Dark Castle Haunted Attractions | Elgin
If your version of spooky season leans a little scarier, Dark Castle delivers. Since 2012, this attraction has built a loyal following with indoor scares, outdoor trails and high-energy Halloween fun.
Enter if you dare: Make your way through the Dungeon of Darkness, brave the Dark Knight’s Terror Trail and test your nerves in the Zombie Zone.
When: Select nights during the Halloween season. Check Dark Castle’s website for current dates, ticket prices and attraction availability before you go.
4. Ghost Tours at the 1914 Chester County Jail | Chester
History gets a little eerie after dark at the 1914 Chester County Jail. The Chester County Historical Society opens the former jail for ghost tours and paranormal investigations, sharing stories from the building’s past along with firsthand accounts of unexplained encounters.
Behind the bars: Explore all four floors of the historic jail while hearing stories about the people, places and reported paranormal activity tied to the building.
When: October 30 and 31, 2026. October 30 features ghost tours, including a kid-friendly 7 p.m. tour. October 31 is reserved for an adults-only paranormal investigation with the Charlotte Area Paranormal Society. Check with the Chester County Historical Society for tickets and age requirements.
5. Folklore & Legends Lantern Tour | Camden
After dark, Historic Camden takes on a different kind of atmosphere. Stroll the historic grounds while hearing tales of the people, mysteries and legends woven into Camden’s past.
Hear the legends: Expect drama, tragedy and local folklore, with a ghostly tale or two along the way. The tour covers Historic Camden’s full campus, so wear comfortable shoes and come ready for extended walking on uneven ground.
When: October 17, 2026. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Check Historic Camden for current times and ticket information.
6. Graveyard Scavenger Hunt | Fort Mill
Want spooky without the scares? The Fort Mill History Museum’s Graveyard Scavenger Hunt turns local history into a self-guided adventure. Pick up your hunt at the Fort Mill History Museum, then head to New Unity Cemetery to search for clues among the headstones and uncover stories from Fort Mill’s past.
Take a closer look: Follow the clues, read the markers and see what you can discover about the people buried there. It’s an easy way to mix a little history with the eerie atmosphere of the season.
When: Available throughout October 2026. Check the Fort Mill History Museum’s event page for pickup details and current information.
7. Horses & Hexes: The Trial of Mary Ingelman | Camden
Historic Camden digs into one of South Carolina’s stranger chapters with this immersive evening. Based on a real 1792 conjuring case, the experience brings together accusations of hexes, superstition and early South Carolina history.
Step into the story: Take on a historical role as the case unfolds around you and see how fear, folklore and the law collided more than two centuries ago.
When: October 30, 2026, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at McCaa’s Tavern at Historic Camden. Check Historic Camden for current ticket information and event details.
Still feeling brave? Browse our event calendar for even more fall festivals, after-dark adventures and spooky happenings across the Olde English District.
