13 Things to do this Halloween in Louisville, Kentucky
Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday, so I might be biased, but I think Halloween in Louisville is the best time of the year here (other than Derby season, of course)! Halloween in Louisville, KY, means crunchy colorful leaves, crisp breezy air, pumpkin picking, haunted houses, and all kinds of other spooky activities that I may or may not participate in (since I am kind of a wimp).
But that doesn’t stop me from reveling in Halloween in Louisville during the month(+) long celebration, with an amazing Jack-O-Lantern immersive art experience, terrifying haunted houses (plural, there are lots) filled with way-too-realistic professional actors wielding chainsaws and/or actual legit ghosts, and an incredibly charming Halloween party at the Louisville Zoo.
Then there’s the crisp autumn air and crunchy colorful leaves, the unique Halloween festivals and events, and spooky ghost tours. Halloween in Louisville is pretty freakin’ awesome, y’all. Here’s the ultimate list of things to do during Halloween in Louisville!
Psst: We have a few other posts to help you make the most of fall in Louisville and the rest of Kentucky. Check them out:
- 17 Things to Do to Celebrate Fall in Louisville, Kentucky
- Louisville Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Visitor’s Guide (& Insider Tips)
- 11 Terrifying Haunted Houses in Louisville
- Fall in Kentucky: 14 Autumnal Things to Do
- 25+ Fall Festivals in Louisville
Things to do this halloween in Louisville, Kentucky
Experience the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
Louisville’s Jack O’Lantern Spectacular in Iroquois Park is hands down the most incredible and unique Halloween event in Kentucky – do NOT miss it! The walking path through the park comes alive with over 5,000 artist-carved pumpkins and illuminated themed scenes.
I can’t tell you how incredibly magical it is to take a glittering candle-lit walk through thousands of impeccably carved pumpkins, all built together to form larger-than-life works of art. It’s the most special Halloween event in Louisville!
For folks with sensory processing challenges, there is a special Autism-friendly night without music or special effects – just flickering pumpkins and quiet.
The show runs daily throughout October from dusk to 11PM on weekdays (Sunday-Thursday), and until midnight on Friday & Saturday. I suggest arriving either very early or very late to beat the lines – 10pm is usually pretty quiet. For more tips, check out our insider guide to the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular.
As a bonus, your ticket purchase directly supports the non-profit Parks Alliance of Louisville and the community-driven projects they support in Louisville’s public parks and community centers.
- Jack O’Lantern Spectacular | Address: Iroquois Park, 1080 Amphitheater Rd, Louisville KY
See the Lights at Halloween on Hillcrest
You know how there are those certain neighborhoods that get REALLY into Christmas light displays? Like, aggressively so? To clarify: we fully plan to be those competitive a**holes in the future.
Well, that’s how Halloween in Louisville is. Most of Louisville goes all out for Halloween, but one street, in particular, celebrates the holiday like no one else.
Hillcrest Avenue is the best place to see amazing Halloween light displays, complete with graveyards, interactive displays, and – last time I was there – a zombified Selfie Booth. A walk down Halloween on Hillcrest in October after dark is guaranteed to get you in the Halloween spirit!
If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll be able to witness a fight between 2 dads who have been competing for years for the best Halloween lawn display. Gosh, darn-it Brian, Steve has just about HAD IT with your strobe light BS.
- Halloween on Hillcrest | Address: Hillcrest Avenue & Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY
Get Scared at the Best Haunted Houses in Louisville
There are a huge amount of Haunted Houses in Louisville annually, which is directly tied to our thriving local theater scene. Actors love a chance to douse themselves in fake blood and chase after terrified guests while wielding chainsaws!
The last time I went to a Haunted House in Louisville, my hilarious best friend (who is also a local actor) took me on a haunted house tour run by his acting associates. We got “special” treatment.
What I mean by that is that I ended up cowering in a corner trying to escape a dude with a REALLY BIG chainsaw while my friends all laughed at me. Apparently the chainsaws in the Haunted Houses in Louisville aren’t real, but like, HOW WOULD I KNOW THAT?!
Anyway, if you want some really convincingly scary Haunted Houses, Louisville is the spot – but prepare to be terrified! Here are our top picks:
- Haunted Hotel: This haunted house is known around Louisville as the best and scariest haunt, which may have something to do with the fact that the actors can touch you. The thought of that alone will never not freak me out. Haunted Hotel is also the longest-standing haunt in Louisville (they just had their 30 year anniversary) and consistently ranks as the scariest haunted house in Kentucky. It’s extreme in every way, and yes, it’s extremely freakin’ terrifying. Need we say more?
- Baxter Avenue Morgue: This is one of the most classic haunts of Louisville! Located on (you guessed it) Baxter Avenue, it’s been around for 20 years! It’s kind of the Goldilocks of haunted houses: not too scary, not too boring, but jussssst right. They do a great job with their sets and setup of the story, feeling a bit more theatrical than just noise and darkness. Plus, it’s right by a bunch of restaurants, so after your scare, you can feast!
- The Devil’s Attic: Welcome to the haunted attic where the Devil has collects souls. Your host? Satan! This haunt does a good job having specific theming, but also changes up the cast of characters every year. This one always feels like a winner from the sheer dedication of the actors and the sets.
For more spooky suggestions, head over to our guide to the best haunted houses in Louisville (plus a couple in Kentucky and Indiana, too)!
Take a Walk (or tour) of Old Louisville
Old Louisville is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Louisville. The streets are lined with massive old trees, flickering gas lamps, pedestrian-only pathways, a stunning and iconic fountain, and the largest collection of historical Victorian homes in the world. A walk through this historic neighborhood in autumn is the best way to fully absorb the fall colors (and see some truly incredible Halloween lawn displays).
Take an autumnal stroll to soak in the neighborhood vibes, starting at St. James Court or Belgravia Court. You can also take an Old Louisville Ghost Tour to learn about the neighborhood’s spooky history and historic homes.
Take a True Crime & Ghost Tour of the “Graveyard of the West”
The Whispers On Whiskey Row: Murder, Crime, & The Ghosts Of Derby City tour uncovers Louisville’s deepest, darkest secrets. Step into the shadows of the past on a haunting history tour through the heart of downtown Louisville. As the sun sets and the city’s vibrant façade fades, you’ll uncover the sinister secrets and chilling tales that lurk behind the historic architecture & storied streets.
One part ghosts, one part grisly history that is, sadly, entirely true, this guided 1.5-hour walking tour through downtown Louisville unveils the deepest, darkest corners of Louisville’s gruesome past. Your expert guide will lead you through dimly lit alleyways behind bustling Whiskey Row and along the shores of the murky Ohio River, telling tragic tales of the forlorn, the oppressed, the betrayed, and the ruthless.
Tours run most nights of the week during in spooky season, multiple times per night. Check times and availability in advance, and be sure to use the code LGL10 for 10% off your ticket!
Take a Spooky Prohibition Cocktail Tour
Ghost tour, meet cocktail tour! Venture out to explore the hidden stories of Louisville’s haunted past on the Phantoms of Prohibition tour from Louisville Food Tours – the perfect combination of cocktails, food, fascinating Prohibition history, and ghosts in one thrilling evening.
As you eat and drink your way down Whiskey Row on your 3-hour walking tour, you’ll meet the resident ghosts of Louisville’s historic downtown, trace the footsteps of bourbon magnates and mobsters, see Al Capone’s secret getaway, discover hidden speakeasies, and learn the shocking truth about Prohibition.
This tour includes 4 stops for Prohibition-themed libations, as well as an assortment of small bites. Tours run Tuesday-Friday evenings. Check times and availability in advance, and use the code LGL10 for 10% off your booking. Book early – tours fill up in advance during Halloween season!
Wander Into A Haunted Forest
What’s arguably scarier than a haunted house? Well, what about a haunted forest. I’m just saying, a forest at night is already scary by itself without the help of gholish beasts and demons jumping out from behind trees.
Luckily, if you like getting your scares outdoors, Louisville has several places to get chills in the cold night air. Wander down these trails to get some serious frights!
- Legend at Pope Lick Haunted Woods: All good cities should have a good urban legend, and here in Louisville, we have the Goat Man: half goat, half man, all evil. Also known as the Pope Lick Monster, this demon is said to haunt the Pope Lick train trestle in Fisherville, right across from the entrance to the Parklands (and right next to where I grew up). And at this haunted outdoor attraction, you’ll get a chance to meet the monster himself, right in spooky Pope Lake Park. Ahhh!
- Grim Trails: The Haunt of Fairytales, Myths and Legends: If there are two things that go together perfectly it’s horror and fairytales. This haunt is located in the woods of EP Tom Sawyer State Park, and is the longest walkthrough attraction in town at a staggering 1/2 mile! Along the darkly lit trail, you’ll meet fabled legends like a witch in her gingerbread house, the horned Wendigo, and even wander into Gepetto’s workshop where you’ll find a string of horrors.
- The Field of Screams: Located about 40 minutes from downtown Louisville, Filed of Screams truly takes you into the middle of freakin’ nowhere to a 7-acre corn maze, 6000-foot haunted barn, and haunted woods all included in your basic admission. The field itself is filled with ghouls in the dark, as well as haunted sets you walk through (think the Freddy Kruger bus), as well as the haunted barn which is a huge haunted house in itself. The haunted woods is also a part of it; I literally remember leaving there completely drained of all my adrenaline.
Do some spooky shopping
Halloween is the most fun when you can decorate and get into the true spirit. And besides big chain businesses that sell Halloween stuff, Louisville actually has amazing local, creepy shops that you can get into the Halloween spirit all year round!
- Spooky Shops on Barret Ave.: Located in the Highlands, Barret Avenue has a slew of amazing store, many of which are perfect for a Halloween stop-in. Butcher Cabin Books is an all-horror bookstore, perfect for a creepy October read. Unorthodox sells macabre Oddities, Curiosities, Antiques & Art— if dark items are your thing, this spot can’t be missed. If you need some special pieces for an award-winning Halloween costume, pop into the Nitty Gritty, which sells all kinds of incredible vintage clothing (at a good price) and even rents costumes!
- Raven’s Roost: This occult store in New Albany sells everything you could need for “witchy decor” or useful spell ingredients. They have a huge selection of tarot cards, occult books, jewelry, candles, scrying mirrors, god and goddess statues, herbs and incense. It’s the best witch store around, so definitely support them if you want to buy local!
- Caufields Novelty: Located down the street from the Slugger Museum and its giant baseball bat, Caufields sports its own giant bat—but the black, creepy kind hanging upside down on the side of the building! This is the best place in town for anything Halloween costume-related—make-up, wigs, costumes, accessories—you name it. Its locally owned, super kitschy, and absolutely worth an October visit!
Complete the Danger Run Haunted House Scavenger Hunt in Louisville
As if visiting Haunted Houses weren’t fun enough, Louisville takes it up a notch: the Danger Run Haunted House Scavenger Hunt combines the thrill of solving cryptic clues in the car with your friends or family while getting lost in creepy corners and visiting multiple Haunted Houses in Louisville (if you can find them!) – all in one fun packed night!
My husband and I did “Danger Run” a couple of years ago with our friends (the same ones who had me cornered at a Haunted House. Actually, that was the same night. Those d***s.)
Of course, we got horribly lost – or thought we did! The route is specifically designed to take you on strange roads you’ve never seen before, through areas you didn’t even know existed, until you’re afraid that you’re lost in the back roads of Louisville forever and will never see your home again – until you figure out the next clue!
Danger Run is SUCH a blast (chainsaws notwithstanding). You’ll particularly enjoy Danger Run if you’re extremely competitive, like we are. What’s better for bonding than screaming in terror at your loved ones while you’re all stranded in the middle of a haunted field somewhere on the outskirts of Louisville? (Answer: screaming in terror WITH your loved ones at a haunted house, which is also part of the fun!)
Pick up your tickets online at the Danger Run Haunted House Scavenger Hunt website.
Tour the Waverly Hills Sanatorium
If you’ve ever watched a TV show about the most haunted places in the world, then you’ve probably heard of the Waverly Hills Sanitorium – it’s featured on just about all of them. In the early 1900s, Jefferson County was ravaged by an outbreak of tuberculosis, known as the “White Plague,” and the Sanitorium was built to house the sick and dying.
Louisville’s old tuberculosis Sanitorium was filled to the brim during the first half of the 1900s. There were so many dead that the Sanitorium built an infamous body chute to send the deceased directly down the hill to the crematorium. Creepy!
Later on, the building became a prison, had a brief stint as the proposed site of the world’s largest statue of Jesus (plans fell through), and finally, came to rest in peace as a haunted attraction.
Today, the building itself is spooky enough to give anyone chills. But during the Halloween season, Waverly Hills turns itself into a thrilling Haunted House. There are said to be several ghosts still haunting the echoing halls. Ahhh!
- Waverly Hills Sanatorium | Address: 8501 Standing Oak Dr., Louisville, Ky
Attend the fright night film festival
Louisville LOVES its festivals, and Halloween is no different! There are so many fall events in Louisville to take part in, all celebrating things Louisville loves: food, drink, culture, and the arts. But one really summons the Halloween vibes:
Calling all lovers of horror cinema! The annual Fright Night Film Fest spans the gamut of sci-fi, horror, supernatural, thriller, gore, and campy-but-also-kinda-scary.
The festival features dozens of events ranging from spooky burlesque performances and cosplay to live metal shows and meet & greets with iconic horror movie characters like Pinhead and Michael Meyers.
There are also a handful of workshops, like a special effects makeup demo and a body art expo, as well as movie screenings (naturally), a costume contest, and Scaryokee (howling encouraged). If spooky cinema is your thing, these are your people!
- Fright Night Film Fest | Address: 8200 IN-64, Georgetown, IN, 47122
Wander Through the Graves at Cave Hill Cemetery
The Highlands’ enormous historic Cave Hill Cemetery, filled with ancient graves and haunting mausoleums, could take weeks to explore.
Luckily, you can cultivate the spooky Halloween season in an afternoon by taking one of the many guided Cave Hill walking tours hosted by the Cave Hill Heritage Foundation.
Or, print out a free informative Cave Hill Cemetery map and go grave-hunting on your own: you’ll find the ornate graves of Colonel Sanders, Muhammad Ali, and Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. among many other famous historical people.
- Cave Hill Cemetery| Address: 701 Baxter Avenue, Louisville
Psst: You’ll stroll past Cave Hill Cemetery and learn about some of its most storied residents on the Highlands Food & History Tour. As you walk along some of Louisville’s oldest and most iconic streets, you’ll taste (and drink) delicious local specialties; try a dish inspired by the Hot Brown in Muhammed Ali’s former boxing gym; sip bourbon in Louisville’s oldest bar; trace the footsteps of the immigrants who shaped the city; and admire opulent Victorian homes and historic architecture. Use the code LGL15 for 15% off your booking at Louisville Food Tours.
Attend the World’s Largest Halloween Party
During the month of October, the Louisville Zoo hosts the world’s largest Halloween party each night from 5-8:30 PM!
The adorably named “Boo at the Zoo” transforms the Louisville Zoo into a living storybook, with characters brought to life, music, and trick-or-treating for kids 11 and under. It’s all kooky Halloween fun and none of the spooky – perfect for little ones.
Keep an eye out for the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, your favorite princesses and superheroes, the Spooktacular Carousel, Mumpkin the Giant Talking Pumpkin, and the “not-so-itsy-bitsy” Spider House.
We’ve got a complete insider guide to this fun event! Head to our Boo at the Zoo visitor’s guide.
- Louisville Zoo | Address: 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY
Which fall in Louisville activity are you most excited about? Do you prefer spooky Halloween events, or more general fall activities? Drop us a comment below!
Psst: We have a few other posts to help you make the most of fall in Louisville and the rest of Kentucky. Check them out:
- 17 Things to Do to Celebrate Fall in Louisville, Kentucky
- The 8 Best (& Scariest) Louisville Ghost Tours
- 11 Terrifying Haunted Houses in Louisville
- Fall in Kentucky: 14 Autumnal Things to Do
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