Want to trick-or-treat at Carowinds? Park reveals fall lineup with murder mystery + parade

Carowinds has new family events by day, and new scary attractions by night, as the theme park gears up for SCarowinds .

The 400-acre park straddling the South Carolina and North Carolina line announced plans Tuesday morning for its fall lineup. Carowinds is the region’s largest theme park, with about 60 rides, attractions and shows. The park in Fort Mill and Charlotte also has a 26-acre water park and a hotel on site.

In the fall, it’s known for its SCarowinds production that has costumed characters in haunted theme areas. Leading up to Halloween, SCarowinds also has some rides open for visitors to experience at night.

Here’s what to know:

▪ A new Tricks and Treats event runs from noon to 6 p.m. on weekends, from Sept. 14 to Oct. 27. It’ll have trick-or-treating around the park along with a pumpkin patch, a craft station and themed games. There’s also live entertainment and a Halloween-themed parade.

▪ Carowinds will host Oktoberfest on weekends from Sept. 14 to Nov. 2. The 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. event will include imported German beer, music and entertainment. Stein-holding and brat-eating contests will be held.

▪ SCarowinds runs Sept. 13 to Oct. 27. Scare zones, mazes, shows and thrill rides are planned. There’s a new scare zone based on demented ringmaster Bob Lobotomy, and a murder mystery musical in Carowinds Theater with several endings.

▪ Visitors won’t need a separate ticket for SCarowinds. A single-admission ticket will allow visitors to partake in the family-friendly daytime events and the Halloween-style festivities at night, a first since SCarowinds began in 2000.