Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash & 7 Nights of Fright
Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash
7 Nights of Fright in Graham
Haunted Trails Donation Drive
Volunteer Opportunities & Donation Drive
Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash
Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026 (no rain date)
Times: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
For All Ages
Cost: Free, no cost for inflatables, carnival games, or trunk or treat
Location: Downtown Graham in Court Square
Get ready for a spooktacular night of Halloween fun for the whole family at the annual Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash! Established in 2015, this beloved community tradition is a joint effort between Graham Recreation & Parks, the Graham Police Department, and the Graham Fire Department. Join us in Downtown Graham for an evening packed with inflatables, Trunk-or-Treat, vendors, food trucks, the Pumpkin Smash with Graham Fire, Dancing Witches with Alamance Arts, and more! Costumes are highly encouraged but not required, so put on your favorite costume and join us for a festive night of Halloween fun, treats, and community celebration in Downtown Graham!
As a reminder, smoking/vaping, pets, and drones are not allowed at this event. There is no rain date for Pumpkin Bash. If there is a cancellation due to inclement weather, a decision will be made at 12:00noon the day of the event.
We want to encourage the parents to do the following:
- Take a photo of your child before leaving the house. This allows you to have an updated photo of what the child looks like that evening.
- Stop by the Graham Police Department booth upon arrival to get a safety bracelet for your child. This wristband will allow parents/guardians to list a cell phone number to make contacting them seamless if separated during the event.
Pumpkin Bash Event Map – Coming Fall 2026!
Where to Park Downtown
Fun Attractions & Activities
• Alamance Arts Dancing Witches Flash Mob • Time: 7:00pm & 8:00pm (tentative)
• Face Painters
• Interactive Playgrounds Inflatables – for a listing of inflatables to visit, see the event map
• Pumpkin Smash Zone! presented by the Graham Fire Department • Time: 7:30pm
• Trunk or Treat Vendors
More Fun Attractions Provided by Downtown Businesses
• Downtown Graham Business Pumpkin Decorating Contest – You can vote for your favorite at the Graham Public Library, (Dates: TBD) or at the Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash (tentative)
• Ghost Tours – sign up during the event in front of Whit’s Frozen Custard of Graham (tentative)
• Jeepers Creepers – Jeeps with Treats hosted/sponsored by O.V. Yonder (located in Court Square) – Contact O.V. Yonder for more information about Jeepers Creepers (tentative)
• Open Tram & Hayrides to the Cemetery sponsored by Farm Services – no sign-up required (tentative)
Food Trucks/Food Vendors – Cost for Food
- TBD
- Also, check out downtown businesses!
Trunk or Treat Vendor Applications
- NOT FOR PROFIT Trunk or Treat Vendor Form
- FOR PROFIT Trunk or Treat Form
- Jeepers Creepers – Jeeps with Treats hosted/sponsored by O.V. Yonder (located in Court Square) – Contact O.V. Yonder for more information (tentative)
Food Trucks/Vendor Application
- Food Trucks/Vendors Application (deadline: TBD)
Stay Up To Date
Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on additions to the event and any inclement weather updates. If there is a cancellation due to inclement weather, a decision will be made by 12:00noon the day of the event.
Street Closure Information
On the day of the event, 100 blocks of East & West Elm Street will close at 3:00pm. North & South Main Street will close at 4:00pm. Please make sure you are not parked in this area after closure times. Set-up of vendors, attractions, and inflatables will begin at these times, and it may not be possible to move vehicles due to congestion and pedestrians. Streets will reopen at 10:30pm.
Questions? Please email Michelle Shaffer, Program Manager.
Join the Fun as a Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash Sponsor
Sharing event pictures on social media? #GrahamPumpkinBash
7 Nights of Fright in Graham
7 Nights of Fright in Graham
Dates: October 25–31, 2026
Times: See individual events for details
Locations: Various locations throughout Graham
NEW FOR 2026! The fright begins before the Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash! Graham Recreation & Parks is kicking off Halloween week with 7 Nights of Fright, a week filled with spooky surprises, festive activities, and Halloween fun as we count down to the big night!
From movies and pontoon boat rides to pumpkin decorating, haunted trails, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the week. Explore each event for details, gather your friends and family, and join us for seven nights of fun leading up to Halloween!
Follow Graham Recreation & Parks on Facebook for event updates, new activities, schedule changes, and inclement weather information.
NIGHT 1: Halloween Movie Night in the Park • Movie: Hocus Pocus
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Time: Movie begins around 6:30pm (pending sunset time)
For All Ages (movie is rated PG)
Cost: Free; concessions available for purchase
Location: Graham Regional Park (lawn) • 1575 North Jim Minor Road, Haw River, NC 27258
About: Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, and Halloween spirit for a spooktacular movie night under the stars with Graham Recreation & Parks! Bring the whole family to Graham Regional Park for a fun, family-friendly Halloween movie on the lawn. Come dressed in your favorite costume, get cozy, and enjoy a spooky, but not too scary, night filled with family, friends, and Halloween fun! The evening will also feature food trucks, the Park & Play Mobile Recreation Van, and take-and-make art kits from Alamance Arts.
NIGHT 2: Ghost Stories at the Lake
Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Event Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Spooky Story Pontoon Rides: 6:30pm, 7:15pm, 8:00pm (registration required; space is limited)
Ages: Middle School Ages & Older
Cost: Admission is Free; Pontoon Boat Rides $10 per person
Location: Graham-Mebane Lake • 3218 Bason Road, Mebane, NC 27302
About: Join Graham Recreation & Parks at Graham-Mebane Lake for a spooktacular evening of Halloween fun, storytelling, and adventure! Gather around the campfire beneath the stars and enjoy an evening filled with Halloween fun and spooky story pontoon boat rides on Graham-Mebane Lake. Whether you’re a fan of a good ghost story or simply looking for a cozy night of family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy interactive activities with the Park & Play Mobile Recreation Van, then warm up around the campfire with delicious s’mores provided by Steve’s Garden Market & Butchery. This free event is the perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season! Pontoon boat rides require registration. Register online to reserve your spot! Register Online
NIGHT 3: Pumpkin Carving Contest
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages: 13 & up: pumpkin carving | 12 & under: pumpkin decorating
Cost: Free; pumpkins & carving supplies provided (registration required; space is limited)
Location: Alamance Arts (front lawn) • 213 South Main Street, Graham, NC 27253
About: Show off your pumpkin-carving skills at the Pumpkin Carving Contest! Get creative this Halloween with Graham Recreation & Parks and Alamance Arts at a fun community pumpkin-carving and decorating event on the front lawn of Alamance Arts. Ages 13 and older can put their carving skills to the test, while children ages 12 and under can get creative with pie pumpkin decorating. Whether your design is spooky, silly, or uniquely creative, we want to see what you can create! Pumpkins for decorating will be provided by Steve’s Garden Market & Butchery, and individuals ages 18 and older are welcome to bring their own pumpkin-carving supplies. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early! Enjoy interactive games and activities with the Park & Play Mobile Recreation Van while you create. Pumpkins entered in the contest will remain at Alamance Arts throughout the week for community judging, with the winner announced Monday, November 2. Prize: TBA. Register Online
NIGHT 4: Haunted Trail at Bill Cooke Park – No Scare Night ($5 per person)
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Ages: 12 & under
Cost: $5 per person • Approximately 5-minute train ride • Registration Recommended • Day-of Tickets Available as Space Allows
Location: Bill Cooke Park (Walking Track) • 1010 Townbranch Road, Graham, NC 27253
About: Get ready for a Halloween adventure with Graham Recreation & Parks! Younger guests and families can climb aboard the trackless train for a No Scare ride through the Haunted Trail at Bill Cooke Park. Before or after your train ride, enjoy Halloween-themed games and activities with the Park & Play Mobile Recreation Van, go on a flashlight scavenger hunt for creatures of the night, and grab a bite from one of the featured food trucks (cost for food). With spooky fun but no jump scares, this night is perfect for younger children and families looking to celebrate Halloween together. Space is limited, so registration is recommended! Climb aboard and get ready for a family-friendly adventure through the Haunted Trail! Register Online
NIGHT 5: Haunted Trail at Bill Cooke Park – Scare Night (free event)
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Ages: 13 & older
Cost: Free; approximately a 0.5-mile walk along the trail
Location: Bill Cooke Park (Walking Track) • 1010 Townbranch Road, Graham, NC 27253
About: Think you can handle a little fright with Graham Recreation & Parks? Take a walk along the Haunted Trail at Bill Cooke Park during our Scare Night, designed for older guests and thrill-seekers ready for a few surprises and jump scares along the way! Before or after your haunted walk, enjoy Halloween-themed games and activities with the Park & Play Mobile Recreation Van, go on a flashlight scavenger hunt for creatures of the night, and grab a bite from one of the featured food trucks (cost for food). Gather your friends, bring your courage, and get ready for a night of spooky thrills at the Haunted Trail! No trackless train during the scare night event.
NIGHT 6: Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Times: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
For All Ages
Cost: Free; no cost for inflatables or trunk-or-treat
Location: Downtown Graham in Court Square
About: Get ready for a spooktacular night of Halloween fun for the whole family at the annual Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash! Established in 2015, this beloved community tradition is a joint effort between Graham Recreation & Parks, the Graham Police Department, and the Graham Fire Department. Join us in Downtown Graham for an evening packed with inflatables, Trunk-or-Treat, vendors, food trucks, the Pumpkin Smash with Graham Fire, Dancing Witches with Alamance Arts, and more! Costumes are highly encouraged but not required, so put on your favorite costume and join us for a festive night of Halloween fun, treats, and community celebration in Downtown Graham!
NIGHT 7: Trick-or-Treat at the Graham Recreation Center
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages: 5 – 14
Cost: Free
Location: Graham Recreation Center (inside facility) • 311 College Street, Graham, NC 27253
About: Celebrate Halloween with Graham Recreation & Parks at the Graham Recreation Center Trick-or-Treat! Bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening featuring Trick-or-Treating, dancing, and games in the gym, popcorn, and food trucks (cost for food trucks), plus plenty of Halloween fun! Kids and parents are encouraged to dress in their Halloween best, and children who attend in costume will receive a goodie bag while supplies last. Bring the family, show off your favorite costume, and enjoy a safe, festive Halloween celebration at the Recreation Center!
Questions? Please email Michelle Shaffer, Program Manager.
Haunted Trails Donation Drive
Haunted Trails Donation Drive
Dates & Times for Item Drop-Off:
• September 16 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm
• October 3 from 10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Graham Recreation Center • 311 College Street, Graham, NC 27253
• September 16 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm
• October 3 from 10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Graham Recreation Center • 311 College Street, Graham, NC 27253
About: Graham Recreation & Parks is seeking donations of Halloween props and costumes for the upcoming Haunted Trails at Bill Cooke Park! Donations will be accepted at the center on September 16 and October 3. A donation box will also be available at the center throughout September and October.
Questions? Contact Michelle Shaffer, Recreation Program Manager, at (336) 513-5510 or by email.
Items We Are Looking For: (We are primarily looking for outdoor decorations that can be used to create several different themes, including Witches’ Den, Skeletons, Graveyard, Zombies, Inflatables, and Scarecrows.)
- String lights – preferably orange, purple, or green
- Uplights – any color; preferably solar or battery-powered
- Inflatables
- Tombstones
- Skeletons of all sizes
- Large spiders
- Large cats or other creepy animals
- Witch cauldrons
- Fog machines
- Outdoor witches/witch decorations
- Scarecrows and other scarecrow-related decorations
- Zombie decorations
- Graveyard fencing or gates
- Large outdoor props
- Hanging outdoor decorations
- Outdoor signs or spooky directional signs
- Outdoor-safe Halloween figures or statues
- Artificial vines, branches, or other items we could use to create a creepy/overgrown look
- Outdoor extension cords or other outdoor-rated lighting accessories
Things We Do Not Need:
- Indoor/home décor
- Anything that is not weather-resistant
- Small decorations that are primarily intended for indoor use
- Anything that requires a permanent electrical connection
Volunteer Opportunities & Donation Drive
Volunteer Opportunities
Get Involved with Graham Recreation & Parks! Want to make a difference in your community? Volunteer with Graham Recreation & Parks! We’re looking for volunteers to help support programs, events, and opportunities throughout our community.
Current Volunteer Opportunity with 7 Nights of Fright in Graham:
Help bring this week of spooky fun to life! Volunteer opportunities may include assisting with activities, events, and other event needs throughout the week. Questions about volunteering for 7 Nights of Fright in Graham? Contact Michelle Shaffer, Recreation Program Manager, at (336) 513-5510 or by email.
Haunted Trails Donation Drive
Dates & Times for Item Drop-Off:
September 16 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm
October 3 from 10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Graham Recreation Center • 311 College Street, Graham, NC 27253
About: Graham Recreation & Parks is seeking donations of Halloween props and costumes for the upcoming Haunted Trails at Bill Cooke Park! Donations will be accepted at the center on September 16 and October 3. A donation box will also be available at the center throughout September and October. Please visit the event webpage for additional information and needs.
Questions? Contact Michelle Shaffer, Recreation Program Manager, at (336) 513-5510 or mshaffer@cityofgraham.com.
Presented by
2026 Pumpkin Bash Sponsors
Block Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Friend of Recreation
Sponsorship Information
Connect your business with one of Downtown Graham’s most anticipated annual traditions, the Pumpkin Bash, drawing families and visitors from across Alamance County and surrounding communities. This high-energy fall festival offers a unique opportunity to align your brand with a beloved community celebration featuring games, activities, trunk-or-treat, entertainment, and more.
Sponsorship opportunities allow your business to gain meaningful visibility through logo placement on event promotional materials, inclusion in digital and print marketing, on-site event booth displays, and banner signage during the event. Depending on sponsorship level, partners also receive social media recognition and additional promotional benefits designed to maximize exposure and community engagement.
Join us in making the Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash a memorable experience for thousands of attendees while showcasing your business as a proud community partner.
Join the Fun as a Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash Sponsor
For information about sponsorship opportunities, please email Michelle Shaffer, Program Manager.