With October 31 fast approaching, there’s still plenty of fall magic left across the Topsail region. Whether you’re looking for pumpkin patches with a view, family-friendly trunk-or-treats, or haunted trails to scare your socks off, the next 10 days are packed with opportunities.
This list is for locals and visitors alike — if you’re in Hampstead, Surf City, Sneads Ferry, or anywhere nearby, here’s your guide to what’s still happening for Halloween 2025.
Pumpkin Patches Still Open
Hampstead UMC Pumpkin Patch
15395 US‑17 N, Hampstead
Open daily through Oct. 31
Thousands of pumpkins for sale at this beloved local fundraiser. Run by the church’s youth program, proceeds support mission work. More info
Abbey Nature Preserve Pumpkin Hunt
1035 Scotts Hill Loop Rd, Wilmington (near Hampstead)
Now through Oct. 30
Take a scenic, self-guided trail walk and search for hidden pumpkins in the woods. Families can enter a raffle after completing the hunt. More info
Mike’s Farm Pumpkin Patch & Hayrides
1600 Haw Branch Rd, Beulaville
Tue–Sat through Oct. 30
A bit of a drive inland, but worth it: hayrides ($3), pony rides, and pay-by-weight pumpkin picking. Open afternoons into early evening. More info
Not-So-Scary Trails & Spooky Walks
Pogie’s Halloween Trail (Family-Friendly)
117 Williams Farm Rd, Maysville
Fri–Sun through Oct. 31, Noon–9PM
A lighthearted haunted trail with friendly characters, trick-or-treat stops, and creative props — all without the jump scares. A hit with younger kids. More info
Wild Hare Sanctuary Haunted Trail
21900 US-17 N, Hampstead
Select nights through Halloween
Wander through this animal-rescue-turned-haunt for a quirky, semi-spooky walk. Kid-friendly but creepily decorated. Donations support animal rescue. More info
Trunk-or-Treats & Halloween Events
Monster Bash (Jacksonville)
Onslow Pines Park, 1244 Onslow Pines Rd
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 5–9PM
A big, free trunk-or-treat and Halloween carnival with food vendors, costume contests, candy stations, and games. More info
Lori’s Ace Trick-or-Treat
Lori’s Ace Hardware, Sneads Ferry
Saturday, Oct. 26 | 1–3PM
Indoor trick-or-treating for little ones — costumes encouraged, and parents can browse the store while kids collect sweets.
Surf City Trunk-or-Treat
Likely at Soundside Park (check town calendar)
Thursday, Oct. 31 | Usually 5–7PM
The official town-sponsored Halloween event. Decorated vehicles, costumed locals, and lots of candy. Town Calendar
Trick-or-Treating on Halloween Night
If you’re in Sneads Ferry, North Topsail, or the neighborhoods around Hampstead and Surf City, you’ll find most sidewalks buzzing with trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31. Residential areas near schools and parks tend to see the most action — and parents usually wrap things up by 8:30pm.
Worth the Drive: Honorable Mentions
Wesley Memorial UMC Pumpkin Patch (Wilmington)
1401 S College Rd
Open daily through Oct. 31
Known as “The Pumpkin Church,” this community patch draws folks from all over. Excellent pumpkin selection and photo ops. More info
Trask Family Farms (Castle Hayne)
Castle Hayne Rd, north of Wilmington
Through Oct. 31
Hayrides, corn maze, and pumpkins — a full fall farm experience if you’re up for a weekend road trip. More info
A few big events like Autumn with Topsail are already in the rearview, but there’s still a full week and a half of Halloween-themed fun ahead. Whether you’re pumpkin hunting, costuming up, or just out for a fall trail walk, this is the week to make it happen.
