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Does your family have any fall traditions? One of my family’s fall traditions is a more recent fall tradition, but special nonetheless. And that is to visit the Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds theme park in Charlotte, North Carolina!
Growing up in Charlotte, I visited the popular North Carolina/South Carolina theme park many times during the summer. But it is really neat as an adult to visit during the autumn. It is great to see the kids enjoy all the children-friendly activities. The park is decorated beautifully. And it is just a happy event.
We’ll tell you about some of those activities and shows that make this Charlotte fall festival special. And then we’ll tell you how you can save money on your ticket!
Shows
Tricks and Treats Parade
Showtime: 3:30 PM
This fun fall parade features elaborate floats, a dance party, interactions with spooky characters, and even candy for the little ones at the end! It begins in the back of the park (near the Zephyr ride in the County Fair section), travels through the North Carolina side of the park, and ends at the front in Celebration Plaza.
Please note that the parade takes place at 3:30 PM, unlike most of the festivities, which occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
You can see the parade in our video which we took on the opening day of the Great Pumpkin Fest this year!
The Monsters are Coming, Charlie Brown!
Showtimes: 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM
Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang star in this 1940s-style live radio show. The show, which takes place at Camp Theater in Camp Snoopy, combines fun Halloween songs with spooky – but not scary – entertainment.
Whistlin’ Willie’s Western Wake
Showtimes: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM
During this musical theater performance at Harmony Hall, Lusty Lil’ and fellow townsfolk throw a wild party in honor of Poor ol’ Whistlin’ Willie – who may or may not be deceased! The spirited show incorporates dancing, singing and comedy.
Monster Bash Band
Showtimes: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Listen to ’80s Halloween favorites performed live. You might even find yourself dancing along! This rock band appears in Blue Ridge Junction.
The Skele-Tones
Showtimes: 11:15 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:45 PM
Out on the Harmony Hall Patio, The Skele-Tones put on a show that’s both humorous and musical.
Activities
Woodstock’s Kookie Corn Maze
This family friendly corn maze is ideal for kids.
Peppermint Patty’s Haybale Maze
Another twisting maze, this one has hay bales stacked so that you can keep an eye on your kids.
Linus’ Pumpkin Patch
If your child is 12 years old or younger, they can pick out their own pumpkin to decorate and take home! The pumpkin patch is located near Harmony Hall.
Graveyard Games
These midway games are perfect for a fall festival!
Lucy’s Mummy Pit
If your kid enjoys suds and bubbles, they’ll love Lucy’s Mummy Pit, found near Snoopy vs. Red Baron.
Trick-or-Treating
You’ll find trick or treating locations throughout Camp Snoopy.
Promo Code
Admission to the Great Pumpkin Fest is included in your Carowinds admission. And if you are looking for a promo code to help you save money at Carowinds, I can get you something better: an automatic discount.
The discounted tickets you’ll find here will save you $36 per ticket! And no promo code or coupon code is needed since the discount is automatic.