Halloween is one of the most loved holidays in Montreal. Kids like it, of course, because they get a lot of candy and get to wear a costume. Grown-ups appreciate beautiful autumn foliage and scare their friends and family with hilarious pranks.
Festival of Fear at La Ronde (October 7–29, 2023)
Festival of Fear (Festival dela Frayeur) at La Ronde is a popular seasonal attraction. Montreal's largest amusement park is taken over by zombies and ghouls. Families can enjoy thrills and exciting activities during the day, while nights might be truly frightening. Fright Fest features several haunted houses and a few scare zones. After dark, ghouls lurk around every corner, busy with their daily hunting rituals.
Pumpkinferno in Upper Canada Village (September 29–October 25, 2023, select dates)
Pumpkinferno in Upper Canada Village is an amazing attraction for the whole family. The glowing installation of 7,000 pumpkins is a not-to-be-missed exhibit. Pumpkin walk is a one-kilometre path set in a picturesque 19th-century setting. Upper Canada Village is awaiting its pumpkin fans on selected days in late September and October.
Rocky Horror Montreal Halloween Ball (October 26–28, 2023)
The annual Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Ball at Cinéma Impérial is a favorite Halloween tradition for movie-goers. In addition to the retro movie screening—The Rocky Horror Picture Show—it offers a full-theatrical light show extravaganza with all possible special effects you can imagine. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress up, dance, scream, and throw things in the screening room. The fantastic Rocky Horror experience is a great treat for every Halloween!
La Voûte Halloween (unconfirmed in 2023)
Every year, Club La Voûte invites hundreds of guests to its famous Halloween Ball. The event is inspired by Heidi Klum’s legendary parties and is held in the vaults of the former Banque Royale. Visitors will be impressed by colorful costumes and heart-stopping entertainment. Don't miss the ultimate Halloween Ball, always enchanting and terrifying!
Festival SPASM (October 18–31, 2023)
SPASM Festival is the annual short film event that offers original content and exciting cinema experience. During ten days movie fans can enjoy unusual cinema genres and exclusive entertainment. The opening night starts with a Kabaret event followed by eight short films from Quebec directors, all of them handpicked premieres. Horror, science fiction, and merely strange and out-of-the-ordinary films in French, English and Spanish will make sure you'll stay in the Halloween spirit. The SPASM runs in various venues across Montreal like Threatre Plaza and Club Soda. The festival ends with a massive Halloween party.
Malefycia (October 7–26, 2023)
Malefycia is one of the genuinely terrifying Montreal Halloween experiences. Part haunted house, part interactive theatre, Malefycia uses custom-built scenarios with professional actors and settings. Actors interact with the audience. Face your worst nightmares for one hour that you'll definitely remember for a long time. Guests have to sign a waiver to access the horror site. Guests also wear thematic clothes to not dirty their own.
Marche des Zombies de Montréal / Zombie Walk (on hold since 2018)
One of the signature events in Montreal is the Zombie Walk, Marche des Zombies de Montréal in French. A large gathering of good undead people lets them show off their creativity every year. Thousands of participants parade through downtown Montreal on a Saturday in late October wearing their best zombie make-up and dress. Zombies usually gather at the Place du Canada, near the Bonaventure metro station. They march from noon to 3 p.m. on Sainte-Catherine Street West, between Peel and Jeanne-Mance Streets. The walk draws about 10,000 zombies and dozens of floats, including amazing mariachi zombies, dismembered human marionettes, and a zombie marching band. The trail ends with a music and dance show at Place des Festivals.
For the tickets and latest updates, please check with the official websites (see External Resources below.) Also, take a look at the map suggesting the best accommodations nearby.
