Hello from Sandusky, Ohio! Today Horrornews.net has the privilege of visiting the theme park of Cedar Point where they feature a seasonal addition called HalloWeekends
Before review let’s get into what HalloWeekends is an what others should expect
What Is HalloWeekends?
HalloWeekends is a special seasonal extension of Cedar Point’s regular operating schedule. During this time, the park undergoes a full Halloween transformation — complete with eerie decorations, haunted attractions, themed scare zones, and exclusive seasonal entertainment.
When Does HalloWeekends Run?
The event typically runs from mid-September through Halloween (and sometimes into early November on select nights), taking place Thursday through Sunday each week.
What to Expect at HalloWeekends
HalloWeekends offers two distinct experiences, catering to both families and thrill-seekers:
Daytime / Family-Friendly Fun
Enjoy a lighter side of Halloween with pumpkins, hay and corn mazes, trick-or-treating, seasonal shows, and mild scares that are perfect for all ages.
Nighttime / Fright Mode
As darkness falls, the park shifts into full scare mode. Expect haunted houses, immersive mazes, and fog-filled scare zones crawling with Cedar Point’s costumed “Screamsters.” Some of these haunted attractions may require a separate Haunted Attractions Pass for entry.
Featured Experience: The Conjuring Universe
In recent years, HalloWeekends has included an interactive attraction inspired by The Conjuring Universe — offering guests a cinematic, bone-chilling experience unlike anything else in the park.
Live Shows & Roaming Performers
HalloWeekends offers an abundance of live entertainment, from themed stage performances and musical acts to roaming characters who interact with guests throughout the park. Evening shows add to the eerie atmosphere, making every corner of Cedar Point feel alive with Halloween spirit.
Park Rides & Regular Attractions
Many of Cedar Point’s signature rides and roller coasters remain open during HalloWeekends (depending on weather and scheduling). This means guests can enjoy both world-class thrills and spooky seasonal fun in one visit.
Pricing Changes for 2025
One of the biggest updates this year is that indoor haunted houses are no longer included with general park admission. Instead, they require a separate add-on pass for entry.
2025 HalloWeekends Pricing Breakdown
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Ticket + Haunted Attractions Pass (includes park admission + access to haunted mazes): starting at $55 online
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Haunted Attractions Pass Only (maze access only, no park admission): starting at $10
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Nighttime Frights Bundle (park admission + haunted mazes + The Conjuring experience): starting at $99
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Haunted Attractions Express Pass (priority access to haunted mazes): from $69 add-on
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All-Season Haunted Attractions Pass (season-long maze access): $99
REVIEW
Hopefully, this gives visitors enough information to get started. This year, HorrorNews.net was invited as a special guest to experience and review HalloWeekends during its October run.
A few key takeaways for visitors: there are multiple costs to consider — general park admission, haunted attraction access, and parking. Be aware that food and beverages are not included, and prices inside the park can be steep. Expect to pay around $18 for a beer, $8 for fries, and close to $18 for a basic cheeseburger.
Visitor Tips
💡 Food & Budgeting:
While you’ll probably want to grab a bite inside the park, consider eating before you arrive to keep costs down. Then, you can stick to smaller snacks (like fries or drinks) while inside.
👟 Comfort:
Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Also, check the weather before you go, as it tends to get chilly after dark. Lockers are available for storing coats or extra layers.
🕖 Timing:
Keep in mind that haunted attractions typically open around 7 p.m., so plan to ride coasters and other attractions earlier in the day to maximize your evening haunt time.
If you’re planning to splurge for HalloWeekends, invest in the Haunted Attractions Express Pass. Yes, it’s an extra cost, but it can easily save you hours of waiting. Many haunted houses have wait times of two to three hours, and the difference between standing in line all night versus walking straight into each haunt is huge. Watching others wait while you move right to the front says it all — don’t be that person stuck in line all night.
Bottom line: If you want the full HalloWeekends experience, the Express Pass is worth every penny.
Onto the Attractions
The highlight of this year’s HalloWeekends is without question The Conjuring Universe Experience — and it’s absolutely worth it. This isn’t just a typical haunted house; it’s a fully immersive, theatrical experience led by a live guide who narrates and escorts guests through a chilling, cinematic storyline.
The sets, props, and special effects are top-tier, creating an atmosphere that feels straight out of the films. The actors and staff are completely committed to their roles, ensuring that even the wait before entry becomes part of the experience rather than a chore.
Another thoughtful touch is the scheduled queue system, which allows guests to reserve a time slot and return later — greatly reducing long waits.
Without revealing too much, visitors should be ready for a few surprises — including moments that require ducking, crawling, and close encounters with familiar characters from The Conjuring film franchise. It’s a must-see attraction for any horror fan attending HalloWeekends this year.
Other attractions to see!
Midnight (featuring Mr. Midnight) — set in a sinister residence, with the “Book of the Dark” theme.
Bloodbath — a maze themed to a decadent, dark party with sinister secrets.
Fearground Freakshow — carnival horrors and twisted sideshows.
Slaughter House — the name says it all: a brutal, graphic haunt in a meat-processing setting.
The Haunting of Eerie Estate — a ghostly, paranormal investigation style haunt in a haunted mansion.
CornStalkers 2.0: Revenge of the Pumpkin Heads — this is sometimes categorized either as a maze or a heavily themed walk-through.
All in all, Cedar Point excels in its use of practical effects and props. They’re high-quality and well-executed, setting the experience a step above most local haunts. The actors are energetic and engaged, though many are young adults or teens, which helps the event appeal to a younger crowd of visitors.
The haunts are designed to startle, with plenty of hidden corners and secret spots where the staff can jump out and surprise you. A special shout-out goes to the park’s ability to transform its grounds for the season—there are countless photo opportunities between rides, from gargoyles perched throughout the park to fog-filled streets and eerie background music. You’ll also find various Halloween-themed performances and shows as you wander around. Some rides are closed, but most of the major attractions remain open.
Overall, Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends is a must-see event that delivers a fantastic Halloween experience. If it’s your first visit, even better—the haunts will feel entirely new and full of surprises!
https://www.cedarpoint.com/events/halloweekends/nighttime-frights