Halloween HAUNT Returns to Kings Dominion with New Scares

Kings Dominion has officially kicked off the 2026 Halloween season, and I had the opportunity to attend the Halloween HAUNT media event to experience this year’s attractions, entertainment and seasonal offerings firsthand. I have visited Kings Dominion many times, but there is something completely different about seeing the park after dark during Halloween HAUNT. As the sun goes down, the atmosphere changes almost immediately. Fog begins to settle over the pathways, spooky lighting fills the park and the energy shifts from a typical day at the park to a full evening of thrills, screams and surprises.

Presented by SNICKERS®, Halloween HAUNT runs select nights through November 1, 2026. This year’s event includes six haunted mazes, five scare zones, five live entertainment experiences, nighttime rides and seasonal food and beverages.

A Halloween Tradition at Kings Dominion

Halloween HAUNT has been part of the Kings Dominion experience for more than two decades. Over the years, the celebration has grown from a smaller Halloween offering into one of the largest seasonal events at the park.

Kings Dominion’s Halloween celebration has even earned national attention, including placing second in USA Today’s 10 Best voting for Best Halloween Event in 2017 and 2018. After seeing the scale of this year’s event, it is easy to understand why Halloween HAUNT has become such a popular fall tradition for Virginia families, thrill-seekers and Halloween fans.

DIABLO: The Infernal Path Makes Its Debut

The most talked-about addition for 2026 is DIABLO: The Infernal Path, a new haunted maze inspired by Blizzard Entertainment’s iconic Diablo video game franchise. I got to preview the attraction with a behind-the-scenes look and walking into the attraction felt like stepping into a dark fantasy world. The setting is filled with gothic details, cursed cathedrals, ancient rituals and an overwhelming sense that something sinister is waiting around every corner. Starting September 25 guests will encounter some of the franchise’s most recognizable characters, including Diablo while making their way through a world consumed by evil.

As someone who enjoys attractions with detailed theming, I appreciated the effort that went into creating an experience that feels connected to the Diablo universe rather than simply using the name as a theme. The maze is making its debut during Diablo’s 30th anniversary year, which makes the timing especially fitting for fans of the franchise.

Four New Shows Bring More Entertainment to the Park

One of the biggest surprises for me was the expanded live entertainment lineup. Halloween HAUNT is introducing four new shows this season, giving guests more opportunities to take a break from the mazes while still enjoying the Halloween atmosphere.

My favorite was Wake the Dead which takes a completely different approach by turning a family will-reading into a musical murder mystery. Audience participation plays an important role at this show as guests help determine who is responsible for the death of Franklin Earl Anderson Rochester and what will happen to the family. I also enjoy watching all the monsters coming out at the start of Halloween HAUNT and Heads Will Roll, one of the event’s returning favorites.

Nighttime Rides Add Even More Thrills

The haunted attractions are only part of the Halloween HAUNT experience. Once darkness settled over the park, Kings Dominion’s rides and coasters took on a completely different feel.

The combination of fog, lighting, sound effects and nighttime operations made the rides feel fresh and unpredictable. Rapterra, the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster, was an especially exciting choice for an evening ride. Experiencing the coaster in the dark, with the Halloween HAUNT atmosphere surrounding it, added another layer of excitement to an already thrilling attraction.

Tricks and Treats Offers Family-Friendly Fun

While Halloween HAUNT is designed for older guests and thrill-seekers, Kings Dominion also offers a daytime celebration for families with younger children. Tricks and Treats returns this year and the event includes trick-or-treating, costume contests, live entertainment, seasonal characters and family-friendly activities. The atmosphere is festive rather than frightening, making it a great way for families to enjoy the fall season before the monsters come out at night.

One of the things I appreciate about Kings Dominion’s Halloween programming is that families can choose the experience that works best for them. Tricks and Treats provides a playful daytime celebration, while Halloween HAUNT offers a much more intense nighttime adventure.

Planning a Visit to Halloween HAUNT

Guests who want to experience the haunted mazes will need valid park admission, a season pass or membership, as well as a Haunted Attractions Pass. Kings Dominion offers individual, all-season and Express options for guests who want to visit the mazes throughout the event or spend less time waiting in line.

For those planning multiple visits, 2027 Gold and Prestige Season Passes include admission for the remainder of the 2026 season and all of 2027, along with access to seasonal events and additional passholder benefits. Prestige Passholders also receive perks such as preferred parking, complimentary fountain beverages and a single-use Fast Lane benefit during each visit.

My Takeaway

After experiencing the Halloween HAUNT media event, I can see why this continues to be one of Kings Dominion’s most anticipated seasons. The event offers a little bit of everything, from the immersive DIABLO maze and returning haunted attractions to live shows, nighttime coasters and family-friendly daytime activities.

The addition of DIABLO: The Infernal Path gives longtime Halloween HAUNT guests something new to explore, while the expanded entertainment lineup helps make the event feel even more complete. For those looking for a family outing during Tricks and Treats or those looking for a night filled with haunted mazes and thrilling rides, Kings Dominion has created plenty of reasons to visit this fall.