There are a few things that take on a life of their own at UNC — the Duke rivalry, the campus-wide allegiance to Med Deli and Halloween.
As a first-year, you’ve probably heard of the iconic night where everyone in Chapel Hill floods Franklin Street. This night is the epitome of people watching, and I recommend at least a brief stint on Franklin Street to any first-year students who have never experienced it.
But even more important than Halloween night is Halloween week.
UNC decided long ago that this was an event that could simply not be contained to one night of dressing up — and the celebrations start now. While Halloween is a great opportunity to take part in an iconic aspect of Chapel Hill, it can also be overwhelming. The crowds are intense, the parties are overflowing and there are so many traditions and expectations to unpack. This year, both the school and various businesses around Chapel Hill are hosting Halloween events that can truly round out your spooky season and offer alternatives to becoming lost in the crowds.
- The UNC Food Truck Rodeo: This is an annual event hosted along Stadium Drive by UNC Housing. From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Halloween night, food trucks will line Stadium Drive and UNC students can don their best costumes and partake in tons of food from Chapel Hill’s greatest traveling restaurants.
- “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Varsity Theatre: Hosted by the UNC Pauper Players, this event is an interactive production of the classic "Rocky Horror Picture Show." Every year students dress up as the characters, interact with the cast and have a weird and wonderful night at Varsity Theatre.
There will be two shows this year on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 11:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 28 at
2:30 a.m. While these have sold out, there are plenty of performances around town and the
Triangle if you are looking for your fix.
- Harry Potter Night: On Friday, Oct. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the SILS library, located in Manning Hall, is hosting an event for everyone’s favorite spooky season franchise. The event will include snacks, games, crafts and Harry Potter trivia. Register before the event on the SILS library website.
- Haunted House: UNC’s chapter of Relay for Life is hosting a haunted house on Monday, Oct. 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. This event will take place at St. Anthony Hall, and tickets can be bought in The Pit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $3 or purchased at the door for $5. This is also a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, so it’s a good way to have wholesome, spooky fun for a good cause.
- Crafter Dark: Museum of Witchcraft & Wizardry: Harry Potter is so amazing that the town of Chapel Hill decided one night for it just isn’t enough. The Kidzu Children’s Museum is hosting an adults-only Harry Potter night that includes snacks, wand-making, henna art and even an escape room.
On Saturday, Oct. 27 from 8 to 11 p.m., adults (18+) are welcomed into the museum for an
interactive night that ends with a costume contest. Tickets are $15 at the door.
