HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — As fall settles into the Shenandoah Valley, Fear Forest is preparing to once again transform the woods of Harrisonburg into a destination for Halloween thrills, scares and seasonal entertainment.

The popular haunted attraction is celebrating its 21st season in 2026, offering visitors three separate attractions at its location at 6340 Oak Shade Road in Harrisonburg. The experience includes the original Fear Forest haunted trail, Fear Crops and Fear Factory, along with a hay wagon ride, concessions, music, a DJ, entertainment and a bonfire.

Fear Forest’s main attraction takes visitors along a four-tenths-of-a-mile wooded trail filled with frightening scenes, sounds, high-tech animatronics and props. It is the attraction’s original and most popular experience.

Visitors can also make their way through Fear Crops, where a seemingly ordinary corn crop has become something much more sinister, and Fear Factory, an attraction built around the idea of manufacturing visitors’ worst fears.

Together, the three attractions provide what Fear Forest describes as a full-immersion Halloween experience.

A full night of Halloween entertainment

The scares aren’t limited to the attractions themselves. Guests can arrive early to enjoy the lighted parking area, food concessions, souvenirs, music and DJ entertainment, actor photo opportunities and a bonfire.

The attractions are accessed from the parking area by a courtesy hay wagon ride, adding another element to the experience before visitors enter the haunted attractions.

Fear Forest is also warning visitors that the attraction’s popularity can mean longer waits, particularly on Saturday nights closer to Halloween. Those looking for shorter lines are encouraged to visit earlier in the season or on Friday nights.

2026 schedule

Fear Forest will operate every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 to 11 p.m.

Additional dates and special events include:

  • Oct. 2: Opening night, featuring a live broadcast from the Q101 crew from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission will be $25.
  • Oct. 14 and 21: No Fear Nights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $15 cash.
  • Oct. 22: Canned Food Drive Night. Admission will be $30 with a valid, in-date canned food donation benefiting a local food pantry.
  • Oct. 28: Cats Cradle night, with a portion of ticket sales donated to Cats Cradle.
  • Oct. 29: Community Thanks Night. First responders, military members and teachers who show valid identification can receive $5 off admission for themselves and their party.
  • Oct. 31: Halloween night and the final night of the 2026 season. Costumes are encouraged, although masks are not permitted inside the attractions.

There will also be special operating hours of 7 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 22, 28 and 29.

A less frightening option

For families or visitors who aren’t ready for the full haunted attraction experience, Fear Forest will again offer its No Fear Nights on Oct. 14 and 21.

During those evenings, actors will not be present and animatronics will not be active, although some startle sounds may still occur. Guests can experience all three attractions at their own pace, along with the hay wagon ride and concessions.

Fear Forest notes that some scenes may still contain disturbing or gory imagery, so parental discretion is advised.

What to know before visiting

Because Fear Forest is an outdoor attraction, organizers recommend that guests dress appropriately for fall weather and wear sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain. The parking area is an unpaved field and may become wet or muddy following rain.

Guests are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. Backpacks, bags and weapons are not permitted. Weather-related closures will be announced through Fear Forest’s social media channels.

Admission for all three attractions is $35 per person, while VIP admission, which allows guests to skip the line, is $55. Tickets are sold for cash only at the on-site ticket booth, and an ATM is available on the property.

Fear Forest also advises that children under 12 are not recommended for the attractions. Its rules state that children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

With three attractions, seasonal entertainment and special events throughout October, Fear Forest is once again giving Harrisonburg-area residents and visitors a chance to make a night of their Halloween celebrations — if they’re willing to venture into the woods.

For the complete schedule and additional information, visit Fear Forest’s official website.