Quick Answer: Where Can You Experience Fright Fest in New York in 2026?

Looking for Fright Fest in New York State this Halloween season?

Great Escape is the place to find it.

In 2026, Great Escape in Queensbury is home to New York State’s only Fright Fest, giving Halloween fans a unique reason to make their way to the Lake George region this fall.

Fright Fest takes over Great Escape on weekends September 26 through October 25, 2026, with the fear beginning at 5 p.m.

Expect haunted attractions, sinister scare zones, roaming monsters, live Halloween entertainment, seasonal food and drinks, and the chance to ride select Great Escape attractions after dark.

Here’s what to know before you go.

Why Is Great Escape the Only Fright Fest in New York State in 2026?

For Halloween fans who traditionally associate fall theme park trips with Fright Fest, there's a major change in New York this year.

Great Escape is New York State's only destination hosting Fright Fest for the 2026 season.

That makes a trip to the Lake George region more than another fall theme park visit.

It's your only chance in New York State this year to experience the Fright Fest combination of haunted attractions, scare zones, live entertainment, roaming monsters and theme park rides after dark.

When Is Fright Fest at Great Escape?

Fright Fest takes place on weekends from September 26 through October 25, 2026.

The scares begin at 5 p.m.

Before 5 p.m., families can enjoy Great Escape's daytime Halloween activities during Boo Fest. As daylight fades, however, the atmosphere changes.

That's when the monsters come out.

What Haunted Attractions Are at Great Escape Fright Fest in 2026?

If you're coming for the scares, start by planning which haunted attractions you want to experience.

Nightmare

Confront 13 different phobias as each room brings another terrifying fear to life in this immersive haunted maze.

Skull Manor

Explore the shadowy rooms of a sinister manor filled with menacing legends, sudden scares, and a deeply disturbing dollhouse.

CarnEVIL

Step into a twisted carnival where wicked clowns, bizarre performers, and freak-show creatures are waiting to welcome you.

Hell Block VI

Enter a terrifying prison overrun by monstrous inmates and escape before the entire cell block descends into chaos.

Planning Tip: Haunted attractions become especially popular after sunset. Decide which experiences are must-dos before you arrive and tackle your priorities first.

Are There Scare Zones at Great Escape Fright Fest?

Yes.

Fright Fest isn't confined to the haunted attractions.

Scare zones throughout Great Escape bring monsters, fog, special effects, loud noises and intense Halloween themes directly onto the midways.

That means even walking to your next attraction can become part of the experience.

Dead in the West

Mutated animals roam the West, scavenging and hunting the unsuspecting.

Dark Oaks Graveyard

Wander through a cursed graveyard where restless spirits, crumbling tombstones, and lurking creatures await in the darkness.

Sirens

Terrifying sirens lure sailors to their island with an enchanting song before claiming their souls and devouring them.

For the Sample Fright Fest Weekend section, I would recommend arriving Friday night because the Lodge's Boo Fest begins Friday afternoon.

Can You Ride Great Escape Rides at Night During Fright Fest?

Yes. One of the biggest differences between Fright Fest and a traditional haunted attraction is the opportunity to combine Halloween scares with theme park thrills after dark.

Save time in your itinerary for nighttime rides.

A coaster you've experienced during a summer afternoon can feel completely different on a cool October night surrounded by the sights and sounds of Fright Fest.

Is Fright Fest at Great Escape Good for Kids?

This is where parents should know the difference between Boo Fest and Fright Fest.

Before 5 p.m.: Boo Fest

Great Escape offers family-friendly Halloween activities during the day, including seasonal entertainment and activities designed with younger guests in mind.

After 5 p.m.: Fright Fest

When Fright Fest begins, the experience becomes significantly more intense.

Scare zones can include monsters, fog, special effects, loud noises and frightening themes.

Fright Fest after 5 p.m. may not be appropriate for young children.

For families with younger kids, make Boo Fest the focus of your visit. Families with older children and teens who enjoy Halloween scares can stay as the park transforms for Fright Fest.

What Should You Wear to Fright Fest?

Dress for Halloween—but also dress for October in the Adirondacks.

You're going to spend several hours outside after sunset, so plan for the evening temperature rather than what the weather feels like when you first arrive.

Consider bringing:

Check the Lake George-area forecast before leaving home.

You'll enjoy those night rides a lot more if you're dressed for them.

Can Guests Wear Costumes to Fright Fest?

There are specific costume and mask policies to know before arriving.

Guests 12 and under may wear full-face masks until 4 p.m., but those masks must be removed before Fright Fest begins at 5 p.m.

Guests over age 12 may not wear full-face paint or full-face masks at any time.

Review current event policies before your visit if you're planning to dress up.

What Food Is Available During Fright Fest?

Make food part of the Halloween experience.

Fright Fest features limited-time seasonal food and drink offerings designed specifically for the event.

Look for Halloween-inspired treats, themed menu items and specialty drinks as you make your way through the park.

Offerings can change, so see what's available during your visit.

How Do You Make the Most of Fright Fest?

If you're traveling specifically to experience New York State's only Fright Fest, don't wait until you arrive to make a plan.

A Simple Fright Fest Game Plan

Arrive Early

Enjoy Great Escape before the nighttime scares begin.

Before 5 p.m.

Ride some of your favorites and explore the park.

5 p.m.

Watch the atmosphere change as Fright Fest begins.

Early Evening

Head toward your highest-priority haunted attractions.

After Sunset

Explore the scare zones and experience the park at its darkest.

After Dark

Save time for nighttime rides.

End of the Night

Instead of immediately driving home, turn your Fright Fest trip into an overnight Lake George getaway.

Plus 3 new Frightfest Shows!

New! Grunge Monsters

Rock out with singing and dancing monsters performing early ’90s grunge hits in this live Midway show near Carousel Plaza.

New! PigFace

A young girl’s dolls come to life in this blood-soaked mainstage horror show, where PigFace stalks them one by one before the dolls fight back in a deadly finale. Featuring audience participation and an early ’90s hip-hop soundtrack. Audience Advisory: Due to the nature of this production, it is not recommended for children ages 12 and under.

Awakening

Witness the monsters' emergence, where no shadow is left unfilled and no horror is left unrealized.

Ghouly Pop

The ghouls return with an entirely new lineup of modern hits, fresh choreography, and high-energy Halloween entertainment in the Fest Area.

New! Weird Tales Story Hour

Listen as chilling stories are told through haunting narration and eerie songs.

Make New York’s Only Fright Fest a Lake George Weekend

If you're traveling from Albany, Syracuse, Central New York or elsewhere in the Northeast to experience Fright Fest, consider making more of the trip.

Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark gives you the opportunity to turn one night of Halloween scares into a full fall getaway.

Sample Fright Fest Weekend

Saturday Afternoon: Arrive in the Lake George region.

Saturday Evening: Experience New York State's only Fright Fest at Great Escape.

Saturday Night: Stay overnight at Great Escape Lodge.

Sunday: Enjoy your Lodge stay and explore more of the Lake George and Adirondack region before heading home.

Scream all night. Stay overnight. Make a weekend of it.

Great Escape Fright Fest FAQs

Is Great Escape the only Fright Fest in New York State in 2026?

Yes. For the 2026 season, Great Escape in Queensbury is the only New York State theme park hosting Fright Fest.

When is Fright Fest at Great Escape in 2026?

Fright Fest runs weekends from September 26 through October 25, 2026.

What time does Great Escape Fright Fest start?

Fright Fest begins at 5 p.m. Event and park operating hours can vary by date, so check the operating calendar when planning your trip.

Where is Fright Fest in New York?

Great Escape is located in Queensbury, New York, near Lake George in the Adirondacks.

Is Fright Fest scary?

Yes. Fright Fest is designed as a more intense nighttime Halloween experience featuring haunted attractions, scare zones, monsters, fog, special effects and other frightening elements.

What haunted attractions are at Great Escape Fright Fest?

The 2026 Fright Fest lineup includes Nightmare, Skull Manor, CarnEVIL and Hell Block VI.

Is Great Escape Fright Fest appropriate for young children?

Fright Fest after 5 p.m. may not be appropriate for younger children. Families looking for a kid-friendly Halloween experience should consider Great Escape's daytime Boo Fest activities instead.

Are Great Escape rides open during Fright Fest?

Select Great Escape rides and attractions operate after dark during Fright Fest, giving guests the opportunity to combine haunted experiences with nighttime theme park thrills.

Can I stay overnight near Great Escape Fright Fest?

Yes. Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark makes it possible to pair your Fright Fest visit with an overnight stay and turn the experience into a Lake George fall getaway.

There’s Only One Fright Fest in New York This Year. Are You Brave Enough?

This Halloween season, there is only one place in New York State to experience Fright Fest.

And it's at Great Escape.

Haunted attractions. Scare zones. Roaming monsters. Halloween entertainment. Seasonal bites. Night rides.

It all begins after 5 p.m. on select weekends September 26 through October 25.

Come for the fear.

Stay for the thrills.

And if one night isn't enough, make a weekend of it in Lake George.