A leading regional park in New Jersey has outlined an extensive Halloween event for 2026, combining major cinematic intellectual properties with original event concepts.
From 18 September through 1 November 2026, Six Flags Great Adventure will operate its signature Fright Fest event. Headlining the evening operations are four new haunted mazes, two of which leverage established horror film franchises. JASON: Blood Reign will place guests in the woods surrounding a summer camp, tracing the narrative of the Friday the 13th series. Additionally, Final Destination: Death’s Playground will adapt the New Line Cinema franchise into a maze environment where calculated, catastrophic events unfold.
Robbie Barsamian, executive vice president at Horror, Inc., commented on the integration of the slasher property. “It’s incredible to see how fans’ appetite for Jason Voorhees keeps growing,” Barsamian stated. “Partnering with Six Flags for Blood Reign lets us deliver the iconic slasher straight to our community on an immersive scale.”
Joining the licensed properties are two original mazes: Twisted Holidays, which subverts festive traditions, and Deadwood Cabin, themed around an isolated farm inhabited by serial killers. These join returning IP-led experiences such as The Conjuring Universe and the Netflix-inspired Army of the Dead, alongside original concepts including Asylum, Big Top Terror, and The Witches’ Reflection. Access to the mazes requires a separate Haunted Attractions Pass in addition to standard park admission.
Entertainment and park-wide scares
Fright Fest fear extends beyond the mazes with five designated scare zones. The Boardwalk will transform into a clown-themed Carnevil, while zombies will occupy Exile Canyon. Additional zones include Plaza De La Muerte, Bloody Fountain, and the pirate-themed Curse of Blackbeard’s Bounty.
The event also marks the return of a legacy entertainment production. Following a one-year hiatus, the musical stage show Dead Man’s Party will resume performances, blending rock music with theatrical choreography. Additional live entertainment includes the Awakening ceremony, demonic bladesmiths in Blade Drummers, and cirque-style acrobatics in Unleashed.
Operating prior to the evening frights, the park will host Kids Boo Fest and Oktoberfest from 12 September. Kids Boo Fest focuses on trick-or-treating and family-friendly activities. Meanwhile, Oktoberfest will offer a menu of German-inspired food, including sauerbraten, schnitzel, bratwurst, and cheesy spaetzle, alongside Paulaner and Samuel Adams beers.
The food and beverage department has also developed specific Fright Fest catering. The menu includes specialty cocktails served in blood bags, such as the Transfusion, Alien Blood, and Zombie Juice, alongside non-alcoholic mocktails like Vampire’s Kiss and the Purple People Eater.
Mike Fehnel, park president of Six Flags Great Adventure, highlighted the dual nature of the autumn events. “There’s nothing small about fall at Great Adventure,” Fehnel said. “You can trick-or-treat with your family, ride some of the world’s best roller coasters, enjoy the food and atmosphere of Oktoberfest and then watch the entire park change as Fright Fest takes over after dark.”
Looking ahead to Bakunawa
To drive long-term attendance, Six Flags is leveraging the autumn events to market its 2027 Season Passes. A core selling point for the upcoming year is the debut of Bakunawa, a record-breaking spinning launch coaster. Scheduled to open in 2027, the attraction will rise 382 feet above The Boardwalk and reach speeds of 100 mph, representing a major capital investment for the park.
Purchasing a 2027 pass provides access to the remainder of the 2026 season, including the upcoming Holiday in the Park event. The pass also grants regional access to other participating Six Flags properties, allowing guests to experience events such as the new Blair Witch: No Signal maze at Dorney Park.
