The Haunted Forest 2026: 5 Spine-Chilling Reasons to Do This Halloween Festival

Get ready for an unforgettable Halloween experience as The Haunted Forest® 2026 heads to Prison Break Market on 31 October 2026. This spooktacular event was first launched in 2016 and has become South Africa’s premier Halloween festival, offering an evening filled with spine-chilling fun for all ages.

Bring the family and friends for an evening of fear and fun, celebrating the landmark 10th anniversary at The Haunted Forest® 2026.

What to Expect at Haunted Forest® 2026

Event founder, Leone Amon, promises an even bigger and better festival this year – “We’ve got something for everyone – whether it’s exploring our eerie Haunted House, walking through the Haunted Forest with life-size scenes and actors, or playing vintage games.”

The festivities will be hosted in a sprawling outdoor area. Here are 5 great reasons to attend the spooktacular Haunted Forest® this year:

The Haunted Forest Halloween events in Johannesburg

1. The Haunted House and other funky installations

Get ready for heart-pounding scares inside “The Last Gas Station on the Left,” this year’s spine-chilling Haunted House that promises thrills and screams for all brave enough to enter.

As you enter, you’ll be transported into a nightmarish world where danger lurks around every corner. Picture yourself wandering through a deserted gas station, where eerie lights flicker, strange noises echo, and ominous figures move in the shadows. Each room is meticulously designed with life-sized scenes and spine-chilling actors to give you that pulse-quickening, immersive scare. Be prepared for surprises, jump scares, and moments that will leave you screaming for more.

2. The Haunted Forest Walk

Take a chilling journey through the dark, mysterious woods, where every rustle of leaves and a distant whisper could be something – or someone – waiting to frighten you.

This spine-tingling forest walk is filled with creepy surprises, terrifying actors, and haunting life-sized scenes that will keep you on edge as you navigate through the night.

The Haunted Forest Halloween in Johannesburg

3. Unwind in the family-friendly picnic area

For those looking to take a breather, the large picnic area offers a perfect spot to unwind. Early in the evening, family-friendly films play on a massive LED screen, making it an ideal space for younger kids. As the night progresses, the atmosphere darkens with classic horror films taking over the screen, giving thrill-seekers the perfect backdrop to enjoy food and drinks under the stars.

4. Interactive games and activities for young and old

From vintage games like a test of strength to creepy fun for kids, there’s something for all ages.

The children’s play area offers activities like a bucket-making workshop, where little ones can create their own spooky crafts. It’s a family-friendly environment during the day, but once the sun sets, the festival takes a darker turn with more intense and frightful fun.

5. Food, drinks and spooky souvenirs at the market

Treat yourself to a wide variety of food vendors, grab a drink from the bar, and explore merchandise stalls to take home some eerie Halloween memorabilia.

For those wanting to get into character, there’s even a make-up room to perfect your Halloween look. And don’t forget about the best-dressed costume contest, with amazing prizes up for grabs.

How to book your tickets

Cost: From R150pp to R300pp for adults; From R200 for ages 13 to 17; From R70pp for ages 3 to 12; From R700 for a family; toddlers enter free. Book via Quicket