Halloween just got a little less scary at one Six Flags theme park, as the chain confirms that its signature Fright Fest event won't be returning to a Western New York location this year.
Six Flags Darien Lake Skips Fright Fest
Every September, Six Flags parks across the country ramp up for Fright Fest, the chain's after-dark Halloween event known for scare actors, haunted houses, spooky decor, and themed food and merchandise, which runs on select nights through early November.
This year, Six Flags Darien Lake is breaking from that tradition. A park spokesperson confirmed the cancellation to WROC8 News, though the Darien Center, New York theme park won't be skipping Halloween entirely. In Fright Fest's place, the park will host Kids Boo Fest, a family-friendly alternative running every weekend from September 19 through October 11, 2026, featuring a costume contest, trick-or-treating, and occasional character meet-and-greets.
Six Flags Darien Lake is also hosting Oktoberfest, which kicked off August 8 and runs through September 20, 2026, offering German-inspired food, drinks, and live entertainment.
The cancellation comes just weeks after a guest filed a lawsuit against Six Flags Darien Lake, alleging negligence led to serious foot burns during a visit to the park.
Where Fright Fest Is Still Happening
Guests hoping for a scare this Halloween season still have plenty of options elsewhere. Several Six Flags locations across the country are moving forward with Fright Fest as planned, including new scare zones, mazes, and haunted houses inspired by Friday the 13th (1980), The Blair Witch Project (1999), and Final Destination (2000). Returning fan-favorites include haunts themed to The Conjuring (2013) Universe, SAW (2004), The Strangers (2008), Trick ‘r Treat (2007), and Army of the Dead (2021).
Fright Fest is included with regular daytime admission or a valid season pass at participating parks. Here's where guests can find the event this year:
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, Texas): Select nights, September 11 – November 1
- Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, Texas): Select nights, September 12 – November 1
- Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson Township, New Jersey): Select nights, September 18 – November 1
- Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, Illinois): Select nights, September 19 – November 1
- Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, California): Select nights, September 18 – November 1
- Six Flags New England (Agawam, Massachusetts): Select nights, September 26 – November 1
- Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell, Georgia): Select nights, September 12 – November 1
- Six Flags Frontier City (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma): Select nights, September 26 – October 31
Specific mazes, scare zones, and haunt offerings will vary by park, so guests should check their local Six Flags website for full event details before planning a visit.
Have you ever attended Fright Fest at a Six Flags theme park? Disney Fanatic would love to hear about your experience in the comments!
