Theme Park Report
Six Flags Darien Lake will not hold Fright Fest in 2026, ending plans for the nighttime Halloween event at the New York amusement park and resort. The change was confirmed by a park spokesperson, according to Attractions Magazine, while Blooloop also reported that the event had been discontinued for this year.
Darien Lake had previously scheduled Fright Fest for Sept. 19, Sept. 26, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10-11. Instead, the park is emphasizing daytime seasonal programming, including Oktoberfest and Kids Boo Fest.
Oktoberfest features German food, beer, live music and family activities on select dates through Sept. 20. Kids Boo Fest will take place on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 19 through Oct. 11, with trick-or-treating, a hay maze, a costume parade, a dance party and character appearances.
The decision makes Darien Lake one of the Six Flags parks not hosting the company’s Fright Fest event in 2026. At participating parks, Fright Fest typically includes scare zones, live entertainment, haunted mazes and nighttime access to rides. Attractions Magazine reported that the 2026 lineup includes new experiences inspired by “Friday the 13th,” “Final Destination” and “The Blair Witch Project,” along with returning horror properties at selected locations.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s current calendar also lists Oktoberfest and Tricks and Treats rather than Fright Fest, although Attractions Magazine said that park has not publicly confirmed that its nighttime event has been canceled.
Darien Lake has not announced whether Fright Fest could return in a future season. The park is located in Corfu, New York, less than an hour from Buffalo.
