The North Carolina Symphony's Halloween at Hogwarts is a costume-friendly family concert on Saturday, October 31, 2026, with two shows at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at Meymandi Concert Hall in downtown Raleigh. If your young witches and wizards love the music of the wizarding world, this is one of the most magical ways to spend Halloween in the Triangle.
Below is everything you need to plan the day: showtimes, what to expect, where to sit, parking, costumes, and how to find the best price. You can compare seats from multiple sellers on the Halloween at Hogwarts tickets page on TicketWhiz.
Halloween at Hogwarts 2026 at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Family Fun Concert: Halloween at Hogwarts |
| Performer | North Carolina Symphony, conducted by Sophie Mok |
| Date | Saturday, October 31, 2026 |
| Showtimes | 11:00 AM (doors 9:30 AM) and 2:00 PM (doors 12:30 PM), Eastern Time |
| Venue | Meymandi Concert Hall, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts |
| Address | 2 E. South St., Raleigh, NC 27601 |
| Pre-show fun | Free kid-friendly lobby activities, including the Instrument Zoo, starting one hour before each show |
| Costumes | Encouraged, with a costume contest and prizes |
| Ages | All ages; children 2 and under attend free on a parent's lap |
| Tickets | From about $40 all-in at face value; compare resale prices on TicketWhiz |
Conductor Sophie Mok is the North Carolina Symphony's Assistant Conductor. She began her tenure in 2024 and started her musical life as an oboist in Hong Kong.
What is Halloween at Hogwarts?
Halloween at Hogwarts is a live orchestral concert, not a theme park or haunted attraction. A full symphony orchestra performs music from the Harry Potter films alongside "not-so-scary" Halloween favorites, in a show designed for children and families.
It opens the North Carolina Symphony's 2026/27 Young People's Concert Series, a set of Saturday matinees built to introduce kids to live orchestral music. The two later concerts in the series are Epic Adventures from Narnia & More (January 2, 2027) and Carnival of the Animals (May 8, 2027).
What music will you hear?
The Symphony hasn't published the full program yet. Expect John Williams' wizarding-world film scores, which are some of the most recognizable orchestral music of the last 25 years. When the NC Symphony performed The Music of Harry Potter in January 2026, the program included:
- "Hedwig's Theme," the twinkling celesta melody most fans know instantly
- "Nimbus 2000" and "Diagon Alley" from the first film
- "Dobby the House Elf" and "Gilderoy Lockhart" from the second
- "A Bridge to the Past" and "Aunt Marge's Waltz" from the third
- A concert suite from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The Halloween program adds spooky-season classics, so treat that list as a taste of the style rather than the exact setlist.
Why kids love it
The atmosphere is relaxed and playful. Children come in costume, the lobby turns into an activity zone before the show, and the music is familiar enough to hold young attention spans. For many kids, it's their first time hearing a real orchestra, and the classical concert experience feels far less formal than parents might expect.
11 AM or 2 PM: which show should you pick?
Both performances feature the same orchestra, conductor, costume contest, and pre-show activities, so the choice comes down to your family's schedule.
| 11:00 AM show | 2:00 PM show | |
|---|---|---|
| Doors open | 9:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Lobby activities begin | 10:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Best for | Toddlers and preschoolers who nap after lunch | Older kids and late risers |
| Halloween night | Leaves the whole afternoon free | Still home well before trick-or-treating |
| Lunch | Eat downtown after the show | Eat before you arrive |
If you have little ones who get cranky by mid-afternoon, the 11 AM show is usually the safer bet. If your morning is already busy with a school or neighborhood Halloween event, the 2 PM show gives you breathing room.
Whichever you choose, compare seats for both performances on the Halloween at Hogwarts tickets page before buying, since prices can differ between shows.
Venue guide: Meymandi Concert Hall
Meymandi Concert Hall is the North Carolina Symphony's home stage, inside the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh. It's a purpose-built concert hall, so the sound is excellent from almost every seat.
Where to sit with kids
The hall has three main areas: Orchestra (the main floor), Rear Orchestra, and the Balcony levels above.
- Orchestra: The closest view of the musicians and the conductor. Great for kids who want to watch the instruments up close.
- Rear Orchestra: A good balance of view and price, with easier access to the aisles and restrooms behind the seating area.
- Balcony: Often the most affordable. Small children can see over the rows in front more easily from an elevated seat, and you get a full view of the whole orchestra.
With young kids, an aisle seat is worth a lot. It makes a mid-show bathroom trip far less stressful. You can view seating details and compare sections on the TicketWhiz event page before you buy.
Getting there: parking, arrival and accessibility
Parking. The closest option is the Performing Arts parking deck at the corner of South and Salisbury streets, at $10 per car. The Convention Center Underground Deck on Lenoir Street, near Salisbury Street, charges $3 per hour.
Drop-off. A dedicated drop-off lane on Lichtin Plaza is reached from South Street on the west side of the building, with right turns only. Cars can't wait or park there, so it works best if one adult drops off the kids and then parks.
Arrival time. Plan to arrive when lobby activities begin, one hour before your show. That gives kids time for the Instrument Zoo and costume contest, plus a relaxed bathroom stop before seating.
Bag policy. No bags larger than 12 x 12 x 10 inches are allowed, including backpacks and oversized purses. Pack light: a small bag with essentials is easiest.
Accessibility. Meymandi Concert Hall offers wheelchair-accessible seating with up to three companion seats on the Orchestra level and Lower Balcony. Free assistive listening devices, accessible restrooms, and large print or braille programs are also available. To reserve accessible seating or devices, call the NC Symphony box office at 919-733-2750.
Costumes, the costume contest and tips for kids
Costumes are part of the fun. The Symphony invites kids to come dressed up and enter the costume contest for a chance at prizes. Wizard robes, house scarves, and homemade wands are classic choices, but ghosts, goblins, and any Halloween costume are welcome.
A few practical costume tips for a seated concert:
- Skip large props, wings, or wide skirts that won't fit comfortably in a theater seat.
- Choose masks kids can lift or remove easily, since they'll be sitting for a while.
- Bring a light layer, as concert halls can feel cool.
To keep the day smooth for younger children:
- Prep at home. Play "Hedwig's Theme" in the car so they recognize it when the orchestra starts.
- Use the lobby time. Letting kids burn energy at the Instrument Zoo before the show helps them sit through the concert.
- Know the age policy. Every attendee needs a ticket, except children 2 and under, who can attend free on a parent's lap at Young People's Concerts.
- Plan an exit. If a little one needs a break, an aisle seat makes stepping out quick and quiet.
How to buy Halloween at Hogwarts tickets (and save money)
Face-value tickets started at about $40 with all-in pricing. Family concerts on Halloween day are popular, though, and the best seats can sell out close to the date. That's when comparing resale options makes the biggest difference.
TicketWhiz is a ticket comparison site. Instead of checking StubHub, SeatGeek, Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, Gametime and other marketplaces one by one, you can compare listings in one place and then complete your purchase on the seller's site.
Tips for getting the best deal:
- Compare both showtimes. The 11 AM and 2 PM shows are separate events, and one is often cheaper than the other.
- Check the all-in price. Some sellers show fees only at checkout, so compare the final total, not the listed price.
- Look at the Balcony. It's usually the most affordable section and still offers a full view of the orchestra.
- Buy seats together early. Groups of four or more adjacent seats get harder to find as the date approaches.
- Watch for last-minute drops. Resale prices sometimes fall in the final days before a show if sellers are trying to move unsold seats.
Ready to look? See all available seats on the Halloween at Hogwarts tickets page.
Make a day of it in downtown Raleigh
With a matinee concert, you can still fit in the rest of your Halloween plans. A morning show leaves time for lunch downtown and an afternoon of trick-or-treating back home. An afternoon show pairs well with a slow morning and an early dinner before the evening festivities.
If the concert sparks a love of live music in your house, there's plenty more to explore:
- Browse upcoming shows at Meymandi Concert Hall.
- See everything happening in Raleigh this season.
- Explore more classical and orchestral concerts.
- Find family-friendly theater and Broadway shows.
- Check out more concert tickets across the country.
Frequently asked questions
When is Halloween at Hogwarts 2026 in Raleigh?
Saturday, October 31, 2026, with performances at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
Where is Halloween at Hogwarts held?
At Meymandi Concert Hall in the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh, NC 27601.
How much are Halloween at Hogwarts tickets?
Face-value tickets started at about $40 all-in. Resale prices vary by section and showtime, so compare current listings on TicketWhiz.
Is Halloween at Hogwarts scary?
No. It's a family concert built for children, with "not-so-scary" Halloween music alongside wizarding-world film scores.
Can kids wear costumes?
Yes. Costumes are encouraged, and there's a costume contest with prizes.
Do toddlers need a ticket?
Children 2 and under can attend Young People's Concerts free when seated on a parent's lap. Everyone else needs a ticket.
What time should we arrive?
Arrive about an hour early, when free lobby activities like the Instrument Zoo begin. Doors open 90 minutes before each show.
Is there parking near Meymandi Concert Hall?
Yes. The Performing Arts deck at South and Salisbury streets is $10, and the Convention Center Underground Deck is $3 per hour.
Can I bring a backpack?
No bags larger than 12 x 12 x 10 inches are allowed, including backpacks.
Get your Halloween at Hogwarts tickets
Halloween at Hogwarts is a rare chance to give kids a magical Halloween and their first taste of a live orchestra on the same day. With only two performances and a holiday date, good seats go fast.
Compare prices across top sellers and lock in your seats on the Halloween at Hogwarts tickets page at TicketWhiz. For more event guides, visit the TicketWhiz blog.
