Six Flags In Bowie Cancels Popular Event

BOWIE, MD — A spookily popular event will not be held this year at Six Flags America.

For the first time since 1999, Fright Fest will not be held this Halloween at the Six Flags in Bowie. The yearly event typically runs from September through October on select nights and features haunted rides and Halloween festivities for guests at the park. But since the park will be closing at the end of 2025, Fright Fest has been canceled.

"Our goal is to provide a family-friendly and memorable final fall season of operation. We’ve made the strategic decision to focus on daytime activities that the whole family can enjoy," spokesperson Kristin Fitzgerald told WUSA9.

Season passholders were informed that Fright Fest would not be happening this year in Bowie and were instead given a ticket for the Fright Fest at the theme park's New Jersey location, Six Flags Great Adventure.

However, the Kids Boo Fest, which has been held the past two years, will still go on this year on weekends from Sept. 13-Nov. 2.

The 2025 season - which is the Bowie location's last season - started April 12 with Hurricane Harbor opening May 24, which will remain open until Sept. 7. The park will officially close Nov. 2, Six Flags previously announced.

“As part of our comprehensive review of our park portfolio, we have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company’s long-term growth plan,” Six Flags President and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman said in May when announcing the closure. “After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment."

The decision to close the park was a difficult, Zimmerman said, "and we recognize the impact it will have on our Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor park associates and guests. We are grateful to our park associates who work hard to create lifelong memories for our guests, and Six Flags is committed to supporting all impacted associates through the closure process at the end of this year.”

The park, which features nine rollercoasters, employs 70 full-time associates. Comprised of 500 acres, the site will be marketed for redevelopment.