One of the most well-known haunted attractions in the area, Field of Screams Maryland, has declared that it would not be open in 2025 while undergoing extensive renovations. The attraction is scheduled to reopen in September 2026. While it continues to serve as a fundraiser for the Olney Boys & Girls Club, the pause will enable improvements to its trail, haunted house, and other amenities.
The event, which takes place at 4501 Olney-Laytonsville Rd. in Olney, is renowned for its elaborate sets and props, skilled performers, and large-scale production. Field of Screams Maryland has received numerous high rankings in prior seasons and was voted the nation’s top haunted attraction in USA Today’s 10 Best Haunted Attractions in 2022. Chainsaw Hill, the City Morgue, the Catacombs, Laser Alley, and a final part for intense scares were among the 55 themed locations that made up its major attraction, the one-hour Super Screams Haunted Trail, which combined the Haunted Trail and Trail of Terror. When the production’s makers won A&E’s Haunted House Design/Build Competition in 2018, it also attracted national attention.
According to FOSMD Director of Operations John Dixon, “For 23 years, Field of Screams Maryland has flourished because of our amazing staff and scare actors, our esteemed community partners, particularly the Olney Boys & Girls Club, and, most importantly, our devoted fans who have helped make us the nation’s top haunt.” We are now granted our creative team’s long-awaited request to put the event on hold for a season so they can set the groundwork and create an unmatched haunt experience. The most innovative shocks and memorable frights for years to come will be featured at Field of Screams Maryland 2026.
For 23 years, Field of Screams Maryland has been the Olney Boy’s and Girl’s Club’s biggest fundraiser, assisting in providing a secure, affordable space for kids to play sports, interact with positive role models, and engage in enjoyable activities with friends and family.
According to Brad Scott, Executive & Athletic Director of the Olney Boys & Girls Club, Field of Screams Maryland is an essential fundraiser for our kids and has improved the lives of tens of thousands of kids and families over the previous 20 years. We anticipate the continued success of a family tradition and important community fundraiser, and we are thrilled about the new restoration plans and the grand reopening in the fall of 2026.
According to WTOP, there have been continuous issues with permits and neighbor complaints at the event. After finding that the Olney Boys and Girls Community Sports Association, the organization that organizes the event, had neglected to get the required licenses and certifications for several of the constructions along the haunted trail, a District Court judge in 2021 issued an abatement order. Other walk-through trail constructions are still not in compliance, even though other aspects, including the slaughterhouse and haunted home, have the necessary permissions. Concerns about safety and traffic were also voiced by neighbors, who mentioned the hundreds of cars that drove by every night.
