The Haunted Attraction Association (HAA) is the haunted attraction industry’s only official nonprofit membership organization, and it runs the OSCARES, Top Haunts, and C.H.A.O.S. safety certification. Haunters also organize through national trade groups and regional haunt clubs that meet to build props and plan events.
The main haunt association
Haunted Attraction Association (HAA)
Open to haunt owners and operators, vendors, home haunters, actors, makeup artists, and enthusiasts. HAA presents the OSCARES each spring at TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show, certified 74 Top Haunts for 2026, and runs the C.H.A.O.S. safety course. Membership starts at $50 a year.
National and International Groups
Trade association
International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA)
The trade association for amusement parks and attractions, and the organizer of IAAPA Expo, where haunt vendors show in the Haunting Grounds section.
Trade association
Themed Entertainment Association (TEA)
An international association of the companies that design and build themed attractions. It gives out the Thea Awards.
Trade association
Halloween & Costume Association (HCA)
A 501(c)(6) trade group, incorporated in 2005, for companies that make, import, or sell Halloween costumes, decor, and novelties.
Haunt education
Chamber of Haunters
It calls itself the official chamber of commerce for the haunted attraction industry and runs education for haunters.
Enthusiast group
Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts (DAFE)
A not-for-profit group that documents and preserves dark rides, funhouses, and haunted houses, and publishes the quarterly magazine Dark Times.
Online community
Haunter’s Hangout
An online community of haunters, prop builders, and makeup artists, with a weekly live show.
Online training
Haunter’s Toolbox
A paid library of videos, audio, and ebooks on starting and growing a haunted attraction business, with monthly online classes.
Regional Haunt Clubs
Southern California
CalHauntS
The California Haunting Society meets the second Saturday of every month to share prop-building ideas.
Southern California
SoCal Valley Haunters
Home haunters of every skill level in the San Fernando, Simi, and Conejo valleys, founded in January 2013.
Northern California
Northern California Haunters Group
Monthly hands-on workshops for building props and animatronics, usually on the second Saturday.
Oregon and the Northwest
Northwest Haunters Association
Haunters from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, British Columbia, and nearby states.
Metro Detroit
Motor City Haunt Club
A year-round club for home and professional haunters in the Detroit area.
Northeast Ohio
Cleveland Haunt Club
A club for home and professional haunters, vendors, and horror fans, formed in 2015.
Haunt Association FAQ
What is the main association for haunted attractions?
The Haunted Attraction Association (HAA), the industry’s only official nonprofit membership organization. It formed in 2011 and runs the OSCARES, Top Haunts, and C.H.A.O.S. safety certification. My HAA guide covers each program.
How do I find a haunt club near me?
The regional clubs above cover Arizona, California, Oregon and the Northwest, Utah, Nebraska, Michigan, and Ohio, and several are private Facebook groups that approve new members. My convention calendar lists the haunt and Halloween conventions where haunters meet in person.
Know a haunt club or association that belongs here? Send it to me.
This page was last updated on November 7, 2026.
