Halloween may look a little different this year, but one thing hasn’t changed: you’ve got some goblins to please! Don’t worry. From ghost tours to costume parties, drive-throughs to outdoor events, there’s plenty of spooky silliness to go around. Keep reading for details on these—and more—fun Halloween events in Atlanta.
Ghost Tours
Ghosts of Marietta
Haunted ghost tours Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays year-round in Marietta, Georgia.
Online: ghostsofmarietta.com
Covington Ghost Tours
Covington Ghost Tours differ from most haunted tours because many of our locations have been investigated by paranormal experts that are associated with T.A.P.S. (The Atlantic Paranormal Society). You will also witness actual video accounts from people who have experienced paranormal activity first-hand at various tour stops.
Online: covingtonghosttours.com
Decatur
In historic downtown Decatur and led by professional psychic medium and paranormal investigator, Boo Newell this tour begins in the Historic Town Square, travelling next down small streets where late at night you might just have an encounter with Decatur's spirit world.
Online: decaturghosttour.com
Lawrenceville
Learn about the night that the dead walked down the main street of Lawrenceville, hear about bizarre paranormal events that have happened recently in the businesses that line the square, and step inside the Old Jail and perhaps experience paranormal activity for yourself!
Online: auroratheatre.com
Costume Parties
Boo at the Zoo
Free for Zoo Members, children under 3, and with general admission timed tickets, guests will enjoy a fun family Halloween festival with treats throughout the Zoo and more than 1,000 animals from around the world. Don’t forget your costume!
Online: zooatlanta.org
Train or Treat at Southeastern Railway Museum
The Southeastern Railway Museum will host its popular Train or Treat event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 23, and will feature trick-or-treating at decorated stations, a costume contest for attendees 12 years and younger, live music and visiting vendors from local businesses.
Online: train-museum.org
Halloween Programming at Children's Museum of Atlanta
On Halloween, bring your costumed ghosts, goblins, and ghouls can celebrate Halloween at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta with a Halloween storytime, dance party, spidery science, paper pumpkin lantern crafts and puffy paint ghosts. They’ll also have a special bat-making station on the first floor. It’s sure to be a spook-tacular time!
Online: childrensmuseumatlanta.org
Goblins in the Garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden
Show off your child’s Halloween costume on Oct. 24 and enjoy a few socially- distanced fall family activities while exploring Scarecrows in the Garden, including a Goblin Runway where they can strut their stuff, live African drum rhythms, mini pumpkin decorating crafts, and a painted pumpkin hunt throughout the garden.
Online: atlantabg.org
Drive-In
Hocus Pocus Drive-In Movie in Marietta
Join us for a viewing of the Halloween favorite, Hocus Pocus for another Drive-In movie event at Marietta Square Market. Whether it's a date night, girls night, family movie night, or any other occasion we've got everything you need at the Market. Purchase your ticket to receive admission for your car into the parking lot. *Food is NOT included with ticket.*
Online: eventbrite.com
Outdoor Fun
Take a Self-Guided Oakland Cemetery Tour
If you want to explore on Oakland Cemetery on your own, purchase a digital version of our Self-Guided Tour Map that you can print at home or order a paper copy from the online Museum Store. This guide, priced at $5, has over 55 marked stops, and enough Oakland Cemetery history to keep you engaged for hours! View the monuments at your own pace and enjoy a walk through the history of Oakland.
Online: oaklandcemetery.com
Dinosaur Trick-or-Treat at Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Take your kiddos to experience Halloween-themed activities and treats (for kids in costume) at Dinosaur Trick-or-Treat, on Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free with admission. Or, enjoy twilight tours of Woodland Spirits, Halloween-themed activities and more on Oct. 17 and 24 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. ($10 for members, $20 for non-members).
Online: fernbankmuseum.org
Halloween Hikes at Chattahoochee Nature Center
A guide will lead groups of 10 or fewer on a timed hike to meet costumed characters during a 45-minute hike on a lighted trail. Take part in world music, crafts, campfire and other festival fun. It’s the perfect non-scary alternative to traditional Halloween events on Oct. 23rd, 24th, and 30th from 6-10 p.m.
Online: chattnaturecenter.org
Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park
Take an outdoor journey through classic storybook tales that come to life in 10 new themed areas with over 40 newly imagined scenes, thousands of glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, bubbles, fog and plenty of not-so-spooky, glow-in-the-dark adventures after sunset. Feast your eyes on the park's new Dino Glow Experience, enjoy some spooktacular entertainment including fireworks and watch an extra special nighttime party parade guaranteed to glow your socks off.
Online: stonemountainpark.com
See Some Scarecrows
On your own time, and without spending a dime (except at the Atlanta Botanical Garden), you can catch an eyeful of festive scarecrow fun in multiple places around town. Find your favorite among the following scarecrow spectaculars:
- Scarecrows in the Square at McDonough Square
- Scarecrows on Main in Kennesaw
- Scarecrows in the Square at Glover Park, Marietta
- Scarecrows in the Garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Scarecrow Harvest at Brooke Street Park in Alpharetta
Featured Image: iStock
—Shelley Massey