Calling on Halloween and horror lovers in the Atlanta area! This year’s “spooky season” is set to be one of the biggest yet, with fun events and things to do for all ages. SCAD Connector has compiled a list of 15 things to do this Halloween season. Whether you’re first in line for a haunted house or you’d rather stay in with a pumpkin spice latte, there’s something on this list for everyone.
1. Halloween Spooktacular at Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Tune in October 16th at 3pm to hear your favorite Halloween songs live by Atlanta’s finest musicians at the Symphony Orchestra in Midtown. This may be the one day of the year that you can wear a silly cat costume or dress up as a scary clown to the orchestra. Tickets are available, starting at $15 via Ticketmaster and more information can be found on the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s website.
2. Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade
Located in the eccentric Little Five points neighborhood, kids and adults alike can show off their costumes and march in a parade to celebrate Halloween. Celebrated over two days, the Little Five Points Halloween Festival is dedicated to celebrating all things Halloween. There will be food trucks, vendors and those over the age of 21 can enjoy an alcoholic beverage. The second day of the event is dedicated to the parade. The parade will start at Austin and Moreland Avenue and creep down to a stop at freedom parkway. More information with times and monster applications can be found on their website.
3. Little Five Points Ghost Tour
The neighborhood of Little 5 Points is also hosting Ghost Tours from October 1 to November 5. On each Ghost Tour guests are led through the spookiest areas of the historic Little Five. Tickets are $25 each and support non-profits; they are available on L5P’s website.
4. Netherworld
Netherworld is considered one of the best haunted houses in the United States. A walk-through scary attraction where the use of actors (Some of which are SCAD Atlanta students), pyrotechnics and very convincing special effects makeup are used to make the horrifying experience all the more real. Netherworld also contains escape rooms, laser tag and a monster museum for the more faint of heart. Tickets range from $25-$65 based on crowd expectancies and ticket upgrades. They are available for purchase via the Netherworld website.
5. Southern Belle Farm
Located just outside of Atlanta in McDonough, Georgia, is a family-friendly farm that runs seasonal events and things to do throughout the year. During this Fall season, guests can pick out their own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, walk through a corn maze and watch pig races. Southern Belle Farm is also home to a delicious bakery made from the seasonal produce as well as a small market. Tickets range from $12 to $20 based on crowd expectancies, children 2 and under are free. Timed entry is required and available times and ticket information can be found on their website.
6. Uncle Shuck’s The Dark Rows Haunted Corn Trail
If you’re looking for the frights of Netherworld with the outdoor fun of Southern Belle Farm, Uncle Shuck’s is for you. Lit only by the moonlight, guests meander through a haunted cornfield wondering what could be around each corner. Uncle Shuck’s also features a non-haunted corn maze experience, available to visit separately from the haunted one. Tickets range from $15-$20 and can be found via their website.
7. Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival
From train rides and mini golf to pie eating contests and a larger than life pumpkin tree, Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival is packed full of things to do. Open until October 30, the festival has fun family-friendly things to do during the day and at night turns into a glow-in-the-dark experience. Stone Mountain’s Pumpkin Fest is great for all ages and targeted at those who don’t like to be spooked as much. Tickets are available for $24.95 + tax on their website.
8. Fall Festival on Ponce
The Fall Festival on Ponce is a free and family-friendly event on October 8th and 9th made to inspire creativity during the Fall season. Guests can enjoy a family friendly time looking at crafts, fine arts and folk art themed to the season. Food and drink will be available for purchase, for more information see their website.
9. Revolution Donuts
Located on Edgewood Avenue, this donut shop offers several fall flavors you don’t want to miss. With a regularly rotating menu, Revolution Donuts makes flavors like Ginger Chai, Apple Cider and Pumpkin Cake during the Fall season. Revolution makes sure their donuts can be enjoyed by everyone by offering vegan and gluten-free.
10. Boo at the Zoo
For four days during the month of October, guests can visit the Zoo Atlanta for a day full of Halloween activities. Everyone is encouraged to dress up and prepare for trick or treating around the zoo. You may even get to see a few animals enjoying a fall treat! Boo at the Zoo takes place October 22, 23, 29, and 30th from 9-3. It is free with zoo admission ($17.95-$28.95) Tickets are discounted for college students so make sure to show your SCAD ID card when purchasing tickets.
11. Historic Oakland Cemetery Self-Guided Tour
Take a stroll through the historic Oakland Cemetery and observe the beautiful gravestones and monuments. There is a paper guide available for purchase from the online museum store to accompany you on your walk. The guide features over 55 marked stops to help you on your tour.
12. The Ghastly Dreadfuls Puppet Show
Join puppeteers Jon Ludwig and Jason Hines for an evening of “ghost stories, catchy music, gothic aesthetic and grim humor.” Tickets to the show also include admission into the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, which opens at 7pm, one hour before the puppet show. Although traditionally associated with children, Ghastly Dreadfuls is a puppet show intended for all ages and is recognized by UNIMA-USA as a winner of the most prestigious award in puppetry. Tickets are $22 and available for three weeks Wednesday to Sunday starting October 12.
13. Stay in and watch a horror film
Rotten Tomatoes has composed a list of the Top 200 Horror Films of All Time. From Nightmare on Elm Street to Hereditary, this list covers all of what your heart desires. Each movie description contains the critic’s thoughts on the movie paired with the Rotten Tomato score. Even your most hardcore horror film loving friend hasn’t seen movies on this list.
