Spooky & Fun Halloween Things to Do in Atlanta
Halloween is one of the most exciting times in Atlanta, with countless events that cater to everyone—whether you’re into family-friendly fun, heart-pounding thrills, or festive costume parties. From eerie, spooky events to haunted houses, you’ll find the best Halloween things to do in Atlanta this year.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top Halloween events Atlanta offers, organized by categories so you can easily find the perfect activities for your Halloween season.
1. Best Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Atlanta
Looking for family-friendly things to do in Atlanta for Halloween? These events offer a mix of fun and frights that kids of all ages can enjoy.
1. Scarecrows in the Garden
🗓️ October 1 – November 3
📍Atlanta Botanical Garden
Scarecrows in the Garden is Atlanta’s annual event returns for its 22nd year, featuring imaginative scarecrows created by the community. A panel will judge the entries with prizes like Garden Lights tickets and memberships. The People’s Choice Award also allows visitors to vote for their favorite scarecrow, and participants can win a family membership. The event celebrates creativity and community spirit.
2. Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park
🗓️ September 24 – November 3
📍Stone Mountain Park
The Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park is a full-day event packed with activities for all ages. Play by Day offers park attractions and fall entertainment, while Glow by Night transforms the park with illuminated parades and the World’s Largest Pumpkin Drone & Light Show. Activities begin at 2 PM, and the Summit Skyride offers scenic views starting at 10 AM.
3. Halloween Brick-or-Treat Monster Party
🗓️ October 5 – October 31
📍Legoland Discovery Center, Atlanta
This kid-friendly event allows families to enjoy Halloween inside the world of Lego! At the Halloween Brick-or-Treat Monster Party, kids can participate in scavenger hunts, build Halloween-themed Lego creations, and meet spooky Lego characters. Trick-or-treating stations throughout the Discovery Center provide fun for all ages. The indoor venue makes it perfect if you’re looking for things to do on rainy days during the Halloween season.
4. Dinosaur Trick-or-Treat
🗓️ October 26
📍Fernbank Museum of Natural History
A great option for family-friendly Halloween activities in Atlanta, the Dinosaur Trick-or-Treat invites kids to dress up and collect candy from themed tables while enjoying fun crafts and games. This safe and festive environment ensures everyone has a great time, making it one of the top Halloween events in Atlanta for families looking to create lasting memories.
5. Goblins in the Garden
🗓️ October 20
📍Atlanta Botanical Garden
Another spectacular family event, Goblins in the Garden, is an outdoor Halloween party where children can explore nature while dressed in their costumes. With interactive stations, a costume parade, pumpkin painting, and storytelling sessions, it’s a fun and safe way for kids to celebrate Halloween. The beautiful surroundings of the Atlanta Botanical Garden make it a picturesque event that’s perfect for family photos too.
6. Haunted Seas
🗓️ October 24 – October 31
📍Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium transforms with spooky Halloween décor, featuring haunted aquatic exhibits, including Ocean Voyager and River Scout. Visitors can enjoy themed presentations, interactive stations, and weekend trick-or-treating. Halloween activities are included with admission.
7. Halloween Magic Show
🗓️ October 26
📍Lawrenceville Arts Center
For a magical night out, the Halloween Magic Show with Arthur Atsma blends incredible tricks with spooky surprises. This family-friendly show promises a captivating experience with illusions that will leave everyone enchanted. As one of the most entertaining Halloween events in Atlanta, it’s a great choice for families seeking lighthearted fun that celebrates the magic of the season.
8. Marietta PAL Fall Festival Family Fun House
🗓️ October 26
📍Outdoor Activity Center
For a full day of fun, the Marietta PAL Fall Festival Family Fun House brings together families for games, costume contests, delicious food, and more. It’s a community-driven event filled with activities for all ages, from kids’ games to exciting vendors and live music. If you’re looking for engaging Halloween things to do near Atlanta, this fall festival offers the perfect mix of festive spirit and community engagement.
9. Footwork & Foodtrucks Trunk or Treat
🗓️ October 25
📍Henry County Soccer
For families who enjoy sports and Halloween, the Footwork & Foodtrucks Trunk or Treat is an unmissable event in Atlanta. Offering 5v5 soccer games, a 3v3 costume tournament, and a Trunk or Treat competition, this event mixes athletic fun with festive creativity.
Food trucks offer plenty of tasty treats, while families decorate their cars for a chance to win $250 for the best trunk. This blend of sport, creativity, and Halloween makes it one of the most engaging Halloween activities in Atlanta.
10. Monster Mash at Atlantic Station
🗓️ October 26
📍Center For Puppetry Arts, Atlanta
The Monster Mash is a family-focused Halloween event in Atlanta, featuring a lively dance party with a special kids’ DJ. Held at the Love Family Atrium, attendees can also enjoy trick-or-treating and Halloween-themed activities at the Worlds of Puppetry Museum. With its fun music and whimsical atmosphere, it’s a perfect event for younger children and families looking for safe, engaging Halloween fun in Atlanta.
11. Halloween Kids Chocolate Making Event
🗓️ October 27
📍Chamberlain’s Chocolate Factory & Cafe
For a sweet and hands-on experience, the Halloween Kids Chocolate Making Event lets children craft their own Halloween-themed chocolate treats. From chocolate pretzel rods to Halloween lollipops, this creative event is perfect for families looking for Halloween activities in Atlanta that foster creativity while indulging in tasty fun. Costumes are encouraged for an added festive touch!
2. Top Halloween Parties and Masquerades in Atlanta
For adults looking to get into the Halloween spirit, these top Halloween events Atlanta offers are all about costumes, music, and a night of spooky fun.
1. Midtown Halloween Block Party
🗓️ October 25 – October 26
📍Colony Square
The Midtown Halloween Block Party is Atlanta’s largest outdoor Halloween bash. With over 30 participating venues, live music, spooky decorations, and a $500 costume contest, this event attracts over 2,000 partygoers annually. Featuring live DJs, multiple stages, and food trucks, this event takes over several blocks and encourages partygoers to come dressed in their best costumes.
With thousands of attendees, this party offers a high-energy atmosphere with costume contests, incredible music, and festive drink specials. It’s one of the best Halloween events in Atlanta if you’re looking to celebrate with a crowd.
2. The 4th Annual Vampire Ball
🗓️ October 31 – November 1
📍Underground Atlanta
Step into the dark allure of the 4th Annual Vampire Ball, held at Pigalle Theater & Speakeasy in Underground Atlanta. With captivating performances, themed entertainment, and extravagant costumes, this event invites guests to embrace their inner creature of the night. One of the most glamorous Halloween events in Atlanta, it’s perfect for adults seeking a gothic, thrilling celebration.
3. Halloween Spooktacular at Tongue & Groove
🗓️ October 13
📍Dad’s Garage Theatre Company
Looking for fun Halloween things to do in Atlanta? Dad’s Garage presents the Halloween Spooktacular, a perfect family event packed with laughter, creativity, and just the right amount of spookiness. Children can take part in a reverse haunted house where they get to scare the monsters, making it a playful twist on traditional haunted houses. For those who love to sing, “scary”-oke karaoke offers a Halloween-themed sing-along.
The event also features The Wowie Zowie Show, with quirky performances that will entertain the whole family. Grab a bite from onsite food trucks or indulge in King of Pops’ frozen treats, making this one of the best Halloween events Atlanta has to offer for all ages.
3. Unique Atlanta Halloween Celebrations
Looking for out-of-the-box Halloween fun? These unique events will give you a new way to celebrate the spooky season in Atlanta.
1. Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade
🗓️ October 19-20
📍Little 5 Points
The Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade is Atlanta’s most eclectic and funky Halloween event. This iconic two-day event features a famous Halloween parade, a scavenger hunt, freak shows, live music, and artist pop-ups. Known for its vibrant energy, it is the region’s top Halloween festival, attracting visitors for its unique artistic and community spirit.
2. An Evening with Witches
🗓️ October 27
📍Condo 323
For a magical twist, An Evening with Witches offers storytelling, potions, and themed cocktails. This immersive experience dives into the world of witchcraft, making it a standout among Atlanta Halloween events.
3. Shadows & Fog: A Black and White Yoga Experience
🗓️ October 27
📍InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta
For a unique blend of wellness and Halloween fun, Shadows & Fog offers a black-and-white themed yoga session at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta. Led by a local instructor, followed by a costume contest and signature cocktails, this event is ideal for those seeking mindful yet festive Halloween things to do in Atlanta. It’s a sophisticated way to celebrate the season with a calm yet creative twist.
4. Halloween Outdoor Activities in Atlanta
Prefer the great outdoors to indoor parties? Here are the best Halloween things to do in Atlanta for those who enjoy spooky outdoor fun.
1. A Haunted Lake Lanier Experience
🗓️ October 1 – October 31
📍Lanier Boat Charter
Located just north of Atlanta, A Haunted Lake Lanier Experience offers boat tours through eerie fog and haunted shores. This eerie boat cruise includes storytelling about the area’s haunted history. Participants disembark on a mysterious island for a paranormal investigation and conclude the evening with ghost stories by the fire. The experience offers a mix of thrills and community bonding.
2. Spooky Spirits 5K
🗓️ October 12
📍Suwanee Town Center
If you’re looking to get active this Halloween, sign up for the Spooky Spirits 5K, a Halloween-themed 5K race with a twist—cocktail stations along the route. Participants can run or walk in costumes while sipping cocktails, with awards for the most spirited outfit. The race takes place in Suwanee Town Center Park and offers a festive, fun atmosphere.
3. Four Scythes Haunted Attraction
🗓️ October 10 – October 26
📍Cumming Fairgrounds, GA
For a truly terrifying outdoor experience, head to Four Scythes Haunted Attraction. A highly rated haunted house attraction featuring the Manor House and the Carnival of Screams. This haunted house offers immersive, bone-chilling experiences with lifelike actors, spine-tingling effects, and nightmare-inducing scenarios. It’s not for the faint of heart, making it one of the top choices for thrill-seekers this Halloween season.
4. Shorty SpookFest
🗓️ October 26
📍Shorty Howell Park Recreation Center
Held at Shorty Howell Park, the Shorty SpookFest is a free, family-friendly event that features carnival games, vendors, a costume contest, and plenty of treats. Rain or shine, families can enjoy the festivities from 1 PM to 5 PM. This event offers a fun way to celebrate Halloween in Atlanta with both children and adults, making it one of the top community-oriented options in the area.
5. Halloween Events for Pet Lovers
Can’t imagine celebrating Halloween without your furry friend? These events will let your pets join in on the spooky fun.
1. Cool Ass Dog HALLOWEEN Party
🗓️ October 29 – November 19
📍The Darwin Hotel, GA
Join the Cool Ass Dog Halloween Party at The Darwin Hotel for a howl-ing good time with your furry friend! Dress up in creative costumes and meet fellow dog lovers while enjoying a costume contest with categories like Best Funny Costume and Best Dog + Dog Parent Combo. Sip on drinks from the full bar amidst spooky decor and festive music. This event is one of the best Atlanta pet Halloween events to celebrate Halloween with your pup!
2. HOOTS AND HOWLS Dog Rescue Comedy & Music Non-Profit Festival
🗓️ October 27
📍The Battery Atlanta
Celebrate at the Hoots and Howls festival on October 27th at Battery Park! This heartwarming event features a comedy show by Lace Larrabee, live music, and all proceeds support local dog rescues. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of laughter and community spirit, making it one of the best Halloween events for pets in Atlanta. Bring your furry friends to help make a difference!
3. Pawtoberfest
🗓️ October 26
📍868 Main Street Forest Park, Atlanta
Don’t miss Pawtoberfest, hosted by the Happy Paws & Tails Foundation and Forest Park Police Department. This community celebration features a pop-up dog park, a Halloween costume pet parade with prizes, and various vendors offering pet-related products and food. Engage in games and activities for pets and owners. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow pet lovers, making it one of the best Halloween events for pets!
4. Doggy Con 2024
🗓️ October 26
📍Woodruff Park
Welcome to Doggy Con 2024 at Woodruff Park! Coinciding with Dragon Con, this event celebrates our canine companions with customizable bandanas, a themed photo booth, and delicious pup-sicles. Compete for the title of Best in Show for a chance to win tickets to Dragon Con 2025. This event is an exciting way to showcase your dog’s Halloween costume and enjoy a day of fun, making it one of the best Atlanta pet Halloween events!
Other Best Halloween Events in Atlanta
These events don’t fit into one category but are still essential to the Halloween experience in Atlanta.
1. 2024 Murder Mystery Dinner
🗓️ October 17
📍Petite Violette
For a suspenseful night of intrigue, the 2024 Murder Mystery Dinner at Petite Violette combines a thrilling whodunit with a four-course meal. Proceeds benefit animal welfare, making this a rewarding way to enjoy Halloween in Atlanta.
2. Halloween Chocolate & Wine Pairing
🗓️ October 25
📍Epicurean Atlanta
If you’re seeking more refined Halloween things to do in Atlanta, indulge in the Halloween Chocolate & Wine Pairing. This adult-friendly event offers a guided experience where guests sample six hand-crafted chocolates paired with exquisite wines. Learn from expert chocolatiers and sommeliers as they explain the nuances of each pairing. It’s an educational yet delicious way to celebrate Halloween, making it one of the top Halloween events in Atlanta for those with a taste for the finer things.
3. Fright Fest Atlanta
🗓️ September 14 – November 3
📍Six Flags Over Georgia
Running from September 14 to November 3 at Six Flags Over Georgia, Fright Fest Atlanta offers thrilling haunted houses, scare zones, and terrifying rides. Daytime activities are more family-friendly, but as night falls, the park transforms into a spine-tingling haunted wonderland. It’s a can’t-miss event for those looking for things to do in Atlanta for Halloween with a mix of fun and fear.
4. Strand Ole Opry: Fa-BOO-lous Halloween Hits
🗓️ October 5
📍Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
This country-themed Halloween music event features live performances, storytelling, and classic Halloween tunes. The event blends music, Southern charm, and fun, creating a lively and interactive experience for all ages.
Final Thoughts
With a wide variety of Halloween things to do in Atlanta, this year promises spooky fun for everyone. Whether you’re attending family-friendly festivals or extravagant costume parties, there’s no shortage of activities to make your Halloween unforgettable. Now is the perfect time to plan and enjoy all the best Halloween events Atlanta has to offer!