10 Spooky Halloween Events in Atlanta You Can’t Miss

By Liesl Merkel
Posted October 5, 2021

We already know that otherworldly creatures roam Atlanta year-round, thanks to the city being a main filming site for productions such as “The Walking Dead,” “Zombieland,” “The Vampire Diaries” and “Stranger Things.” However, when autumn rolls in, we welcome many new sinister spectres and wandering souls. Here’s a taste of Atlanta’s can’t-miss Halloween events. For more, see the full guide to things to do in Atlanta this Halloween.

Woodland Spirits

Encounter ghostly visitors in the shadows, up in the trees, deep in the vistas and waiting in plain sight as you explore outdoors in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest.
Through Nov. 8
Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fright Fest

During the day, find family-friendly frights but as the night creeps in, beware of much scarier sights. Heart-pumping rides, new haunts and themed treats are captured within the seasonal spectacle of Fright Fest.
Through Oct. 31
Six Flags Over Georgia

Pumpkin Festival: Play by Day, Glow by Night

Enjoy family-friendly entertainment during the day including a brand new magic show at Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival. Then, glow by night with not-so-spooky fun and a parade after the sun sets.
Through Oct. 31
Stone Mountain Park

Netherworld Haunted House

Two haunts – Rise of the Netherspawn and Return to Planet X in 3D – will terrorize guests in the best possible way with incredible over-the-top special effects, ghastly makeup, elaborate costumes and skilled stunt actors at Netherworld Haunted House. Laser tag, escape rooms and behind-the-scenes tours are also available.

Oct. 6 – 10, 12 – 17, 19 – 31
Nov. 5 – 7, 12 – 13
Netherworld Haunted House

Ghost Train

Find the annual Ghost Train in the nearby town of Villa Rica, Wednesday-Saturday. Also, visit the gold museum and go gem panning, all by reservation only.
Through Oct. 30
Pine Mountain Gold Museum

Awesome Autumn

Scarecrows in the Garden is back during October, when scarecrows decorated by business and nonprofit organizations line the garden paths. Fest-of-Ale allows visitors to view the scarecrows on Tuesdays-Sundays with specialty ales and music. Goblins in the Garden will be held (check website for dates) with special programming.
The month of October
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Capturing the Spirit of Oakland

These popular nighttime tours of the historic cemetery will feature costumed docents leading tours through the beautifully lit Victorian gardens of Oakland Cemetery.
Oct. 14 – 31
Oakland Cemetery

Self-Guided Virtual Ghost Tours

Take a 90-minute ghost tour around the historic Lawrenceville area, courtesy of Aurora Theatre.
Oct. 17 – 31
Lawrenceville

Boo at the Zoo

Join the animals for Halloween activities throughout Zoo Atlanta, decorations and much more to celebrate the season.
Oct. 23 – 24; 30 – 31
Zoo Atlanta

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas In Concert

Enjoy a screening of this Disney favorite with composer Danny Elfman’s musical score performed live at Atlanta Symphony Hall.
Oct. 29 – 30
Atlanta Symphony Hall

Liesl Merkel is editor of Atlanta Now magazine, the Official Visitors Guide of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.