1. Join the Wild Rumpus
Known as Athens’ own Mardi Gras, the annual Wild Rumpus Halloween Celebration in Downtown Athens should be on every guy and ghoul’s bucket list. The free music event turns the Classic City into a massive “Thriller” video with crowds dressed to the nines and live music galore. The event is free and all are invited. Wild rumpus.org.
2. Sip Spirits with Specters
Come taste the mystery at Grapes and Ghost Tasting Room where you can not only sip spirits, but maybe spy one too! They say the veil is quite thin here and “every shadow whispers of Dahlonega’s past.” Nestled right off the historic square, enjoy the best of Georgia’s local wines while learning about the specters that tip toe around this former gold rush town. dahlonegawalkingtours.com/grapes-and-ghosts-wine-room
3. You’ll Be Dying to Get in
People are just dying to get into the Historic Oakland Cemetery tours and events during October, so be sure to get your tickets early. From Oct. 16 through 26, the Capturing the Spirit of Oakland tour is designed to “enlighten instead of frighten” and brings to life the stories of some of cemetery’s most notable and notorious residents, as a costumed docent guides you through the cemetery’s beautifully lit Victorian Gardens. oaklandcemetery.com
4. Scaredy Cats Welcome
Downtown Alpharetta comes alive each October with more than 150 whimsical scarecrows designed by local schools, classrooms, non-profits, neighborhoods and businesses. Take a stroll downtown to peruse the collection of wacky, wild and wonderful imaginative scarecrows the community comes up with and be sure to snap a selfie with your favorite. awesomealpharetta.com
5. Chimp or Treat: This family-friendly event encourages children to dress up in their Halloween best to meet and greet the playful chimps of Project Chimp in Morganton. Scheduled for Oct. 25 and 26, each child with receive a 45-minute guided walking tour of Project Chimp, as well as a chance to see the chimps and a special treat bag filled with vegan and palm free candies as well as non-food treats like temporary tattoos and trinkets Tickets are $10 per child (2-12) with one adult ticket free with each child ticket. projectchimps.org
6. Trunks, Treats and Movies
What better way to celebrate Halloween then at Blue Ridge’s historic Swan Drive-in, where families first enjoy Trunk or Treating and win prizes for Best Costume and Best Trunk. Then stick around for a creepy double feature of two Hallows Eve classics. swandrivein.com
7. It’s a Great Pumpkin Festival, Charlie Brown
From pie eating contests and fairy tale scenes to spooky storytelling and amazing photo ops, the annual Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain has been charming families each season who are looking for some wholesome Halloween fun. The Pumpkin Festival and other attractions open at 2 p.m. but don’t miss the nighttime celebrations when pumpkins light up and the evening drone show celebrates the spooky season in style. stonemountainpark.com
