There are so many fun things to do for Halloween in Athens, Georgia! The creative energy Athens is known for is on full display for Halloween. Exhibit one is the only-in-Athens Wild Rumpus Spectacle, a costumed parade through downtown that YOU can join! There are also plenty of other Halloween events and happenings, like Zombie Farms, a haunted outdoor trail, haunted tours of Athens, and family-friendly Halloween fun, too. Check out these Halloween ideas and plan a getaway to Athens this October!

 

Boo-le-Bark on Boulevard - October 20

the Boo-le-Bark contest winner from 2022.

Even pets can get in on the Halloween fun in Athens! Come out to Boo-le-Bark, a canine costume contest and parade benefitting Athenspets, an all-volunteer group dedicated to helping animals at the Athens-Clarke County Animal Control. This year's parade will be on Sunday, October 20, 2024. The costume contest begins at 3pm and the parade will start at 4:30pm at 298 Barber Street. This dog parade typically draws up to 1,000 participants and spectators to the Boulevard neighborhood. This year's theme: Road Trip!

 

Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade & Spectacle - Saturday, October 26

Crowds of people outside the Georgia Theatre during Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade

Known as Athens' own Mardi Gras, the highly anticipated Wild Rumpus Parade & Spectacle on Saturday, October 26, 2024, is anything but ordinary. The Wild Rumpus is a large-scale crowd-participation Halloween holiday, music and arts celebration in downtown Athens. It is one of the Southeast’s premier Halloween celebrations and one of Athens’ most-loved festivals. The Wild Rumpus is FREE to attend, and All Are Invited.

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. will be hosting a "Rumpus Rally" parade pre-party from 5-8PM. At 8 PM, the Wild Rumpus Parade will start on West Hancock Ave. in downtown Athens adjacent to Creature Comforts Brewing Co. The parade winds through downtown Athens, with parade artists providing music and entertainment along the route (supported by the Rotary Club of the Classic City of Athens), ending on W. Washington St. at Pulaski St. for a massive DJ dance party in the street, with sound and lights, aerialists on a trapeze, and more. The dance party goes on until 11 PM. But, the fun's just beginning! Paloma Park will also be hosting a "Royal Rumpus Ball" after-party on October 26, 11pm- 2am.  

Jack-O-Lantern Jog 5K with One Mile Goblin Fun Run - October 29

Image shows a spooky halloween tree with a Jack-o-lantern with legs running beneath it. It is in a cartoonish style.

Calling all goblins and ghouls! The Jack O' Lantern Jog 5k and Goblin 1 Mile Fun Run on October 27, 2024 are great opportunities to get active during the treat-filled fall season while supporting Sandy Creek Nature Center. Costumes are encourage, and kids in the Goblin Fun Run receive a finisher's medal and goodie bag in addition to a race t-shirt. The course is USATF certified and is an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier and is a part of the Clover Glove Race Series. The race starts and finishes at Sandy Creek Nature Center, and costs $25 to participate.

 

Zombie Farms - Multiple Weekends

A scary costume, pumpkins and hay at Zombie Farms

Zombie Farms, North Georgia's number 1 haunted trail, is anything but your ordinary kiddie corn maze and predictable haunted house. Zombie Farms is an immersive Hollywood-style story theme that progresses throughout the 3/4 mile haunted trail. You'll walk through dark and spooky woods filled with scary monsters and creepy characters who will scare you, entertain you, and sometimes even make you laugh. You'll view many elaborate sets and scenes on your journey. Plus the Halloween Forest, a winding trail through the woods, with cool scenery and different paths, you will want to make sure you get here early enough to enjoy it! 

The Halloween Forest opens at 7:30 p.m. and the main trail opens at 8:00 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in October. Admission is $33-$40 depending on the night and group size. 

Athens Haunted History Walking Tour- Tours Scheduled by appointment

Athens Haunted History Tours Jeff Clarke

Hear the tales of love and loss that haunt Athens on the Athens Haunted History Walking Tour with local historian, Jeff Clarke. Clarke has appeared on several programs for The Travel Channel, GPB, PBS, and the Discovery Network, including the Emmy-nominated series "The American Revolution." The walking tour is about 2 hours long on a 1.8-mile route and gives an exclusive look inside some of Athens' most haunted buildings. Participants will learn about the history of the town, and see historical sites and some ghost stories along the way. Reserve your spot today!

Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services 

The ACC Leisure Services have many different Halloween adventures coming up for the month of October. Visit this link here to stay up to date on all their events. 

 

Check out our Fall Festivals and Events page for a complete list of all upcoming Halloween and fall festivities and start planning your October Athens getaway today!