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!
Looking for family fun? Look for the Trick-or-Treat Jack-O-Lantern 
Looking for a more adult vibe? Keep an eye out for the spooky Jack-O-Lantern 
Check out all Athens has to offer for spooky season!
Halloween fun for all ages
Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade & Spectacle - Saturday, October 31 (ON HALLOWEEN THIS YEAR)
We cannot stress this enough. This is THE Halloween event. Be there.
Known as Athens' own Mardi Gras, the highly anticipated Wild Rumpus Parade & Spectacle on Saturday, October 31, 2026, 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, 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 "Midnight Howl." after-party on October 31, 11pm- 2am.
Note:
This event is totally family friendly until about 10pm, when the party mostly moves indoors. There is an open container alcohol festival zone for the event, but families and kiddos are welcome!
Boo-le-Bark on Boulevard - October 18, 3pm
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 18, 2026. 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.
Insider Tip:
Boo-le-Bark takes place DURING Porchfest, so soak up some tunes while you and your pup enjoy the spooky season spirit!
Jack-O-Lantern Jog 5K with One Mile Goblin Fun Run - October 25
Calling all goblins and ghouls! The Jack O' Lantern Jog 5k and Goblin 1 Mile Fun Run on October 25, 2026 are great opportunities to get active during the treat-filled fall season while supporting Sandy Creek Nature Center. Costumes are encouraged, 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.
For more information, contact Emily at 762-400-7734 or scncinc@gmail.com.
Frankenstein- Oct 25
Frankenstein is coming back to life! Presented by the Friends of the Athens Symphony and Classic Entertainment, be captivated as the iconic 1931 movie is played while members of the Athens Symphony Orchestra perform in sync with the film's legendary score by Michael Shapiro. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind experience and the opportunity to watch your favorite green, sentient creature!
“The audience was riveted to their seats. The power of the live music with the classic film was hypnotic.”
~Rob Tomaro, Cashbox Canada Magazine.
Zombie Farms - Multiple Weekends
May be too spooky for the youngest ghosts. Parental discretion is advised!
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.
Candlelight: Halloween Classics- Oct 25
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Athens. Enjoy Halloween classics by candlelight, and let the spooky season vibes set in!
"Journey Through the Stars: Halloween Planetarium"- Oct 31
Don't forget to preregister for "Journey through the Stars: Halloween Planetarium" at Sandy Creek Nature Center for the Halloween planetarium experience of your life! Kids must be older than 6, and anyone younger than 13 needs to be accompanied by an adult.
Athens Haunted History Walking Tour- Tours Scheduled by appointment
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!
Spooky Family Fun
Don't forget to look at the section above for all ages events!
Fright on the Firefly: Halloween Trick or Treat Trail - October 2
Come bring the entire family dressed up for a fun and slightly spooky stroll along the Firefly Trail, if you dare! Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the entire duration of the event. Event participation will be capped at 200 participants. Carpooling and costumes are encouraged!
Walk Thru Boo at Lay Park- Oct 22
Ages 6-12yrs 
Think you can make it all the way thru? All the way thru the Walk Thru Boo? Come join in on an outside spooky walk full of live zombies, ghouls, and ghosts.
More info from the Red & Black here.
Spooky Season for Grown Ups
Athens Showgirl Cabaret presents - Drag for All Halloween Show @ Hendershots- Oct 3
Technically all ages, but parental discretion advised for possible profanity.
Come out to support local drag and Halloween fun at the Athens Showgirl Cabaret Drag for All Halloween show! Laugh, scream, and holler as the queens go through their spooky paces to delight and astonish. Have fun, be loud, and remember tipping is customary and consent to touch performers is mandatory.
The Rocky Horror Picture show with live shadow cast “EDDIES TEDDIES” - Oct 28-29
Over-the-top production featuring extra dancing, specialty acts, and burlesque backup performers. If you like Rocky Horror, this is the place to be! Costume Party each night at 7:30 PM with a cash prize and a Dancefx treat.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Party at Athentic: Oct 30
Athentic Brewing is filled with antici...pation for the Rocky Horror Halloween party! Come out in your best costume, time-warp inspired or not, and take part in all the fun! the interactive viewing of the cult-classic film starts at 8pm and this year they're following it up with a spooktacular dance party with DJ Charlieflower! The dance floor is open until midnight, and you certainly won't want to go home until Dr. Frank N. Furter does!
