Atlanta, GA, September 25, 2025
News Summary
As October approaches, Atlanta is buzzing with family-friendly Halloween events, offering a wide range of attractions such as fairs, festivals, and spooky celebrations. From the Georgia State Fair to the Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park, there are activities for all ages. The city’s commitment to creating a festive atmosphere includes puppetry shows, hands-on activities at museums, and nature-themed events, making this Halloween season one to remember.
Atlanta Welcomes Family-Friendly Halloween Season with Exciting Events
Atlanta is brimming with family-friendly Halloween events as it gears up for October, offering a variety of activities for all ages. Residents and visitors can enjoy attractions ranging from fairs and festivals to spooky celebrations, ensuring there’s something for everyone this Halloween season.
Major Highlights
- Georgia State Fair: The fair is happening now through October 6 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, featuring various attractions, shows, fair food, and carnival rides.
- Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival: Running until November 2, this festival offers daytime park attractions and special evening entertainment with beloved storybook characters. The Summit Skyride opens at 10 am, and attractions begin at 2 pm.
- La Cucarachita Martina: A lively Latin rock-and-roll puppet show will take place at the Center for Puppetry Arts from October 2-12, recommended for pre-K through 6th graders, performed in both Spanish and English.
- Halloween at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta: This event is set to run from October 2 to November 4, featuring hands-on activities like designing haunted houses and a spooky cooking show.
- Art Walk: Scheduled for October 3 from 5-9 pm in Marietta Square, this event highlights local art and dining.
Upcoming Festivals and Activities
- Festival on Ponce: Set for October 11-12 at Olmsted Linear Park, offering over 125 displays of fine arts, crafts, folk art, a children’s area, and delicious food options.
- UPS Second Sunday: Enjoy free admission at the High Museum of Art on October 12, from 12-5 pm.
- Tuesdays in the Field at Georgia Aquarium: On October 14, K-12 homeschool students can explore marine biology and ecology topics.
- Evening Sky Watch: Scheduled for October 17 at the Tellus Science Museum, with telescope viewing of celestial objects from 6-10 pm (registration required).
- PNC Atlanta Mile & Dash: A family-friendly youth event by the Atlanta Track Club on October 18, celebrating fall with various fun activities.
Spooktacular Attractions
- Gold Rush Days Festival: This festival takes place on October 18-19 in Dahlonega, featuring over 200 craft exhibitors and food vendors.
- Monster Mash: At the Center for Puppetry Arts, this event will happen on October 18 and 25, featuring a Halloween dance party and trick-or-treating activities.
- Boo at the Zoo: Zoo Atlanta will host this Halloween event from October 18-19 and 25-26 from 9 am-3 pm, offering trick-or-treating and themed entertainment.
- Goblins in the Garden: Scheduled for October 19 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, this includes a costume runway, pony rides, and various fall activities from 10 am-4 pm.
- Halloween Hikes: Hosted by the Chattahoochee Nature Center from October 24-26, featuring Halloween-themed hikes with an immersive scavenger hunt.
- Dinosaur Trick-or-Treat: At the Fernbank Museum of Natural History on October 25 from 10 am-1 pm, encouraging kids to dress up for trick-or-treating.
- Little 5 Points Halloween Events: Taking place on October 18-19, this event includes live music, an art market, a parade, and various spooky activities.
Historical Attractions and Themed Events
- Haunted History Tours: Available at Fox Theatre on select dates throughout October for those interested in ghost stories and Atlanta’s spectral history.
- Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Cemetery: Taking place from October 16-19 and 24-26, featuring costumed storytelling about notable residents.
- Various Pop-Up Bar Events: Throughout October, themed parties, food, and drinks will take place at venues like The Blind Pig Parlour Bar and AltaToro.
- Trick or Treating Activities: Various community events, including trunk-or-treats, costume parties, and themed contests, are happening throughout October, culminating on Halloween with downtown trick-or-treating events.
With a variety of events, Atlanta is committed to providing a festive and fun atmosphere for families this October. From fairs and festivals to haunted hikes and cultural experiences, there are ample opportunities to celebrate Halloween in an engaging manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Georgia State Fair and when does it take place?
The Georgia State Fair is ongoing now through October 6 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and includes attractions, shows, fair food, and carnival rides.
When does Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival run?
Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival runs from now until November 2, featuring daytime park attractions and evening entertainment.
What activities are included in Halloween at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta?
Halloween at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is happening from October 2 to November 4, with hands-on fun, including designing haunted houses and a spooky cooking show.
What can families expect at Boo at the Zoo?
Boo at the Zoo is hosted by Zoo Atlanta on October 18-19 and 25-26 from 9 am-3 pm, featuring trick-or-treating and themed entertainment.
Key Features of Atlanta’s Halloween Events
| Event | Date | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia State Fair | Now – October 6 | Atlanta Motor Speedway | Attractions, shows, fair food, carnival rides |
| Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival | Now – November 2 | Stone Mountain Park | Daytime attractions, evening entertainment |
| Halloween at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta | October 2 – November 4 | Children’s Museum of Atlanta | Designing haunted houses, spooky cooking show |
| Boo at the Zoo | October 18-19, 25-26 | Zoo Atlanta | Trick-or-treating, themed entertainment |
| Gold Rush Days Festival | October 18-19 | Dahlonega | Craft exhibitors, food vendors |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Guide to Atlanta Fall Festivals and Fairs Launches
Weekend Events in Atlanta: September 25-28
Atlanta Hosts a Variety of Events in October
Fall Festivals and Events in Metro Atlanta
Fall Festivals and Fairs in Atlanta
October Events to Enjoy Across Georgia
Atlanta to Host the Vampire Cocktail Club
Widespread Panic Announces New Year’s Concert Series in Atlanta
Widespread Panic Announces New Year’s Eve Concert Series in Atlanta
Atlanta Celebrates Labor Day Weekend with Vibrant Events
Additional Resources
- Discover Atlanta: Grown-Up Guide to Halloween in Atlanta
- Atlanta Mom: Family Events Guide to October 2025
- Atlanta Parent: Best Halloween Events Near Me in Atlanta
- Atlanta Downtown: Halloween Happenings in Downtown Atlanta
- Google Search: Atlanta Halloween Events
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
