2018 Halloween Activities and Events in Huntsville and North AL
Dust off your Stranger Things costumes and get ready because we’ve got tons of local gatherings where you can put that to good use! Celebrating Halloween in Huntsville has never been easier with this list of local special events!
To get the full 411 about all that is happening in and around the Tennessee Valley this fall including information on Fall Break Camps, Trick/Trunk or Treating options, Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides, and more why not mosey on over to the full 2018 Fall Activity Guide. Then be sure to share the scoop with your friends so you’ll see familiar faces when you are out and about this fall season.
Do you know of a Halloween event we missed? We’d love to add it, just send us a note at [email protected] and be sure to include the information listed here (e.g. Date/Time, Cost, URL, Location).
Huntsville Ghost Walks
Tours begin in front of historic Harrison Brothers Hardware store which is also where you purchase your tickets. There are both walking and trolley tours, and while no one jumps out at you, it is after all a ghost walk – so be mindful of how easily your little ones might be scared!
Date/Time: Friday and Saturday nights in October | 6PM (plus an addition Saturday walk at 8:30PM)
Cost: Walking $10 adults/$5 children; Trolley $15 adults/$12 children
Location: Harrison Brothers Hardware (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Decatur Ghost Walks
Every Saturday in October, take a guided tour through Decatur’s haunted past. Hear stories from the Civil War, a tragic accidental death, the angry ghost of Simp McGhee, and much more. Perhaps someone from the past is watching you! Tours begin on the steps of the Old State Bank on Bank Street, with tickets (cash only) available 30 minutes beforehand.
Date/Time: Saturdays in October | 6PM
Cost: Walking $10 adults/$5 children (12 and under)
Location: 925 Bank St NE, Decatur (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Athens Haunt Walks
In celebration of Halloween, Athens-Limestone County Tourism is offering haunted walking tours next month giving visitors and locals a chance to explore the town by night. Held every Tuesday and Thursday night in October, the Athens Haunts Walk takes guests on a spooky 90 minute walking tour that uncovers paranormal activity, ghoulish legends and hauntings in the historic downtown area. During Athens Haunts Walk, experienced and entertaining tour guides tell spooky stories of paranormal activity at 13 local structures. Now in its twelfth year, Athens Haunts Walk is suitable for adults and children in grades 4th and up.
Date/Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays in October | 6:30PM
Cost: $5
Location: Athens-Limestone Visitors Center (map)
More Info: Facebook | Website
Halloween ALIVE
Get into the spirit of the season with Halloween ALIVE, an entertaining and educational live animal program presented by the Alabama 4-H Science School that features raptors, reptiles, and amphibians. A
concession stand will offer snacks and you’ll have an opportunity to get your picture taken with one of the ALIVE creatures following the show. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and settle in for an exciting event!
Date/Time: Oct. 6 at 4-5PM
Cost: $5 Individuals; Family Pack $20; Children 3 and under FREE
Location: Boeing-Toyota Amphitheatre at the Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
More Info: Website
Scarecrow Trail Night Hikes
Grab your flashlight and join us for a family night hike through the Garden’s Scarecrow Trail and BOOtterfly House. Listen for bullfrogs, crickets, owls, and other nighttime critters and keep an eye out for fun surprises along the way. Warm cider and a snack will be provided.
Date/Time: October 9, 12, 25, & 30 at 6:00PM
Cost: $7 Kids; $10 Adules; Children 3 and under FREE
Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
More Info: Website
Haint-ed: True Alabama Ghost Stories
Based on ghost stories told to the author as a child by his grandparents–and they’re all TRUE! (In one way or another.) Chances are you’ve never heard these stories before! Take a trip back in time to celebrate family and folklore in Alabama!
Date/Time: October 12-14 at 7:30PM; October 13-14 at 2:30PM
Cost: $12
Location: Historic Lowry House (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Saturday Scientist: Science of S’mores
Physical and chemical reactions create the world around us. Explore how these reactions play an important part in the making of s’mores. Each ingredient has a chemical makeup, and each work together to yield the final product. Afterwards, enjoy our scientific achievements with gooey delicious s’mores! Join us for a special edition of Saturday Scientist, which is a children’s series typically held on the second Saturday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for the Saturday Scientist series, an educational series featuring activities recommended for ages 6-9. Reserve your seat at the main ticket desk upon your arrival. Museum members may enter the Davidson Center for Space Exploration.
Date/Time: Oct. 13 at 11:30AM
Cost: FREE with museum membership or general admission
Location: U.S. Space & Rocket Center (map)
More Info: Website
Barks and Boos
The 4th annual Bark’s and Boo’s event hosted by Petz Pack and Rocket 95.1 is a fundraiser for Huntsville/Madison Relay for life. All proceeds from the event support this chapter of the American Cancer Society. Free to attend, pay to p
lay! There will be multiple Halloween costume contests at this dog-friendly event, dog-centered games, vendors and entertainment galore. This event will be haunted by cute dogs and scary costumes. Bring your pup dressed up and ready to compete in the cutest, scariest and best overall costume contests! While you are there, come participate in the treat stacking competition, doggy cake walk, bobbing for hot dogs and the cute trick station. We will have multiple prizes and giveaways. See you there!
Date/Time: Oct. 13 at 2-5PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Big Spring Park East (map)
More Info: Facebook
Autumn at The Shops at Merchants Walk
The Halloween edition of Second Saturday at Merchants Walk features special offers, live music, photobooth, holiday fun, special guests, and more! Saturday, October 13th will have a Halloween theme with live music from Aaron Bradley. Visitors are welcome to wear their costumes as there will be treats available. We will see you there!
Date/Time: Oct. 13 | 11AM-3PM
Cost: FREE
Location: The Shops at Merchants Walk (map)
More Info: Facebook
Halloween Express Jr. Face Off Competition & Professional Makeup Tutorial
Let your kids’ creativity free with a Jr. Face Off Competition! The stage and tables for the Face Off will be located on the lower level in Center Court, where winners will receive awesome plastic trophies and gift cards to Halloween Express Huntsville! Details and participation instructions are posted at the end of the event. While the Face Off is going on, enjoy the work of special effects professional makeup artist, John Harris. He will be on stage creating a masterful look. John will be giving tips and tricks while teaching you how to bring your special effects makeup dreams to reality. Learn how to look like a zombie, ghost and goblin! If you are interested in participating in the Jr. Face Off Competition, please post within the event on our Facebook event page. You will receive a message from Parkway Place if you have been selected for the competition!
Date/Time: Oct. 13 | 12PM-3PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Parkway Place Mall (map)
More Info: Facebook
Mad Al’s Haunted Hayride
Enter if you dare!! Hop aboard our haunted hayride through our freaky forest. This horrific hayride is sure to send chills down your back.
Age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult or have permission from an adult. Roast marshmallows and tell your favorite ghost stories as you hang out around our fire pit!
Date/Time: October 19, 20, & 26 at 7PM
Cost: $5
Location: 100 Skate Park Drive, Madison (map)
More Info: Facebook
International Observe the Moon Night
You don’t want to miss this family fun event that is bigger than ever! There will be hands-on activities, an Astronomy Van with 3D show, Janet’s Planet show (PBS), the Science Magic Show with Dr. Osborne, and a live science show with Dr. Bon & the Science Guys. You also don’t want to miss face painting and lots of telescopes that will be on hand from the Von Braun Astronomical Society! The movie will begin at dusk on the large inflatable movie screen.
Date/Time: Oct. 20 | 5:30PM-8:30PM
Cost: FREE
Location: U.S. Space & Rocket Center (map)
More Info: Facebook
Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll
The Maple Hill Cemetery event has grown to be one of the largest living history strolls in the nation, with over 75 costumed characters, traditional music, special exhibits, an expanded antique auto display, and student scavenger hunts. There will be at least a dozen new characters featured this year. Not all are buried in Maple Hill, but they are essential in accurately reflecting the history of Huntsville. Some of the music will accompany character portrayals. Exhibits will highlight fascinating cemetery history and recent restoration projects. Look for the antique autos in a chronological procession in the southern end of the cemetery. Water and rest facilities will be provided, as well as a parking shuttle from the downtown courthouse square from 1-5 p.m. Metered parking spaces and municipal garages downtown are free to the public on Sunday. No pets, please!
Date/Time: Oct. 21 from 1:30-4:30PM
Cost: FREE (donations welcome)
Location: 202 Maple Hill Street, Huntsville (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Family Pumpkin Painting
Bring your own pumpkin and we’ll supply the rest! We will have glue, buttons, googley eyes and other 3D materials in addition to paint for this fun class for all ages! Our artist will assist you with your ideas and execution.
Date/Time: Oct. 22 from 5:30PM-7:30PM
Cost: $15 (price is per pumpkin)
Location: The Art Room at Straight to Ale (Campus 805, 2nd floor) (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Witch’s Day at Lowe Mill
Join us at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment for Witches Day! Don’t know Witches Day is? No worries, it’s exactly what it sounds like— a day for all the witches to dress up in their fancy and fabulous garb and hang out at Huntsville’s premiere arts and entertainment facility.
Date/Time: Oct. 25 | 12PM-6PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Lowe Mill (map)
More Info: Website
The EarlyWorks Halloween Bash
Put on your costumes and join us for Halloween games, crafts, and of course safe Trick or Treating at the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum! Be sure to bring your trick or treating bags and enjoy safe Halloween fun for all ages! Games and crafts are included in admission. Concessions will be an additional charge. This event is non-refundable. There are a limited number of tickets available so be sure to get them early!
Date/Time: October 26 | 5-8PM
Cost: $5 in advance; $8 at the door (if available) | Adults are $3 | Children under 1 are FREE
Location: EarlyWorks Children’s Museum (map)
More Info: Facebook | Website
Dr. Osborn’s Magical Laboratory
Doctor Osborn is bringing his annual bag of Halloween tricks and treats back to the Fantasy Arts Center in October! This is family fun (balloons! magic! comedy!) for all ages. Costumes are encouraged.
Date/Time: Oct. 26 & 27 at 7PM | Oct. 27 & 28 at 2PM
Cost: $8
Location: Fantasy Playhouse (map)
More Info: 256-539-6829 | Website
Drive-In on The Dock ‘Halloween Fright Flicks’
‘Halloween Fright Flicks’ will be a triple feature scary picture show on as many screens scattered across the grounds of Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment. The east dock is the main attraction and will be ‘drive-in movie’ ready. Sit on the lawn to get spooky or park your ride and watch in horror! Tune your car radios to hear the film just like the good ole’ days at the drive-in. If the outside flick doesn’t satisfy your blood lust, venture around the grounds or inside the building to find a little something for the more gore savvy. Don’t venture too far into the shadows though, you may find things there that you can’t un-see… Parental Discretion Advised–Films Rated PG-13 to even worse!
Date/Time: Oct. 27 | 7PM-11:45PM
Cost: FREE; Parking $10 (carpooling encouraged)
Location: Lowe Mill (map)
More Info: Website
Boo-tanica
Get your costumes ready because BOOtanica is back! This spooktacular event is all about Halloween fun, with crafts, games, face painting, music, hayrides, and more. Visit the BOOtterfly House for trick or treating and join in the popular costume parade!
Date/Time: Oct. 27 from 10AM-12PM
Cost: $5 (plus garden admission or membership)
Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
More Info: Website
Howl-o-ween
Spooky fun event with your pets! Please join us for our annual Canine Carnival with a Halloween twist. All dogs must be up to date on vaccines as well as kept on a leash. Leashes will be provided if you do not have one.
Date/Time: Oct. 27 from 11AM-2PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Winchester Road Animal Hospital (map)
More Info: Facebook
Build A Bat House Day
Date/Time: Oct. 27 from 1PM-4PM
Cost: $20 donation
Location: Lowe Mill A&E (map)
More Info: Website
Haunted House at St. John’s
Date/Time: Oct. 27 from 6PM-9PM
Cost: $5
Location: St. John the Baptist Catholic School (map)
Express Mall-O-Ween Extravaganza
Put on your favorite Halloween Express Huntsville costume and come to Parkway for a Spooktacular Halloween Party! This family-friendly event will take place on the lower level throughout the mall! Our DJ and face painting will take place in center court. Enjoy pumpkin painting with Tate Farms and Creepy Cookie decorating with Great American Cookies at Parkway Place Mall, kids and their parents will get to compete in a fun Junior Face Off Competition to win a $50 Halloween Express Huntsville gift card! Enjoy character appearances with super heroes and princesses!. 500 candy bags will be handed out at the Customer Service desk!
Date/Time: October 27 from 12PM-2PM (while supplies last)
Cost: FREE
Location: Parkway Place Mall (map)
More Info: Website
2nd Annual Howl-O-Ween Event at Insanity Complex
Bring the family and your 4-legged friends for a great day of fun at the 2nd Annual Howl-O-Ween with ZYP and Insanity Complex! Games, music, Halloween Trick Or Treating, plus costume contests for Kids and for Pets, with great prizes, including tickets To Marvel Universe Live, Sesame Street Live, and Insanity Complex Prize Packs. There’s a $10 Costume Contest entry fee, or do both contests for $15! Proceeds from the event will benefit local area No Kill Animal Shelters.
Date/Time: October 27 from 11AM-2PM
Cost: FREE ($10 for Costume Contest entry)
Location: 100 Skate Park Drive, Madison (map)
More Info: Facebook
Teen Magical Masquerade Ball
Tweens and teens ages 12-18 only, join us for the annual Magical Masquerade Ball at the Downtown Huntsville Library. Costumes are strongly encouraged! Students of magical schools (ahem) can convene to practice wand skills, dance floor decorum, enter a costume contest, try their hand at the first ever library escape room and of course battle for victory in another epic BYO nerf game. Security will be provided by the Huntsville Police Department.
Date/Time: Oct. 27 | 8PM-Midnight
Cost: $10 in advance/ $15 at door
Location: Main Library (map)
More Info: Facebook | Website
Halloween 5K Run & Monster Mile
Huntsville’s Fleet Feet Sports invites you to join runners, walkers, ghosts, and goblins of all ages at the Halloween 5K Run and Monster Mile on October 27, 2018 Get crafty and creative and participate in the costume contest or, better yet, compete in costume! The 5K will begin promptly at 8am with the 1 mile at 9:00am. Awards, for both races and all costumes, will follow the 1 Mile (around 9:30am)
Date/Time: Oct. 27 | 8AM-10AM
Cost: FREE for spectators; 5K is $30 through Sept. 30th, then $35; 1-mile is $15 through Sept. 30th, then $20
Location: Downtown Huntsville (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Kids & Family Sugar Skull Bunny Painting In the Park
This lesson will take place at Big Spring Park by the Bunny art installation brought to you by Art’s Huntsville! Be sure to bring a blanket to sit on and we’ll provide the rest! Templates are pre-traced for our smallest painters. Painters are also welcome to add kitty, or bunny ears (or whatever other animal they would like to make) and change the colors. Aprons are provided, but please dress children in paint friendly clothing.
Date/Time: Oct. 28 from 2PM-3:45PM
Cost: $25
Location: Big Spring Park (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Hike-a-Hound Costume Party
This hike is for the dogs! The Humane Society of Greater Huntsville will bring along some adorable, costumed dogs ready for Halloween and a forever home. Take an adoptable dog on a test-hike or bring your own pup along in festive Halloween attire! Dog lovers and Land Trust Friends Matt and Kasey Powers will be your guide as we make our way to Alum Hollow’s beautiful waterfall. We do recommend long pants and comfortable shoes with good tread, bottled water, hiking sticks, trail snacks, and a camera to capture the experience! Dogs must be on leads. In case of rain, hikes will be canceled; Please verify cancellation on our Facebook Page.
Date/Time: Oct. 28 | 2PM-4PM
Cost: FREE
Location: 13800 South Shawdee Road (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Lucky Dice Cafe Trunk or Treat and Spooky Bash
Join us Sunday, October 28, from 2-5 PM for the 1st Annual Lucky Dice Cafe Trunk or Treat and Spooky Bash. Bring your little ones for treats inside and out. Food will be served. Lucky Dice, in conjunction with Irreverent Geeks, will be hosting activity tables for the kids. They can make slime, their own paper polyhedral dice and spiders! Contest will be held for both Trunks and Costumes with trophies and prizes given out. Those in costume will receive a discount at the register.
Date/Time: Oct. 28 | 2PM-5PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Lucky Dice Cafe (map)
More Info: Facebook
World Conspiracy’s 12th Annual Zombie Walk
This year we would like to invite “ALL CREATURES” to walk with us! It doesn’t matter if you are a beauty or a beast, all monsters are invited to walk with the undead! So put on your favorite Halloween costume and join in the fun! What is a zombie walk, you ask… It’s where you and your friends get together and dress up like zombies. Together We walk downtown looking for BRAINS. If you would like to participate in this year’s Zombie Walk, please meet us at the Downtown Clinton Street Parking Garage at 2:00. Routes & directions will be given at this time. The Walk will start at 2:30. We are asking EACH participant to bring 1 item of cat or dog food. All food will be donated to A New Leash on Life! If you would like to view the walk, the outskirts of Big Spring Park will provide the best views. This is a family & kid friendly event!
Date/Time: Oct. 28 | 2PM-4PM
Cost: FREE; cat and dog food donations encouraged
Location: Big Spring Park (map)
More Info: Facebook
Blossomwood Witches Ride
The Blossomwood Witches Ride (BWR) is a fun bike ride through the neighborhood of Blossomwood. Women dress up as witches, ride their brooms (bikes) and throw candy to the little monsters (kids) along the posted route. ALL children are welcome to come out and enjoy the free candy. Children are asked to be accompanied by an adult to safely walk on the sidewalks while the witches fly by. Although we do proudly carry the Blossomwood name (due to location), witches from anywhere are welcome to ride!
Date/Time: Oct. 28 | 4:30PM
Cost: FREE for spectators
Location: Route begins at Blossomwood Elementary (map); See full route here!
More Info: Website | Facebook
Halloween Puppet Show at Eleanor E. Murphy
Children of all ages can join our puppet pals for a fun show featuring stories, rhymes, and songs followed by a simple craft.
Date/Time: Oct. 29 | 4PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Eleanor E. Murphy Branch Library (map)
More Info: Website
Village on FRIGHTsburg
Time to celebrate our favorite spooky holiday, Halloween! Join all of our lovely Village on Whitesburg tenants as we celebrate with goodies, live music, and special appearances by some of our favorite stars. This is a free event and open to our community. Feel free to stay for dinner at some of our favorite restaurants. Don’t forget your costume!
Date/Time: Oct. 31 | 5PM-7:30PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Village on Whitesburg Shopping Center (map)
More Info: Facebook
Spooky Space Spectacular
Come dressed in your best costume and join us as the Rocket Center holds its fifth annual Halloween Spooky Space Spectacular. The fun-filled event takes place Wednesday, Oct. 31, in the Saturn V Hall and surrounding areas from 4 to 8 p.m. Activities include a costume contest, hands-on science activities and more. The Moon Shot, G-Force, and Lunar Lander simulators are also part of the fun, weather permitting.
Date/Time: Oct. 31 | 4PM-8PM
Cost: $20 for a family of up to five or $5 per person
Location: U.S. Space & Rocket Center (map)
More Info: Facebook
Spooktacular Puppet Show & All Day Halloween Party
Halloween is here again, which means it’s time to trick-or-treat your library! Visit all 3 floors for some tasty treats and enjoy a scavenger hunt in Youth Services. PLUS…It’s a Halloween Spooktacular Puppet Show, featuring fun tales pulled from some of our favorite books, rhymes, and songs! Bring along the whole family to enjoy your Halloween treats and a show.
Date/Time: Oct. 31 | 9AM-9PM | Puppet Shows at 9:30AM, 10:30AM and 4PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Huntsville Public Library Downtown (map)
More Info: Website
Mad Al’s Insane Halloween
The biggest trick or treating event of the year is happening at Insanity Complex! Trick or treating is from 5-8pm. The rest of the night is filled with costume contests sponsored by 104.3 WZYP, guess the number contest, monster mash freeze dance, pie eating contest, corn hole games, balloon scramble! Last year we had over 2000 kids. Let’s see how many we can get this year!
Date/Time: October 31 from 5-9PM
Cost: FREE
Location: 100 Skate Park Drive, Madison (map)
More Info: Facebook
Do you know of a Halloween event we missed? We’d love to add it, just send us a note at [email protected] and be sure to include the information listed here (e.g. Date/Time, Cost, URL, Location).
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