Where to Find the Funkiest Halloween Events in Georgia

Skip your typical Halloween festival or event this year and opt for something a little more, well, unique. In Georgia, family travelers will find both spooky and family-friendly experiences across the state.

© Only in Cartersville Bartow Tourism

Cartersville-Bartow

Two great experiences await in this county on the outskirts of Atlanta. On Oct. 14, the Covered Bridge Fall Festival comes to Euharlee town. From 1 a.m. to 5 p.m., Frankie Harris Park next to Covered Bridge, one of Georgia’s oldest covered bridges, becomes the home to more than 100 arts and fall festival vendors. Food, entertainment, hayrides, cornhole, face painting and more await.

For parents or adult children, don’t miss out on the Halloween Pub Crawl in downtown Cartersville. Be one of the first 200 ticket holders and receive a fun Cartersville-branded cup. Halloween attire is highly recommended during the 12-stop tour. All proceeds are split between the 12 locations.

© Explore Newnan-Coweta

Newnan-Coweta

Also near Atlanta, this county provides visitors with an abundance of Halloween and fall-inspired activities and events this season. Head to Oak Hill Cemetery in the center of Newnan to take a fascinating tour of the grounds. On Oct. 21, skilled guides lead guests through the twilight of specific gravesites, telling tales of the city’s history.

Fans of the hit series The Walking Dead can’t forget to take a tour of Grantville and Senoia, two filming sites of the show. This tour gives a real-life experience of where the zombies came to life, blending history and pop culture in the most unique ways.  Also in Grantville is the spooky, 19^th-century Bonnie Castle, a Victorian-era mansion with decades of paranormal activity and sightings to its name.

Festival seekers need not go far, for the Spirits and Spice Festival (Oct. 21, 2–7 p.m.) in downtown Newnan welcomes guests with specialty cocktails, festive food, a chili cook-off and talented artists showcasing their work.

© Visit Athens, Georgia

Athens

Up in northeastern Georgia, Athens celebrates Halloween with two exciting experiences. Wild Rumpus, one of the Southeast’s most noted festivals, is considered Athens’ version of Mardi Gras, complete with live music, vibrant costumes, a parade, performances and more. This year’s event occurs Oct. 28.

Don’t forget to take the Athens Haunted Walking tour while in the city. Open year-round, this tour takes on an even spookier air come Halloween. Led by local historian Jeff Clarke, guests learn about the ghosts of Colonial Georgia, the Civil War, Prohibition, the Great Depression and Civil Rights Movement, combining history with great storytelling.