From ghastly puppets and a parade of weird creatures to a haunted casino, giant jack-o’-lanterns, and a murder-mystery drag show, here are five zany events to enjoy this October.
Where the Weird Things Are
Photo by Erin Sintos.
Photo by Erin Sintos.
Cardboard monsters mash and take over Historic Fourth Ward Park. Chantelle Rytter, the creator of the Beltline Lantern Parade, and her Krewe of Grateful Gluttons host the annual event in its fourth year. But this isn’t a typical parade—it’s “upside down” where participants stand around the park as spectators walk by and trade handmade trinkets. The Gluttons’ brass band soundtracks the night. Join the haunt or disguise yourself as a “weird thing” at this free, all-ages night that kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on October 24.
Pee-Wee’s big Halloween
Photo by @hellacurious.
Solve a Halloween murder mystery at Lore, the fun and eccentric two-story queer bar on Edgewood Avenue, during its Pee-Wee’s Playhouse anniversary show. There’s been a capital crime at the playhouse, and Pee-Wee and the audience must find the killer. Be ready to tip spooky drag performers like Elle O’Elle, Orchid, and Kolor the Rapper. Join for brunch on October 25 or dinner service on October 27. General admission for this 21+. Event is $15, but reserve a table starting at $40 for two to ensure a spot right in the middle of the mystery.
A ghastly ghoulish affair
Courtesy of the Center for Puppetry Arts.
Spook yourself at one of the Center for Puppetry Arts’ longest-running original adult puppet shows, The Ghastly Dreadfuls. Seven specters use puppetry, song, and dance to tell classic ghost stories from a silly “Danse Macabre” graveyard party to the haunting “The 11:59” short story about a porter awaiting an infamous ghost train. In honor of the 20th anniversary, join for a Hallows’ Eve fete with costume contests and a retrospective exhibition of puppets before the performance. Tickets are $60 for this 18+ night and include one drink and snacks. Festivities start at the Midtown museum at 6 p.m. with curtains going up at 8 p.m. Can’t make the celebration? The show will be playing throughout the week before.
A rooftop haunted casino
Photo courtesy of Slater Hospitality.
Photo courtesy of Slater Hospitality.
Get your scares with a skyline view at the Roof at Ponce City Market. A carnival and casino opens on the roof, and the stakes are high. Costume contest winners can net more than $1,000 in cash and prizes. For $36 general admission tickets, dance the night away with DJ Opdiggy, play mini golf, and look out for spectral surprises. The $110 VIP ticket gets access to all of the above, plus classic casino games like blackjack, craps, and roulette from zombie dealers. Appetizers and a complimentary glass of bubbly greet VIPS. The casino opens at 8 p.m. and goes until 1 a.m. on October 31, Halloween night.
Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival
Courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden
Courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden
Artists carve gourds at the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s after-hours event. Grab a drink, and vote for the best jack-o’-lantern. Want to get involved? Kid-friendly pumpkin crafts and a silent short film round out the evening. Live music plays throughout, from yacht rock to bluegrass. Don’t miss the decorated scarecrows scattered throughout the gardens. Grab tickets for the October 22 event starting at $35 for nonmember adults and $15 for children.
