Photograph courtesy of Eddie Ray
Your guide: Eddie Ray
The Adult Swim production coordinator and manager, a self-confessed Halloween fanatic, starts planning his costume and celebrating the holiday well before trick-or-treaters come knocking.
Photograph courtesy of Six Flags
Prior to October 1
I already have my door theme decided (Elvira? Ghostbusters? Stranger Things?), begun work on a costume, and started visiting haunted houses. Plus, Six Flags Fright Fest has begun, as have Netherworld in Stone Mountain and other haunted houses.
Photograph by Josh Meister
October 1
Local theaters—Plaza Theatre and Landmark Midtown Arts Cinema—start showing special screenings of older horror films. Think Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street. Pop-up costume shops, like Spirit Halloween, are open.
Photograph courtesy of Yule Forest
October 8
If I haven’t visited 13 Stories Haunted House in Newnan, Fear the Woods in Stockbridge, Camp Blood in Carrollton, and Folklore Haunted House in Acworth, I’m going. Though outside Atlanta, they’re worth the drive.
October 18–20
Walker Stalker Con, the annual meetup of zombie buffs, is held at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Photograph by Wes Carter
October 19
For the past few years, I’ve passed out candy to kids in the Little Five Points Halloween Parade from a float sponsored by a haunted house or Adult Swim. It’s the who’s who of Atlanta’s Halloween and horror scenes. There are DIY costumes and candy for kids. It’s approachable and fun. Stay in L5P after the parade, and get your dance and drink on.
October 21
I’ll carve my first Jack-o-Lantern. A scary face on a candle-lit pumpkin protects your house from evil spirits.
October 25–26
It’s Hallo-weekend, which means I’m visiting lots of parties. Also on the itinerary is the Grant Park Halloween lantern parade.
October 31
On the big night, I keep it simple by passing out candy to trick-or-treaters, or watching John Carpenter’s Halloween with a few friends. And I’ll add a fresh pumpkin to the porch.
November 1
Time to get my ass out of bed, and head to the stores! Halloween-related items are marked down!
This article appears in our October 2019 issue.
