Halloween 2023: 65+ ways to get spooky in Alabama

Halloween 2023: 65+ ways to get spooky in Alabama

Halloween falls on a Tuesday this year. That means we have a full weekend (and two extra days!) to strut in costumes, tiptoe through haunted houses, light jack o’lanterns and engage in spooky fun. Here are some creepy-good events planned throughout the state, Oct. 27-31.

ROCKY HORROR MASQUERADE BALL

When: Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m.- 10 p.m.

Where: Avondale Brewing Co., 201 41st St. South, Birmingham.

What to expect: Halloween party with DJ music and costume contests.

Admission: $30 via Eventbrite.

HALLOWEEN GHOST HUNT & DINING WITH THE DEAD AT SMITH LAKE CAVE

When: Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m.

Where: 498 County Road 3135, Houston.

What to expect: Paranormal investigation and ghost hunt at Smith Lake cave, rustic cabin and waterfalls, plus dinner with Halloween theme. Event presented by Southern Ghost Girls Tours. Costumes welcome, not recommended for small or young children. All older children must be accompanied by adult.

Admission: $79.99 via Eventbrite.

WAREHOUSE 31

When: Oct. 27-31. Box office hours are 7 p.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Sundays and weekdays.

Where: 3150 Lee St., Pelham.

What to expect: Two scream-inducing attractions, Rigamortis and 3D Experience. Both are indoors and cover nearly 30,000 square feet of twists and turns, according to organizers. Recommended for those age 12 and older. Younger children may attend when accompanied by parent or guardian.

Admission: $24.95-$64.95.

ATMORE WITCHES RIDE

When: Oct. 27, line up at 5:30 p.m., ride begins 6 p.m.

Where: Main Street, Atmore. Participants line up at Box Car Willie.

What to expect: People costumed as witches ride bikes and golf carts or walk in parade to raise money for charity.

Admission: $25 per bike or broom (walking), $50 per golf cart. Proceeds benefit the Main Street facade grants and downtown revitalization.

Dogs can participate in some Halloween events, and they sure look cute in costumes. (AL.com file photo/Michelle Campbell)

TRICKS FOR TREATS

When: Oct. 27, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Where: Greater Birmingham Humane Society, 300 Snow Drive, Birmingham.

What to expect: “As you make your way through the shelter, be prepared for a trick-or-treating adventure where little ghouls and goblins can collect sweets at various stops. And don’t forget to bring your own candy buckets!”

Admission: Donation of pet food for Humane Society Pet Pantry required for entry. Items needed include dry adult pet food, litter, toys, collars, leashes, new litter scoops and pans.

SCARE YOUR FACE OFF XIII

When: Oct. 27 at 9 p.m.

Where: Saturn, 200 41st St. South, Birmingham.

What to expect: “DIY Birmingham is providing Halloween festivities with cover sets of your old favorites by Birmingham’s finest musicians. It’s a costume party! Dress up and get a discount at the door. Ghouls with the creepiest costumes get prizes, in addition to a hand painted, horrid trophy.”

Admission: $10 in costume, $15 in street clothes, tickets sold at the door.

EARLYWORKS HALLOWEEN BASH

When: Oct. 27-28, 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Where: Earlyworks Children’s Museum, 404 Madison St. Southeast, Huntsville.

What to expect: Trick-or-treating at candy stations throughout the museum, scheduled at 30-minute intervals.

Admission: $10 for those ages 4 and older, free for kids age 3 and younger.

’SUSPIRA’

When: Oct. 27-29.

Where: Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema, 1821 Second Ave. North, Birmingham.

What to expect: Four screenings of 1977 movie by Dario Argento.

Admission: $6-$10.75

ATROX FACTORY

When: Oct. 27-29 and 31. Tours start at 7 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. or midnight, depending on the day.

Where: 8404 Parkway Drive, Leeds.

What to expect: Atrox Factory bills itself as “the largest indoor haunted attraction in the Southeast,” with “50,000 square feet of mind-numbing terror and over 1/4 mile of twisted hallways and shocking surprises.” Those ages 13 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Celebrity appearances: Richard Brake of “Doom” and “Hannibal Rising,” Oct. 27-28; Jeff Daniel Phillips of “The Munsters” and “Christmas Bloody Christmas,” Oct. 27-28.

Admission: $25-$30 general admission, $50-$60 VIP (no waiting in line). Online ticket sales based on timed entry at half-hour intervals. Ticket booth open at event for cash purchases.

OWL-O-WEEN

When: Oct. 28, 10 p.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Alabama Wildlife Center, 100 Terrace Drive, Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham.

What to expect: Children’s activities, games, crafts, candy, owl shows, tours.

Admission: Park entry fee $2-$5, free admission to wildlife center. Donations welcome or items from center’s wish lists.

Halloween

Halloween is almost here, and Alabama’s event calendar is filled with spooky things to do. (Mary Colurso | [email protected])

HALLOWEEN FAIRYLAND

When: Oct. 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., trick-or-treating at 5 p.m.

Where: Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla.

What to expect: Trick-or-treating at campgrounds, children’s activities in park.

Admission: $3-$5.

Also: Halloween hayrides and ghost tours at park on Oct. 27-28, starting at 6 p.m., $5.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKY SPACE SPECTACULAR

When: Oct. 28, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Where: U.S. Space and Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville.

What to expect: Hands-on activities, music by DJ Teddy, trick-or-treating and more. Costumes encouraged.

Admission: $10, $40 for families of five people, free for kids age 1 and younger, available here.

CAHABA HEIGHTS WITCHES RIDE

When: Saturday, Oct. 28. On-site registration starts at 2 p.m., ride starts at 3 p.m.

Where: Meet at New Merkle Community Center, 2150 Hollis Crossings, Vestavia Hills.

What to expect: “Grab all of your favorite witches, dress up yourself, your bikes, and/or your golf carts, and get ready for an afternoon of fun and friendship,” organizers say via Eventbrite. “Ride through Cahaba Heights throwing candy, and spreading fun and Halloween cheer throughout the community.”

Plus: Family-friendly block party at The Heights Village after the ride. Prizes for best team theme and best decorated bike.

Registration: $25 via Eventbrite. Proceeds benefit Cahaba Heights Merchants Association project, for landscaping improvements to corner of Cahaba Heights Road and Dolly Ridge Road.

Hocus Pocus

From left, Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker in “Hocus Pocus.” (Courtesy photo/Buena Vista Pictures)

‘HOCUS POCUS’

When: Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Where: Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. North, Birmingham.

What to expect: Screenings of 1993 fantasy movie starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker as a trio of witches, the Sanderson sisters. Event begins with sing-along to music played on Mighty Wurlitzer organ.

Admission: $10 plus service charges, via Ticketmaster.

GHOUL GHOUL GORILLA

When: Oct. 28 at 9 p.m.

Where: Saturn, 200 41st St. South, Birmingham.

What to expect: Dance party featuring DJ Ghoul Ghoul Gorilla, plus darkwave/Goth jams by B. Sonnier.

Admission: Free.

Historic Drish House

The Historic Drish House in Tuscaloosa was featured in Kathryn Tucker Windham’s book ”13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey.” (Ben Flanagan |[email protected])

DRISH HOUSE MIDNIGHT MADNESS PARANORMAL LOCKDOWN HALLOWEEN GHOST HUNT

When: Oct. 28, 11:30 p.m.-2 a.m.

Where: Historic Drish House, 2300 17th St, Tuscaloosa.

What to expect: Interactive paranormal investigation and ghost hunt at Tuscaloosa mansion built in 1837, featured in Kathryn Tucker Windham’s ”13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey.” Halloween costumes optional. Event presented by Southern Ghost Girls Tours.

Admission: $55 via Eventbrite.

Also: Southern Ghost Girls Tours has scheduled a Ghost Hunt and Dinner with the Dead at Drish House on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. Tickets are sold out for that event.

TRICK OR TREAT AT LOWE MILL

When: Oct. 28, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville.

What to expect: Trick-or-treating at arts studios. “We’re summoning up to 3,000 characters, including the enchanting Barbie, dashing Ken, the sensational Taylor Swift, and a legion of caped crusaders to haunt the historic halls of our textile mill!”

Admission: Free, candy donations welcome.

THE HORROR TUSCALOOSA

When: Oct. 27-31. Opens at 7 p.m. and closes between 10 p.m.-midnight, depending on the day.

Where: 5477 Skyland Blvd. East, Cottondale.

What to expect: “Experience a massive haunted house with two themes that will test your sanity,” organizers say. “Prepare yourself for classic horror scares and new terrifying visions as you traverse room after room of horror.” Children ages 13 and younger must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

Admission: $28 general admission, $43 fast pass, $10 ax throwing, $5 parking.

TREK OR TREAT

When: Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Learning Campus, Gulf State Park, 20115 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores.

What to expect: Bike ride in costumes, games, pumpkin carving, crafts, candy, music and more.

Admission: Free with park admission.

HALLOWEEN & HAUNTED HOUSE

When: Oct. 28, 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Where: Orion Amphitheater, 701 Amphitheater Drive Northwest, Huntsville.

What to expect: Halloween party with trunk or treat, bounce houses, food trucks, vendor market and more. Hosted by Huntsville Police Department and Parks & Recreation.

Admission: Free.

BOO AT BELLINGRATH

When: Oct. 28, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 2401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore.

What to expect: Inflatables, candy, spooky story time, live music, food trucks, screening of “Halloweentown.”

Admission: $12-$18.

SPOOKAPALOOZA

When: Oct. 28, 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Where: DeSoto State Park, 7104 DeSoto Parkway Northeast, Fort Payne.

What to expect: Trick-or-treating at improved campground.

Admission: Free.

MASSACRE ISLAND HAUNTED BIKE RIDE

When: Oct. 28, 6 p.m.- 10 p.m.

Where: Green Park, 302 Lemoyne Drive, Dauphin Island.

What to expect: 5-mile ride passes some of Dauphin Island’s “most haunted spots.” Haunted block party follows at Dority’s Bar and Grill, 1010 Bienville Blvd, with live music, candy and costume contest.

Admission: $20 registration via Eventbrite. Proceeds benefit Animal Rescue Foundation.

MONSTER BASH

When: Oct. 28, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.

Where: Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville.

What to expect: Halloween party with DJ music, costume contest and more.

Admission: $20; tickets available here.

Halloween kids

Kids and costumes are part of the fun at the ArtPlay Family Halloween Party in Birmingham. (AL.com file photo/Joe Songer)

ARTPLAY HALLOWEEN FAMILY SPOOKTACULAR

When: Oct. 28 at 1 p.m.

Where: ArtPlay, 1006 19th St. South, Birmingham.

What to expect: Family-friendly part with Halloween activities, food and music. Costumes welcome.

Admission: Free.

SPOOKTRAIL HAUNTED MAZE

When: Oct. 27-31. Hours 7:30 p.m.-midnight. “No scare” tour on Oct. 29, along with regular tours.

Where: 17327 Alabama 269, Quinton.

What to expect: Organizers tout a “haunted maze of monsters and mayhem, over a quarter mile long journey through the woods, inside the old sexton’s junkyard.”

Admission: $15, $10 with canned food item for regular tours; $10 for “no scare” tours on Sundays, $5 with canned food item.

WALES WEST LIGHT RAILWAY PUMPKIN PATCH EXPRESS AND SCARY NIGHT TRAIN

When: Oct. 27-31.

Where: 13670 Smiley St., Silverhill.

What to expect: Kid-friendly train ride by day, haunted thrill ride by night. Wales West is an RV park and campground with a railroad theme park. Scary Night Train starts at dusk.

Extras: Pumpkin patch, tractor rides, concessions and more.

Admission: $26.75, free for children younger than age 2 who can sit on adults’ laps. Tickets available online with specific dates and times of departure.

Kid friendly? Daytime activities geared to children, but train ride gets more intense when sun goes down.

NIGHTMARE CHAMBERS

When: Oct. 27-31. Hours 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Where: OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd., Foley.

What to expect: “The Invasion, a haunting experience that will shatter the boundaries of your reality and plunge you into extraterrestrial terror,” the OWA website says. “The Invasion is not just a haunted house; it’s a descent into the depths of a cosmic nightmare, a journey that will haunt your dreams long after you escape its clutches. Will you survive the invasion, or become a permanent resident of this twisted realm?”

Plus: “Mystic Mansion, located inside Tropic Falls, will be transformed into a grueling maze of terror with freight behind every corner,” the website says. “Hop onto a ghost hunting vehicle and prepare to scream. But be sure to keep an eye out for what lurks in the dark!”

Admission: $19.99 general admission, $24.99 combo ticket, $39.99 VIP to skip the line.

HELENA HOLLOW

When: Through October, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Patch closes at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29.

Where: 6207 Highway 17, Helena, about 27 miles south of Birmingham.

What to expect: Pumpkin patch, swings, slides, corn barn, farm animals, snack shack and more. Food trucks, horse rides, trampoline bungee rides on Saturdays-Sundays only.

Admission: Fridays, $10.95 online, $13 at gate; Saturdays-Sundays, $12.95 online, $15 at gate. Free for kids age 2 and younger. Pumpkins $3.50 each, not included in admission. Horse rides and mechanical bull rides, $5; trampoline bungee rides $10. No pets allowed.

Halloween

Halloween events will feature trick-or-treating, scary costumes, music and more. (AL.com file photo/Joe Songer)

ARX MORTIS

When: Oct. 27-29 and 31. Ticket office opens at 7 p.m. Hours 7:30 p.m.-midnight Oct. 27-28, 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 29 and 31.

Where: 4051 U.S. 72, Killen.

What to expect: “Legendary Haunt featuring five terrifying stories including Sir Cecil’s World Famous Bigtop, Covington Clinic, Cell Block 9, Deadwater Bayou and The Underground,” Arx Mortis website says. “Arx Mortis Haunted Attraction is not recommended for children under 13,” the website says. “However, it really depends on the person. You can bring all of the kids you want, but remember that we provide an EXTREMELY frightening experience that may not be suited for those of an impressionable age.”

Extras: Fright Town entertainment zone, cave-themed arcade, interactive Outbreak: Zombie Shootout.

Admission: $29.99-$59.99 VIP, plus service fees.

CITY OF CHAOS

When: Oct. 27-31. Opens 7 p.m. closes 10 p.m. or midnight, depending on the day.

Where: Combat Park, 6755 Curry Station Road, Eastaboga.

What to expect: “The grounds of the city have been shifting each night,” the City of Chaos website says. “We have been experiencing different smells we can not explain in the air and finding trails of blood entering tunnel 109. The voices keep telling us there will be an uprising on the grounds this year. A new evil is lurking in the City of Chaos this haunt season. Come prepared to face your worst nightmares!” Those age 13 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Attractions: Haunted City of Chaos & Tunnel 109 (walking trail with eight buildings, graveyard, creepy playground and underground tunnel), plus three paintball experiences: Haunted Shooting Gallery, Chaos Convoy, Cataclysmic Convoy.

Extras: Carnival rides and games.

Admission: $20 Haunted City of Chaos, $40 to skip line; $15-$400 for paintball attractions, $15 kids night. New $50 combo ticket for Haunted City of Chaos & Tunnel 109, Haunted Shooting Gallery and Chaos Convoy.

“DRACULA”

When: Oct. 27-28 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 29 at 2:30 p.m.

Where: Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive, Mobile.

What to expect: Performance of play about the iconic vampire and his victims.

Admission: $20, $18 students and seniors.

COLUMBIA MANOR

When: Oct. 27-28 and 31. Hours 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 27-28, 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 31.

Where: 306 S. Main St., Columbia.

What to expect: “Travel back in time as former residents return from the afterlife accompanied by some familiar friends as you tour through their past abode known now as Columbia Manor,” organizers say on the Columbia Manor Facebook page. Not recommended for children younger than age 6.

Admission: $15 general admission, $35 fast pass. Part of proceeds benefits Columbia Volunteer Fire & Rescue Emergency Squad.

4D FARM

When: Through October, 2 p.m-7 p.m. Thursdays, 2 p.m.-9 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Sundays.

Where: 7182 County Road 703, Cullman, about 51 miles north of Birmingham.

What to expect: Pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn maze, farm animals, barnyard bounce, bungee jump, swings, slides, pony cart rides and more. Food includes pizza, doughnuts, funnel cakes, apple cider slushies, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders and barbecue.

Admission: Day pass $15.95 Thursdays; other days $21.95 online, $24.95 at farm; season pass $42.95. Free for kids age 2 and younger. Pumpkins $8 each from field. No pets allowed.

DARKWOODS HAUNTED FOREST

When: Oct. 27-29 and 31; Nov. 3-4 Opens at dark, closes midnight Oct. 27-28, 10 p.m. Oct. 29 and 31.

Where: 27600 County Road 64, Robertsdale.

What to expect: Darkwoods Haunted Forest, Casket Experience, Escape or Die: The I-10 Slasher Experience. See descriptions of the attractions here. Those ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Escape or Die attraction for those age 18 and older.

Admission: $20, $15 kids age 12 and younger for Darkwoods Haunted Forest, $10 Casket Experience, $50 Escape or Die (starts Oct. 13).

Halloween costumes

Halloween costumes inspired my movies, such as “Edward Scissorhands,” are popular during the spooky season. (AL.com file photo/Linda Stelter)

DOOMSDAY HAUNTED ATTRACTION

When: Oct. 27-28 and 31; Nov. 4. Hours 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 27-28 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Oct 31 and Nov. 4. (Also open Dec. 2 for Twisted Christmas Toy Drive.)

Where: 24952 U.S. 72 East, Athens.

What to expect: Hybrid immersive haunt allows you to become a part of the scenes,” organizers say on Facebook. “Twisted trails, a nuclear-era abandon town and horror lurking around every corner in a 45+ minute walkthrough.”

Extras: Corn maze.

Admission: $28 general admission, $50 slash pass to cut the line, $10 corn maze.

HAUNTED CHICKEN HOUSE

When: Oct. 27-28. Hours 7 p.m.-midnight.

Where: 7522 U.S. 431, Heflin.

What to expect: Haunted chicken house, haunted hayride, crazy train. Storyline focuses on Chicken Dan, the mutant chickens he raised and the gruesome war that ensued. “You will experience intense audio, lighting, extreme low visibility, strobe lights, fog, damp or wet conditions, moving floors, special effects, sudden actions and an overall physically demanding environment,” organizers say on the website.

Admission: $25 one attraction, $40 two attractions, $60 three attractions, $25 VIP tickets advance visitors to front of line.

GRIFFIN FARMS PUMPKIN PATCH

When: Through October, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Sundays.

Where: 826 Griffin Road, West Blocton, about 42 miles southwest of Birmingham.

What to expect: Pumpkin patch, hayrides, food trucks, corn maze, animal barn, bouncy barn, swings, slides, hay mountain, king-size corn bed, bison enclosure and more.

Admission: $10, free for kids younger than age 2. Does not include pumpkins, which are priced at market value and subject to change, the farm website says. Some charges for other activities. No pets allowed.

HAUNTED HOLLOW

When: Oct. 27-28. Hours 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Where: 12570 Lee Road 279, Valley.

What to expect: Three horrifying attractions: Finn’s Funeral Home & Casket Co., Village of the Dead, Spinal Tap and Clown Town.

Admission: $35 includes all three haunts, available at the gate only, no checks or debit cards. Parking is $5.

HELLBILLY HOLLOW

When: Oct. 27-29. Hours are 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 27, 7 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Oct. 28,, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 29.

Where: 425 Country Road 467, Vincent.

What to expect: Haunted house, corn maze, tractor ride through spooky swamp.

Admission: $26.

SCARECROWS IN THE GARDENS

When: Oct. 27-31, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 2401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore.

What to expect: Scarecrows on display.

Admission: $16 adults, $10 kids ages 5-12 for gardens only.

INSANITARIUM

When: Oct. 27-31. Hours are 7 p.m. midnight Oct. 27-28, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 29-31.

Where: 8433 Gadsden Highway, Trussville

What to expect: Scary scenes, costumed actors, sets and props. Parents must decide; organizers rate attraction as PG-13. Kids ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adults.

Admission: $20, $45 “R.I.P.” pass to skip the line.

LESTER HAUNTED HOSPITAL

When: Oct. 27-28 and 31. Hours are 7 p.m.-11 p.m.

Where: 30338 Lester Road, Lester.

What to expect: Charity-run haunted attraction. Scare 4 Charity says it’s taken over an old hospital reputed to be a center for paranormal activity. Children younger than age 13 must be accompanied by adult age 18 or older.

Admission: $20.

The Great Pumpkin Patch

The Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden is a popular spot in October. (AL.com file photo/Mark Almond)

THE GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH

When: Through Nov. 5, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Sundays.

Where: 288 Highway 45, Hayden, about 37 miles north of Birmingham.

What to expect: Pumpkin patch, wagon rides, petting zoo, inflatables, country store, food, arts and crafts, bungee jumping, pony rides and more.

Admission: $13-$20 for kids ages 2-15, $10 for those age 16 and older. Armbands include wagon ride with pumpkin from patch, inflatables park, petting zoo. Bungee jumping $10, weekends only; pony rides $5.

MOUNTAIN CREEK TRAIL OF FEAR

When: Oct. 27-28. Tickets sold 7 p.m.-11 p.m.

Where: 1802 Chilton County 23, Verbena.

What to expect: Haunted trail and hayride on 35 acres of land, invaded by creatures that go bump in the night.

Admission: $15 walking trail, $15 hayride, $25 combo ticket.

NIGHTMARE AT 3008

When: Oct. 27-31, Nov. 4. Hours 7 p.m.-midnight Oct. 27-28, 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. Oct. 29-31.

Where: 2015 Decatur Highway, Fultondale.

What to expect: Combined indoor and outdoor trail includes The Underground, The Asylum, The Manor and The Woods.

Admission: $25.

POPE’S HAUNTED FARM

When: Oct. 27-28. Hours are 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m.

Where: Lee Road 724, Salem.

What to expect: Three creepy attractions: Haunted Barn, Dark Harvest Forest, Predator Hayride. Parents decide if kids can handle the “high scare and intense” activities, but children younger than age 12 must be supervised.

Admission: $20 one attraction, $35 two attractions, $45 three attractions.

Decorated pumpkins

Halloween means pumpkins, decorated in a variety of ways. (Dan Gleiter | [email protected])

PARADE OF PUMPKINS

When: Oct. 27-31.

Where: Downtown Prattville, near Main and Chestnut streets.

What to expect: “Pumpkin wonderland” featuring carved and decorated pumpkins, festive storefronts and seasonal displays.

Admission: Free.

PV SLAUGHTERHOUSE HAUNTED ATTRACTION

When: Oct. 27-28 and 31. Hours are 7 p.m.- 11 p.m. Fridays, 7 p.m.-midnight Saturdays, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. and 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 31.

Where: 592 Sam Ellis Drive Northwest, Rainsville,

What to expect: “PV Slaughterhouse is the most intense horror attraction in the city,” the website says. “Featuring a highly immersive environment, PV Slaughterhouse is guaranteed to give you a thrill you won’t soon forget. The haunt attraction is designed to test the limits of your fear, with plenty of scares and surprises around every corner.”

Plus: Gut Pond Trail, another haunted attraction.

Admission: $20, $25 extreme experience, $45 with T-shirt.

PENTON FARMS PUMPKIN PATCH

When: Through October, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays.

Where: 3595 County Road 59, Verbena, about 63 miles south of Birmingham.

What to expect: Pumpkin patch, wagon rides, corn maze, animal barn, corn pit, hay mountain, slides, cow train, snack shack and more.

Admission: $12 for those ages 2 and older, includes one pumpkin from field and all activities except cow train ($3).

Scarecrow Trail

A scarecrow trail is on view at Huntsville Botanical Gardens in 2023. (AL.com file photo/Bob Gathany)

FESTIFALL AT THE GARDENS

When: Oct. 27-31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. most days, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Huntsville Botanical Gardens, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., Huntsville.

What to expect: Scarecrow trail, pumpkins, fall displays, tractors and wagons.

Admission: $12-17 admission to gardens.

SLEEPY HOLLOW HAUNTED FARM

When: Oct. 27-31. Hours are 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m.

Where: 939 Lee County Road 14, Auburn.

What to expect: Three attractions: Psycho Path, Clown Cabin, R.I.P. Ride. Parental guidance recommended for children younger than age 13.

Extras: Concessions.

Admission: Online prices $25 for each attraction, $55 for all three; add $5 to prices when tickets purchased at gate.

THE TERRITORIUM HAUNTED HOUSE & AMUSEMENTS

When: Oct. 27-31. Opens at 7 p.m., closes at 10 p.m. on weeknights, 11 p.m. on weekends.

Where: 25 Choccolocco St., Oxford.

What to expect: Haunted House, Terror Tour, Haunted Castle dark ride from Miracle Strip Amusement Park, Ferris wheel and more.

Admission: $5-$40, cash only.

Halloween masks

Halloween masks at a store in the Birmingham metro area. (AL.com file photo/Beverly Taylor)

HOOTS & HOWLS

When: Oct. 28-29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham.

What to expect: Trick-or-treating on Candy Trail, carousel rides, DJ music at Monster Mash dance party, yard games and more. Costumes encouraged.

Admission: $14.95-$19.95 zoo admission, plus $3.95 candy trail admission.

SPOOKY CEREAL BRUNCH

When: Oct. 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Saturn, 200 41st St. South, Birmingham.

What to expect: Coffee and variety of Halloween cereals with milk. “We’ll be showing spooky Saturday morning cartoons to recreate that nostalgic autumn feeling of sitting around in your PJs and chompin’ on bowls of Count Chocula. PJs and Halloween costumes are welcomed.”

Admission: Free, donations welcome at the door for Birmingham Crisis Center.

“THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA”

When: Oct. 29 at 2 p.m.

Where: Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. North, Birmingham.

What to expect: Screening of classic silent film as Tom Helms plays original score on Big Bertha, theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ.

Admission: $14 adults, $7 children, plus service charges, via Ticketmaster.

HALLOWEEN CATS

When: Oct. 29, 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Where: Elysian Gardens, 101 40th St. South, Birmingham.

What to expect: Margeaux and the Cat’s Meow perform at family-friendly event. Costumes encouraged.

Admission: $10.

HOMEWOOD WITCHES RIDE

When: Sunday, Oct. 29. Event starts at 2 p.m., 2.5-mile ride begins at 5:45 p.m.

Where: Homewood Central Park, 1632 Oxmoor Road, Homewood.

What to expect: “Festive witches riding their brooms (bikes), spreading Halloween cheer by throwing candy to the hundreds of onlooking children along the route,” organizers say via the UAB Giving website.

Plus: Festival at park with DJ music, inflatables, games, food trucks, performance by Homewood High School drum line and more. After-party at Little Donkey, 2701 18th St., Suite 200, Homewood.

Registration: $40. Proceeds benefit the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB.

CANDLELIGHT: A HAUNTED EVENING OF HALLOWEEN CLASSICS

When: Oct. 29 at 8:45 p.m. (6:30 p.m. show sold out)

Where: Steiner Auditorium, Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham.

What to expect: Listeso String Quartet performs Halloween-inspired music in setting lit by LED candles.

Admission: $34-$56.

Witches ride

Witches rides are popular in Alabama in October, heading into Halloween. (Lawrence Specker | [email protected])Lawrence Specker | [email protected]

BLUFF PARK WITCHES RIDE

When: Sunday, Oct. 29. Ride starts at 4 p.m.

Where: 1.5 mile ride starts at 2213 Hawksbury Lane, Hoover.

What to expect: “Register your broom (bike or golfcart), get your witchiest costume and broom decorations ready, pack more candy than you think you need, and join us at the park behind Bluff Park Elementary school as we prepare to fly through the streets for this 1.5 mile ride through the neighborhood,” organizers say via Eventbrite.

Plus: Family-friendly after-party at The Electric sandwich shop and bar, 2146 Tyler Road, Hoover.

Registration: $30 via Eventbrite. Proceeds benefit The WellHouse, a nonprofit that helps to female victims of human trafficking. Facebook page.

STAR LAKE WITCHES RIDE

When: Sunday, Oct. 29. Witches gather at 4:30 p.m., ride starts at 5:45 p.m.

Where: Star Lake, Oriole Drive and Deo Dara Drive, Hoover. Riders line up at the top of Oriole Drive, then ride twice around Star Lake on Deo Dara Drive.

What to expect: “Witches ‘fly’ on decorated bikes and golf carts and throw candy to crowds gathered around Star Lake,” organizers say via Facebook.

Plus: Prizes for best dressed witch, best bike broom, best golf cart broom and more.

Registration: No cost to attend, participants asked to drop off food donation for Green Valley Church Community Food Pantry before the ride. More info here.

TRICK OR TREAT AT THE LIBRARY

When: Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Where: Homewood Public Library, all departments, 1721 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham.

What to expect: Candy stations around library for indoor trick-or-treating. Costumes encouraged.

Admission: Free.

Halloween dogs

Dogs can participate in some Halloween events, and they sure look cute in costumes. (AL.com file photo/Joe Songer)

VULCAN’S SPOOKTACULAR

When: Oct. 31, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Where: Vulcan Park & Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham.

What to expect: Trick-or-treating, photo stations, free popcorn, music and more. Pets welcome.

Admission: $6, $5 for those ages 5-12, free for kids age 4 and younger. Includes entry to museum.

TRUNK OR TREAT PRESENTED BY THE ISLAND CHURCH

When: Oct. 31, activities start at 5 p.m.

Where: The Wharf, 4830 Main St., Orange Beach.

What to expect: Children’s activities start at 5 p.m., trick-or-treating starts at 6 p.m., fireworks at 7:45 p.m.

Admission: Free, fees charged for some activities.

MILK & HONEY: HALLOWEEN

When: Oct. 31 at 8 p.m.

Where: Saturn, 200 41st St. South, Birmingham.

What to expect: “Inclusive party for all gender identities, sexual preferences, orientations, races and entire LGBTQIA+ community.” With DJs, talent show and performances by Kam Kam, The Lie Within Callie, Bella Donna and more. Must be age 18 or older to attend.

Admission: $20, via Saturn website.

SIP & STROLL: SPOOKY SPIRITS

When: Oct. 31, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Where: Orion Amphitheater, 701 Amphitheater Drive Northwest, Huntsville.

What to expect: Night market with handmade arts and goods, food trucks, featured bar specials, live music and more.

Admission: Free.

SPOOKFEST

When: Oct. 31, 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Where: Hoover Metropolitan Complex, RV Park, 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover.

What to expect: Trick-or-treating, inflatables, food trucks and more.

Admission: Free.