5 Fall & Halloween Activities to Enjoy Around Atlanta and Decatur This October
Pumpkin season, spooky strolls, and a little small-town charm right here in Atlanta.
October might just be one of our favorite months in Atlanta. The weather finally allows us to spend more time outside, neighborhoods go all out with Halloween decorations, and there’s no shortage of ways to get into the fall spirit.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, looking for a fun date night, or simply want an excuse to explore a neighborhood you love, here are five fall and Halloween activities around Atlanta and Decatur to add to your October calendar.
1. Pups and Pints: Pets Halloween Costume Contest
📍 Oakhurst | October 21 | 5 – 8 PM
If you’re looking for a little fall fun with your four-legged best friend, Amy Long’s Pups & Pints event is a great excuse to get
out, meet fellow dog lovers, and enjoy a pint while your pup makes a few new friends.
🎃 Voting begins at 5:30 PM
🗳️ Voting closes at 7:15 PM
🏆 Winner announced at 7:30 PM!
Septre Brewing has a great indoor and outdoor space and pets are allowed in both! Bonus: 10% of the proceeds always go to the featured dog rescue of the month.
2. Early Trick-or-Treating in Downtown Decatur
📍 Downtown Decatur | October 25–31
Who says Halloween fun has to happen on October 31? Downtown Decatur is stretching out the festivities with a full week of trick-or-treating at participating local businesses.
Dress up the kids, grab a coffee, and stroll through downtown while little ghosts and goblins collect treats from participating storefronts. Look for the special Trick or Treat signs in shop windows, and make a day of exploring the restaurants, boutiques, and local favorites that make Decatur such a fun place to spend an afternoon.
It’s an especially great way for younger kids to enjoy Halloween without the late-night door-to-door marathon.
Local tip: Make time for a meal or sweet treat along the way. Half the fun of living in a walkable community is discovering something new just around the corner!
3. Get Your Spooky Fix at Scream on the Square
📍 Decatur Square | Friday, October 30
Decatur Square is the place to be for a little Halloween magic on Friday evening. Scream on the Square brings family-friendly activities, trick-or-treating, face painting, and music to the heart of downtown before an outdoor screening of Casper at 7 p.m.
Bring lawn chairs and blankets, let the kids show off their costumes, and settle in for a movie under the October sky. Best of all, this community event is free!
4. See Atlanta’s Wild Side at Boo at the Zoo
📍 Zoo Atlanta | Select dates through October 31
For a Halloween outing with a wild twist, head to Zoo Atlanta for Boo at the Zoo. Expect festive decorations, costumed fun, and a chance to explore the zoo with a little extra Halloween spirit.
It’s a fun option for families looking to combine an outdoor adventure with seasonal activities, and it gives kids a chance to wear those costumes more than once before the big day.
Zoo Atlanta is also a great excuse to spend some time exploring Grant Park, one of Atlanta’s most beloved historic neighborhoods. Make an afternoon of it and enjoy the park’s tree-lined streets and homes before heading home.
Before you go: Boo at the Zoo takes place on select dates, so check Zoo Atlanta’s official calendar for the remaining October dates, ticket information, and event hours.
5. Take a Ghost Tour Through Historic Decatur
📍 Downtown Decatur and surrounding historic streets
Looking for something a little different for a date night? Decatur’s ghost tours offer a fascinating way to explore the city’s history after dark.
These guided walking tours wind past historic homes, local landmarks, and the edges of Decatur Cemetery while sharing stories about the people and places that shaped the community. It’s a fun mix of local history and spooky storytelling, making it a particularly good pick for couples, visiting friends, or anyone who loves a little mystery.
And honestly, getting to know the stories behind the streets we walk every day is one of the best parts of living in a place with so much history.
Good to know: Tours require reservations, so book ahead and check the current schedule before heading out.
Make the Most of Fall in Atlanta
One of the best things about living in Atlanta and Decatur is that we don’t have to travel far to find a little seasonal magic. From walkable downtown traditions to historic ghost stories and glowing pumpkin displays, there’s something for just about every kind of fall enthusiast.
So grab your favorite sweater, call a friend, and get out there. October won’t last forever — and neither will pumpkin-flavored everything!
Thinking about making Atlanta or Decatur home? We love helping people discover the neighborhoods, local spots, and community traditions that make this area such a special place to live. Because finding the right home is about more than four walls — it’s about finding your place in the community.