Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
23 things to do around The Magic City this Halloween season
Reading time: 7 minutes
It’s October, folks, and you know what that means—carving pumpkins, haunted houses, costume contests + more. Let’s take a look at 23 hauntingly-fun Birmingham activities to get you in the Halloween spirit.
This guide was originally created in October 2023 and was last updated in October 2024.
1. Alabama Theatre: Phantom of the Opera
Here in Birmingham, we love sticking with tradition. And we’ve got one you can’t miss. The 1927 classic Phantom of the Opera has played at the Alabama Theatre every year since the 1970s. Want to know more about the tradition? Learn more about this beloved tradition from Pat Seitz.
- When: Sunday, October 27 | 2:00PM
- Where: 1817 3rd Ave North Birmingham, AL 35203
- Details and Tickets
2. Sidewalk Film: Halloween Series
Side Walk is showing a variety of Halloween cult classics. Films like It (2017) Carrie (1976) The Shining (1980) and many more.
- When: All throughout October/Calendar.
- Where: Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema, 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL
- Details and Tickets
3. Atrox factory
With 50,000 square feet of terror, Atrox Factory is the largest indoor haunted attraction in the Southeast. I’m too scared to venture to Atrox, but are you?
4. Ware House 31
Turning your nightmares into realities, Ware House 31 has three different haunting attractions to offer this season. All just as spine-tingling as the next.
5. Nightmare 3008
In Fultondale you can find an award-winning haunted house full of indoor and outdoor trails twisting into your worst nightmare. Take a jump into the darkness and find out if you can make it to the other side.
BONUS: October 13th is their sensory-friendly night! No loud noises, strobe lights or jump-scares.
6. Conjure Haunted Attraction
This new Birmingham haunt is bringing your worst nightmares to reality. Check out this local walk-through featuring all things bloody, creepy and in-between.
7. Sand Mountain Corn Maze
Looking for something a little more family-friendly? Travel to Gadsden where you can get a full fall experience at the Sand Mountain Corn Maze. Here you can grab a pumpkin, make your way through an authentic corn maze and take a hay ride.
- When: Open during the Fall season: Tuesday-Thursday: 4:00PM- 9:30PM Friday: 4:00PM- 10:00PM Saturday: 10:00AM – 11:00PM Sunday: 1:00PM – 9:00PM
- Where: Sand Mountain Corn Maze 8420 Cox Gap Rd, Sardis City, AL 35956
- Details and More
8. The Halloween Rave of Thrones
Nu Saga is celebrating one year of bringing Birmingham incredible rave parties and immaculate vibes. Join their Game of Thrones-themed rave happening this month.
- When: Saturday, October 26 | 8:30PM
- Where: 500 23rd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Details and Tickets.
9. Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Costume Contest Show
This murder mystery dinner will keep you guessing all night. You never know who will be a part of the show. It could even be you…
- When: Monday, October 28 | 6:00PM
- Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, 8 Perimeter Park S, Birmingham, AL 35243
- Details and Tickets.
10. Birmingham Museum of Art Candle Light Concert: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
See magic come to life with this awe-inspiring musical experience. Listen to the hauntingly beautiful Halloween classics being played among hundreds of candle-lit flames. Get ready for a hauntingly harmonic evening.
- When: Saturday, October 26 | 6PM & 8:45PM
- Where: Sanctuary Church 300 Willits St Birmingham, MI 48009 United States
- Details
Family Friendly
Need something fun for the whole family? Maybe something a little less scary? Keep scrolling.
11. Pumpkin Patches
There are a good amount of pumpkin patches around The Magic City. Here are just a few that are worth looking into:
- The Great Pumpkin Patch
- Helena Hollows
- Penton Farms
- Old Baker Farms
- Griffin Farms Pumpkin Patch
- 4D Farm
- Tuscaloosa Barnyard
- Faye Whittemore Farms
12. Birmingham Zoo Hoots and Howls event
Looking for no tricks and just treats? Bring the family down to the Hoot and Howls daytime Halloween festival at the Birmingham Zoo. Wear your costumes and trick-or-treat or join a dance party worthy of the name; Monster Mash!
Don’t forget to take a ride on the legendary Red Diamond Express Train and see what spooky surprises await you.
- When: Monday + Tuesday, October 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 | 10AM-4PM
- Where: Birmingham Zoo, Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL
- Details and Tickets.
13. Flicks among the Flowers/ Halloweentown in Botanical Gardens
This is a fun and free event hosted by the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Grab your picnic blanket and a festive costume and come down to watch the Halloween classic “Halloweentown” among the flowers and crisp Fall air.
- When: Sunday, October 13 | 5:00PM – 8:00PM
- Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL
- Details and More.
14. Halloween Goat Yoga
This beginner class of goat yoga is a great way to introduce yourself to yoga among many adorable goats. In this class, the herd will be extra adorable, dressed up in their favorite Halloween costumes.
Make sure to stay for s’mores after the session.
- When: Monday, October 28 | 5:00PM – 7:00PM
- Where: Goat Yoga Bham, LLC, 1441 County Road 277, Helena, AL, USA
- Details and Tickets.
15. Boo Bash Goldfish swim school family swim event
A costume contest, family swim, trick or treating, snacks and more. Boo Bash has it all.
Parents and caregivers should plan to be in the water with their kiddos. Little swimmers who aren’t potty trained are required to wear a swim diaper.
- When: Sunday, October 20 | 5:00PM – 7:00PM
- Where: 5549 Grove Blvd, Hoover, AL 35226
- Details and More.
16. Nightmare 3008: Kids Day
Baby’s first haunted house. This is a daytime event for your kiddos to trick or treat with the Nightmare 3008 characters.
- When: Tuesday, October 22 | 3:00PM – 5:00PM
- Where: 1731 Decatur Hwy Fultondale, AL 35068
- Details and Tickets.
17. North Shelby Library spooky science
Here is a chance to participate in a spooky science class!
- When: Thursday, October 10 | 10:00AM
- Where: North Shelby Library, 5521 Cahaba Valley Rd,Birmingham,AL,United States, Vestavia Hills
- Details and More.
Leave the kids at home
Check out these events and see if you need to call a ghoul sitter for the evening.
18. Rocky Horror Picture Show Masquerade Ball
Let’s do the time warp again! Come join Dr.Frank-N-Furter and the gang for a screening of the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Irondale Civic Center. Make sure you take part in their costume contest with a cash prize for the winners!
- When: Friday, October 18 | 6PM
- Where: 201 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Details and Tickets.
19. Saturns Scare Your Face Off Fest
DIY Birmingham is throwing a rocking costume party with cover sets of your old favorites by some of Birmingham’s best artists. Dress up and get a discount at the door. Ghouls with the creepiest costumes get prizes, in addition to a hand-painted, horrid trophy.
- When: Sunday, October 27 | 8:00PM
- Where: 200 41st Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35222
- Details about Tickets. $10 in costume, $15 in street clothes.
20. Top Shelf Burlesque Scary-oke!
Top Shelf has all the ominous and fabulous vibes coming your way. Black cats, ghosts, mummies and vampires will all be present so BEWARE and don’t forget to sing your favorite spooky jam!
There will be two showings so that they can spook as many willing victims as possible!
- When: Friday, October 18 | 7:00PM and 9:00PM
- Where: 212 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Details and More.
21. Halloween With the Murder of Jane Crow
Get ready for a bewitching evening at Birmingham’s Elysian Gardens. There will be food, drinks and a hauntingly-good band.
- When: Thursday, October 31 | 6:30PM
- Where: Elysian Gardens, 40th Street South, Birmingham, AL, USA, United States
- Details and Tickets.
22. Hotels, Churches, Riots Tour
Birmingham Ghost Walks is hosting their very own ghost tour with notoriously haunted Birmingham landmarks.
- When: Sunday, October 6 | 8PM
- Where: 285 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Details and Tickets.
23.Vulcan’s Spooktacular
Vulcan Park & Museum’s Spooktacular is Birmingham’s top family-friendly Halloween event, featuring trick-or-treating, music and refreshments. This year also features an adult-only party with a costume contest and pumpkin carving, ensuring fun for everyone.
- When: Monday, October 21 | 6PM
- Where: 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Details and Tickets.
Contributors to this guide include Sadie Sue Long and Jordyn Davis.
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