Happy haunting: 12 ways to spend Halloween in North Alabama

HUNTSVILLE — Spooky season is upon us, and that means it’s time for fall events galore.

From family-friendly pumpkin patches to screenings of our favorite Halloween horror flicks, there are plenty of tricks and treats to be had across North Alabama this month. Here are some of our top picks.

1. Tate Farms Pumpkin Patch
   Have a full day of family fun at this Meridianville farm that’s known for its huge variety
   of fall activities. Peruse 72 acres to find your perfect carving pumpkin, then stick around
   to check out the hay maze, pumpkin cannon, corn crib, jumping pillows, slides, swings,
   giant playground, barn animals, and more. Grab fall-themed treats in the country
   kitchen and outdoor concessions, and you’ll be set.
2. Huntsville Ghost Walk
   Spend a Friday or Saturday night getting sufficiently spooked on the Huntsville Ghost
   Walk. Choose one of three hour-and-a-half-long tours that take you through the
   Twickenham District, Old Town District, or downtown. You’ll hear all about the city’s
   haunted history as the streets begin to darken. And at only $10 for adults or $5 for kids, it’s a budget-friendly activity for a date night, family fun night, or hangout with friends.
3. Haunted Carriage Tour
   If you prefer to get your thrills without the added cardio, sign up for one of Super C
   Carriage’s Haunted Carriage Tours. Hear all the city’s best ghost stories as you ride
   through downtown in a New Orleans-style limousine carriage. The carriage will be
   dressed to the nines in lights and Halloween décor to make the experience that much
   better.
4. Huntsville Botanical Garden Scarecrow Trail and Pumpkin Display

   

   Celebrate the season in the great outdoors — that glorious fall weather won’t last long!
   Head to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens to walk along the Scarecrow Trail, featuring 40
   unique scarecrows decorated by local businesses, schools, and organizations. Stick
   around to see the whimsical pumpkin displays where the season’s signature gourds are
   used to create fall scenes, topiaries, and more.

5. Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treating at Lowe Mill
   Double down on trick-or-treating at this reverse Mardi Gras parade where volunteers
   throw treats into your car as you roll on by. Be sure to dress up the little ones and
   maybe even give your car a little Halloween makeover so it will fit right into the festive
   procession. The event will take place at Lowe Mill on Oct. 29 from 1 to 3
   p.m.
6. Zombie Prom
   For an adults-only celebration, dance the night away at Zombie Prom hosted at
   Stovehouse’s Electric Belle. General admission is $15 and includes a night of music
   from the Quantaphonics and DJ Jerm, as well as a prom king and queen costume
   contest. Cocktails, shots, and a prom photo booth will be available. The event
   is 8 p.m. Oct. 28.
7. Trash Pandas Trunk or Treat Halloween Movie Night
   Kick off Halloween weekend with a night of family-friendly fun at Toyota Field, home to
   the Huntsville Trash Pandas baseball team. The Bill Penney Concourse will host trick-or-
   treating for the little ones starting at 5 p.m., then a screening of The Nightmare Before
   Christmas will follow at 7:15. Concessions will be available from Dumpster Dive and
   Gravity Grille. Tickets are just $10 and include free popcorn during the movie. The event
   will take place Oct. 29.
8. Huntsville’s Only Drag Brunch
   Join Huntsville’s Only Drag Brunch for a very special Halloween edition Oct. 23 inside the speakeasy at Straight to Ale brewery. The 18+ show will include a special brunch buffet, spooky drinks, and a truly one-of-a-kind show. Tickets are $9.50.
9. Monster Mash 2022
   Beginning Thursday and concluding with Halloween, Monster Mash – hosted by The
   Camp and Huntsville’s MidCity District – promises nonstop Halloween-themed
   fun. In addition to a month-long pumpkin patch,  the Monster Mash Kick Off features an ’80s costume karaoke night Thursday and Halloween horror movie night on Oct. 18. On Oct. 26 there is a classic Halloween movie night, and you can hear live music all month long.
10. Huntsville Police Halloween Party
    The Huntsville Police Department will host its annual Halloween Party and Haunted House at Orion Amphitheater on Oct. 22. The free event is open to children of all ages and costumes are encouraged. The party is from 2 to 9 p.m. with the haunted house opening at 5 p.m. Food trucks, vendors, live music, and plenty of candy will also be on hand.
11. Arx Mortis

    

    If your idea of a great spooky season means actual fright, you’ve got to visit the Arx
    Mortis haunted attraction in Killen. Walk through 50,000 square feet of horror inside a recreated 1940s clinic, sanitarium, and prison that features animatronic props and live actors who carry out the legend of Covington Clinic.

12. McGee Farms

    

    If you’re in the Shoals or anywhere nearby, McGee Farm in Florence is your place for
    seasonal outings. Take a traditional wagon ride to pick your own pumpkins and mums at
    this family-owned farm. Stop for a bite to eat inside The Kitchen, where you can get
    everything from chicken and dressing to homemade mac and cheese and even
    homemade pumpkin pie.