Here’s How to Have the Best Possible Halloween Weekend in Atlanta

The end of scary season is upon us.

The last days of October are always the best part of the month, especially in Atlanta. There are several spooky events to get into, such as Ponce City Market’s Halloween of The Roof, the haunted exhibit at the College Football Hall of Fame, and a special, live rendition of Tim Burton’s classic film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Concert lovers can head over to Piedmont Park for the 2023 ONE Music Fest, featuring artists such as the iconic Janet Jackson, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Brent Faiyaz, and many more. The weekend also marks the return of Spelhouse’s homecoming festivities, so whether you’re an HBCU alum or not, you can still have a great time on the campus of one of this country’s most prestigious universities. This weekend will surely be one to remember.

ONE Musicfest
Photo courtesy of ONE Musicfest

Outdoor Events in Atlanta This Weekend

Saturday, October 28; 10 am
Morehouse College; Tickets start at $20
There are many things to look forward to during the fall season in Atlanta, and the Spelhouse tailgate sits at the top of the list. Morehouse College’s campus will be filled with thousands of people looking to eat, drink, and kick back with attendees from across the country. As well as being a time for students and alums to gather, homecoming is also a celebration of HBCU culture and shared experiences, so make sure you don’t miss out.

Saturday, October 28–Sunday, October 29; 12 pm–11 pm
Piedmont Park; Tickets start at $169
ONE Music Fest has become a must-attend event in Atlanta. It’s continued to maintain a high standard when it comes to the artists that hit the stage, and this year’s lineup is no different. In addition to the headliners Janet Jackson and Kendrick Lamar, visitors can also catch musicians such as Coco Jones, Megan Thee Stallion, Nelly, Fabolous, Trina, and more. The beauty of Piedmont Park along with these amazing acts performing their biggest hits is the perfect reason for you to cop your tickets to the 2023 OMF.

MJ the Musical
Photo by Matthew Murphy, courtesy of MJ the Musical

Live Events In Atlanta This Weekend

Thursday, October 26–Sunday, October 29; Times vary
The Fox Theatre; Tickets start at $34
Centered around the making of his Dangerous World Tour in 1992, MJ the Musical takes an in-depth look at the creative mind of the iconic Michael Jackson, while also entertaining viewers with a stage play like none other. Known for its nostalgic aesthetic and amazing acoustics, there’s no better place to enjoy this award-winning production than at the fabulous Fox Theatre.

Friday, October 27; 8 pm
Buckhead Theatre; Tickets start at $118
After announcing her Love and War anniversary tour last month, Tamar Braxton has been in high demand. She rocked cities such as Dallas and New York earlier this week, and on Friday she’ll grace the Buckhead Theatre stage to perform some of her biggest hits from her chart-topping album, which includes “The One,” “All The Way Home,” “Hot Sugar,” and the project’s title track. Plus, iconic Real Housewife Drew Sidora will also be in attendance at Braxton’s show.

Saturday, October 28; 8 pm
MJCC of Atlanta; $40
Rising to fame in the late ’80s with his role as Uncle Jesse in the hit sitcom Full House, John Stamos has continued to make his mark on the entertainment industry, year in and year out. Now, he’s adding author to his list of achievements. For his new book, If You Would Have Told Me, Stamos is on a nationwide tour, which lands in Atlanta this Saturday. He’ll discuss the book with local media personality Holly Firfer, followed by a Q&A and photo opportunities for the people in attendance.

Friday, October 27 & Saturday, October 29; 7:30 pm
Atlanta Symphony Hall; Tickets start at $130
Released in 1993, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a cultural phenomenon, and its main character is inspiration for millions of Halloween costumes around the world. This weekend, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will perform Danny Elfman’s musical score featuring a screening of Disney’s timeless holiday classic. 
Celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary the right way by coming out to see the ASO’s theatrical rendition live and in person at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

Ponce City Roof
Halloween on The Roof | Photo courtesy of Ponce City Roof

Halloween Events in Atlanta This Weekend

Friday, October 27–Sunday, October 29; Times vary
Various locations; Prices vary
Each Friday in October, the Aurora Cineplex features a classic scary film for audiences to check out. For its final weekend, the theater will show what many feel is the greatest horror flick of all time, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. Adapted from Stephen King’s book of the same name, the movie tells the story of a writer and his family who are trapped inside of the Overlook Hotel during snow season. What happens afterwards—well, you’ll just have to wait and see. Happy Halloween!

Saturday, October 28–Sunday, October 29; Times vary
CFB Hall of Fame; $23–$31
Witness the spooky sights and sounds of Halloween this weekend at Haunted Hall of Fame. Hosted at the College Football Hall of Fame, the event will feature immersive and interactive exhibits that have been curated for a scary but lighthearted experience. Kids 12 and under receive free admission when they arrive in costume, and they’ll also be able to trick-or-treat throughout the Hall. Candy will be handed out on a first come first serve basis, so make sure to get there on time.

Saturday, October 28; 7 pm–12 am
Ponce City Market; $30–$40
The Roof at PCM is known for its all-out, festive seasonal shindigs, and the Halloween event is no different. During the day, kids can trick-or-treat and play boardwalk games under the daylight's playful glow, followed by a costume parade from 1 pm – 4 pm. At night, the venue will transform into a haven for adults, featuring a costume contest where the winner is to receive a prize valued at $1,000.

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Okla Jones is an Atlanta-based journalist who writes about food, fine arts, and entertainment. His work also appears in ESSENCE, Creative Loafing Atlanta, and Consequence of Sound. Follow him on Instagram at @coolhandoak.