What better place to celebrate Halloween than in a graveyard? Atlanta’s historic Oakland Cemetery – the final resting place of notables such as author Margaret Mitchell and golf-great Bobby Jones – has a full slate of events sure to delight – but not with too many frights – for kids and adults.
Sunday in the Park
The month kicks off with the annual Victorian street festival on Sunday, Oct. 3, from noon to 6 p.m. There be food from Six Feet Under, The Varsity, Stella, Tin Lizzy’s, Nicks To Go and more. Don’t miss Doug Lothes and his performance of Gone With the Wind in Twenty Minutes and a variety of live musical entertainment, an artists market, living history demonstrations, storytellers, Irish dancers, The Harmony Express Barbershop Quartet, Big Bethel Heaven Bound Choir, Vauxhall Garden Variety Players and more.
Guests are encouraged to participate in the Victorian costume contest and photography contest. Carriage tours and free walking tours (with an opportunity to enter some of the magnificent mausoleums) will be offered. The children’s area will feature crafts and old-fashioned games. Oakland’s traditional Teddy Bear Tea will entertain kids of all ages with storytelling by well-known Atlanta storyteller Cathy Kaemmerlen as Miss Sara Dipp A Tea.
Admission to Sunday in the Park is suggested $5 donation.
Halloween Tours
Only during Halloween do the gates of Oakland stay open after dark for the annual walking tours, which this year will be held the weekend of Oct. 22-24.
Hear first-hand accounts about Atlanta’s past, narrated by a host of Oakland’s eternal “residents.” You’ll also see gorgeous candlelit mausoleums in this one-of-a-kind annual tradition. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable walking shoes. Enjoy refreshments for sale and browse Oakland’s Museum Shop for unique finds.
Guided tours start at 5:30 pm each night at the Bell Tower and last approximately one hour. You must have your ticket to enter the cemetery. To ensure all ticket holders are accommodated, tours are sold in timed increments, and a limited number of tickets are available. Visit www.oaklandcemetery.com to purchase.
Run Like Hell Benefit
Runners of all ages will Run Like Hell through the cemetery and neighboring Grant Park on Saturday, Oct. 30, starting at 9 a.m.
The course will wind past the magnificent monuments and stately mausoleums and unique “cemetery themed” awards will be presented in multiple categories. Costumes are encouraged, and their will be costume contest following the races along with a performance by the Seed and Feed Marching Abominable band.
For more information about any of the events, visit www.oaklandcemetery.com. Since parking is limited, visitors are encouraged to take MARTA to the MLK station adjacent to the cemetery.
