As the air cools and the leaves turn gold, Chattanooga transforms into a hub of autumn energy and Halloween fun. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a grown‑ups’ night on the town, October promises a thrilling mix of fall festivals, spooky nights, creative gatherings, and seasonal flair. Here’s your guide to some of the best events happening around the Scenic City this October.
Family-Friendly Fall & Halloween Highlights
Monster Bash at Creative Discovery Museum
October 10–11 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Kids and families are invited to wear costumes and enjoy crafts, creepy critters, and spooky activities. It’s a low‑key, kid‑approved way to kick off the Halloween season.
Hocus Pocus Fall Market
October 11–12 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Held at Camp Jordan Arena, this indoor fall market features ~140 vendors, trick‑or‑treat stops at vendor booths, animal encounters, inflatables, and more. Admission is modest, and kids under 10 are free.
Boo in the Zoo
Every weekend (Fri–Sat), October
The Chattanooga Zoo hosts a “merry-not-scary” Halloween experience with costumed characters, trick-or-treating through stations, decorations, and special zoo-themed activities. A great option for families looking for festive fun without full-on frights.
Halloween Trail Fest at Enterprise South Nature Park
October 10 & 11 (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Explore a two‑mile haunted trail at night, or take the gentler “Too Cute to Spook” trick-or-treat route. Bonus: glow trails, bounce houses, food trucks, and family-friendly surprises.
Fall Family Fest Block Party
October 28 (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Hosted at 5704 Marlin Road, this community event offers trunk-or-treat, food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, petting zoo, video game truck, and a business expo with over 50 local businesses. Great for mixing family fun with local connection.
Spooky Spectacular — Sensory Friendly Halloween
October 24 (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM)
For families looking for a gentler Halloween, this event at Elevate Behavior Services offers a spooky wonderland designed to be sensory-friendly—lower volumes, controlled lighting, and inclusive fun.
Spooky Sprint (5K / 10K / Kids Dash / Half Marathon)
October 26 (8:00 AM start)
A fun, fitness-based event with Halloween spirit. Dress up, get your pumpkin-themed swag, and enjoy the fall run along the Tennessee River Park.
Adult‑Oriented & After Dark Events
The Official Chattanooga Halloween Bar Crawl
October 31 & November 1 (4:00 PM – 12:00 AM)
Don your best spooky costume and hit Chattanooga’s top bars in this multi-hour crawl. Cover fees vary, and wristbands help you flow from one spot to the next. A high-energy, adult‑only night.
Halloween Ride with Two Bikes / SORBA Chattanooga
October 30 (6:30 PM – 9:30 PM)
Costumed cyclists unite! Join a casual, social ride through neighborhoods, ending at a local gathering spot (Greenhouse by OddStory). A fun, active way to get in the Halloween spirit under the moonlight.
Rocky Horror Picture Show LIVE! (10th Anniversary Tour)
- October 10 & 11 (8PM) - Chattanooga Theatre Centre
- October 17 & 18 (8PM) - The Old Bailey Station (Rossville, GA)
- October 30 (6:30 PM & 10PM) - Barrelhouse Ballroom
- November 1 (9:30 PM) - The Walker Theatre, Memorial Auditorium
Kaleidoscope Entertainment’s 10th Anniversary Tour is invading Chattanooga for 6 outrageous nights of costumes, callbacks, and sing-alongs. Lace up those heels, grab your fishnets, and get ready to shiver with antici…pation.
From haunted trails to family block parties, Rocky Horror late nights to cycling afternoons, October in Chattanooga has something for every kind of fall enthusiast. Whether you’re chasing pumpkins or cocktails, the Scenic City is ready to show off its spookiest season yet.
Posted by Lauren Johnson on
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