Halloween in Huntsville, AL

Halloween in Huntsville, Alabama, brings out the best of fall – from spooky ghost tours to pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating. The Rocket City offers plenty of free Halloween-themed activities for families, friends, and Halloween enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the top free events to check out this October in Huntsville!

1. Huntsville Ghost Walk (Self-Guided)

Get into the Halloween spirit with a spooky stroll through Huntsville’s historic streets. While the official Huntsville Ghost Walk offers guided tours for a fee, you can explore many of the haunted sites on your own. Downtown Huntsville is full of historical buildings with eerie pasts, and it’s fun to explore the stories behind landmarks such as the Old Town Historic District and Maple Hill Cemetery.

Tip: Bring along a flashlight and maybe a friend or two for an atmospheric self-guided tour!

2. Trunk or Treat Events

Huntsville hosts several Trunk or Treat events throughout October. These family-friendly gatherings offer a safe space for kids to trick-or-treat from car to car, with each trunk decorated in creative Halloween themes. Local churches, schools, and community centers sponsor these events, and most are free and open to the public.

Some popular Trunk or Treat events include:

Trunk or Treat at Bridge Street Town Centre – Expect a festive atmosphere, plenty of candy, and some friendly competition between the decorated car trunks.

Huntsville Police Department Trunk or Treat – Hosted by the Huntsville PD, this event is both fun and informative, with police officers on hand to meet families and hand out treats.

Pro Tip: Costumes are highly encouraged, and bring a reusable bag for all the candy your little ones will collect!

3. BOOtanica at the Huntsville Botanical Garden

Each year, the Huntsville Botanical Garden transforms for Halloween with its BOOtanica event. While general garden admission may have a fee, BOOtanica’s themed displays are often accessible around the public areas, and they’re free to enjoy on certain days. This year’s display features a Scarecrow Trail where families can see creative scarecrows crafted by local artists and organizations, adding a spooky (but friendly) touch to the garden paths.

Dates: Throughout October

Tip: Check the Botanical Garden’s website for free admission days in October.

4. Library Halloween Events

Local libraries, like the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, host Halloween-themed storytimes, crafts, and activities for kids throughout October. These events are typically free and include costume days, spooky stories, and themed crafts to get kids in the Halloween spirit. It’s a fun, free, and educational way to celebrate the holiday!

Check with your nearest library branch for dates and times of Halloween events.

5. Downtown Huntsville Trick-or-Treat

Join local shops and restaurants for a downtown trick-or-treat event! Businesses on the downtown square decorate their storefronts and hand out candy to costumed visitors. It’s a fun and safe way for kids to trick-or-treat during daylight hours while exploring the city center. Many shops also offer Halloween-themed specials and activities.

Date: October 31st, 2024

Time: 3 PM - 6 PM

Location: Downtown Huntsville Square

8. Pumpkin Patch at Tate Farms (Free Photo Ops)

Tate Farms, located just outside Huntsville, is famous for its pumpkin patch and fall activities. While some activities require admission, Tate Farms welcomes guests for free photo opportunities among their pumpkin displays. Take a walk through the pumpkin patch, admire the farm scenery, and snap a few photos of the fall decor without needing a ticket.

Location: Tate Farms, Meridianville, AL

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Celebrate a Spooky and Fun Halloween Season!

With so many free Halloween events in Huntsville, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate this October. From ghost tours to pumpkin carving and costume contests, Huntsville has something for every Halloween enthusiast. So gather your costumes, grab a trick-or-treat bag, and enjoy a festive October in the Rocket City!