Halloween is coming and the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area has a number of special events to get you in the spirit.
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Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is a year-round attraction to scare the living daylights out of you, as live actors do a good job of being undead. The 24th Annual special seasonal Fright Nights happen on the weekends, Friday through Sunday, from October 14 up to Halloween. Website.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster mixes in a little fresh air with the scare, offering rides on the newly upgraded coaster in haunted scenes with more live actors. Special effects and animatronics for this Halloween in the Holler add to the thrill. From October 7 on weekends and the last 10 days leading to Halloween. Website.
Sweeten the experience a little with Crave Golf Club’s Craveyard Bash in Pigeon Forge. The candy extravaganza, mini-golf kid’s favorite transforms into a spooky putt-putt place with special events running from October 18 through Halloween. There’s a pumpkin painting contest and a dance & costume competition as well. Website.
Meanwhile the Haunted Mansion in Gatlinburg offers year-round chills in a very scary place. This year’s Halloween experience on October weekends is called Phobias – face them if you dare! Click to see more about Gatlinburg’s Mysterious Mansion.
And Gatlinburg opens up its scary side all year around with the Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg, a one-hour guided tour of the haunted places and strange tales from the past that linger in the shadows. Website.
If you’re more interested in seasonal festivities without the scare, remember that Dollywood holds its seasonal Great Pumpkin Luminights each evening through October 29. Let the fall harvest linger a little while longer with lights, colors and flavors in a fantastic pumpkin world. Website.
Trick or Treat
More Halloween without the scare is available on Thursday, October 27, as the Pigeon Forge Community Center hosts its annual Spooktacular – a totally non-scary event for kids. Non-scary costumes, abundant candy, games and treats in a happy and safe family event for all ages. Call 865-429-7373 for details.
On the magic day itself, another free and safe environment for trick or treating is offered again this year in Sevierville by the Sherriff’s Office – it doesn’t get more protected than that. The Spooktacular is 5-9 pm on October 31 at the Courthouse in this fun little town’s happening downtown.
Before then, during the day in Gatlinburg, the Ripley’s Aquarium plaza once again hosts the Trick or Treat Kickoff Karnival from 11am to 4pm. Get the kids out in daylight for contests, costumes and candy in this fun start to the Halloween celebrations.
Shoot over to The Island in Pigeon Forge for evening festivities as that magical location offers Trick or Treat from 5-7pm, in a family friendly, safe and happy way to celebrate the season.
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