Ready to get a little spooky, Birmingham? From pumpkin picking and trick-or-treating to live music, elaborate costumes, and a Halloween bar crawl, the Magic City has plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Whether you’re bringing the kids along for candy or planning a night out with your fellow ghouls, here are six ways to make the most of Halloween around Birmingham.

Hoots & Howls at the Birmingham Zoo

October 11, 17–18, 24–25, and 31 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo’s annual Hoots & Howls event brings Halloween fun to the Zoo with a trick-or-treat candy trail for young ghouls and goblins. Families can explore the grounds, collect treats at designated candy stations, and look for hidden howls along the way.

The event takes place over the last three weekends of October, plus Halloween day. Candy trail tickets are sold until 3 p.m. each event day, so plan to arrive with enough time to make the rounds.

Where: Birmingham Zoo

Tickets: Purchase a Candy Trail All Inclusive wristband

Old Baker Farm’s Pumpkin Patch

Through October 31 | Harpersville

For a classic fall outing just outside Birmingham, Old Baker Farm in Harpersville offers pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze, farm animals, and more. The historic family farm welcomes visitors throughout October, with live music and concessions on weekends.

October 24–25 is Festival Weekend, featuring local vendors, live music, an 1800s-inspired carnival, and other activities alongside the usual farm attractions. It’s a chance to make a day of finding a pumpkin and enjoying a little Alabama farm history.

Where: 1041 Farmingdale Road, Harpersville

Hours: Weekdays, 3–5 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, 1–5 p.m. Festival Weekend hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. both days.

Cost: $15 per person; children 1 and under are free. A credit card fee applies.

More information: Old Baker Farm’s pumpkin patch

The Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball

Friday, October 30 | Doors open at 6 p.m. | Avondale Brewing Company

It’s time to do the Time Warp again. The Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball returns for another year, bringing Birmingham’s longtime Halloween tradition back to Avondale Brewing Company. This year’s event honors Tim Curry, whose performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter helped make The Rocky Horror Picture Show a cult classic.

The evening features a screening of the film with live shadow cast Antici…pation!, audience participation, and music from DJ Geno of Flock of Geno and Birmingham Mountain Radio. Guests are encouraged to go all out with their costumes, with two contests planned: General Category and Best Rocky Horror Character. Winners can take home cash prizes, along with first-place concert getaway packages featuring Remi Wolf in New York City and Jack White in Atlanta.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or experiencing the cult classic for the first time, expect an evening of theatrical fun, elaborate costumes, and Halloween revelry.

Where: Avondale Brewing Company, 201 41st Street South, Birmingham

Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster.

Scare Your Face Off Fest XVI at Saturn

Friday, October 30 | Doors at 8 p.m.; show at 9 p.m. | Saturn

Presented by DIY Birmingham, Scare Your Face Off Fest returns to Saturn for its 16th installment, bringing together local musicians for a Halloween costume party and a series of tribute sets celebrating some beloved alternative and rock bands. This year’s featured tributes include the B-52s, Thin Lizzy, AFI, Ween, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Sleater-Kinney.

The lineup includes performances from Dommel Mosel, Barber Pole Sound, B.O.R.N., Slack Times, Little Hope, Bitter Calm, Stine, Chayse Porter & His Palace Doors, Refuse To Thrive, Joyboy, EFD, World Record, Tiffany Tears, Nowhere Squares, B. Sonnier, Hockey, In Snow, and GT.

Costumes are encouraged, and guests who dress up receive a discount at the door. The creepiest looks can compete for prizes from Sanctum Tattoos & Comics, along with a hand-painted trophy.

Where: Saturn, Birmingham

Ages: 18 and older

More information: Check Saturn’s event listing for ticket details.

Birmingham Halloween Bar Crawl

Saturday, October 31 | 4–10 p.m., with an after-party until midnight | Downtown Birmingham

For adults who want to spend Halloween hopping between local bars, Crawl With US is hosting its annual Birmingham Halloween Bar Crawl. Participants can show off their costumes while visiting participating bars, enjoying drink specials, and taking part in a citywide Halloween celebration.

Tickets include drinks or shots, entry to participating bars without cover charges, event photos, and access to the after-party at Denim On 7th. Check-in is at Dread River Distilling Company, with a mid-party at Tin Roof and additional stops along the way.

Where: Check-in at Dread River Distilling Company, 2400 Seventh Avenue South, Birmingham

Ages: 21 and older; valid government-issued ID required.

Tickets: Birmingham Halloween Bar Crawl

Halloween at The Pizitz

Saturday, October 31 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Pizitz Food Hall

Little monsters can celebrate Halloween with a daytime outing at The Pizitz. Families are invited to trick-or-treat from stall to stall throughout the food hall, with face painting, arcade games, and plenty of spooky décor along the way.

Costumes are encouraged, and food will be available for purchase from food hall vendors. Parents can also stop by The Louis for a special purple Halloween brew.

Admission is free, making this an easy option for families looking for Halloween fun downtown.

Where: Pizitz Food Hall, 1821 Second Avenue North, Birmingham

Cost: Free; food and drinks available for purchase.

Birmingham offers plenty of ways to make this October memorable—now all that’s left is to pick your plans, pull together a costume, and see where the night takes you.

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