It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year! Hands down, fall is my favorite time of the year. When I was younger, dressing up and stuffing my face with candy was the highlight. As I’ve gotten older, my high points have transitioned to pumpkin shopping, cotton displays, and seeing just how cute I can dress up my toddler.
Plus, fall tends to bring some pretty fun events along with it. We are particularly blessed in the Birmingham area to have some Halloween events that are off the chain. Keep reading to see just where you need to be with your family to celebrate the season. With so many awesome options, FOMO (fear of missing out) will be at an all-time high, but that’s the price to pay for living in such a vibrant city.
October 15, 19-22, & 26-31
Boo at the Zoo
Birmingham Zoo
2630 Cahaba Rd
Birmingham, AL 35223
An all-time Birmingham Halloween favorite, come ride the Red Mountain Theater Ghost Tour and Hayride, hop on the Spider Slide, boogie to the Monster Mash, take the Pirate Train, and ride the ghost rollers or Scarousel. Characters, free games, and trick or treating will be available on the new Henley Park event lawn. Regular tickets are $10/person with a special member rate of $8/person, and premium parking tickets are available.
Thursday October 26th
Hoover Hayride
5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Veterans Park on Valleydale Rd.
Hoover Hayride & Family Night is an annual event – a fall-time tradition for many families. Kids are welcome to trick or treat in the pavilion throughout the night and will not want to miss a hayride around the park, balloon artists, and face painting. Food vendors will be on site as well.
Friday, October 27th
A Night Dark & Grimm
6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Emmet O’Neal Library
50 Oak St.
Mountain Brook, AL 35213
The Emmet O’Neal Library presents their annual Fall celebration “A Night Dark & Grimm” featuring crafts, games, and face painting. A Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along Movie complete with characters on the lawn will commence at dark.
Halloween Heroes
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Hoover Library
200 Municipal Dr.
Hoover, AL 35216
Hoover Library is back with their annual Halloween party – this year celebrating heroic characters including Batman, Paw Patrol, and Firemen. Wear your costume for an evening of Halloween revelry.
Saturday, October 28th
Cahaba Village Fall Festival
5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
1623 2nd Ave. N., Suite B
Birmingham, AL 35203
The Merchants of Cahaba Village are hosting their inaugural Fall Festival benefiting the Greater Humane Society of Birmingham. Participating shops and restaurants will host traditional festival games (i.e. a cake walk, bobbing for apples, etc.) as well as festive shopping and dining opportunities. All ages and furry friends welcome (in costume or not)! A pet “Howl-o-ween” costume contest will take place at 7:00 in the parking lot.
Sunday, October 29th
Homewood Fall Festival & Witches Ride
2:00-5:15/5:45 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Homewood Central Park/Streets of Homewood
Visit here for ride route.
From 2:00-5:15, Homewood Central Park will be scene to a Fall Festival offering a variety of games, attractions, candy, and a Haunted Walk. Cost is $5/person. Following the festival, head to the streets for the WITCHES RIDE…
For the fifth year in a row, women will dress up as witches and turn their bikes into brooms to “ride the streets of Homewood” tossing candy to “Little Monsters” (kids) along the way. Witches take flight at 5:45 from Homewood Central Park, and Candy Zones will be behind Homewood Central Park on Manhattan St. and across Oxmoor along Roseland St. The Homewood Witches Ride is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in memory of Paula Stringfellow Ford. Funds are raised from the witches’ registration fees and sponsorships, though; it is free to show up to watch and collect candy. This is one of the most unique fundraisers I’ve ever seen and a spectacle you do not want to miss!
Tuesday, October 31st
Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade
4:00-4:30 p.m.
Church St. in Crestline Village
If there were ever a neighborhood that knew how to celebrate Halloween, Crestline would be it. Princesses, ladybugs, and football stars flood the streets, and front yard band parties resound. The Crestline Halloween Parade kicks off the evening’s festivities, and all are welcome to spectate. Parade participants include local vets and stores, the high school band, dancers, and cheerleaders, boy and girl scout troops, and the latest creative ingenuity of Shea Bridge Co. utilizing their 18 wheelers. Wear your costume so you will be trick-or-treat ready.
Now get going…there’s so much playing to do this season! Enjoy!
