Not Into Fright and Gore? Here Are Some Fun Local Halloween and Fall Events

For some folks, the scary and gory side of Halloween just isn't their cup of apple cider. But they still want to have fun.

Here are a few places in Stone Mountain and Lithonia that are playing up the ligher side of the fall season more than the dark.

We'll keep adding to this list, so if you have a suggestion for a local spot that'll have kids (and adults) doing more laughing than screaming, please write it in the comments section below with the pertinent details - when, where, whether there's a fee to get in, etc.

And don't forget you can add all upcoming Halloween events to our Patch calendar!

Trunk or Treat at Mountain View Baptist Church

When: Saturday Oct. 27, 3-5 p.m.

Where: Mountain View Baptist Church, 4618 Redan Rd., Stone Mountain

Why go: A good, fun, free time for the kids.

Trunk or Treat at Chick-fil-A

When: Wednesday, Oct. 31,  4 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Chick-fil-A, 5542 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain

Why go: Kids can go trick-or-treating at different car trunks in the parking lot, which will be decorated for the occassion.

Annual BBQ and Fall Festival at St. Timothy's United Methodist Church

When: Saturday, Oct. 27

Where: St. Timothy United Methodist Church, 5365 Memorial Dr.
Stone Mountain

Why go: Another opportunity to celebrate fall.

Every Pumpkin Has a Tale

When: Wednesday, Oct. 31, 4-4:45 p.m.

Where: Salem Panola Library, 5137 Salem Rd., Lithonia

Who: For ages 5-12

Why go: Kids get to share pumpkin stories and make their own paper pumpkin.

10th Annual Pumpkin Festival

When: Fridays through Sundays, until October 28

Where: Stone Mountain Park's Crossroads area

Why go: Enjoy this sweet, "non-spooky" dedication to fall at Stone Mountain Park, which is chock full of fun activities including "The Mayor’s Rockin’ Costume Party", where children can wear Halloween costumes, dance around on stage with the Mayor of Pumpkinfest and learn new fun choreographed dances including the Pumpkin Mash. Among the festival's new features is Spookley the Square Pumpkin, a character from Author Joe Troiano’s book “The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin," described as -- ah-hem-- the "spokes-pumpkin” for National Bullying Prevention Month during October.

Vehicle entry into the park is $10; click here for information on Stone Mountain Park's various value pass prices.

fresche fall festival

When: Sunday, Oct. 28, 2-5 p.m.

Where: 5464 Stone Mountain Hwy, Stone Mountain (Gwinnett) right across from the Village Vets

Why go: There's something planned for everyone - little kids, big kids and adults. There will be a corn maze, bobbing for apples, face-painting, good bags with coupons and stuff from local merchants -- you name it when it comes to fall activities (and it's all free)! Bring your four-legged friends to get a free nail trim by the Village Vets.

Tour of Southern Ghosts  

When: Thursdays - Sundays, through October 28th, 7 - 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Where: Stone Mountain Park's Antebellum Plantation

Why go: Don't be scared off by the name, I'm told. This is the 27th year for the "tour," which is called a Halloween family event, and is sponsored by ART Station. It includes a mix of stories - ghost, fun, spooky, but it's supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, not nightmarish.

Cost is $15 for adults and $7 for children (12 & under). Discounted adult tickets are $12 when purchased in advance online or at the ART Station Box Office.  Discounted child tickets are available on Children's Group Nights which are all three Sundays of the "Tour".  Ticket prices for Children's Group Nights are $3 per child (12 & under) with a group of 10 or more children.

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