Arkansas Offers Diverse Events for Halloween and Harvest Themes

Nothing signals the arrival of fall more than the changing of green leaves to vibrant gold, red and orange hues and a turn to cooler weather, except maybe pumpkins, corn mazes, haunted hayrides, and the howls of costume-clad children as they scamper through the dark collecting candy.

Celebrating the autumn harvest and Halloween are numerous events throughout The Natural State. History is alive in Arkansas and goes bump in the night with events such as the Haunted Battlefield Tour at Prairie Grove, the Murder & Mayhem Trolley in Fort Smith and Tales from the Crypt in Little Rock.

The Little Rock Zoo, Magic Springs Theme Park in Hot Springs and museums around the state offer family oriented activities. Haunted houses pop up in cities statewide, but one that has developed as an attraction is Raycliff Manor in Eureka Springs. Pumpkin patches and corn mazes celebrate the harvest while many Arkansas State Parks offer hayrides, trail walks or creepy crawly programs in the Halloween theme. Also part of the mix is a Little Rock film festival with some celebrities famous in the horror genre on-hand for the screenings. Symphonies and teas in the vein of macabre round out the offerings.

A full schedule of spookiness and fall fun awaits, whether you're looking for a spine-tingling, make-your-flesh-crawl adventure, a place to trick or treat and wear a costume, legends from beyond the grave or more cultural affairs. The following is a list of some of the events planned in the state this October. Most cities offer their own local activities. Check out the calendar of events at www.Arkansas.com for more information.

• Kountry Kuzins Punkin Patch and General Store, Sept. 15 to Oct. 31, Mayflower. Pumpkins, wagon rides, hay maze, cow train rides, a General Store with jams, jellies and other homemade items, plus our famous hand-painted Razorback Pumpkins, fall wreaths and decor and concessions. Weekend events include horseshoe and cow chip throwing contests, a greased pig chase and much more with live music on "Pickin'-n-Playin'" Sundays. Admission prices are $5 ($6 on weekends) for wagon rides with a pumpkin; $5 in the morning, $6 evenings for the Hay Maze; and $2 for the cow train. The patch is located 10 miles east of Mayflower on Ark. 89 South between Mayflower and Cato/Jacksonville. (501) 269-1450.
• Third annual Schaefers Farm Corn Maze, Sept. 15-November, Mayflower. Activities include a 12-acre corn maze (puzzle) on a working farm plus a smaller maze for kids. There will also be scenic hayrides along the Arkansas River. Special events include "flashlight nights" and Halloween festivities. A concession and picnic area, and a pumpkin patch located across the road round out the fun. Admission is adults $7, seniors $6, ages 6-12 $5, ages 3-5 $3; Kid's Maze $2.50, scenic hayride $3. Special pricing is available for groups. The farm is located at 863 Lollie Road. (501) 329-9381; www.schaeferscornmaze.com.
• Hidden Valley Farm Fall Harvest Pumpkin Patch, Sept. 28-Oct. 28, Little Rock. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Activities include pick-your-own-pumpkin patch, hayrides and humorous scarecrows plus corn stalks, Indian corn and gourds for sale. Photo opportunities. Admission is $2 per carload (weekends only); no admission charge weekdays. The farm is located at 719 Ferncliff, south off Chenal Parkway. www.hiddenvalleyfarm.com.
• Autumn Harvest Maze & Pumpkin Patch, Sept. 28-Oct. 31, Fulton Grass Farm, Fulton. The farm transforms into a scene that includes a 15-acre walk-through maze with a pumpkin patch and picnic area, barnyard animals, horse-drawn wagon rides, a pumpkin catapult and concessions. On Friday and Saturday nights, there is a Haunted Maze and Field of Screams. Admission ranges from $6-$10. (870) 896-2300.
• Fourth annual Raycliff Manor Haunted Attraction, Sept. 28-Nov. 3, 132 Huntsville Dr., Ark. 23, Eureka Springs. Victorian/Gothic themed attraction with 22 rooms of mind-blowing, heart pounding scares. This is a scary attraction with high shock factor, terrifying special effects, and illusions that are horrifyingly real! Admission is $13. Check the Web site for nights of operation. Proceeds will benefit the Good Shepherd Humane Society. (479) 253-7887; www.eurekascreams.com.
• Third annual "Magic Screams" Halloween Festival, Sept. 29-Oct. 28, Magic Springs Theme Park, Hot Springs. Fun-filled family event every Saturday and Sunday. There will be a scare-free zone for little ones from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. but after that the ghosts, ghouls and goblins take over and anything can happen. Admission is up to $44.99. (501) 318-5329; www.magicsprings.com.
• Hardin Farms Pumpkin Patch Festival, Sept. 29-Oct. 31, Hardin Farms, Grady. Activities include a haunted house, hayrides, U-pick pumpkin patch, giant tree swing, Hay maze and Little Farmers Playland. The farm also contains a restaurant, animal show barn and Native American Village. Check the Web site for hours of operation (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). (870) 479-3978; www.hardinfarms.com.
• Peebles Farm Fall Festival, Oct. 1-31, between Augusta and McCrory. Enjoy the 15-acre spider web-themed corn maze, 80 acres of pumpkins and gourds, hay tunnels and pyramids, a cotton patch, a petting zoo, hayrides and a play area. On weekends, evening tours of the corn maze, hayrides and a bonfire are offered. There is no admission to the farm but admission is charged for individual events. Ark. 64 between August and McCrory. (870) 919-6162.
• Fifth annual Murder & Mayhem Trolley, Oct. 4-27, Fort Smith Museum of History, Fort Smith. A saucy spirit from the 1800s narrates stories of the colorful and checkered past of this once rowdy border town. Hear about the murders, madams and the marshals. Find out which houses are beautiful by day, but haunted by night and by whom. The trolley departs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. in October. Parental discretion advised. Admission is $10. (479) 783-7841; www.fortsmithmuseum.com.
• "Tales of the Crypt," Oct. 9, Mount Holly Cemetery, Little Rock. The candlelit tour features performances by Little Rock Parkview High School acting students throughout the acreage. Many of Arkansas' most influential people in history are buried at Mount Holly and every fall, some of them return to visit with today's citizens. Hours for the free presentation are 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Two different tours rotate and begin every five minutes. The cemetery is located at I-630 and Broadway. (501) 447-2362.
• Tuesday Spooky Tea, Oct. 9, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs. Enjoy specialty teas, gourmet scones, finger sandwiches and an array of scrumptious desserts. Teatime is 3 p.m. Seating is very limited so make your reservations early by purchasing tickets online or by calling (501) 262-9300 or 800-366-4664. Cost is $13.02 for garden members and $16.27 for non-members. www.garvangardens.org.
• Pumpkin Hollow Haunted Attractions, Oct. 12-31, St. Francis. Featuring two haunted attractions: the Forest of Fright and Bubba's Butcher Barn. For younger children, there is the Friendly Forest. Enjoy corn mazes, hayrides, crosstie maze and more. On the weekend, pony and train rides are also available. The corn mazes Arkansas originals open on Sept. 29. Admission price varies. County Road 341 three miles west of St. Francis. (870) 598-3568. www.pumpkinhollow.com.
• Ninth annual Read Haunted House, Oct. 12-31, Malvern. Ghouls, ghosts and creepy things will take center stage beginning at 7 p.m. each weekend night. Proceeds will benefit the Literacy Council of Hot Spring County, Inc. Admission for children 12 and under is $3 and for adults $6. (501) 332-4039; www.readhelp.com.`
• Haunted Cathedral, Oct. 12-31 (closed Oct. 14-17 and 21-23), Little Rock. One of the most ambitious spooky spaces in Arkansas presented by EMOBA (The Museum of Black Arkansans) each year. Held in an old 14,000-square-foot Gothic church building, it provides scary thrills and chills for all members of the family with both live and animatronic fun. The cathedral is located at 1208 Louisiana, just off I-630 in the downtown area. (501) 372- 0018.
• Ghosts of Davidsonville Hay Ride and Fall Festival, Oct. 13, Old Davidsonville State Park, Pocahontas. From 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., you can take a hayride through the park and meet the Ghosts of Davidsonville. Hear the legends and tales of days gone by. The festival will also feature live music, games and food. Hayrides are $2 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under. 7953 HWY 166 South. (870) 892-4708. www.ArkansasStateParks.com.
• Creepy Crawly Things, Oct. 20, Moro Bay State Park, Jersey. This is an entertaining afternoon about the insects, crustaceans, and arachnids that you can find in and around Moro Bay State Park. The program involves a bug hunt hike, an arts and crafts activity, a chance to eat a bug for a certificate of bravery and special treats for the kids. Activities take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at a cost of $1 for kids and $2 for adults. (870) 463-8555; www.ArkansasStateParks.com.
• Water Valley Volunteer Fire Department Haunted House, Oct. 20, Water Valley. Take a ½-mile hayride through the woods to the Haunted House. Afterwards, return to the Fire Station for games, concessions and an auction. Admission is $4. All proceeds from the event benefit the Water Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Located on Water Valley Road. (870) 869-2986.
• Boo at the Zoo, Oct. 24-31, Little Rock Zoo. This family oriented event features amusement rides, concessions, a haunted house, a haunted trail and a fun house. There will also be carnival games, the zoo's resident vampire bats and the Beauty Shop of Horrors. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume. Hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and admission is $5 per person for non-members, $4 per person for zoo members. Admission price includes treat tickets. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $4 at any central Arkansas Metropolitan Bank location, at the zoo Safari Trader Gift Shop or by calling Zetta Friday at (501) 661-7203. www.littlerockzoo.com.
• Fifth annual Haunted Theater, Oct. 25-31, The Ritz Civic Center, Blytheville. Spend an evening with the spirits of the theater during this annual fundraising event. Hours are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday; 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 306 W. Main St. $5 admission. (870) 762-1744.
• "Go Zydeco Wild at Halloween" dance party, Oct. 26 in the Argenta historic district in downtown North Little Rock. Held at the Arts Scene Gallery and Art Market, visitors can come in costume to enjoy the live Zydeco music and Cajun dancing plus great food and beverages. Proceeds will benefit the Argenta Community Development Corporation. Hours are 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. and tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. The Arts Scene Gallery and Art Market is located at 201 Maple Street in downtown North Little Rock. (501) 374-0622.
• Full Moon Horror Convention and Film Festival, Oct. 26-28, Statehouse Convention Center and the Market Street Cinema both in Little Rock. There will be late night screenings of classic horror flicks and appearances by celebrities famous in the genre. Those scheduled to attend include Linda Blair (The Exorcist), Jeffrey Combs (Re-animator, Deep Space Nine), Shawnee Smith (Saw I through IVI); P.J. Spoles (Halloween, Carrie), Stuart Gordon (Re-animator, Body Snatchers), Tony Dodd (Candyman, Final Destination) and Tim Tomerson (Trancers, Doll Man). Some of the others include David Naughton (An American Werewolf in London), John Dugan (Texas Chainsaw Massacre), former Arkansan Joe Bob Briggs and James Hampton (Teen Wolf, The Longest Yard). In addition, there will be a haunted house, a costume contest, comics and collectibles show, tattoo artists, a horror art show, pie-eating contest, a tattoo competition, sideshow performers, a photo booth and live music. Ticket prices range from $5 to a special $150 VIP three-day pass. A full list of celebrities, ticket information, and list of movies to be shown is available on the event Website. (501) 374-3660; www.fullmoonconvention.com
• Halloween Storytelling Trail, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., Oct. 26, 27 and 31, Lake Dardanelle State Park, Russellville. See some of the greatest children's Halloween stories come to life through costumed storytellers along the decorated Meadowbrook Nature Trail. The event isn't designed to frighten, but to provide families fun in the great outdoors. Wear your costumes. Free admission. (479) 967-5516; www.ArkansasStateParks.com.
• Haunted Battlefield Tour, Oct. 27, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, Prairie Grove. From 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., tour groups will be guided in front of the historic Borden House along part of the park's walking trail and into the valley where the heaviest fighting occurred during the Battle of Prairie Grove. Chances are good that there will be a few surprises along the way. Tours depart every 20 to 30 minutes. The last tour will start around 10 p.m. Parking is available at the east entrance of the Borden House. Admission is free, but passes will be required for specific tour departure times and are available the day of the tour. (479) 846-2990; www.ArkansasStateParks.com.
• Haunted Hayride, Oct. 27, Devil's Den State Park, West Fork. This scary hayride is open to campers, cabin guests and anyone visiting the park for the day. (479) 761-3325; www.ArkansasStateParks.com.
• 12th annual Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular, Oct. 27, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Eureka Springs. See lions, tigers, cougars and other animals at nighttime. Activities will include a haunted hayride, trail of terror, children's costume parade and contest, and storytelling. Concessions available. If you visit the refuge during the day, admission to the party is free. Admission $15 for adults, $10 for children. (479) 253-5841; www.tigers.tc.
• Family Fun for Halloween, Oct. 27, Fort Smith Art Center, Fort Smith. Kids and adults can drop by to make Halloween art projects. Admission is $2.50. (479) 784-2787; www.fortsmithartcenter.org.
• Outrageous, Awesome Creatures of the Ozarks, 2 p.m., Oct. 27, Siloam Springs Museum, Siloam Springs. Children ages 6-12 can enjoy bizarre, entertaining and, in some cases, slightly scary accounts of fantastical monsters and creatures of the region by master storyteller Susan Young. 479-524-4011.
• Creepy Crawly Night Hike and Bonfire, Oct. 27, Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, Scott. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., participants will explore the historic mound site by taking part in an owl prowl, storytelling, crafts and other programs. A bonfire with hot chocolate and treats for the children rounds out the evening. (Groups are responsible for bringing their own food, drinks, condiments and cooking supplies.) Toltec is at 490 Toltec Mounds Road. Admission is free, but reservations are required. (501) 961-9442. As of November 2022, Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park has been renamed Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park. For more information, click here.
• Fourth annual Spooktacular, Oct. 27, Main Street, Mammoth Spring. The "spooky" evening features costume contests, great food, entertainment and treats for all ages. No admission. (870) 625-3235; www.mammothspringar.com.
• Halloween Party, Oct 27, Village Creek State Park, Wynne. Spend the evening enjoying Halloween crafts, candy and old-fashioned kettle corn. Costumes are optional but there will be a costume contest. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $3. 201 County Road 754. (870) 238-9406; www.ArkansasStateParks.com.
• 12th annual Ghosts of the Past, Oct. 27-Nov. 1, Arkansas Post National Memorial, Gillett. The candlelight tour of the historic town site makes history come alive as characters from Arkansas Post share their stories. Reservations are recommended. No admission. 1741 Old Post Road. (870) 548-2207. www.nps.gov/arpo.
• "Explorations of the Macabre: A Halloween Extravaganza," Oct. 28, Convention Center Auditorium, Pine Bluff. The Symphony Orchestra will present musical selections, to include: "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," "Night on Bald Mountain," "Symphonie Fantastique," Liszt's "Totentanz (Dance of Death)," Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D minor" and more. Tickets are $25 adults and $12 students. (870) 536-7666.
• After Dark in the Park, Oct. 31, Ozark Folk Center State Park, Mountain View. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy stories of the Ozarks and meet some of the more colorful characters that have been talked about for generations around here. Luminaries will line the walks in the craft grounds as you are led by lantern light to each story site. Free admission. (870) 269-3851; www.ozarkfolkcenter.com.
• Ghost Town Tour, Oct. 27, Main Street, Calico Rock. Ride the trolley to Peppersauce Bottom Ghost Town where the cotton gin, sawmill, electric power plant and other businesses will come "back to life." People from the past will talk about the "Good Old Days." Visit with "Greasy Slim" at the City Jail. Activities take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $5. (870) 297-8899; www.calicorocket.org.
• Big Boo!-seum Bash, Oct. 31, several downtown Little Rock museums. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., visitors young and old are encouraged to come in costume and bring a container for collecting the candy that will be given away. Participating museums include: the Arkansas Museum of Discovery, the Old State House Museum, the Historic Arkansas Museum, the Central High School National Historic Site (with help from the Arkansas History Commission), the Clinton Presidential Center and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History (assisted by the Arkansas National Guard Museum). Central Arkansas Transit buses will provide free shuttle service between the various locations and there will be plenty of hands-on activities in addition to trick-or-treating. Admission is free.
• 23rd annual Goblin Parade, Oct. 31, historic downtown district, Rogers. Children in costume follow a planned route through downtown Rogers and "trick-or-treat" businesses along the way. Free. (479) 936-5487; www.mainstreetrogers.com.
• Trick or Treat on the Square, Oct. 31, downtown square, Fayetteville. Children, dressed in costume, trick-or-treat the merchants on the historic square from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a new pet costume contest. Free. (479) 521-5776; www.experiencefayetteville.com.
• Fifth annual Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 31, lower mall parking lot, Horseshoe Bend. Dress up the trunk of your car and yourself for Halloween. Event is free. (870) 670-5433.
• 11th annual Sherwood Halloween Carnival, Oct. 31, Sherwood. Robin Hood and his merry men could be among the many visitors to Sherwood Forest. Local churches, businesses and individuals will operate booths of carnival games and a haunted egg hunt gives the kids opportunities to win prizes. Those entering the costume contest will compete for awards and ribbons for first, second and third place. A Monster Mash dance with DJ will also take place. Admission is free. (501) 835-8909.
• Fifth annual Fright Night, Oct. 31, Arkansas Post Museum State Park, Gillett. The spook-tacular evening offers a haunted house, carnival games, face painting, a fortuneteller and lots of candy. No admission. 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 5530 HWY 165 South. (870) 548-2634. www.ArkansasStateParks.com.