Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade and Spectacle

Looking for an amazingly interactive Halloween activity in one of America’s most exciting college towns? In the style of Burning Man or the Oregon Country Fair, Athens, Ga hosts their own explosion of creative energy: the Wild Rumpus Parade and Spectacle. On October 26, 2013, thousands of creatively-costumed revelers will march their way through Downtown Athens. Last year saw nearly 3,000 people flood the streets of the Classic City and 2013 aims to see even more. The parade is FREE for both spectators and participants, so start planning your costume and head to Athens to enjoy the festivities!

While last year's Wild Rumpus parade was focused on howling at the moon, this year's theme aims even bigger with "RAWR ~ A Tribute to the Sun." With a focus on Leo and the Sun, downtown Athens will be set ablaze on October 26th as the pinnacle Halloween event to let loose this bubbling stew of artistic self-expression, costuming, and gleeful abandon.

One unique aspect of the Wild Rumpus is that it encourages creativity and group spirit. Attendees can opt to walk alone, in pairs, or small groups. Or even better . . . you can choose to form your own themed brigade with friends, or even join an existing brigade. Examples of past brigades include Leather and Lace, Dead and Famous, Zombies, Belly-dancers, even Disney characters. Basically if you can theme it, you can form it! Let your creativity shine through like the Sun! Floats, banners, performances, and music are all welcome. Those wanting to walk in the parade MUST be dressed in costume, so don't forget to dress up in your Halloween best.

This year’s 5th anniversary of the Wild Rumpus brings with it many exciting new features in addition to those participants have come to relish. A new outdoor stage at the end of the parade route will host even more live, local music. There will also be many new daytime activities aimed at including the younger crowd into the festivities. For the first time ever, kids can look forward to a "Monster Mash" party, complete with musical acts, puppeteers, crafts stations, a haunted house, and all sorts of Wild Things.


Top off the evening with a concert at the world-famous, fabulous 40 Watt Club. The after-party extravaganza, for those 18+, will feature local bands Ghost Owl, Space Trucks, and Wild Rumpus master of ceremonies Timi Conley with Kite to the Moon. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the party starts at 9 p.m.


The 5th incarnation of the Wild Rumpus Parade is sure to be unlike any other. With many new activities for children, this year aims to get the entire family involved. Whether you want to dress up on your own, in a brigade, or just come down and watch, the Wild Rumpus is really a special treat for all of Athens.


Ready to join in?  Head to  www.wildrumpus.org to review the participation guidelines and to register if you plan to enter a float or vehicle.  Then, plan to meet at the corner of Clayton St. and Pulaski St. in downtown Athens at 7:00 p.m. The parade will begin at 7:30.

The Wild Rumpus isn't the only fun event going on in Athens, Georgia this Halloween. For a complete list of events, travel information, and everything else Athens-related, check out VisitAthensGa.com.

Halloween in Athens, Ga

Halloween is always an exciting time of year no matter where you are, but to do Halloween in Athens, Georgia is to do it right. Whether you're looking to party, hear ghost stories, or spend a fun evening with your family, the Classic City has got you covered. Don't wait until the 31st --  this year, Athens has more than enough reasons to celebrate Halloween all month long.

Fall is finally here ladies and gentlemen, and in Athens, Georgia that means the celebration lasts all season long. If you're looking for some wholesome, fall family fun, then head over to the five-acre Athens Corn Maze which is open Thursday - Sunday through November 2nd. Contrary to its name, the corn maze is more than just that. In addition to the Corn Maze, you and your friends can enjoy a "Hey Hey Heyride," pony rides, and farm animals. There's also the Corn Box filled with freshly shelled corn, which offers a seasonal alternative to a sandbox for children (or adults!) to play in. There's no better way to spend your autumn day than lost in a sea of corn with all your friends. You can come visit Thursday - Friday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. Admission to the Corn Maze is $10 per person and free for children under 3 years of age.

Looking for some wholesome fun for the kiddo's this Halloween? Come on out to the famous 40 Watt Club. They'll be hosting a Halloween Kids Dance Party with theatrical kids band Like Totally! on Saturday October 19th. All guests, including parents, are encouraged to dress up as there will be a costume contest during the show. As an added treat, Like Totally! will be debuting their new single and music video "Veggie Wrap." There will be snacks and juice boxes for the kids, as well as a bar for those of age. Doors open at 2 p.m., the show starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are only $5. Check out www.40watt.com for more information.

Those looking for a chance to interact with some creepy-crawlies this Halloween season should look no further than Scary, Oozy, Slimy Day. Sandy Creek Nature Center will be hosting one of their most popular events on October 19th, 4 - 7 p.m., which offers attendees the chance to spend the evening learning about different scary bugs and insects, in addition to participating in a variety of games, activities and crafts. This year there will be delicious food vendors, including Shane's Rib Shack. Admission is $3 for ACC residents, $5 for non-residents, and free for children under the age of 3. For more details, go to www.athensclarkecounty.com.




Lickskillet Artists Market, a unique indoor/outdoor market featuring eclectic wares by countless artists of all ages, returns to Lyndon House Arts Center on Saturday, October 26th from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. In addition to over 50 artist booths, you'll be able to get your hands dirty with many hands-on art activities perfect for families, and then enjoy performances by a variety of local musicians. The event also includes tours of the historic Ware-Lyndon House, live art demonstrations by area artists and some delicious food provided by food vendors.The best part? Admission to the Market is free and open to all ages, however, children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information visit www.athensclarkecounty.com/lyndonhouse.

No talk of Halloween in Athens would be complete without mention of the Wild Rumpus Parade. October 26, 2013 marks the 5th year anniversary of this crazy event where thousands of people dress up and march around downtown Athens, Ga. It's the Classic City's take on similar events like Burning Man or The Oregon Country Fair, except with many of its own unique twists. The Wild Rumpus Parade offers the opportunity to form brigades with friends, all dressed in a themed costume, or you can join an already existing group and make new friends as y'all march through downtown together. The creative energy of Athens is never more evident than during the Wild Rumpus. The night concludes with a wild party at the famous 40 Watt Club featuring local bands Ghost Owl, Space Trucks, and Timi and Kite to the Moon. Those who attended last year will remember howling at the moon, but this year's theme goes in the opposite direction with "RAWR ~ A Tribute to the Sun!" Along with a new theme, the Wild Rumpus will be featuring all new daytime events for families and kids of all ages! Kids can enjoy a brand new "Monster Mash" rock show, haunted house, face painting and more. Additionally, paraders can look forward to new adventures including an outdoor stage at the end of the parade route. This year's deserving non-profit charity recipient is Nuçi's Space. The parade starts at 7:30 p.m. and the after-party starts at 9 p.m. Come on out and make sure to wear your costume! Tickets for the concert can be found at www.40watt.com and parade details can be found at www.wildrumpus.org.

Before you gorge yourself on pounds of Halloween Candy, get a head start on your exercise with the thirteenth annual Jack O' Lantern Jog and Goblin Fun Run. It will take place October 27th at the Sandy Creek Nature Center. This festive four-mile road race and one-mile fun run raises money in support of the Sandy Creek Nature Center. All runners are encouraged to dress up. The costume contest starts at 1:40 p.m., the Fun Run at 2 p.m., and the Jack O' Lantern Jog begins at 2:30. There will be unique trophies for winners, runners medallions for kids 10 and under, and much more. Prizes will be given out in each age division for the four-miler. Visit www.athensclarkecounty.com for more information or www.active.com to register online.

This year on Tuesday October 29th, children ages 2 - 12 will get the chance to take a haunted trick-or-treat tour of the Athens' Bear Hollow Zoo when they hold "Boo at the Zoo." Afterwards, make sure to head on over to Memorial Park's Halloween Carnival for fun and prizes! Kids are encouraged to dress up, as there will be a costume contest every hour. The carnival, which will run from 5 - 8 p.m, will also feature stories, games, and activities. Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event is $4 admission for children, and free for parents, guardians and children under the age of 2. Find more information at www.athensclarkecounty.com.

Halloween in Athens is particularly special because all old towns have lots of great ghost stories to tell. This year's Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation's  "Haunted History Tour" will be held on Wednesday, October 30th and Thursday, October 31st at 7:30 p.m. The two-hour tour will wind through Downtown Athens and UGA's North Campus and explore the spirits, hauntings, superstitions and mysterious legends of the Classic City. Get your tickets now to hear stories of murder, suicide, and many other spooky tales. Tickets are $15 for non-ACHF members, $12 for members. For more information visit www.achfonline.org/heritage-walks.

Halloween is a time to spend with friends, rediscover your youth, don a costume, and share in the abundance of spooky stories and candy. If you're looking to do all that, and more, then Athens is where you need to be. Make sure not to miss out on all this great city has to offer, whether it be the rich and haunted history, or thousands of wild Athenians parading downtown in full costume. More information on these events, along with complete travel information, is available from the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau at VisitAthensGA.com, 706-357-4430.

Ready for a Spooky Halloween Weekend? No Finer Place than Athens, GA!

As Halloween approaches, Athenians are ready to face their fears and transform through costume for a terrifyingly good weekend. Already known for its party atmosphere, Athens is taking the fun to the next level for this spooky celebration. Don't miss out on the spine-chilling and exciting Halloween festivities this weekend!

1. Lead by a mystery tour guide, the Athens Haunted History Tour visits haunted history, legends, ghostly lovers, restless Confederate soldiers and unearthed coffins. Folklore and history come alive beneath the Greek columns and magnolias of the Classic City. Follow your guide on a journey of Athens' darker history on this two-hour tour of downtown Athens and UGA's North Campus on Friday, Saturday or Monday at 7 p.m.

2. On Saturday, the annual Wild Rumpus Parade is ready to thrill and frighten the streets of Athens. For those who have never experienced it, the parade and festivities is truly mayhem and excitement in the streets. Come experience the vibrant Athens fun and self-expression in this parade full of costumes and spooky energy.

3. Held on Sunday at Sandy Creek Park, the 11th Annual Jack-O-Lantern Jog and Goblin Fun Run is a four-mile road race and one-mile fun run fundraiser that is sure to spark the Halloween spirit. The event benefits the Sandy Creek Nature Center and includes a costume contest for runners age 10 and under and prizes for the top finishers in each age division.


Still looking for something to do? Check out some other fun things around town this weekend!

• The Rose of Athens Theater presents Huckleberry Finn at the Seney-Stovall Chapel on Friday and Saturday. This classic adventure down the Mississippi River is sure to be fun for the whole family! The show performs at 7 p.m. on Friday and both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday.
• Don't miss the exciting talent that will thrill the audience at the Eggs and Jam Talent Competition on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The Morton Theatre stage will light up with the performances of kids aged 9 to 18 at this talent competition presented by Leading Role Productions.
• If you love the nightlife around Athens, you're sure to have a spook-tacular time all weekend. The night scene doesn't get any better than on Halloween, when bands and fans dress in wild costumes. Make a weekend out of this ultimate adults-only Halloween party, all weekend long!  Check Flagpole.com for performance schedules. 

Pick any combination of these fun and frightening events, and let the Halloween fun begin!

Get Spooked: The Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade and Spectacle

If you're not heading to Jacksonville this weekend & looking for a fun activity for Halloween night, check out the The Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade and Spectacle .

For those who have experienced Halloween in Athens, you know that plenty of people arrive downtown dressed in full costume. The problem? Since it's the weekend of GA/FL some bars are closed, others are almost empty, & you end up feeling ridiculous being the only person dressed up.

The Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade and Spectacle is aiming to be the solution. Ready to take over downtown starting at 10 p.m. the Web site says:

"The vision of The Wild Rumpus is to provide an organized avenue for the massive array of Athens creativity which manifests with such awesome power every Halloween. This year we seek to organize this event for the purpose of channeling the creative spirit into a collaborative, all-inclusive, peaceful, fun time for all."

The event leaders will also be compiling videos & photos for a short feature.

After circling downtown a few times, the event will culminate at 11:11 with a party at Tasty World Uptown.

Participants will be organized into brigades including one led by the CVB's April Moore Skelton. To sign up for a bridgade and for more information including meet-up location, key costume guidelines, & key local ordinances (there's still an open-container policy even on Halloween!) visit the Wild Rumpus Website by clicking here.

Get Spooked: Athens Haunted History Walking Tour

Looking to start your Halloween early and learn about Athens' spooky history? Sign up for an Athens Haunted History Walking Tour.

Since being founded in 1801, Athens’ rich history has provided accounts of strange events and ghostly experiences. Follow your guide on a journey of Athens’ darker history. On this two-hour tour of downtown Athens and UGA’s North Campus, you will hear tales of spirits, hauntings, superstitions, mysteries, murders, suicide and other legends of the Classic City.

Tour dates and times:

Tuesday, October 27, 7:00 pm     (led by Carol Bishop)

Thursday, October 29, 7:00 pm   (led by Rick Rose)

Thursday, October 29, 7:30 pm   (led by Carol Bishop)

Tuesday, November 3, 7:00 pm   (led by Carol Bishop)

 

$12 for ACHF members, $15 for non-members. Tours are limited to 25 people and paid reservations will be accepted on a first come/first serve basis. 

E-mail achftours@bellsouth.net