It’s heeeere. We know you’re busy carving pumpkins and putting together costumes, so we did the RIP research. There are a ton of fantastically spooky things happening this month that you need to know about, so you keep carving, and we’ll run through it all at headless horseman speed.
(And yes, we’ll be adding to the list all spooky season long, so check back often.)
Let’s get haunting!
First things first: Here’s your guide to local pumpkin patches.
FRIGHTFUL FUN
Family-Friendly Classics & Throwback Scary Movies
Where: Ron Robinson Theater
When: Throughout October
Why: The Sanderson Sisters, Van Helsing and Lydia Deetz are waiting for you. More here.
Science After Dark: Nightmare at the Museum – The Sequel
Where: Museum of Discovery
When: Oct. 10, 6-9 p.m.
Why: Monster dodging, cocktail brewing, costume tinkering — it’s all in a day’s work for a mad scientist’s 21+ party. More here.
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
Where: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
When: Oct. 10, 7 p.m.
Why: Sometimes silence is scariest. In this case, you’ll get that dose of classic film creepy along with live organ accompaniment. More here. Bonus: If you want something a bit more modern, the Arkansas Cinema Society is also hosting a screening of “Practical Magic” on Oct. 27. More on that here.
Halloween for the Dog Lovers
Where: Bark Bar
When: Oct. 12 & 25
Why: Why should black cats get all the Halloween attention? Bark Bar is pulling out the stops with two nights of spooky canine fun including a dance party, costume contests and lots of cuteness. More here.
Howl-o-Ween Parties in the Plaza
Where: Little Rock Zoo
When: Oct. 12, 19, 26
Why: Right this way, tiny creatures. Head to the zoo to get in on all-day events like Trick-or-Treat Train rides, arts and crafts, princess meet-and-greets and showing off your costume to your favorite animals. More here.
Ghoulish Bingo
Where: Lost Forty Brewing
When: Oct. 16, 6 p.m.
Why: Who hates bingo? No one, that’s who — especially when it’s spooky and benefits Women & Children First. More here.
A Spooky Night of Live Podcasting
Where: Ron Robinson Theater
When: Oct. 16, 6 p.m.
Why: Hosted by the ARKAST Podcast Festival, this event brings some of the best local storytellers and spooky lovers to the mic, all in front of a live audience. More here.
“Murder on the Nile”
Where: Murry’s Dinner Playhouse
When: Oct. 16 – Nov. 9
Why: Is it really spooky season without an Agatha Christie murder mystery? Check it off your list with this tension-filled whodunit show. More here.
“Char-BoOoOo-terie”
Where: The Public Theatre
When: Oct. 17-19, 8 p.m.
Why: Hosted by the often bawdy, always funny Red Octopus Theater Co., this isn’t your mother’s Halloween sketch comedy show. More here.
Fright Night at The Promenade
Where: The Promenade at Chenal
When: Oct. 19, 5-8 p.m.
Why: Costumes, activities, eats, drinks and some scary good fun for the fam. More here.
Candlelight Concert: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Where: Albert Pike Masonic Center
When: Oct. 19, 6:30 & 8:45 p.m.
Why: Your favorite spooky songs only sound better when performed by a string quartet surrounded by candles. More here.
Carnival Bizarre
Where: Arkansas Repertory Theatre
When: Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Why: Back for its fifth year, this Arkansas Circus Arts event combines circus, sideshow and burlesque theatrics for a night of spine-tingling fun. More here.
Spooky Soirée 2023
Where: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
When: Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Why: The Greater Little Rock Chapter of Jack and Jill of America is hosting this annual bash with music, cocktails and costumes for charity, and they’re ready to get ghoulish at the “Circus of Screams.” More here.
Rooftop Cinema: “Beetlejuice”
Where: Roof of the parking deck at the corner of Sixth and Scott streets
When: Oct. 21, dusk (about 7:20 p.m.)
Why: Drinks, costumes and one specter-tacular view await as the ghost with the most takes over the big screen under the stars. More here. (Editor’s note: This event was originally scheduled to show “Ghostbusters” on Oct. 24.)
Haunted Arkansas Ghost Tours
Where: Argenta
When: Throughout October
Why: Lace up the comfy shoes and get ready to meet the spooky side of Argenta. We’re especially fans of the Boos & Brews tours. More here.
Big Boo!seum Bash
Where: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Firehouse Museum & Hostel, Historic Arkansas Museum, MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Museum of Discovery, Old State House Museum and the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center
When: Oct. 24, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Why: Check out the sights at some of your fave museums in costume with free family-friendly games, prizes and trick-or-treating. More here.
7 Deadly Sins
Where: Arkansas Repertory Theatre
When: Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m.
Why: Ballet Arkansas is slipping into its most sinful pointe shoes for a night of dance, drinks and fundraising. More here.
“The Rocky Horror Show” Live
Where: Sway
When: Oct. 24-27
Why: Come up to the lab and see what’s on the slab. More here.
Halloween Movie Night
Where: Neverwhere Coffee, Comics & Oddities (Breckenridge location)
When: Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m.
Why: This time the oddity at center stage is the 1977 Japanese horror movie “House.” Grab popcorn and a drink and prepare to get weird. More here.
Monster Bash
Where: The Venue at Westwind
When: Oct. 25, 7-11 p.m.
Why: Groove to live music, auctions, food, signature spooky cocktails and a costume contest all to benefit Home for Healing. More here.
Halloween Bash in The Alley
Where: Sterling Market
When: Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Why: One of the city’s best outdoor spaces is switching to the spooky side with a night of devilish drinks, live music and costume contests. More here. Bonus: Hit the astroturf again on Sunday with a costumed, family-friendly, treat-filled brunch. More on that here.
Market at Chenal Halloween Carnival
Where: Rahling Circle
When: Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Why: Get the trick-or-treating started early at this free community event (and don’t skimp on the vendors, games and food trucks). More here.
East Village Halloween Art Market
Where: The Rail Yard
When: Oct. 26, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Why: Costumes, music, food, drinks and vendors battling the real nightmares: fast fashion and boring art. More here.
Halloween Market at Pettaway
Where: Pettaway Square
When: Oct. 26, 4-9 p.m.
Why: The poltergeists are out to play in Pettaway. The weekly neighborhood market is bringing the not-so-frightful fun with food trucks, costumes, games, treats and Halloween vendors. More here.
Beautywood Boos
Where: Beautywood Books
When: Oct. 26, 4 & 6 p.m.
Why: This NLR shop knows true horror is not having anything good to read, so it’s remedying that with two parties in one day. The kids’ party includes story time, games, costumes and candy, while the adults’ party ups the ante with themed drinks, a soup cookoff, tarot readings and an outdoor movie. More here.
Fright Night in Argenta
Where: E.O. Manees House
When: Oct. 26, 7-10 p.m.
Why: Costume contests, dancing and drinks in a historic building to benefit the NLR Animal Shelter? Count (Dracula) us in. More here.
Outlaw Halloween in The Yard
Where: The Rail Yard
When: Oct. 26, 8 p.m.
Why: Celebrating spooky season with food trucks, music and a costume contest is already a no-brainer. Even better? Adding a bit of cowboy spice. More here.
Halloween Karaoke
Where: Town Pump
When: Oct. 26, 8 p.m.
Why: Dibs on “Witchy Woman.” More here.
Farmer Trunk-or-Treat
Where: The Root Cafe
When: Oct. 27, 3-5 p.m.
Why: Going door to door is so 2014, especially when you can meet some of the folks behind your favorite fresh eats. More here.
Halloween Dance Party
Where: Club 27
When: Oct. 26, 9 p.m.
Why: Bachata lessons have never been so spooky. More here.
“Trick or Freak” Silent Party
Where: Agasi 7: Rooftop Bar + Kitchen
When: Oct. 26, 9 p.m.
Why: All the party, none of the annoyed neighbors. More here.
The Rocky Horror Pickin’ Show
Where: Four Quarter Bar
When: Oct. 26, 9:30 p.m.
Why: Bluegrass meets Transylvania. More here.
Arkansas Paranormal Expo
Where: MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
When: Oct. 26-27, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Why: Bigfoot requests the honor of your presence. More here.
Witches Ride The Heights
Where: Kavanaugh Boulevard
When: Oct. 27, 5 p.m.
Why: Now in its third year, this not-so-petrifying parade invites locals to don their witchiest attire and make their way down Kavanaugh, ending in an after(life) party in the Boulevard Bread Company parking lot. More here.
Library Halloween Party
Where: Fletcher Library
When: Oct. 30, 5:30-7 p.m.
Why: Yes, October is full of creeptastic activities across all 14 of its branches, but this midtown branch is taking it to another (family-friendly) level. More here.
Howl-oween Party
Where: Southern Tail Brewing
When: Oct. 31, 4:30-10 p.m.
Why: If your ‘hood’s not exactly hoppin’ on Halloween, head to this new East Ninth joint for some quality trick-or-treating and a themed menu. And not only is it kid-friendly, but dog-friendly, too. More here.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Annual Screening
Where: Riverdale 10 VIP Cinema
When: Oct. 31, 7 p.m.
Why: Who’s bringing the newspapers? More here.
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EERIE EATS
Harry Potter Trivia
Where: Nexus Coffee & Creative
When: Oct. 17, 7 p.m.
Why: This fun (and menu) is Hogwarts-approved. More here.
Pints & Pumpkins
Where: Stone’s Throw Brewing
When: Oct. 19, 6-8:30 p.m.
Why: Oktoberfest, schmoktoberfest. This annual evening of pumpkin carving contests and local brews sounds pretty good to us. More here.
18th Annual Halloween Chili Cookoff
Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds
When: Oct. 26, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Why: If chili isn’t part of your Halloween traditions, it’s about to be. At this yearly throwdown, local teams compete for top honors while proceeds go to The Van and the Humane Society of Pulaski County. More here.
Boo-zy Cocktails
Where: Sauce(d) Bar & Oven
When: Throughout October
Why: The only witch’s brew we’re interested in sipping. More here.
Halloween Bar Crawl
Where: Downtown & SoMa
When: Oct. 26, 4 p.m.
Why: Why choose just one place to do your spooky sipping? More here.
Festival of Darkness: Nighty Night Release Party
Where: Lost Forty Brewing
When: Oct. 26, 5-9 p.m.
Why: Zombie lumberjacks wanted for this post-apocalyptic block party complete with music, food trucks and, of course, loads of dark beer. More here.
“Stranger Things” Dinner
Where: Brood & Barley
When: Oct. 27, 6 p.m.
Why: When this Argenta joint teams up with fellow powerhouse Moody Brews, you get an ’80s-themed menu that will turn your world upside down. More here.
Fright Bites
Where: The Fold
When: Oct. 29 – Nov. 1
Why: The last days of spooky season mean costumes, tarot readings, “monsteritas” and more at this Riverdale haunt. More here.
Hallow-Ease
Where: Ease Supper Club & Bistro
When: Oct. 31, 5 p.m.
Why: Hot dogs for the kids, ribeye chili for the grownups and lots of spooky fun await in Park Hill. More here.
The Mad Hatter’s Halloween Feast
Where: Petit & Keet
When: Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m.
Why: This Wonderland-themed, multi-course meal with wine pairings is enough to make you lose your head. More here.
Spooky Scoops + Shakes
Where: Loblolly Creamery
When: Throughout October
Why: Black sugar cones, murderously-good macarons, apple cider doughnut flavors… We’ll take one of everything. More here.
Spooky Cocktail Classes
Where: Rock Town Distillery
When: Throughout October
Why: This SoMa haunt’s recurring class lineup comes with extra spirits this month, as well as a “special charBOOOOterie cocktail class” on Oct. 29. More here.
“The Juice is Loose” Cocktail Menu
Where: Big Orange (Midtown location only)
When: Through Nov. 2
Why: The only Beetlejuice we’re interested in sipping. More here.
Sip on: Get Your Boos With These Local Halloween Spirits
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SPINE-CHILLING SWEATS
“Jaws” on the Water with Rock Town River Outfitters
Where: Rock City Yacht Club
When: Oct. 9, 7 p.m.
Creep ‘N’ Crawl Half Marathon/5K/Lil’ Monsters Dash
Where: Two Rivers Park + virtual
When: Oct. 19, 3:30 p.m.
Spooky Beer Yoga
Where: Southern Tail Brewing
When: Oct. 27. 10 a.m.
Halloween-Themed Classes
Where: Barefoot Studio
When: Oct. 31
Full Moon Fire Flow, Nightmare on Abs Street & More
Where: Camp Yoga & Pilates
When: Throughout October
Spooky Sessions
Where: ZenStudio
When: Throughout October
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HAUNTED HOUSES
Creepy Trail of Willow Creek
Where: 2811 Willow Springs Road
When: Weekends through Oct. 31
Fear Factory 501
Where: 25120 Hwy. 107, Jacksonville
When: Weekends through Oct. 19, every day Oct. 24 – Nov. 2
Gwat-Thrilla Haunted Car Wash
Where: 1701 T P White Drive, Jacksonville
When: Oct. 18-26
The Haunted Hotel
Where: 10800 Arch St.
When: Weekends through Oct. 20, every day Oct. 24-31
Nyctophobia
Where: The Studio Theatre
When: Oct. 18-19, 24-26, 29-31
The Reaper Haunted House
Where: 15312 MacArthur Drive, North Little Rock
When: Weekends through Nov. 1
Village of Screams
Where: 347 S. James St., Jacksonville
When: Weekends through Oct. 27, every day Oct. 30 – Nov. 2
Have some spooky fun to add? Send details to info@littlerocksoiree.com.
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