Valdosta residents can look forward to a full calendar of fall and Halloween-themed events throughout October, offering various activities for all ages. Downtown Valdosta, local art centers, Valdosta State University, and several businesses have announced plans for community gatherings.
Festivities begin on Thursday, October 22, when Downtown Main Street hosts its annual Witches Night Out from 5-9 p.m. Attendees are invited to walk through Downtown Valdosta and explore local businesses, each featuring different drinks and decorations to enhance the Halloween spirit, according to event organizers.
Also kicking off on October 22 and running through October 25, Georgia Beer Company will host its Oktoberfest celebration. This four-day event is set to include local beer, live music, and a day dedicated to vintage shopping. Georgia Beer Company announced that this year's event has expanded to involve more than 20 local businesses, spreading the celebration across the downtown area.
On Saturday, October 24, the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts will hold its annual ARToberfest from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This event will feature vendors offering art sales, studio demonstrations, various art-themed activities, and a plein air painting challenge.
Valdosta State University (VSU) will also host an event on October 24, as the Alpha Psi Omega fraternity presents its annual performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Student Union Theatre, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The show operates on a pay-what-you-can entry basis and will feature student actors performing alongside a screening of the original movie. An opening lecture will provide historical context for the show before the performance, according to the fraternity.
Additionally on October 24, the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra will screen the original 1931 Frankenstein movie at 7 p.m. The screening will be uniquely accompanied by a live performance of the soundtrack by the orchestra.
For younger participants, the Meta Shaw Coleman Children’s Imagination Station has scheduled two events. Their second Mad Science Night is set for October 27, offering participants a night of science experiments and hands-on learning. On Halloween, October 31, the Imagination Station will host a Glow Party, which will include trick-or-treating and STEAM-themed crafts.
Downtown Main Street will continue its fall programming with the annual Festi-Fall event on October 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This gathering will include games, music, free candy, and provide an opportunity for all ages to show off their costumes.
As Halloween approaches, the City of Valdosta will recognize trick-or-treating on October 31 from 6-9 p.m. Also on Halloween night, Big Nick’s Juke Joint will host a Boos and Brews costume party. The party is inspired by the movie Sinners, and advanced tickets are available starting at $15.