From ghastly haunted houses to spine-tingling ghost tours, Memphis boasts a bevy of Halloween activities.   But as you’re delighting in some seasonal fright, don’t miss out on a chance to sport your favorite costume and join in some Halloween revelry at any of the many parties in town.


Mud Island River Park’s Halloween on the Island

Location: 125 North Front Street
Date and Time:  Friday, October 31 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Admission:  $2
Age Restriction:  none
Enjoy some Halloween fun for the whole family as Mud Island takes on a creepy atmosphere.  Give yourself a scare on the Haunted River Walk or the haunted train ride and have a blast with Trick or Treat, children’s costume contests, games, hay rides, and more.

Big Foot Lodge Halloween Bash 2008

Location:  97 S 2nd Street
Date and Time:  Thursday, October 30 beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Admission:  none
Age Restriction:  21+
Sink your teeth into a juicy burger (take on the Sasquatch Burger Challenge if you’re up for it) and take advantage of plenty of drink specials.  The bash will include a costume contest and music from DJ Tree.

Hard Rock Café Halloween Bash

Location:  315 Beale Street
Date and Time:  Friday, October 31; 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Admission:  $1
Age Restriction:  18+
This year’s bash will feature live music from On a Dead Machine and Prosevere and a costume contest with a $200 prize for the winner.  All door proceeds will be donated to the Memphis Chapter of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.


Earnestine and Hazel’s Hell on Earth Party

Location:  531 S Main Street
Date and Time:  Friday, October 31; 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Admission:  $7 cover
Age Restriction:  21+
The historic—and rumored to be haunted—bar hosts the 23rd annual Hell on Earth Party.  Grab a beer and a burger and rock out to a night full of music featuring Devil Train, The Gleaners, Dirty White and Skinny Pimp, Grunt, and Whatever Dude.



Chicken Tractor Halloween Costume Party

Location:  Newby’s, 539 S Highland Street
Date and Time:  Friday, October 31; 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Admission:  $20
Age Restriction:  21+
Relive a bit of your frat party days while doing some good for charity at the 7th Annual Chicken Tractor Halloween Costume Party.  The brainchild of UT grads Nick Rice, Donny Kwon, and Rick Brillard, the party will feature music from Adam Ant Farm, and proceeds from the night will go to the Boys and Girls Club of America.  Costumes are required.


River Arts Festival
And if you thought Halloween would mark an end to the big fall festivities in Memphis, don’t worry.   The River Arts Festival, one of the Mid South’s longest running fine arts festivals, offers a plethora of visual and performance art attractions for all ages.  Set on Historic South Main, this year’s festival takes place November 1 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and November 2 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).  The event will feature 183 artists from across the U.S., live entertainment on five stages, food from local restaurants, a demonstration of new artistic techniques from Artists in Motion, and Art du Jour, a hands-on attraction for children.  Admission is free.  

For more information, check out www.riverartsfest.org