Chattanooga, Tennessee — Halloween 2026 is bringing a packed lineup of spooky attractions, family-friendly festivals, costume celebrations and trick-or-treating opportunities to Chattanooga. With Halloween falling on Saturday, October 31, families and visitors can enjoy everything from candy-filled zoo adventures to haunted houses and community celebrations throughout the city.
Whether you’re planning a Halloween outing with children or looking for a frightening night with friends, Chattanooga offers several ways to celebrate the season. Many events are scheduled during the final days of October, making Halloween weekend a good time to explore the city’s seasonal entertainment.
1. Boo in the Zoo at Chattanooga Zoo
Boo in the Zoo is one of Chattanooga’s popular Halloween attractions for families. The annual celebration transforms the Chattanooga Zoo into a festive destination with candy stations, themed decorations and costume activities.
The 2026 event is scheduled for selected dates in October, including October 31 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Children can trick-or-treat as they explore the zoo, while families enjoy seasonal displays, character meet-and-greets, costume shows and additional entertainment.
The zoo closes at 3:30 p.m. on event days before reopening for the Halloween celebration. Separate event admission is required, with listed ticket prices ranging from $11.95 to $20.95, depending on the ticket type.
Families should plan to arrive early and check ticket availability before attending.
2. Dread Hollow Haunted House
Visitors looking for a more intense Halloween experience can consider Dread Hollow, a seasonal haunted attraction in Chattanooga’s Lookout Valley area.
The attraction features three haunted houses and three horror-themed escape rooms, combining elaborate sets, frightening characters, unexpected encounters and dark storytelling. It is designed for visitors who enjoy suspense and traditional haunted-house scares.
On Saturday, October 31, the attraction is scheduled to operate from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are listed in the $25–$35 range, depending on the admission option.
Because the experience is designed to be frightening, it may not be suitable for younger children or visitors who prefer mild Halloween activities. Guests should review age recommendations and ticket conditions before making plans.
3. Truck-or-Treat at the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum
Families looking for a different kind of trick-or-treating can visit the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum for its annual Truck-or-Treat celebration.
The 2026 event is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 3315 Broad Street in Chattanooga.
The family-friendly gathering features decorated trucks, games, giveaways, face painting and food trucks. Children can collect treats while exploring the creatively decorated vehicles, offering a fun alternative to traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating.
Admission is free, making the event an appealing option for families looking for Halloween entertainment without an expensive ticket.
4. Midtown Connect Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat
The Midtown Connect Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat gives families another opportunity to celebrate Halloween together.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the community event takes place at the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga, located at 5704 Marlin Road.
Activities include free Halloween treats, inflatables, food trucks and community booths. The Chattanooga Public Library is also participating, with free books, craft kits and information about library programs.
The festival is free and open to all ages. Families can dress children in costumes, collect candy and enjoy an evening of community activities.
5. Hixson’s Third Annual Trunk-or-Treat
Residents in the Hixson area can attend the Third Annual Trunk-or-Treat at Hixson Center.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 5401 School Drive in Hixson.
Children can enjoy a traditional Halloween atmosphere with decorated vehicles and candy giveaways. Community trunk-or-treat events are particularly useful for parents who prefer organized celebrations over walking through residential neighborhoods after dark.
Families should check local event announcements for any additional activities, parking arrangements or participation requirements.
6. Halloween Celebrations at Glenwood Center
Glenwood Center is hosting a community Halloween celebration on Friday, October 30, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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Located at 2610 East Third Street, the center is offering an opportunity for local families to enjoy Halloween-themed activities before the main holiday weekend.
Community celebrations such as this can include costumes, treats and activities for children. Visitors should confirm the final program details before attending, particularly if they are planning to bring younger children.
7. Haunted Grounds at McDonald Farm
For visitors seeking a combination of fall atmosphere and spooky entertainment, Haunted Grounds at McDonald Farm is another event to consider.
The seasonal attraction is scheduled for Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The experience combines haunted scenery, dark folklore and harvest-themed entertainment. Visitors can also look forward to seasonal refreshments, including apple cider and pumpkin-inspired treats, alongside food trucks and dessert vendors.
The event blends autumn festival activities with Halloween thrills, making it an option for groups who want to spend an evening exploring a spooky outdoor setting.
Which Halloween event in Chattanooga would you most like to attend this year? Share your favorite seasonal activities and Halloween plans in the comments.

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