A rare chance to visit Oakland Cemetery after dusk, in these Halloween tours (tickets on sale now, but will sell out quickly!)
The Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween tours are an annual tradition in Atlanta. And while they take place in October, they sell out early nearly every year.
The gates of Oakland usually close at dusk — so the Halloween tours are one of the few times you can experience the cemetery grounds after dark (Illumine is the other twilight event). These are storytelling events — you’ll follow a costumed guide through beautifully lit Victorian gardens as you listen to tales of some of the cemetery’s most noted residents.
Capturing the Spirit of Oakland tours are “designed to enlighten, not frighten.” They are family-friendly, but not recommended for children under 8.
This is a sell-out event, and tickets are gone within weeks of their release each summer.
In 2024, the tour tickets go on sale to the general public on July 15th.
Members of the Historic Oakland Foundation can purchase tickets starting July 1st, so they get first crack at it.
According to the Foundation, half the available tickets sold out this year during the member presale.
So don’t delay — buy now!
Limit of six tickets per order.
More info + get tickets
Last year, tours were about 75 minutes in length and departed every 15 minutes. The route was approximately one mile, and the entire experience took about two hours from arrival time.
Capturing the Spirit of Oakland is a rain or shine event. No refunds will be issued.
2024 tour prices
- Adult: $45
- Children 4-12: $30
- Children under 4: Free
- VIP night $190
2024 Event Dates:
October 17th to October 20th
October 24th to 27th
October 23 — VIP night
More twilight tours at Oakland Cemetery
Twilight events like Illumine and Capturing the Spirit of Oakland have proved so popular that Oakland Cemetery is launching a new series of tours in the summer of 2023.
The Nightfall Chronicles might be of interest to you, if you never seem to get tickets for the Halloween tours before they sell out.
These twilight tours take place on select Thursday nights.
They allow you to experience the enchantment of Oakland as the sun sets against the Atlanta skyline. The tours have various themes, ranging from love stories to tales of mystery and mayhem.
You can get tickets via Eventbrite — as well as check tour times and prices. In general, tours are in the $20 range once fees and taxes are added. Oakland members get a steep discount!
After the tour, your ticket is good for a discount at nearby eateries, including Six Feet Under, Republic Social House, and DAS BBQ.
The Nightfall Chronicles – 2023 schedule
July 20
Art & Architecture of Death
August 3
History, Mystery & Mayhem
August 18
Love Stories of Oakland
September 1
Epitaphs: The Immortality of Words
September 28
Fifty Ways to Die
October 6
Crime through Time
October 11
History, Mystery & Mayhem
November 9
Fifty Ways to Die
November 16
Malts and Vaults: Where Beer Meets History
Oakland Cemetery is home to over 1400 trees, some of them nearly 200 years old. Many reflect Victorian symbolism, including those with a “weeping” form or tall columnar shape that points toward heaven.
