Autumn in Downtown Kennesaw: Your Guide to Cultivating the Ultimate Fall Bucket List
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean the good times have to end! Cooler weather brings a lineup of fall activities, spooky fun and cozy community events to Downtown Kennesaw. Make your fall bucket list, then grab a jacket and enjoy the season downtown. Here’s what’s on the calendar:
October
Life in the Cemetery
This annual guided historical walking tour through the Kennesaw City Cemetery is a local favorite and perfect for those who love all things macabre. Follow a guide through the cemetery and hear stories through the eyes of the cemetery residents. The event raises funds for the Kennesaw Cemetery Preservation Foundation and is co-sponsored by the city’s Cemetery Preservation Commission.
Multiple tours will take place throughout the weekend before Halloween: Friday, October 23, through Sunday, October 25. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-in-the-cemetery-2026-tickets-1993358414678
Haunted Sprits
Join the Southern Museum for a night full of eerie vibes and spooky surprises at Haunted Spirits on October 23. Ghost tales come alive, and the atmosphere is chillingly fun! Sip soft drinks, beer, or a signature spooky cocktail while hearing haunting stories on a tour of the Museum. Food is provided by 1885 Grill in Kennesaw, and beer and spirits are provided by Reformation Brewery.
The night begins at 6 p.m. with a showing of the 1938 Hitchcock film “The Lady Vanishes.” Ghost tours of the Museum are at 8:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Wear a costume, and you could win a prize in the costume contest.
Must be 21 years of age or older. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-spirits-tickets-1986017269114?aff=oddtdtcreator
Candy Crawl
Families can enjoy trick-or-treating at participating businesses, carnival-style games, bounce houses and festive pumpkin photo opportunities in Downtown. While you’re collecting treats, be sure to check out the Scarecrows on Main display and see the creative creations lining Downtown.
Participation in the Candy Crawl is free. Some activities, such as bounce houses, may be pay-to-play. Public parking is available throughout downtown, and an event map will highlight candy stops and game locations! October 24, 12 – 5 p.m.
Otter Spooktacular Anniversary Celebration
Hosted by the Turquoise Otter, this spooktacular event is a great way to support a local business! Browse local goodies, enjoy sips and snacks, and make your own vanilla extract for $10. October 24, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Silent Book Club
On October 24 from 2-4 p.m., join the Brown Dog Bookshop and Silent Book Club-Kennesaw Chapter for a cozy reading break. With comfy rooms lined with books, a meeting room where multiple people can hang together, and a bright, covered outdoor porch, there are plenty of spots to lose yourself in a book. All ages and book formats welcome. Bring your own book or buy one from the Brown Dog Bookshop! Mingle or don’t. Read for an hour. Say good-bye or slip out quietly. This event is perfect for readers of all kinds.
Nightmare on Main 5k
As part of its 2026 Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K series, Downtown Kennesaw is hosting the Nightmare on Main 5K on October 31. The course through Downtown and Swift-Cantrell Park is perfect for competitive runners seeking a qualifying time for the Peachtree Road Race, but the festival-like atmosphere and food and drinks make this race perfect for beginner runners/walkers, as well as families! Visit www.kennesawgrandprix.com for complete details.
Halloween Outdoor Movie Series
Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, family, and friends and join Downtown Kennesaw for a fun-filled evening under the stars at the Outdoor Movie Series at Depot Park. Hosted at the United Bankshares Amphitheater, this special double-feature is the perfect opportunity for local families, friends, and community members to come together, relax, and enjoy two great movies on the big screen. Pack some snacks and settle in for an evening of community fun.
The evening kicks off at 5:30 PM with Disney/Pixar’s Monsters University (PG), followed by The Mummy (PG-13) at 8:00 PM.
For more information, visit https://kennesawdowntown.com/event/halloween-movie/
Mommy & Me Fall Themes
The beloved Southern Museum Mommy & Me program takes place every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Mommy & Me has discovery and art tables, a short class consisting of story time, a movement activity and hands-on interactives associated with the weekly theme. Throughout October and November, each week’s theme relates to a fall topic, from autumn crops and family traditions to Halloween and Thanksgiving.
For more information on the weekly themes, visit https://southernmuseum.org/events/
November
Big Game Day
Nothing says fall like football season! Downtown Kennesaw hosts “Big Game Day” at the United Bankshares Amphitheater at Depot Park on November 14. Enjoy the pregame atmosphere before the matchup kicks off on the amphitheater’s large LED screen. Bring your lawn chairs, pack your favorite snacks and drinks, and spend the afternoon cheering alongside friends, family, and fellow football fans! November 14, 3:30 – 10 p.m.
Holiday Market
Usher in the holiday season at this two-day market full of handcrafted gifts, art, and seasonal finds from local vendors. It’s a great place to start your holiday shopping. Friday evening shoppers get complimentary bites and live music while supplies last, and admission is free! The annual Holiday Market is held at the Ben Robertson Community Center. Join your Kennesaw neighbors on Friday, November 13, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
There’s something for everyone this season in Downtown Kennesaw! What activities are you adding to your bucket list?
For more information regarding specific events, visit https://kennesawdowntown.com/events/