2011 Atlanta Halloween Planner

There are plenty of ways to get the hell scared out of you around Halloween: Netherworld, Chambers of Horror or Atlanta Ghost Tours will all do the trick. But a haunted maze through a cornfield out in the boonies? Um, yeah: Buckle in, friends. For those who want to pick pumpkins or enjoy the maze, Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze is open during the day from Sept. 3 through Nov. 20, but Friday and Saturday nights are when the real fun begins, starting Sept. 30 through October.

As if Masquerade wasn't scary enough. Part of its haunted (literally) old complex has been transformed into the Chambers of Horror, a haunted house open every night, Oct. 1 through Halloween.

The best haunted house in Atlanta--and consistently recognized as one of the top 10 in the country--Netherworld comes at you with multiple stories and two different shows, and it more resembles a horror film than your old-school haunted house. Expect to jump out of your skin in the parking lot, so you can imagine what awaits inside.The show runs from Sept. 23 through Nov. 5.

Sure, live music is good any time of the year, but some kids just want an excuse to dress up and dance on the big night. Enter: Halloween at Opera on Oct. 29, when the dance club gets spooked-out in haunted decor. Go shake it, baby.

Definitely the most debauchery-laced and sex-charged of all Halloween parties, our pals over at Spiral Entertainment flat know how to throw down for their annual Spiralween bash on Oct. 29. Expect the usual in terms of bands, beer and (scantily clad) bodies.

Because Little Five Points is such a freaky-eclectic `hood, we find its Halloween Parade a prime party to get us in the spooky spirit. The party, on Oct. 22, not only boasts ghouls, goblins and ghosts (among every other creepy-looking costume), but there's also live music in the plaza behind Star Bar and on the neighborhood outdoor stage.

It is one thing to know where to go for Halloween, but looking the part is equally important. For this we turn to Junkman's Daughter, the year-round costume and crazy-clothes store in Little Five Points. Whether you're looking for a specific outfit to get weird on Halloween night in Atlanta, or just some provocative attire to make every day a little edgier, Junkman's is your jam.

Oakland Cemetery is a little spooky no matter what time of year you visit, but only during Halloween weekend is the cemetery open after dark. Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween tours take place Oct. 28, 29 and 30 and are led by some of Oakland's eternal residents like Margaret Mitchell and Bobby Jones. Part historic, part spooky, with an option to drink--what's not to like?

For those looking for a hard-partying good time, we steer you towards a party that isn't merely limited to one location. Flip Flops (shocker!) is leading a Halloween Pub Crawl on Oct. 29 through midtown that will feature $2 draft beer, $3 Bud Lights and $4 well drinks along the way.

Some people have this responsibility called being a parent. The good news for them is that Halloween is a pretty awesome time to have kids. Those looking to get their tykes in the spirit early, should attend the Botanical Garden's Goblins in the Gardens exhibit, on Oct. 23, from 10am to 4pm. Dress your little one in their best for a spook-tacular costume parade. Just don't forget your camera.