The Daily Memphian’s new Holidays in Memphis newsletter series will be your helping hand this season with recipes, holiday events, gift ideas and more. Sign up here to receive holiday tips in your inbox through New Year’s Eve.

Halloween is just around the corner, so it’s officially crunch time for costume planning and decorating. And be sure to pick up some candy before you’re stuck with the last sad bag of that orange-and-black-wrapped molasses taffy that no one likes. In the second Halloween guide in our Holidays in Memphis series, we’ve got decorating tips, pumpkin everything, candy ideas and a list of trick-or-treating events and grown-up parties happening in the days leading up to Halloween.

SPOOK-IFY YOUR YARD

Trudy Davenport’s yard at 6885 Domino Cove in Bartlett was decorated as part of Halloween Cove in 2023. (Michael Waddell/The Daily Memphian file)

It’s that time of year when your neighbors break out the giant yard skeleton (the one that probably cost them a humerus and a femur, eh?), as well as plastic graveyards, creepy clowns and other spooky lawn decor. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own yard or just want to do a little local spooky tourism, Halloween Cove in Bartlett is a must-see. Several houses in the neighborhood go all out for the season every year. But to cut down on traffic, no candy is handed out in the cove on Halloween night. 

Roy Barnes’ Midtown home featured Sivad-themed Halloween decor last year. (Courtesy Roy Barnes)

Need more ideas? Check out Midtowner Roy Barnes’ Sivad-inspired decor from last year. His installation paid homage to the late-night horror host of “Fantastic Features” on WHBQ in the 1960s and ’70s. Or, for an alternative to the ubiquitous, massive skeletons, take a look at the giant werewolf in East Memphian Drew Smith’s yard last year.

GIVE THEM SOMETHING GOOD TO EAT

Wayne’s Candy Co. employee James Goodwin (left) worked with customer Nina Allen-Johnson (right) as she picked out Halloween treats last year. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)

If you haven’t stocked up on Halloween candy yet, get Downtown to Wayne’s Candy Co. The off-the-beaten-path, family-owned shop at 164 E. Carolina Ave. is like a Willy Wonka dream, stocked with all the faves (think mini candy bars!) and nostalgic treats (Gobstoppers, candy necklaces, Ring Pops, etc.) Need help deciding on which candy to buy? Check out this archived “Sound Bites” podcast where the late Jennifer Biggs, Chris Herrington, Natalie Van Gundy and Eric Barnes sampled and ranked their fave candies.

The pumpkin cheesecake tart at 17 Berkshire has a dark chocolate crust. (Courtesy 17 Berkshire)

Throwing a party for the adults? You’ll need pumpkin-spiced everything, natch. You could make your own pumpkin desserts, or you could take the easy route and support a local business instead. Food writer Jennifer Chandler offers this round-up of eight pumpkin spice treats from Memphis bakeries and sweet shops.

WHERE TO TRICK OR TREAT

Zoo Boo at the Memphis Zoo:

The zoo’s annual trick-or-treating event is dinosaur-themed this year, with an extinct animal “graveyard,” Dino Mini Golf and other themed stops. Select nights through Oct. 31. Tickets are sold online only, not at the gates. 2000 Prentiss Place. More info here.

Memphis Parks Fall Festival at Gaisman Park:

The City of Memphis parks department is hosting its first-ever fall fest with live entertainment, vendors, games, a kids’ zone, an outdoor movie and food trucks. Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 4221 Macon Road. More info here.

Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County “Candy-Coated Trunk-or-Treat” at Juvenile Court:

This third annual trick-or-treating event will also have a bounce house, and the court will give away coats to kids in need. Saturday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 616 Adams Ave. More info here.

The Children’s Museum of Memphis will host a kids’ Halloween party on Sunday, Oct. 27. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file)

Halloween Spooktacular: Masters of Disguise edition at the Children’s Museum of Memphis:

This Halloween party for kids features mask making, spin art, secret lair birdhouses and a fake tattoo booth, as well as spooky science sessions, clay pumpkin sculpting and much more. Sunday, Oct. 27, noon-4 p.m. 2525 Central Ave. More info here.

Memphis River Parks Partnership will host a spooky Sunset Skate night on Halloween. (Courtesy Madeline Rose)

Spooky Skate on Riverside Drive:

Memphis River Parks Partnership is hosting free, 30-minute skate rentals with music by DJ Brother John and friends, a costume contest and a spooky skate dance lesson. Kid-friendly. Thursday, Oct. 31, 4-7 p.m. More info here.

Memphis Public Libraries Halloween events:

Multiple libraries across the city, including the Orange Mound branch, the South Branch and Levi Library, are hosting kid-friendly parties, spooky film screenings, Halloween storytime and trick-or-treating events. See the full list of library events here.

FOR THE GROWN-UP GUYS AND GHOULS

“Manor in Mourning” at Davies Manor: 

Through Oct. 31, the historic Davies Manor will feature an exhibit of around 200 artifacts used in mourning during the 1800s, a time when grieving meant following elaborate social “rules.” Each room will be dedicated to a different theme around mourning. More info here.

Fright at the Brewery at Wiseacre OG:

Halloween party with music by DJ Stan Bell, a costume contest and a Spirited Spirits wine pull. Tickets are $30 and include a pint of beer and a buffet meal from Babalu. Benefits United Housing, Inc. Thursday, Oct. 24, 5-9 p.m. More info here.

Ballet Memphis’ “Dracula” at the Orpheum Theatre:

Ballet Memphis presents its original production of Dracula, choreographed by Steven McMahon and inspired by Bram Stoker’s famous novel. Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. More info here.

Sapphic Summoning Halloween party at Mollie Fontaine Lounge:

Adult dance party (21 and up) with music by DJ Avious and a costume contest. Friday, Oct. 25. Doors at 8 p.m., DJ starts at 9 p.m. 679 Adams Ave. More info and tickets here.

Opera Memphis presents “The Tell Tale Heart and Other Tunes to Terrify” at Opera Memphis headquarters:

This Halloween-themed concert in Opera Memphis’ “Variations on a Theme” series will feature spooky opera, musical theater and vocal music. Presented collaboration with Iris Collective. Saturday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m. 216 S. Cooper St. More info here.

Tone will host a Halloween party in Orange Mound Tower on Thursday, Oct. 31. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file) 

Tone: Tower of Terror at Orange Mound Tower:

Tone is hosting a Halloween night party with dancing, DJs and food trucks on Thursday, Oct. 31. 2205 Lamar Ave. More info here.

Halloween Memphis Grizzlies game:

The Memphis Grizzlies will play the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum on Thursday, Oct. 31, and the first 5,000 fans will get a free glow-in-the-dark Ja Morant “Ja-lloween” T-shirt. See here for other giveaways.

.....