Halloween is just around the corner, and families throughout Lakeland and the greater Memphis area have plenty of opportunities to celebrate before October 31. From costume contests and trunk-or-treat gatherings to pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and community festivals, the final weeks of October offer activities for children and adults of all ages.
For Lakeland residents, many of these seasonal attractions are located within a short drive, making it easy to enjoy Halloween traditions without planning an extensive trip. Communities including Arlington, Bartlett, and Memphis are hosting a variety of events throughout the remainder of October. Whether families are looking for an afternoon outdoors, a festive evening with friends, or an alternative to traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating, several local celebrations are worth considering.
Lakeland Harvest Festival Returns October 24
One of the biggest local fall celebrations is the City of Lakeland’s annual Harvest Festival, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 3 to 9 p.m. at International Harvester Managerial Park, located at 4523 Canada Road. The community event brings together seasonal entertainment, family activities, and opportunities for residents to celebrate autumn close to home. According to the City of Lakeland, this year’s festival will feature costume contests, pie-eating contests, bounce houses, outdoor games, axe throwing, and opportunities to interact with goats from 901 Goats. Live music will also be part of the celebration, with Rowdy and the Strays scheduled to perform from 6 to 9 p.m. The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South is serving as an event sponsor.[1]
The costume contests offer families an opportunity to show off their Halloween creativity before the holiday itself. Children can enjoy dressing as their favorite characters, while parents and other family members can participate in the festivities and explore the activities available throughout the park. With entertainment extending into the evening, the Harvest Festival provides an opportunity for residents to spend several hours enjoying the fall season. Families interested in attending can find additional information through the City of Lakeland’s official website or contact the city’s Special Events Coordinator.
Arlington’s Trunk or Treat Offers an Early Halloween Celebration
Just a short drive from Lakeland, the Town of Arlington is preparing for its third annual Trunk or Treat event on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The celebration will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Crossing Market and Amphitheater, located at 12090 Forrest Street. The event is designed primarily for younger children, offering a community gathering where families can enjoy trick-or-treating in a designated setting. According to the Town of Arlington, activities will include candy distribution, face painting, and a balloon artist. Local businesses, community organizations, and individuals are also invited to participate by decorating vehicle trunks for the celebration.[2]
Trunk-or-treat events have become popular alternatives or additions to traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating. Instead of walking from house to house, children visit decorated vehicles arranged within an event area, collecting treats while enjoying creative displays and costumes. For families with younger children, Arlington’s afternoon and early evening schedule may be especially convenient. The event also gives residents an opportunity to connect with local organizations and enjoy Halloween activities before the holiday weekend.
Arlington High School Hosts Track or Treat
Families looking for another Halloween activity in Arlington can attend the fifth annual Track or Treat event at Arlington High School on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The event is scheduled from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. at the school’s football stadium, located at 5475 Airline Road. According to Arlington Community Schools, participating clubs and organizations will host booths around the stadium track, allowing children to collect treats while enjoying the Halloween atmosphere.[3] The event provides an opportunity for students, families, and community members to gather in a familiar setting.
Unlike traditional trick-or-treating, which involves visiting individual homes, Track or Treat brings participating groups together at one location. This format can be particularly appealing for families who want to enjoy a community-centered Halloween activity without traveling between multiple neighborhoods. The event also highlights how local schools contribute to seasonal celebrations. Families attending can expect an opportunity to enjoy costumes, visit participating booths, and connect with members of the Arlington school community.
Bartlett Celebrates Halloween at Singleton Community Center
Bartlett is hosting several Halloween activities during the final full week of October, including a haunted house and Halloween carnival at Singleton Community Center. The haunted house is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., while the Halloween carnival will take place Friday, October 23, during the same hours. According to Bartlett’s official event information, haunted house admission is $2 per person at the door, with a limited number of $5 Fast Pass tickets available. The Halloween carnival is free for children ages 12 and younger, while admission for participants ages 13 and older is $1.[4]
These events provide different ways for families to participate in Halloween activities. The carnival offers a more traditional community celebration, while the haunted house may appeal to children and adults who enjoy spooky seasonal attractions. Parents planning to attend the haunted house may want to consider their children’s comfort with frightening decorations, sound effects, and surprises. Families with younger children can choose activities that best match their interests and preferences. With both events taking place before Halloween weekend, Bartlett’s celebrations offer another opportunity for Lakeland-area residents to enjoy the season without waiting until October 31.
Bartlett Hosts an Inclusive Trunk N Treat Event
Another noteworthy event in Bartlett is the city’s first Special Needs Trunk N Treat, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Shadowlawn Park, located at 4734 Shadowlawn Road. The free event will take place near the park’s new inclusive playground and is open to individuals of all ages with special needs and their siblings. According to the City of Bartlett, participants will be able to visit decorated trunks to collect treats and toys while enjoying a Halloween celebration designed with inclusion in mind.[5]
For families whose children have sensory sensitivities, mobility challenges, or other accessibility needs, traditional Halloween activities can sometimes require additional planning. Community events that consider different abilities and participation styles can help more families enjoy seasonal traditions. Bartlett’s Special Needs Trunk N Treat offers an opportunity for children and their siblings to participate together in a welcoming environment. Families interested in the event can contact the Bartlett Parks and Recreation Department for additional information.
Memphis Zoo Boo Brings Halloween Fun to the Zoo
For families willing to travel farther into Memphis, the Memphis Zoo’s annual Zoo Boo celebration offers another option for Halloween entertainment. The event is taking place on select evenings through November 1, with upcoming dates including October 22–25 and October 29–31. The 2026 celebration features a redesigned experience with additional decorations, candy, interactive play areas, photo opportunities, and a variety of themed attractions. According to the Memphis Zoo, activities include Candy Lane, Dracula’s Courtyard and Blacklight Disco, a hay maze, a Mad Scientist Lab, and a ghost train.[6]
Zoo Boo runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m., with the final entry at 9 p.m. Tickets are listed at $20 for zoo members and $23 for nonmembers, and children ages 2 and older require admission. Tickets must be purchased online, and availability may vary by date. The zoo is also offering a sensory-friendly evening on October 21, providing another option for families who prefer a modified Halloween experience. Visitors should note that certain attractions, including the Toxic Waste Zone, may not be suitable for younger children. Zoo Boo combines familiar Halloween traditions with the setting of one of Memphis’s best-known family attractions. Families can wear costumes, explore themed areas, and participate in seasonal activities while enjoying an evening outside.
Explore the Mid-South Maze Before Halloween
Halloween activities do not have to revolve entirely around costumes and candy. For families who enjoy spending time outdoors, the Mid-South Maze at Agricenter International offers an opportunity to experience one of fall’s most recognizable traditions. Located at 7777 Walnut Grove Road in Memphis, the seasonal corn maze is operating through October 31, 2026. The attraction invites visitors to navigate winding paths through a cornfield, making it an activity that encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and outdoor exploration.
According to local seasonal event information, general admission is $12 for visitors ages 13 and older and $8 for children ages 6 through 12, while children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Wednesday family nights in October also feature additional seasonal activities, including a hayride and bonfire.[7] For Lakeland families, the maze can provide an enjoyable afternoon outing during the final days of October. Younger children may appreciate exploring the paths with parents, while older children can enjoy the challenge of finding their way through the maze. Families interested in attending should check the attraction’s current operating schedule before leaving home, as hours vary throughout the week. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are also helpful when visiting outdoor attractions.
Pumpkin Patches and Other Fall Activities Around Memphis
Pumpkin patches are another popular way to celebrate the season, particularly for families with younger children. Visiting a pumpkin patch can provide opportunities for seasonal photographs, choosing pumpkins for carving or decorating, and enjoying time outdoors before colder weather arrives. The greater Memphis area offers several seasonal attractions that combine pumpkins with other fall activities. Some locations feature hayrides, corn mazes, games, and opportunities to explore farm settings. Families interested in these outings can consult local tourism guides and individual attraction websites for current operating dates, admission prices, and available activities.
Pumpkin-related activities can also be enjoyed closer to home. Residents can visit local pumpkin vendors, decorate pumpkins as a family, or create seasonal displays using pumpkins and other autumn decorations. For children who enjoy creative projects, pumpkin painting offers an alternative to traditional carving. Families can also use pumpkins for outdoor decorations, fall photographs, or seasonal crafts that extend beyond Halloween itself. Because pumpkin patch schedules and availability can change as October progresses, checking directly with individual locations is the best way to avoid arriving after an attraction has closed for the season.
Planning a Halloween Outing With the Family
With several events taking place during the same weekend, families may want to plan ahead when deciding which activities to attend. Saturday, October 24, is particularly busy, with Lakeland’s Harvest Festival, Arlington’s Track or Treat, and Bartlett’s Special Needs Trunk N Treat all scheduled for that day. Parents can begin by considering their children’s ages, interests, and comfort with different types of Halloween activities. Younger children may prefer daytime festivals and trunk-or-treat gatherings, while older children may enjoy corn mazes, costume contests, or attractions with a slightly spookier atmosphere.
Checking event admission requirements, parking information, and weather forecasts before leaving home can also make outings more enjoyable. Some activities require advance ticket purchases, while others allow visitors to attend without reservations.
Families planning to visit outdoor attractions should consider bringing comfortable walking shoes, water, and an extra layer of clothing. Late October temperatures in West Tennessee can vary, particularly when activities continue after sunset. It is also worth checking official event pages shortly before attending. Weather conditions, ticket availability, and other circumstances can sometimes result in schedule adjustments.
Celebrate Halloween Close to Home
One of the advantages of living in Lakeland is the variety of community activities available throughout the surrounding region. From local festivals and school celebrations to larger attractions in Memphis, families can choose from several ways to enjoy the Halloween season. This year’s calendar offers opportunities for children to wear costumes, collect candy, explore outdoor attractions, and participate in activities with friends and neighbors. Events such as Lakeland’s Harvest Festival and Arlington’s Trunk or Treat also provide opportunities for residents to support community traditions.
For families who prefer quieter celebrations, visiting a pumpkin patch, taking seasonal photographs, or decorating pumpkins at home can be equally enjoyable. Halloween does not have to involve a packed schedule to become a memorable occasion.
As October 31 approaches, Lakeland residents have plenty of opportunities to make the most of the season. Whether attending a nearby community event or traveling into Memphis for a larger celebration, the final days of October offer a variety of ways to enjoy Halloween with family and friends.
[1] City of Lakeland. City of Lakeland Harvest Festival. https://www.lakelandtn.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1566
[2] Town of Arlington. Trunk or Treat — October 29, 2026. https://www.townofarlington.org/page/trunk-or-treat/
[3] Arlington High School. ACS Events Track or Treat — October 24, 2026. https://arlingtonhs.acsk-12.org/events-details-clone/~occur-id/768_2026-10-24T22%3A45%3A00Z_2026-10-25T00%3A45%3A00Z
[4] City of Bartlett. October 2026 Special Events Calendar. https://www.cityofbartlett.org/calendar.aspx?CID=28&view=list
[5] City of Bartlett. Special Needs Trunk N Treat — October 24, 2026. https://www.cityofbartlett.org/calendar.aspx?EID=7340
[6] Memphis Zoo. Zoo Boo 2026. https://www.memphiszoo.org/zoo-boo
[7] We Are Memphis. Fall in Memphis: Where to Find Pumpkin Patches and Halloween Events. https://wearememphis.com/play/fall-in-memphis-where-to-find-pumpkin-patches-and-halloween-events/
