Big Fat List of Local Halloween High Jinks

Here to remind you that when/if you want to get into the haunted holiday spirit, Southeast Missouri has ✨options✨.

🎃 Big Fat List of Halloween Fun 🎃

This is not an exhaustive list, ok? Unfortunately, I am not (yet) all-seeing and all-knowing.

Haunted Historic Sites, Tours, and Talks

Wine, Witches and Wicked Women, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Explore the intoxicating intersection of folk medicine, magic, women’s work, superstition and scandal. Learn about real women whose knowledge made them indispensable but dangerous." 2-4pm. September 27. $25
The Glenn House, Cape Girardeau, MO - Tour one of Cape's most storied Victorian homes on the Bare Bones Ghost Tour. Oct 1, 8, and 15. $10. Or just go learn about Victorian-era funerals and mourning.
Boos on Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO - A haunted walking tour of downtown Cape's Broadway Street with local historian, Christy Mershon. October 6 & 7. 7pm. $30 per person or $50 per couple.
Haunted History of Cape Girardeau - This walking tour sees another side of downtown: Water, Main, and Spanish Streets. Different stories. Same tingling feeling up your spine. It's a city so haunted, it takes 2 tours. October 11, 12, and 18. 7pm. $30 per person or $50 per couple.
When the River Remembers, Jackson, MO - Christy Mershon will tell stories of local haunted history. Follow the river, early trails and Bloomfield Road into the strange stories that shaped the Cape region. For ages 13+. Oct 13. 6pm.
Don't Whistle after Dark!: Dark and Supernatural Tales from Native America, Cape Girardeau, MO - Explore traditional Native American stories of spirits, mysterious beings, supernatural events, and creatures that have long been part of Indigenous storytelling traditions. October 29. 6pm.
Deja Vu Spirit Reunion, Ste. Genevieve, MO - "Explore Missouri's oldest cemetery and experience the stories of early pioneers of Ste. Genevieve by lantern light." Less spooky. More educational. $5-10. Oct 24. 4:30-7pm.
Voices of the Past: Downtown Cemetery Tour, Farmington, MO - An old jail, hayride, cemeteries, and stories about the past. Oct 10. Free. A tour will begin every 15 minutes, 4:30-7:30pm.
Lantern History Tour, Arcadia, MO - You'll walk the dark halls of the old Arcadia Academy with only a candle (and history guide) to lead the way. $15+ donation. There are 8 dates available. See the link.

Ghost Hunting

Sip-N-Spook, Cape Girardeau, MO - See a video presentation before taking a walking ghost tour to The Glenn with a local historian. Upon arrival, split up into small groups for two hours of investigations in the house with the folks from Cape's American Ghost Project. Tickets $31. October 2, 3, 4, and 9.
Overnight Investigation, Arcadia, MO - This building, from 1846, has been a high school, a Civil War hospital, and a Catholic girls' boarding school. It's def haunted, son. Do an overnight group investigation with seasoned investigators. Nov 14. $75.
The Womack Hotel, Fredericktown, MO - Just reopened for business! For $195, you and 3 friends can have a haunted hotel to yourselves for 3 hours. These are self-guided tours. Ghost hunter kit additional fee. Local guide an additional fee.

Jump-Scare Attractions

For the gluttons for punishment:

Haunted Hall of Horror, Cape Girardeau, MO
The Haunted Grotto, Poplar Bluff, MO
Walls of Terror, Dexter, MO
Hell Harvest Haunted House, Potosi, MO
Blood Crest Manor, Simpson, IL
Blood Moon Haunted Scream Park, Tamaroa, IL
Chittyville School Haunted House, Herrin, IL
Sinister Acres Haunted Attractions, De Soto, IL
Talon Falls Scream Park, Melber, KY
Horror in the Hollow, Piggot, AR

Pumpkin Patches/Farms

Some non-spooky daylight fun:

Perryville Pumpkin Farm, Perryville, MO
Beggs Family Farm, Sikeston, MO
Knowlan Family Farm, Burfordville, MO
Dunlap Pumpkin Farm, Rombauer, MO
Rowe Crop Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, Caledonia, MO
Bloomsdale Fun Farm, Bloomsdale, MO
Iron Mountain Railway, Jackson, MO - Oct 3, 4, 10, and 11 there's a pumpkin patch train ride.
Bandy's Pumpkin Patch, Johnston City, IL
The Patch, Marion, IL
Rendleman Orchards, Alto Pass, IL
Pumpkin Hollow, Piggott, AR

Bonfires, Hayrides, and a Pumpkin Glow

Many of the pumpkin patches and farms above have hayrides, but there are also:

Family hayrides in Farmington, MO, every Thursday Oct 8 - Oct 29 for $13 per person. 6pm. Includes a bonfire, hotdogs, chili, and smores.
This adorable hayride and pumpkin party event in Perryville on Oct 10, 1-4pm. Must register by Oct 4
The Pumpkin Glow, Carbondale, IL - A magical nighttime hike! You'll stroll through the woods down a trail, lit up by over 1,000 jack-o-lanterns!!! Oct 22, 23, and 24. Family friendly. No jump scares.

Halloween Camping!

You don't have to decide between camping or Halloween happiness.

Every weekend in October Sam A Baker/Otahki Lake KOA is going to have a hay maze ● a corn pit ● a pumpkin patch ● pumpkin patch Humvee rides ● and they're going to launch pumpkins with a trebuchet.

The closer to Halloween, the more the activities ramp up. You may remember this campground from when we wrote about their covered wagons. (sponsored)

Spooky in the Streets

Drive-by Displays, Cape Girardeau, MO - If you're already in Cape Girardeau at night, swing by the Brookwood Drive and Westwood Drive neighborhoods to peep Halloween decorations.
Moonlight Over the Mississippi, Cape Girardeau, MO - A witches' night out event. Run around and shop downtown like a kid in your best witchy and/or warlock gear. $50. Oct 10. 3-10pm
THRILLER on Themis, Cape Girardeau, MO - Local volunteer performers will do the iconic Thriller zombie dance through the heart of downtown Cape G. There's nothing else like it. A free evening of Halloween fun. Oct 29. 6pm
Run South Cape 5K Run & Walk, Cape Girardeau, MO - Slap on your costume and get active for a good cause. Oct 31.
Witches' Night Out in Uptown Jackson, MO - Dress in your best witchy getup and enjoy an evening of shopping, treats, and exclusive deals. October 29. 5-8pm.
The Great Carbondale Pumpkin Race, Carbondale, IL - People build racecars out of pumpkins and race! Cheaters are met with the mallet-o-justice. Oct 24.

Arts & Crafts

Ladies Night Out - Halloween Monster Cake, Perryville, MO - I have no idea what a monster cake is. But you can make one at the Perry Park Center. Oct 22
Check the Riverside Regional Library Calendar for ghost-themed crafts near you: a spooky felt house (Sept 29), a floral clay ghost (Oct 3), a ghost portrait (Oct 6), tea light ghosts (Oct 13), etc.
Don't forget to check your local Board & Brush Calendar. Find some time to DIY a quality decoration you'll use in your home for all the Hallows Eves to come.
Malone Park Center for the Arts will be hosting a fall craft night October 2 at 7pm for $25. You'll make three different fall crafts to take home.
Crisp museum at the River Campus is having a Paint Night in which you can paint a spooky evening scene. Read about it by clicking here and scrolling all the way down to October 8. Open to the public. $10.

Scary Movies

Remember to keep an eye on your local theaters this month for some screams on screen:

Marcus Cape West Cinema, CGMO
Rock 'n' Roll Drive In, Chaffee, MO
Sikeston Cinema Grill, Sikeston, MO
Historic Rodgers Theatre, Poplar Bluff, MO
AMC Classic Poplar Bluff 8, Poplar Bluff, MO
VIP Carbondale 8, Carbondale, IL
AMC University Place 8, Carbondale, IL
And scary live theater - Beware the House on Haunted Hill, Carbondale, IL

And please let me know which destinations, events, and attractions I've overlooked.

*Many of the above have not been vetted by this massive two-person operation we're running over here at Backroad Weekly. Venture at your own peril.

Backroad Weekly is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (heck, there's just two of us). Your contributions go toward recon, research, outreach, and the tools and platforms that keep this thing running online. I appreciate any and all support my backroad buds! - Caitlan 🦝

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SIGHTING: This one was a first for me! Spotted on the Todd Fink Heron Pond Trail at Cache River State Natural Area last Sunday: The bellisimo Magnolia Warbler.

TRAVEL RADIO: Take a train ride on the Iron Mountain Railway (2-minute listen) in partnership with KRCU Public Radio.

VIDEO SHORT: Iron Mountain Railway - In October, they do pumpkin patch trains, an evening murder mystery, and a Halloween Express.

REVEALING MY SOURCES: One resource that's a huge help every year is the SEMO Halloween Events Facebook Group

Cape Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton in a Big Way on Friday

Highly encouraged but not mandatory: Boots, teased hair, acrylic nails, a cup of ambition, and a big heart.

Friday, September 25, is officially Dolly Parton Day across Cape Girardeau...OFFICIALLY, mayorally proclaimed. What started as a rhinestone-covered vision from local Renaissance woman Christy Mershon (Assistant Director of SEMO’s Continuing Education, Glenn House Board President, local “Ghost Lady,” and downtown event extraordinaire) has exploded into a full-fledged, city-wide celebration. What a testament to Dolly's legacy!

Over two dozen local shops, eateries, and spots across town are getting in on the fun. Whether it’s Dolly-themed specials, pop-up events, dolly-themed cocktails, or retail perks - local businesses are rolling out the leather fringe carpet. Keep an eye on the "discussion" tab of the Facebook event and Christy's page for an official list of participating businesses.

The epicenter (Dolly Central) will be Scout Hall. The festivities kick off Friday (9/25... 9-2-5, get it?) at the outdoor stage at 5pm with “9 to 5” blaring like an anthem. That will be followed by a Dolly Day City Proclamation reading, and at 5:30pm, registration opens for the Dolly & Kenny Look-Alike Competition with judging at 6. Then go forth and wander around Cape, stopping at your favorite businesses which will be celebrating Dolly Day in their own way. Celebrate Dolly by celebrating your community. *This event feature is sponsored by VisitCape

Want to share an upcoming event with 2,300+ Southeast Missourians looking for things to do? Read more about how to add an event to Backroad Weekly's 'This Weekend's Happenings'.

This Weekend’s Happenings

Fri, Sept 25

9 to 5 at 5, Cape Girardeau, MO - The Rhinestone Route detailed above.

Grown-up Book Fair, Cape Girardeau, MO - Remember the magic of the book fair? Relive it as an adult. Buy books, browse art, get a drink, and eat some sweets. 6-9pm. $15.

Pops in the Park, Cape Girardeau, MO - Join Southeast Missouri State University Symphony Orchestra for an evening of Broadway favorites and patriotic classics. 7:30pm. Free admission.

East Perry Community Fair, Altenburg, MO - The parade will be at 1:30pm. Somebody definitely needs to go take some videos of the 5pm Rooster Crowing Contest.

Stoddard County Fair, Dexter, MO - Fair season keeps on rolling in Dexter, MO too!

Chaffee German Days, Chaffee, MO - Food, drinks, and vendors are back in this Chaffee tradition. 4pm to midnight. The kids' pedal tractor pull will be at 7pm.

Plant & Bulb Swap, Scott City, MO - "Get your garden ready for fall. Bring in plants and bulbs to swap or come by and pick some up to beautify your garden next year. For ages 18+"

4th Friday Art Walk, Ste. Genevieve, MO - "The art galleries and studios in Historic Downtown Ste. Genevieve open their doors from 6 to 9 pm."

Magpie Market Days Fall Vintage Market, Marion, IL - 120+ vendors from all over the United States with vintage treasures, home décor, food, handmade goodies, crafts, and boutique goodies. 10am-5pm. $10 admission.

Praise the Lard BBQ Cookoff, Murphysboro, IL - In the world of BBQ competitions, this event is a big deal. For $30 you can grab a meal and catch some live music.

Forgotten Spirits: Paducah's Contributions to Bourbon, Paducah, KY - Learn the history of Paducah's bourbon industry on this low-intensity, hour-long walking tour through the scenic streets of the city's riverfront downtown. Wheelchair accessible.

Sat, Sept 26
Happy National Public Lands Day!

Oktoberfest at Otahki Lake KOA, Patterson, MO - Put together a spontaneous fall overnight this weekend. In addition to all the regular outdoorsy things (trails, floating, fishing, etc), there's going to be a beer garden, stein games, trivia, brats, and pretzels. Backroad Weekly will be there!!! (sponsored)

Grown-up Book Fair, Cape Girardeau, MO - All the nostalgia of elementary school with an adult drink. 8-11am and 1-4pm. $15.

Day on the River, Cape Girardeau, MO - Join the MDC for boat rides, fishing, aquatic animals, and informational fun for all ages along the Mississippi River. 10am-1:30pm. Free to participate. Boat rides are first-come, first-served.

Fall Arts & Crafts, Cape Girardeau, MO - Art & crafts by local artists, plus t-shirts and treats at the Cape Eagles Aerie #3775. 12pm. I had to share this because one of my FAVORITE local artists is going to be there with her art. Zyra Neal. Check her out on IG.

Riverfront Flea Market, Cape Girardeau, MO - Over 150 vendors on two different lots. You'll find antiques, food vendors, crafts, collectibles, vintage finds, and live music by the SEMO Jazz Combo. 8am-4pm. Don't forget your reusable bags!

East Perry Community Fair, Altenburg, MO - In addition to all the regular fun fair stuff, I NEED you to know that the mule jumping competition will start at 3pm.

Chaffee German Days, Chaffee, MO - Day 2 of food, drinks, and vendors also offers mud races, a stein holding competition, and a German band.

Bourbon in the Park, Jackson, MO - Join William J Wines, along with several of their distributors at the Jackson Band Shell for their 4th Annual Bourbon in the Park event! 4-7pm. $82

Antiques Appraisal, Jackson, MO - Who loves Antiques Roadshow and always wanted to take an item for appraisal? An auction house appraiser is going to be in Jackson! "For $10 an item, you can learn more about your treasures and heirlooms and their value." 9am-2pm.

Downtown Farmers' Market, Sikeston, MO - Every Saturday until October 24 from 7:30am to sellout (usually around 11am or earlier).

Oktoberfest, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Parade. Games. Food. Snacks. Beer (duh). Vendors. Wiener dog races. Live music. 10am-6pm.

Backyard Bird Bash: Creatures of Myth and Legend, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Keepers from the World Bird Sanctuary will be discussing how birds have inspired myths and legends all over the world. Then meet some real, live birds that have inspired the myths.

Wayne County Outdoor Expo, Piedmont, MO - Hunting, fishing, camping gear, archery, guns, knives, ammo, dogs, boats, sxs, campers, food preservation, survival gear, etc.

Stoddard County Fair, Dexter, MO - You can't really call it fall without carnival rides and fair food.

Iron Horse Festival, Poplar Bluff, MO - The PB is celebrating its railroad heritage with street vendors, history, live entertainment, food, classic cars, and a kids zone. 10am. Free admission.

Bandfest VI, Marble Hill, MO - 1.5 hours of bluegrass music in Marble Hill. Take a lawn chair. Check out all the antique shops in Marble Hill while you're over there.

Oran Cruise-in, Oran, MO - Car lovers, I got you. Rides, food, and music in Oran. Family friendly. 4-8pm

Motor Madness Car Show, Malden, MO - Expect food, vendors, and cars, cars, cars. 10am-2pm. Free admission!

Plant & Bulb Swap, Scott City, MO - "Get your garden ready for fall. Bring in plants and bulbs to swap or come by and pick some up to beautify your garden next year. For ages 18+" 9am-1pm

Jack's Fork River Cleanup, Jack's Fork River - Registration starts at 8am. Float starts at 10. Pick one of three routes to float and pick up trash. At 5pm, everyone will meet at the On the Rock Bar & Grill for food, music, and prizes. You can win a kayak and/or kayak gear!

Ewing's Retreat Auto Tour, Pilot Knob, MO - On Sept. 27, 1864, Union forces defended Fort Davidson from Confederate attacks in the Battle of Pilot Knob. After the battle, the outnumbered Union forces made a daring escape north while fighting a rear-guard battle. This auto tour retraces the retreat. Staff lead you to waypoints on the route, interpreting history along the way. Registration required.

Archaeology Day, Imperial MO - Mastodon State Historic Site is waving the admission fee and hosting fun archaeology-themed activities for kids. Adults, try your hand at the ancient technique of throwing spears with an atlatl. The Missouri Archaeological Society will be on site.

Nature/Culture Hike, Collinsville, IL - Join an SIUE Archaeology Professor for a 3-hour hike introducing you to the natural environment of Cahokia Mounds and how it shaped the Mississippian culture. Free and open to the public. Must RSVP.

Magpie Market Days Fall Vintage Market, Marion, IL - In addition to the 120+ vendors from all over the US, there will also be food trucks and live music. 10am-5pm. $10 admission.

Coffee on the Cache, Cypress, IL - A laid back monthly gathering where nature lovers can connect and talk about the trails. Free. 9-10am

Harvest Moon Paddle, Ullin, IL - Paddle through an ancient cypress-tupelo swamp under the harvest moon. One of Southern Illinois' most unique guided tours, and it only comes around about once a month.

Forage for Art: Nature Mandala Photography, Makanda, IL - Join local nature photographer/artist as she shares how you can forage for art! Take a relaxed, guided hike to collect nature treasures. After, arrange and photograph your finds. Please bring a camera. Call to register. 1-3pm

Hunting & Fishing Days, Carterville, IL - The largest celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days in the country. Over 200 vendors and 35,000 plus sportsmen show up every year. It is an educational, family event.

Sun, Sept 27

City of Roses 5k & Half Marathon, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Run along a paved trail through residential Cape and into the county. Wind around paved roads, past farms, tree-filled woods, and beautiful homes."

Magpie Market Days Fall Vintage Market, Marion, IL - "Spend the day treasure hunting at one of the largest vintage markets in the region." 10am-4pm. $5 admission.

Plan Ahead
The Fun You Can't Improvise

Tour de Cape, Cape Girardeau, MO - A charity ride that takes off from downtown Cape Girardeau, MO with 15, 30, and 60-mile routes. Saturday, Oct 3.

Devil's Toll Race, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park - A 13-mile event "across one of the most scenic & rugged landscapes Missouri's Ozark Trail has to offer" with a hike option and a run option. Proceeds benefit the Ozark Trail Association. Saturday, October 3.

Mississippi River Overnight Adventure, Cape Girardeau, MO - "A relaxed overnight adventure down the Mighty Mississippi River, including a stay on the beautiful grounds of The Riverhouse!" October 3-4.

Trapping 101: Trap Prep, Puxico, MO - Learn the basics, hands-on, no experience needed. Tuesday, October 6 at 5pm.

Birds & Brew, Puxico, MO - Grab some coffee with a group of nice birders at 7am. At 7:30am, hit the mile-long boardwalk trail. Registration required. Beginner birdwatchers welcome. Binoculars can be provided for you. Saturday, Oct 10.

Revivify: Farm to Table, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Annual fundraiser with a 4 course dinner, cooked by 8 downtown chefs with ingredients being largely supplied by farmers market vendors. You can expect outdoor dining on Spanish Street with music, food, drinks, silent auction and wine pull." Sunday, Oct 11

Full Moon Kayaking & Canoeing - Hunter's Moon, Ullin, IL - Paddle through an ancient cypress-tupelo swamp by moonlight. One of Southern Illinois' most unique guided tours. Last moonlight tour of the season. $65. Oct 24

First Ascent Day: Discover Climbing with the EMCA, French Village, MO - "Have you ever wanted to try rock climbing but weren't sure where to start? First Ascent Day is designed for beginners, families, local businesses, community groups, and anyone curious about climbing and the outdoors. Join us for a FREE climbing event. Experienced climbers and volunteers will help you take your first steps on real rock. No experience necessary. All ages welcome. Oct 24. 11am"

For each event, you’ll find more info at the link.
*Because these events are upcoming, they have not been vetted. That would require a time machine, and we don't have the funds. Party at your own discretion.