Thinking about the best time to plan a family vacation to the Smokies? How about October?! Not only will you have fabulous weather and gorgeous fall foliage, but you\u2019ll also have access to tons of October-only events like the annual Trick or Treat Kick Off Karnival!<\/p>\n
Hosted by Ripley\u2019s Aquarium of the Smokies<\/a>*, the Trick or Treat Kick Off Karnival is a great option for families who want to trick-or-treat in the Smokies but don\u2019t know the neighborhoods. Instead of wandering unfamiliar streets, bring your family to Ripley\u2019s Aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg for an afternoon of Halloween fun!<\/p>\n All things Halloween at Ripley\u2019s Aquarium will kick off Monday, October 31, 2016<\/strong>, at 1 p.m. Get ready for Halloween-themed contests, costumed characters, games, food vendors, and\u2014of course\u2014tons of candy! Last year alone this exciting trick-or-treat event attracted more than 1,200 kids, so book your Gatlinburg cabin<\/a> early and make sure your family joins the fun in 2016!<\/p>\n What:<\/em> Trick or Treat Kick Off Karnival Shocktober<\/strong>\u2014Celebrate Halloween during this month-long (October 1\u201331) Halloween event at the Space Needle in Gatlinburg. Check out the \u201cWicked Things\u201d show with magical comedian Chris Collins and master mentalist Erik Dobell; a tribute to Hitchcock\u2019s black-and-white horror films of the \u201850s; a haunted table from an old English castle; and more!<\/p>\n Ripley\u2019s Fright Nights<\/strong>\u2014Don\u2019t miss the 18th annual Fright Nights at Ripley\u2019s Haunted Adventure* in Gatlinburg. With \u201cMovie Monster Madness\u201d as the theme, you\u2019ll have the chance to experience Hollywood\u2019s most haunting celebrities every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October until Halloween!<\/p>\n Halloween at the Pigeon Forge Community Center<\/strong>\u2014The Kickoff Karnival is not the only place to trick-or-treat in the Smokies. Visit the Pigeon Forge Community Center on the Thursday before Halloween for their annual non-scary event that\u2019s FREE to all visitors and perfect for families. Enjoy fun activities, interactive displays, and candy from local vendors in the Pigeon Forge community.<\/p>\n Halloween at The Island<\/strong>\u2014For another trick-or-treating event that\u2019s safe for families and completely FREE, head to The Island in Pigeon Forge. They\u2019ll be hosting their 4th annual Halloween at The Island event on Saturday, October 29, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This all-new Halloween Carnival will feature circus performers\u2014including aerialists, acrobats, and stilt walkers\u2014a costume contest, and a candy map so you can find all your favorite treats!<\/p>\n At the 2016 Trick or Treat Kick Off Karnival, a few special guests you can expect to see are representatives from both the Gatlinburg Police Department and the Gatlinburg Fire Department. They\u2019ll be offering important tips on fire safety and trick-or-treat safety throughout the event.<\/p>\nFast Facts About the Event<\/h2>\n
\nWhere:<\/em> Ripley\u2019s Aquarium of the Smokies | 88 River Road | Gatlinburg, TN 37738
\nWhen:<\/em> Monday, October 31, 2016 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
\nWho:<\/em> Anyone\u2014especially families with children!
\nWhy:<\/em> Not only will you have a great time, but you\u2019ll also help support a great cause\u2014the United Way of Sevier County! Proceeds from some of the activities will benefit United Way, a non-profit organization that supports community growth and improvement.<\/p>\nOther Halloween Events in the Smokies<\/h2>\n
Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips<\/h2>\n