Capturing the Spirit of Oakland

October 16 – 19 & 23 – 26

One of Atlanta’s most beloved autumn traditions, Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween tours sell out each year, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide.

Some stories refuse to rest. History, theatre, and the thrill of Halloween converge at the Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween tours, which are designed to enlighten rather than frighten.

As the sun sets over Atlanta, the past is illuminated by lantern light. Follow the footsteps of costumed storytellers who bring the tales of Oakland’s notable and notorious residents to life in living color. Explore the mysterious beauty of Oakland after dark and meet a few of the fascinating characters who made Atlanta into the city we know today.

Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Ticket Options

General Admission

$45 for adults (13+)

$30.00 for children (3-12)

Includes admission to Capturing the Spirit of Oakland tour. Valid only for the reserved timeslot.

Premium Ticket Bundle

$75.00 ($95.00 value!)

New this year! Enjoy a discount when you purchase all of your Capturing the Spirit of Oakland swag through a Premium Ticket bundle!

The Premium Ticket Bundle includes:

  • Two (2) Drink Tickets

  • Access to a dedicated Premium Drink Ticket line at the bar

  • Complimentary water and soda for Premium Ticket holders

  • Premium-exclusive specialty Oakland Koozie

  • Commemorative Capturing the Spirit of Oakland program, featuring more in-depth resident biographies, historic photographs, and actor biographies

Premium Ticket Bundle + T-Shirt (Best value!)

$95.00 ($130.00 value!)

New this year! Enjoy a discount when you purchase your Capturing the Spirit of Oakland swag in a Premium Ticket bundle!

The Premium Ticket Bundle includes:

  • Two (2) Drink Tickets

  • Access to a dedicated Premium Drink Ticket line at the bar

  • Complimentary water and soda for Premium Ticket holders

  • Premium-exclusive specialty Oakland Koozie

  • Commemorative Capturing the Spirit of Oakland program, featuring more in-depth resident biographies, historic photographs, and actor biographies

  • Capturing the Spirit of Oakland 2025 t-shirt featuring event artwork by Sean Fahie, and names of featured residents

All other ticket holders must arrive at the Cemetery within the 15-minute time slot chosen on their ticket.

This is a one-time use only pass. Eternal Pass ticket holders will receive all the benefits of the Premium Ticket Bundle:

  • Two (2) Drink Tickets

  • Access to a dedicated Premium Drink Ticket line at the bar

  • Complimentary water and soda for Premium Ticket holders

  • Premium-exclusive specialty Oakland Koozie

  • Commemorative Capturing the Spirit of Oakland program, featuring more in-depth resident biographies, historic photographs, and actor biographies

This pass is rarer than a friendly ghost and won’t last forever! Availability is limited.

Eternal Pass (Limited availability!)

$150.00

Step beyond the veil any time you dare with this ultra-exclusive ticket to Capturing the Spirit of Oakland — an all-access grave pass to the most spirited tour in town.

Whether you're a night crawler, a twilight treader, or just dying to get in, this open-date ticket lets you join a tour whenever the mood strikes.

An Eternal Pass can be used on any date during the Capturing the Spirit of Oakland run, October 16 – 19 and 23 – 26, with entry between 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM on those dates.

Merchandise

Pre-order exclusive Capturing the Spirit of Oakland commemorative t-shirts and hoodies featuring the 2025 artwork by Atlanta artist Sean Fahie, and the names of featured residents before they sell out!

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

Gallery

Capturing the Spirit of Oakland FAQ

  • Oakland Cemetery is easy to get to by bike, public transit, or rideshare.

    Taking MARTA? King Memorial Station is only a 7-10 minute walk from our Main Gate. From the station:

    • Exit to Decatur Street and head west (left) to Grant Street

    • Turn left on Grant Street and continue to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE

    • Turn left onto MLK Jr. Drive — the main gates will be straight ahead

    Rideshare is strongly encouraged. Limited street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Limited onsite parking is available for $20.

  • The entire route covered on the Capturing the Spirit of Oakland tour is approximately 1 mile long and takes 75 minutes. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

  • Ticket purchases support Historic Oakland Foundation’s mission to preserve, restore, enhance, and share Oakland Cemetery and are not refundable.

    If you are no longer able to attend, we recommend gifting or selling your tickets to friends and neighbors.  

  • Unfortunately, we are unable to reschedule Capturing the Spirit of Oakland tickets.

    If you are not sure when you will be able to attend and are looking for flexibility, we recommend the Eternal Pass.

  • Capturing the Spirit of Oakland is a rain or shine event. In the event of severe weather, we will notify ticketholders of any event or schedule changes via email and social media.

    Ticket purchases support Historic Oakland Foundation’s mission to preserve, restore, enhance, and share Oakland Cemetery and are not refundable.

    If you are no longer able to attend, we recommend gifting or selling your tickets to friends and neighbors.  

  • Capturing the Spirit of Oakland tours are designed to enlighten, not frighten. They are not considered scary or inappropriate for children.

    Many parents see this event as an opportunity for their children to engage with history in a unique setting. As every child is different, we encourage parents to consider whether a nighttime cemetery environment would be comfortable for your child.

    Please note: The 75-minute tour is a theatrical, guided experience, and we ask that all guests remain quiet and attentive throughout the performance to respect both performers and fellow attendees.

  • Yes! All proceeds from Capturing the Spirit of Oakland go towards Historic Oakland Foundation’s mission to preserve, restore, enhance, and share historic Oakland Cemetery.

  • Due to this being a permitted event within a City of Atlanta park, only service animals are allowed at Capturing the Spirit of Oakland.

  • As Oakland Cemetery is a historic site, some areas have uneven paths. We’ve made every effort to create an ADA-accessible route.  

    If you have a request for ADA accommodations, including an ASL interpreter or golf cart assistance, please email swhite@oaklandcemetery.com at least 1 week prior to your tour date.  

  • Thank you for your interest! We are always looking for volunteers to help out at our events. Visit our Volunteer Page for more information.

  • Contact info@oaklandcemetery.com