Capturing the Spirit of Oakland 2024

Get your tickets for Capturing the Spirit of Oakland, the city’s must-attend Halloween tradition celebrating its 18th year!

Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween tours are an autumn tradition in Atlanta, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide, and selling out each year. This year, the event offers a new route and promises two weekends filled with historical intrigue and delight.

History, culture, and the thrill of Halloween converge at the Capturing the Spirit of Oakland tours, which are designed to enlighten rather than frighten. The past is illuminated by lantern light as the sun sets. Guided by costumed storytellers who breathe life into the captivating tales of Oakland’s notable and notorious residents, guests explore the solemn beauty of Oakland after dark.

Live music adds a melodic backdrop to the start of your tour, and craft beer and an artisanal cocktail are perfect complements to the spirited atmosphere. The Oakland gift shop offers a curated selection of treasures, from seasonal decor to locally crafted souvenirs. Arrive in costume to immerse yourself fully in the enchanting spirit of the night.

October 17
October 18
October 19
October 20

October 24
October 25
October 26
October 27

October 23 – VIP Night

• Adult tickets: $45
• Children’s tickets (4-12): $30
• Children under 4: Free
• VIP: $190

Capturing the Spirit VIP Experience

VIP ticket holders receive exclusive access to Oakland Cemetery on October 23. In addition to smaller group Capturing the Spirit tours, VIP tickets include:

• A three-course dinner hosted in private event space at Republic Social House with dessert and at the newly-renovated Oakland Bell Tower
• Two drink tickets included with dinner at Republic
• A complimentary bar prior to your tour with beer, wine and a signature cocktail
• Live music

This evening is reserved for guests 21 and older.

Purchasing VIP Tickets

VIP night events occur in a timed sequence. When you purchase your tickets, please pay close attention to the time of your dinner versus the time of your tour. Capacity limits do not allow Historic Oakland Foundation to switch dinner and tour times after purchase.

Three types of VIP tickets are offered:

• Individual
• Couple
• Table

If you are purchasing for more than one person and would like to ensure that you’ll be seated together, please purchase couple or table tickets. Table tickets are offered only as a set of six.

Capturing the Spirit of Oakland tickets are on sale NOW!

Parking

Please note: Onsite parking will very limited. We recommend arriving at Oakland via MARTA or rideshare (Oakland Cemetery is a five to seven-minute walk from the Martin Luther King Jr. MARTA station). Limited street parking is available on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and on Oakland Avenue as well as in the surrounding neighborhoods.

What you should know

• Tickets are limited to ten per transaction. Children’s tickets are available for those ages 4-12.

• Please ensure you’ve carefully selected your preferred date and time before completing your transaction, as no refunds or exchanges will be issued.

• Your ticket time is your entry time, the time you will be admitted into Oakland Cemetery. Once inside, you’ll have time to get a drink, use the restroom, and enjoy the entertainment before getting in line for a tour.

• Capturing the Spirit of Oakland tours last approximately 75 minutes and depart every 15 minutes. The tour route is approximately one mile. Please anticipate that your experience in the cemetery will last at least two hours.

• Capturing the Spirit of Oakland is a rain or shine event. No refunds will be issued.

• Our limited-edition long-sleeved shirt designs change every year, and this year’s shirt was designed by Adam Stephenson. Capturing the Spirit of Oakland artwork is on the shirt front and featured residents are on the back. Order your shirt early, as we cannot guarantee availability at the event.

• On Wednesday, October 23, Capturing the Spirit of Oakland VIP Night ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive, one-of-a-kind Capturing the Spirit of Oakland VIP Experience including a delicious three-course meal with drinks. Guests will have the cemetery to themselves after dark as they enjoy a small group Capturing the Spirit Halloween tour experience. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets can all be accommodated, as can be most food allergies.

Keep an eye on your inbox: Ticket holders will be sent a list of frequently asked questions in the week before the tours. This will include information about parking, dinner deals with local restaurants, and what you need to know about your experience at Oakland Cemetery.

This program is supported in part by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.