Fall is here! It’s time for pumpkins, parades and costumes

A bounty of activities throughout the metro-Atlanta area await families and their children now that the weather is a little cooler and the foliage is turning into a riot of colors.

 It’s officially the season for families to enjoy dozens of free events featuring treats and activities for the kids and opportunities for everyone to wear costumes, decorate and have fun.

Listed here are some of the events planned. If you know of others, please e-mail us at editor@ocgnews.com and we will update the information.

Voices of Faith Ministries sets Trunk or Treat

Voices of Faith Ministries Rockdale Campus, 1290 Sigman Road, invites families to its Trunk or Treat  on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2 to 5 p.m.  There will be candy and treats as well as prizes for the best decorated vehicle (trunk).     

Greater Love Fellowship to present G.L.O.W

Children ages 5 to 18 are invited to attend the God Lights Our Way (G.L.O.W.) youth service on Friday, Oct. 26, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Greater Love Fellowship Tabernacle, 2378 Dogwood Drive SE, Conyers. Kids are asked to wear “nice” costumes only and come ready to enjoy a safe, fun night. Music selections will come from Christian hip-hop groups  R.E.B.E.L. and Th1rd L; A praise dance will be performed by Nicky Golden and the guest speaker of the evening will be Minister Becky Russell.

Harvest Fire Festival at New Birth

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church & Samson’s Fitness Center, 6400 Woodrow Road, Lithonia, will host its Harvest Fire Festival on Saturday, Oct. 27.  There will be fun for all generations.

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Taste of Health 5K Run/Walk & Health Fair Screenings will be held. From 3 to 8 p.m., there will be outdoor games, sports competitions, bounce houses, a candy drop, food trucks, horse and pony rides, a concert, Drones Technology Demonstration, bonfire and more. The family fun activities are free of charge.  For more details, visit www.newbirth.org/events. 770-696-9600.

Springfield Baptist to host Harvest of Blessings & Trunk or Treat

Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive, S.E., Conyers, will host its annual Harvest of Blessings & Trunk or Treat on Oct. 31,  7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy food, games and other activities. 

Kingdom Builders Church to host Community Block Party

Kingdom Builders Church, 1151 Flat Shoals, Conyers, will host its Community Block Party on Oct. 31, 6 to 9 p.m., 1151 Flat Shoals Road SE., Conyers.

The free event will offer health screenings, food, games, and fun in fostering stronger families and communal growth.

City of Lithonia sets Trunk or Treat

The City of Lithonia will host its annual Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the City Hall parking lot, 6920 Main Street. Participants are encouraged to decorate their cars and open up their trunks filled with treats for the kids. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes. For more information: 770-482-8136, ext. 128. Rain or shine. 

Panola Mountain State Park to host Trunk or Treat

The community is invited to attend a Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2 to 8:30 p.m., at Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge.

There will also be a costume and trunk contest at 3:30 p.m., tree climb from 2-5:30 p.m. and a movie at 5:30 p.m. Entry is $5 per vehicle. For more information, call 770-389-7801.

DeKalb Parks and Recreation sets Halloween events

The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is hosting several Halloween events at recreation centers Oct. 26 – 31.  Many of the events are free to attend and will include face painting, movies, games and costume contests. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Here’s a look at the lineup: 

Friday, Oct. 26

• Lucious Sanders Recreation Center, 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Free admission.

• Midway Recreation Center, 3181 Midway Road, Decatur, 7 – 9 p.m. Free admission with individually-wrapped bag of candy.

• N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Free admission with individually-wrapped bag of candy.

Saturday, Oct. 27

• Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips Road, Lithonia, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free admission.

Wednesday, Oct. 31

• Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, 6–8 p.m. Free admission with individually wrapped bag of candy.

• Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, 6 – 9 p.m. Free admission.

• Gresham Recreation Center and Booster Club, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta,, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Free admission with individually wrapped bag of candy.

• Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel Street, Scottdale, GA 30079, 6 – 8 p.m. Free admission with individually wrapped bag of candy.

• Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340-B McConnell Drive, Decatur, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Free admission.

• Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 644 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Free admission.