Spirits in October is a guided interactive tour where volunteers dress up and act as some of the most memorable people from Macon,telling their stories and giving more insight into the lives and legacies that impacted the community for better or worse. The tour gives a voice to these members of the community – villains, earliest settlers, and colorful characters.

Down on Riverside Drive on the banks of the Ocmulgee River is one of Macon’s biggest landmarks. Established in 1887, Riverside Cemetery is home to some of the most influential characters in Macon’s history, and this October the cemetery hosts its recurring event, Spirits in October, where visitors can meet and interact with said characters. The event is in its twelfth year of occurrence, with volunteers and workers alike excited to see the events unfold.

“My favorite part of Spirits in October is opening the mausoleum and lighting it up at night for the public,” the cemetery’s events director, Mindy Hart, said.

During a stroll in a Victorian rural garden which harbors calm and peace in the middle of a bustling Southern town, one will learn the secrets and stories of those all around them. Spirits encountered on the tour include musical influencers Duane Allman, Arthur Moates, and Bob Barnett, along with many others.

The tour is appropriate for all ages and aims to leave guests with a greater appreciation for their community and interesting facts to share with friends and family. This year, the tour will take place October 17th – October 20th and again October 25th – October 27th. Tours begin at 6:00 p.m. and depart from the cemetery’s Gatehouse every 15 minutes. Although the tour is a walking one, a mobilized tour will take place at 6:00 every night. Each tour finds its end in the Macon Public Mausoleum, where light refreshments will be served. Merchandise such as shirts, books, and souvenirs will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the cemetery’s conservancy.

Tickets are $15 for adults and are available here. Children 5 and under get in free.

For additional information, visit the event’s Facebook page or the cemetery’s website.

Be on the lookout for the spring version of the event also, Spring Spirit Stroll, in late March.