Serenbe Fall Guide 2025: Halloween, Porchfest & Local Happenings
Everything to see, do, and love in Serenbe and Chatt Hills this season — and a little reminder to follow the fun.
Oh hello, fall. My favorite season, until I say the same thing about spring right before pollen tries to kill us all.
Something about these in-between months wakes me up. Cooler air. Kids on bikes. Leaves showing off. And the occasional joro spiderweb to the face.
Here in Serenbe, October feels like a community-wide group project, the kind that smells like bonfires and hums with excitement.
In today’s issue:
You see, Halloween here is big. Like, people go all out BIG. Every porch is alive (video proof). There’s a pet parade, a witch coven, and the streets look a little like a real-life Nightmare Before Christmas. It’s chaos, but the silly, joyful kind.
And somewhere between the cobwebs and the cauldrons, I decided to make more room for fun. Not the productive kind, the pointless kind.
Sometimes the smartest move in life is to stop optimizing and start playing.
So last week, instead of tweaking KPIs or launch plans, I dragged home a pile of mushroom-covered branches, collected a lot of dead flowers and built a witchy garland tree for the porch. It was messy and ridiculous, the kids helped, Goose was playing in the background — and I loved every second.
It reminded me that play is still one of the best teachers I know. That sometimes the smartest move, in work or motherhood or life, is to stop optimizing and follow what excites you.
So, in the spirit of making your fall a little easier and a lot more fun, I put on my pretend tour guide hat and pulled together a quick October guide. Whether you’ve lived here for ten years, just moved in, or are visiting for the first time wondering why every porch has a skeleton on it — this one’s for you.
And if you’re reading from somewhere else, think of it as a peek into a little town that takes fall very seriously.
🎃 Navigating Serenbe Halloween 2025
Halloween in Serenbe isn’t just a night. It’s a whole damn season. People start planning porch themes while it’s still 85 degrees out. Every hamlet gets its moment, and golf carts turn into spooky parade floats.
This year’s lineup is packed. There’s too much to fit here, so for every event detail, head to the Serenbe + Chatt Hills Events Calendar.
The entire month leading up to Halloween is full of small-town magic: house decoration awards, a spooky-sweet storytime with rescue horses at Zorro’s Crossing, local grown pumpkins at the Serenbe Farm, a comedy night to remember, seasonal treats and cheeky décor at Good Place Farm Stand, pets costume parade at the Farmers Market, and spooky cocktail showdown, DJ, kids craft zone & inflatables at Madoween… Whew, I’m out of breath.
Here is a video clip from halloween day 3 years ago when a bunch of zombies surprised us all with a flashmob Thriller dance.
And now everything you need to know about the main event on Friday, October 31st
Costume Parade at the General Store
Meet at Grange Green at 4:45 p.m. The parade kicks off at 5:00 in front of the General Store. Think: Prizes, bragging rights, and all the serotonin you can handle. (Thank you Nadine and The General Store for making it happen!)
Age groups: 0–3, 4–8, 9–12, Adults, Groups.
Yes, adults dress up (id say 70%).
Pro tip: park behind the General Store, or better yet, walk or cart it.
And I hear there might be a very special dance performance by the Saja Boys from KPop Demon Hunters…
Trick-or-Treating
Begins right after the parade and winds down around 8:30.
If you live here and are on a main street, plan for 250 to 300 pieces of candy.
HOA limits car access, so it’s safe-ish for kids (and adults with wine tumblers). But be freakin’ careful out there!
Hot zones: Grange and Mado.
Some stops you won’t want to miss:
Hamlin’s Witches’ Cauldron in Selborne is a forever favorite.
Pirate Cove (last year Alien theme) in Mado on Anders is taking a break this year (I know we are very sad!).
The walk from Hills & Hamlets bookstore across the bridge to Swan Ridge cobblestone strip is my fav. It feels like you are transported to Harry Potter world on halloween night.
Austin’s is the after-party hang. 9-11pm | Spooky cocktails, tarot card readings, a killer costume contest with prizes. Categories: most creative, scariest, most foodie, and GM Tyler’s Choice.
What am I missing?!?! Have a house or biz with something special the night of halloween? Reply and I’ll add it
And then get some sleep because once the candy coma wears off, the best day of the year (in my opinion) arrives.
🎶 Chatt Hills Porchfest 2025: The Best Day in Serenbe
This is hands down my favorite day of the year in Serenbe.
Chatt Hills Porchfest
Saturday, November 1, 2025 | 12–10 PM
Grange Hamlet, Serenbe
Free event, but be sure to tip your musicians
If you’ve ever been to an Atlanta festival like Chomp & Stomp or Inman Park Festival back in the early days, before it got jam-packed and shoulder-to-shoulder, that’s what Porchfest feels like. Still small, still soulful, still a little secret.
It’s the day Grange turns into a walking festival. Porches become stages, roads close to cars, and music drifts through the air. You can wander with a coffee (or something stronger), dance a little or a lot, eat some food and just hang out. It’s easy, come-and-go magic.
I love it because it hasn’t lost its heart. It’s not crowded or overdone. It’s neighbors and friends playing music, artists sharing their craft, people coming together and hanging out. The drumming by Grady is always unreal, and there’s usually a surprise or two tucked around the corner.
If you were in Atlanta and wondering when to visit Serenbe, this would be the day I’d tell you to come.
Plan Your Day: Check out the official Porchfest map and schedule (below) to see all porch locations, food trucks, artist setups, and kids’ activities around the neighborhood. Screenshot it or save it to your phone before you head out — it’s the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss a favorite band or pop-up.
Chatt Hills Porchfest in Serenbe Map and Lineup
New This Year: They will have a community ofrenda in honor of Día de los Muertos — a beautiful altar to remember loved ones who’ve passed. Bring a photo, flowers, or a small memento to add. It’ll be set up in the gazebo on Grange Green by Rebecca Di Piazza and open all day for anyone who wants to contribute.
Don’t Miss: The close out at Grange Green stage at 6:45pm featuring Casey Hooper, James Tiernan and a full band with many special neighborhood guests including Steve Arnold, Crystal Barrois, Brandon Phillips and Jared Mass!
Getting Around: Please park only in the designated areas and note that Serenbe Lane in West Grange will be car-free for the day. Golf carts are welcome, but walking between porches is half the fun — and helps keep things safe and easy for everyone.
Big love to the neighbors who make it all happen: Anne Michaud, Clinton Rice, Claudia McNamee, Amy Mass, Gigi Wilborn, Amy O’Brien, Casey Hooper, Meagan Myrick, Lauren Kane, Nell Blain, Rebecca Di Piazza, and Tamara Schwartz. They’re the real MVPs stringing lights, booking artists, and keeping the magic alive.
Porchfest merch is here too. Featuring artwork by the late Gail Foster, whose legacy still ripples through this community. Every purchase goes straight back into funding the event. Grab yours here.
Don’t forget to tip your favorite bands! Cash is great, or you can use the QR codes posted at each porch to send a little love via Venmo or Zelle.
🪩 XANADU Under the Stars
Xanadu is rolling into Serenbe this weekend, part Greek mythology, part 80s disco fever, and all happening outside under the stars in the Wildflower Meadow. Think twinkle lights, roller skates, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind).
I’ve rounded up a few girlfriends, we’re dusting on some glitter, and heading there to see what all the hype’s about. (I mean, how often do you get to go to a roller-skating musical in the woods?)
Show dates:
Oct 10–12 + 17–19 | 7:30 PM
+ Opening Night Disco Party on Friday, Oct 10
Before the show DJ Love G spins from 6:30–7:30 PM+ food truck before the show. Come early, dance a bit, roll into the night.
After the show (right down the road) is XANADU HOUR at Austin’s where you can meet the cast and try the “Suspended in Time” cocktail (mezcal, peach, lime, cinnamon, blue spirulina curaçao, champagne). 10 PM – close.
+ Pregame Cast Meet & Greet Happy Hours
Sat, Oct 11 from 4–6 PM at Soberish for a Xanadu-inspired Mocktails
Wed, Oct 15 from 4–7 PM at The Wine Shop at Serenbe
It’s giving art, sparkle, and the kind of whimsy I want more of in my life.
📍 For the Locals
🎁 Life at Play Perks
Exclusive deals + insider offers, just for this community.
First, congrats to last week’s winners of the Christina Trifero Psychic Clarity Session Giveaway — Haley Roe Theisen and Brooke Stoll!
Ready for another fun one? This week’s perk comes from my friend and neighbor Elaine Dinos, whose dear friend Meghan French Dunbar just launched a bestselling book called This Isn’t Working: How Working Women Can Overcome Stress, Guilt, and Overload to Find True Success. You can pick up a copy locally at Hills & Hamlets.
Meghan is such a lovely human, and while I haven’t had a chance to read the book yet, I’m right there in my own season of unlearning stress, guilt, and redefining what success actually means.
Want to win one of two signed copies we’re giving away to Life at Play Insiders? Just tell me — comment, DM, or text, whatever’s easiest.
One day I’ll set up a proper form, but for now just say: Me!
👀 In Case You Missed It
Quick hits of neighborhood news + updates, straight from the community.
Start in Your Own Backyard | Steve Nygren just launched his new book — 20 years in the making and full of the magic that built Serenbe. Grab a copy or see the book tour here.
Fiesta Night at Blue Eyed Daisy | Sat, Oct 11 • 5–8pm
Support Terra School via your GA taxes (Apogee) You can designate state tax liability to Terra School and it comes back as a dollar-for-dollar credit. 2026 goal is $1.2M in pledges. Learn More.
Tui Na Acupressure at Creek Retreat Creek Retreat is now offering Tui Na, an ancient form of Chinese bodywork that combines joint manipulation, acupressure massage, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The goal: open blocked channels, restore balance, and boost your energy while deeply relaxing.
New kids pottery workshops being offered at Minro (including fall break).
Psychic Practice Circle Christina Trifero’s next six-session virtual circle starts November 9. It’s a safe, supportive space to explore and strengthen your intuition through live practice and reflection. An in-person circle in Serenbe returns this spring. Learn more or grab the last spot.
Harvest & Holiday’s got you covered for all things festive — from pumpkin setups to Christmas lights. The pop up shop is right next to Blue Eyed Daisy! theharvestandholiday.com
Holiday display installations: Savannah Smith is offering Anthropologie-style holiday displays for local businesses and homes. She’s got a special love for Christmas and is taking on new collabs now. Message her on Facebook to connect.
Good Place Farm is decked out for Halloween The farmstand’s in full fall mode with treats, farm-raised proteins, a new jewelry line, and photo-ready decorations. Bring the kids, grab a few photos, and shop the 24/7 honor-system stand at 7770 Barnes Rd.
New Heated Pilates Sculpt at Serenbe Yoga A fresh addition to the lineup: Heated Pilates Sculpt on Wednesdays at 8:30AM. Full-body, low impact, high intensity—sweat without the suffering. Meagan Myrick called it “the perfect temp to sweat without suffering… and I left feeling so energized.” Led by Collette Appert.
Local Election Reminder Chatt Hills residents (in Fulton or Coweta County) can vote in the City of Chattahoochee Hills Municipal Election on Tuesday, Nov 4. Advance and Election Day voting details vary by county — check your polling place and sample ballot here: mvp.sos.ga.gov
📅 Local Events
The local events worth knowing about this month.
If you ever feel like you’re the last to know what’s happening around here — this is your fix. The Serenbe + Chatt Hills Events Calendar pulls everything into one easy spot: markets, concerts, art shows, wellness events and family happenings.
Browse anytime at lifeatplay.co/events
Subscribe to layer it right on top of your own calendar (Google, Outlook, iCal — whatever you use) Quick video directions for subscribing can be found here on my instagram stories.
Add your own events if you’re hosting something worth sharing - submit here.
New events are added every week. It’s the best way to stay connected without digging through group chats, emails, and Facebook threads.
Every October, I’m reminded that community doesn’t just happen — it’s built.
You don’t have to live here to feel it. Start right where you are. Or as Steve says, Start in Your Own Backyard.
Wherever you are, I hope you follow the fun this week. Build something weird. Make a mess. Decorate your porch with whatever you’ve got.
Because life isn’t meant to be optimized. It’s meant to be felt.
See you on the porches,
xx Gina
P.S. If this issue made you smile, forward it to a friend who’d love Serenbe — or hit reply and tell me what you’re making, growing, or decorating this fall. I read every note.
What a fantastic (and very detailed) post! I really enjoyed reading about all the happenings in Serenbe and I am very much looking forward to Porchfest this year!
Every time I drive by your house during this latest visit, I slow down to admire your porch decor. You are so creative! Love it!