Halloween is just around the corner, and families throughout Lauderdale County have opportunities to enjoy seasonal activities, collect treats and celebrate with friends and neighbors. From downtown Meridian’s annual Candy Crawl to community events and the Bailey Haunted Firehouse, residents can find activities for a variety of ages and interests.
Lauderdale County encourages residents to plan ahead, review event details and take precautions to help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
Meridian Candy Crawl
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Location: Meridian City Hall Lawn, Dumont Plaza and participating downtown businesses Admission: Free
The City of Meridian’s annual Candy Crawl will provide families with a downtown trick-or-treating experience featuring candy, carnival rides, live music and food vendors. Costumes are encouraged for children and adults.
The event will also feature Sensory Street, a calmer, welcoming space behind City Hall designed to accommodate children and families of all abilities.
Meridian Community College Candy Cruise
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Location: Meridian Community College track Admission: Free
Meridian Community College will host its annual Candy Cruise Around the Track, bringing together students, faculty, staff and community members for an evening of Halloween costumes, candy and themed booths.
A special early-admission period from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. is planned for guests with special needs to provide a sensory-friendly experience before the event opens to the general public. Families needing special accommodations may request an early-admission pass by calling 601-484-8650.
Trunk or Treat in the Kingdom
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: West Lauderdale High School
West Lauderdale High School will host Trunk or Treat in the Kingdom, offering another opportunity for local families to enjoy Halloween activities.
Bailey Haunted Firehouse
Date: Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24 — 7-11 p.m.
Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31 — 7p.m. to midnight
Location: 10116 Highway 495, Meridian, MS 39305
The Bailey Haunted Firehouse is a longstanding seasonal attraction operated in connection with the Bailey volunteer fire service. The attraction features a haunted-house experience and has served as a community fundraiser supporting the local fire department.
Food trucks, vendors, horror movies and more are also on-site in addition to the haunted firehouse. Regular admission is $15, FastPass $30, and VIP Monster Pass is $50.
Trunk-or-Treat
Lauderdale County also encourages residents to watch for community Halloween activities hosted by local volunteer fire departments including: Russell Fire & Rescue, Marion Fire & Rescue, Lost Gap Fire & Rescue, Causeyville Volunteer Fire Department, Clarkdale Fire & Rescue, and Long Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Residents should contact the departments or check official announcements before making plans to attend.
Halloween Safety Reminders
As families prepare for Halloween festivities, Lauderdale County encourages everyone to keep a few basic safety practices in mind:
• Be visible: Choose bright costumes or add reflective material. Carry a flashlight or glow stick after dark.
• Choose safe costumes: Make sure costumes fit properly and do not obstruct vision or create tripping hazards.
• Use designated crossings: Cross streets at intersections, obey traffic signals and avoid distractions while walking.
• Supervise children: Adults should accompany young children and establish a plan for older children attending activities with friends.
• Inspect treats: Check candy and other packaged treats before children eat them.
• Drive carefully: Watch for children and pedestrians, especially in residential neighborhoods, parking lots and areas surrounding Halloween events.
• Respect event rules: Follow posted instructions, parking guidance and directions from event organizers and public safety personnel.
Lauderdale County is proud of the community organizations, volunteers, schools and local businesses that help create opportunities for residents to gather and celebrate. Families are encouraged to enjoy these activities while keeping safety a priority.
For the latest information, check the official event organizers’ websites and social media pages before leaving home, as schedules and arrangements may change.