Eureka Springs is set to swap its historic Victorian charm for an undead takeover on Saturday, Oct. 24, as the annual Zombie Crawl returns to downtown. The family‑friendly event begins at noon and runs through the evening, offering a mix of festive activities, community service and local entertainment.
Daytime Activities
From noon to 8 p.m., visitors can explore the Macabre Market on Center Street and in the Auditorium parking lot, where vendors sell crafts, snacks and Halloween‑themed goods. Makeup artists will be stationed in Basin Park, ready to transform participants into convincing zombies. Those who want to learn the iconic “Thriller” dance can join a short tutorial session.
Zombie Parade
The centerpiece of the day is the Zombie Crawl Parade, which starts at 6 p.m. along Spring Street. Parade walkers must sign up between 5:00 and 5:45 p.m. at the Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library, 194 Spring St. Each participant is asked to bring two canned goods to support the local food bank, turning the celebration into a charitable effort.
Evening Entertainment
After the parade, the fun continues with a live “Wine & Crime” podcast at 8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. The official after‑party begins at 9 p.m. at Chelsea’s. These evening events are separate from the free crawl and may require tickets or have age restrictions, so attendees should verify entry requirements in advance.
Practical Information
- Parking: Downtown parking can fill quickly. The Eureka Springs Community Center offers event‑day parking from noon to 6 p.m. for $10 per car at 44 Kingshighway, with a short walk to the parade route.
- Food‑Bank Drive: Walkers are encouraged to donate two canned goods each. All donations will be delivered to the local food bank after the event.
- Accessibility: The parade route is wheelchair‑friendly, and the library sign‑up area is on the ground floor.
- Weather: Attendees should check the 40/29 News app for real‑time weather updates.
Why It Matters
The Zombie Crawl is more than a Halloween celebration; it brings together families, local businesses and volunteers to support the community’s food‑bank needs. By pairing festive fun with charitable giving, the event underscores Eureka Springs’ tradition of neighborly generosity and creative spirit.
For more details, visit the official Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl website.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.