Planning Your Visit to Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia

Recently, I was invited to attend opening night of Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia. I have not attended a Fright Fest event since I was in high school, so it’s been over 10 years since I’ve seen what they’ve been up to. While scary events are not typically my thing, I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had on my recent visit. If you love to experience Halloween-style thrills and chills, Fright Fest is definitely the event for you.

Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia

Whether you’ve visited before or it’s your first time attending, Fright Fest can seem overwhelming. There is so much to see and do, and your experience really depends on what is most important to you.

Do you like haunted houses? Are you into shows? Would you rather just walk around the park and wait for the “free scares?” Paying admission and paying for the extra “scares” has is pros and cons, so you’ll have to decide what’s most important to you when attending this event.

With so many ways to experience Fright Fest, you’ll want to check out my tips to consider while you’re planning your visit!

Planning Your Visit

• Enjoy Six Flags Over Georgia during the day, and come back for Fright Fest at night. Your daily admission price includes evening admission to Fright Fest. If you want to visit any of the upgraded attractions like the haunted houses, you’ll need to purchase a wristband to go with your daily admission price. Check out the Six Flags Over Georgia website for full pricing information.
• Take your time and enjoy the evening. Weeknight hours are typically 6pm-midnight. Saturdays and Sundays the hours are noon-11pm or midnight. Be sure to check the online calendar before you go so you know which operating hours are on which days. Roaming characters don’t start their scaring until after 6pm, so don’t worry about taking little ones during the day time hours.

Taking Children to Fright Fest

• Speaking of little ones, Fright Fest is not recommended for children under 13. Bugs Bunny Boomtown is not open on Friday nights and after 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. You know your children best, but trust me, the park is pretty scary after the sun goes down. My twins really wanted to go to this event, but I know how easily they frighten, so we decided to let them sit this one out.
• “Free scares” are all around the park including character actors that follow you around for scares (don’t worry, they aren’t allowed to touch you), creepy decorations, and mazes/walk-through areas. Most roller coasters and other rides are open, but select attractions and haunted houses require an extra fee for admission.

Don’t Forget about the Shows!

• Don’t pass up the shows! The Uprising is the first show of the night and it is the official “releasing” of the characters into the parks to roam. It definitely set the tone for the night! You’ll also want to make time to see Dr. Fright’s Dead Man’s Party. Set to upbeat Halloween-inspired tunes, this zombie stage show is incredibly well done and fun.
• Grab a park map upon entering. As familiar as I am with Six Flags Over Georgia, I was not as familiar with the layout for Fright Fest. There are differently themed “zones” for each type of attraction. Knowing where each attraction is located will save you time and confusion after dark when it’s more difficult to distinguish each area.

Those general tips should help even the most seasoned Fright Fest veteran make a game plan for your visit, but you may be thinking, “I’ve been before, so why should I go again?” Returning visitors, I’ve got great news! Six Flag Over Georgia is always adding new attractions and experiences, and this year is no exception.

What’s New at Fright Fest 2016

• The Uprising is a new stage show that marks the beginning of Fright Fest by “calling out” all of the creatures that will roam the park at night. If you want to be ready for the “roaming scares,” make sure you know when this show starts.
• Mummy’s Curse is a new, pitch-black haunted house full of mummies that you must try to escape from. You’ll have one lowly flashlight to guide you, but will you make it out alive?
• If that doesn’t sound like your kind of fright, you might want to give Rage of the Gargoyles, a Virtual Reality Coaster, a try. You’ll be riding the Dare Devil Dive Coaster, but with a twist. While you physically ride the coaster, you will be viewing a totally different experience through a Samsung Gear VR system strapped to your head. It’s definitely a wild ride!
• Carnevil, another new stage show, brings out all the creeps. Clowns and circus side show acts are featured here and will definitely make your skin crawl!

My overall Fright Fest experience was positive. Yes, even if you’re not a fan of scares, you can enjoy yourself and the atmosphere without feeling like you need to run for the hills! One of the impressive attractions was Dr. Fright’s Frightorium 3-D haunted house experience. We entered wearing 3-D glasses and were treated to some far our experiences that really “stood out” (if you catch my drift). My favorite part of the evening was being able to sneak a peek behind the scenes and speak with some of the artists as well as the creative director, Chris Black, about the details and work they put into this event each year. Check out my Facebook live video by clicking here to see exactly what I’m talking about.

Have you attended Fright Fest in years past? Will you make plans to attend this year? Hope you survive your trip!