This U.S. Town Is One of the Best Halloween Destinations for Its Haunted Mansions, Ghost Tours, and 'Witch Float' Down the River

"Each October, in Macon, Georgia, hundreds of witches take to the Ocmulgee River to see if they can float. ( OK, they cheat a little bit by actually taking standup paddleboards and canoes for a little ride down the river, but we won't hold that against them.) The annual Macon Annual Witches Float invites "witches, warlocks, and wizards" to swap their broomsticks for paddles and get into the "spirit of the season with this family-friendly event." Guests are encouraged to attend in costume and bring any non-motorized flotation device they want."

"The 2025 event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 3:30-5 p.m. local time, with all the witches checking in at 2 p.m. before taking to the water. Don't worry about getting back to the starting point; these witches have a spell for that. ( Fine, they have a shuttle bus, but it is the same thing.)"

"Now, here's the best part: the proceeds go to a great cause. Proceeds from the float benefit Macon Periods Easier, a nonprofit that works to "raise awareness of period poverty in Middle, Georgia, provide menstrual products to those in need, and normalize the conversation about menstruation." A part of the funds also goes to the Scholarship Fund for ABC Breathe, a non-profit that teaches breathwork and yoga to children and caregivers."

Each October, hundreds of costumed participants gather in Macon, Georgia, to paddle the Ocmulgee River on standup paddleboards, canoes, or other non-motorized flotation devices. The event encourages witches, warlocks, and wizards to swap broomsticks for paddles in a family-friendly celebration of the spooky season. The 2025 float is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5, with check-in at 2 p.m. and a river time of 3:30–5 p.m., and a shuttle returns participants to the start. Proceeds benefit Macon Periods Easier and the ABC Breathe Scholarship Fund. The town also offers Victorian mansion tours and Ghost Hunt Weekends in October.

Read at Travel + Leisure