IF YOU SEE ZOMBIES shuffling through the streets of Atlanta this weekend, don’t fear for your brain. It’s all part of Atlanta Horrorfest III, a four-day indulgence in rock ‘n’ roll and blood-soaked cinema.

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JUDSON COWAN/ Special

Care to dance? Before the zombies take over Sunday, Horrorfest III will feature three days of rock music and horror films.

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JON WATERHOUSE

In the final act of Horrorfest III, participants dressed as zombies stroll down North Avenue – as this gory group did in 2007.

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More Haunted Fun

SHOCK ROCK

This gathering of horror film enthusiasts will be taking over the Masquerade nightclub, located just east of downtown. More than 30 bands will be performing Oct. 23 through Oct. 25 in both the upstairs (Heaven) and downstairs (Hell) portions of the club.

“This year we’re able to bring in a lot of bands that don’t normally play Atlanta,” says festival organizer Lucas Godfrey.

Although the musical genres range from punk and psychobilly to heavy metal and industrial, all of the bands on the bill tend to share some sort of spooky sensibility. Highlights include performances by the Dwarves, Horror Pops, the Creeping Cruds and Dead to the World. Local favorite the Luchagors, fronted by former WWE wrestling star Amy “Lita” Dumas, is set to play Friday. Music starts early each day. Doors open at 5 p.m. Oct. 23, 6 p.m. Oct. 24 and 3 p.m. Oct. 25.

SHOCKING CINEMA

The Masquerade’s second level, dubbed Purgatory, plays host to the Buried Alive Horror Film Festival. A selection of indie horror flicks will screen Oct. 23 through Oct. 25. In the mood for a gory Western? Try “Dead Noon.” Or get creepily campy with “Chainsaw Cheerleaders” or “Bikini Bloodbath 2.” A collection of horror shorts will be shown, too.

SHOCKING EVENTS

Atlanta Horrorfest III has its share of bells and whistles. A costume contest takes place Oct. 25, as does punk rock karaoke. For the latter, guests have the opportunity to take the mike and front a punk rock band specializing in a classic repertoire, including plenty of Misfits tunes. And an art show spotlights original work by horror-inspired artists.

ZOMBIE WALK

The event’s grand finale culminates at 5 p.m. Sunday for the Zombie Walk.

Participants are encouraged to come dressed in zombie make-up and garb for a group walk down North Avenue, through Little Five Points and back to the Masquerade. It’s open to the public, but Atlanta Horrorfest III organizers ask all participants to bring a canned goods donation to be given to the Atlanta Food Bank.

THE 411: Oct. 23-26. $15 Oct. 23; $20 Oct. 24; $20 Oct. 25; $40 three-day pass. 5 p.m. Oct. 23; 6 p.m. Oct. 24; 3 p.m. Oct. 25; 5 p.m. Sunday. Masquerade, 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com, www.atlhorrorfest.com.