Haunting Movies & Performances
If you like the pomp and circumstance that comes with Halloween, then check out one of these movies, plays, musical performances and fashion shows taking place right here in Columbus this month.
Movies
Goosebumps Screening at Columbus Commons: Head to the Columbus Commons Oct. 2 for a screening of "Goosebumps" as part of the location's Free Sunset Movie series. Learn more here and find all the ways to get goosebumps in Columbus this season.
Hitchcocktober at Gateway Film Center: In its 16th annual tribute to the Master of Suspense, Gateway Film Center screens Hitchcock films daily for the entire month. Check out the lineup and reserve your seats here.
Trivia and A Movie (Tuesdays at Land-Grant): For the whole month of October, Land-Grant will be showing free spooky flicks following Trivia Tuesdays in the Beer Garden. See the full lineup of films here.
Flicks & Tricks at Easton: Head to The Yard at Easton for Flicks & Tricks this Oct. 3 and 10 for free screenings of "Hocus Pocus" and "Beetlejuice". Learn more.
Performances
The Rocky Horror Show at Short North Stage: For many, a staple of Halloween is the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show and now you can see the film come to life with Short North Stage’s interpretation in The Rocky Horror Show, live Fridays and Saturdays beginning Oct. 16 through Nov. 1. Find showtimes and tickets here.
Hallowfest V: The Haunting of West Manor: The fabulous Queens of the West Family are back to "slay" you in the Horror-ific HALLOWEST V. Showtimes begin Oct. 17 and run weekends through the end of the month. Grab your tickets here.
Music & More!
Haunted Fest at KEMBA Live!: Breakaway is bringing back its popular Halloween-themed EDM music festival on Friday, October 31. The frighteningly good lineup includes Dr. Fresch, Cool Customer and more. Secure your spot here.
Highball Halloween in the Short North Arts District: The world's most elaborate costume party is back and admission is free! Join host Nina West in the fun on Saturday, Oct. 25! Learn more.
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Haunted Experiences
If it's being terrified that gets you excited for Halloween — and power to you if so — we've got you covered with plenty of haunted houses and ghostly experiences at other haunted places in Columbus. We noted age recommendations or requirements where necessary.
Columbus Ghost Tours: Check out the spookiest places in Columbus, including Greenlawn Cemetery, by day or night in these spirited tours. Explore a variety of tour options and times here.
COSI After Dark "Apocalypse": Enjoy COSI without kids at this 21+ event from 7-10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9. Be prepared to test your apocalyptic skills and see if you have what it takes to survive a zombie outbreak. Get your tickets.
Fernando's Funeral: A Haunted Tour at The Kelton House: Join the Junior League of Columbus to learn about Victorian mourning rituals and the ghosts that linger in the Kelton House on Town Street Oct. 24-25. This after-dark tour will include ghost stories and tales of spooky experiences on the property. This event is recommended for ages 13+.
Boo at the Zoo. Source: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events and Things to Do
There are plenty of merry-not-scary Halloween events across the city, great for kids of all ages.
Special Events
Boo at the Zoo: The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium's signature seasonal event, Boo at the Zoo, includes a trick-or-treat trail, a Halloween train ride, costumed characters and more. Don your costume during October weekends and head to the zoo for a day of spooky-kooky fun — there's no cost beyond regular admission. No tricks here; only treats!
Halloween at Thurber House: Take a tour of the haunted Thurber House, former home to cartoonist James Thurber, during this event on Oct. 11. Drop in any time between 1–4 p.m. for free, kid-friendly tales, treats and crafts. Learn more.
Boo & Brew at Polaris Fashion Place: Head to Polaris on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 2–6 p.m. for the Boo & Brew festival extravaganza. Taking place in the outdoor Polaris Lifestyle Center, the event will include live music, a costume contest, food trucks, professional pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting, costumed characters and of course a beer garden! Proceeds from all beer sales support the Epilepsy Alliance of Ohio. Learn more.
Boo & Brew at Bridge Park. Source: Visit Dublin Ohio.
Community Festivals
Dublin Halloween Spooktacular: Goblins, ghosts and ghouls are invading Dublin's Coffman Park on Oct. 16 and 17 for the city's Halloween celebration featuring trunk-or-treat, live performances and plenty of activities for the whole family. Learn more here.
Worthington's Spooky Pet Parade: Celebrate the season in downtown Worthington at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16. Get the latest updates here.
The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow: Westerville's annual Pumpkin Glow event is back! On Oct. 16–19, wind your way through an enchanting trail of 1,500 carved glowing pumpkins and enjoy plenty of fun activities included with the price of admission. Get tickets.
Boo & Brew at Bridge Park: Businesses at Downtown Dublin's Bridge Park will pass out candy and fun promotional materials for a family-friendly trick-or-treat event on Oct. 22 from 5–8 p.m. The event will also include fall-themed activities, live music and specials at area restaurants and bars. Get more details here.
