Black Lagoon Pop-Up at The Citizen's Trust. Photo courtesy of Black Lagoon Pop-Up.
Haunted Experiences & Events
If it's being terrified that gets you excited for Halloween, 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.
Statehouse Haunted Tours: Take a tour of the historic Ohio Statehouse by lantern light to see a glimpse of figures of the past. 2026 tour dates are to be announced. Check back here for more information.
Black Lagoon Pop-Up: Head to The Citizen's Trust between Sept. 30 through Halloween to experience Black Lagoon, a creepy Halloween pop-up featuring immersive decor, cinematic lighting and a themed cocktail menu. Citizen's Trust is one of only 34 locations nationwide.
COSI After Dark "Halloween Tattoo Carnival": Enjoy COSI without kids at this 21+ event from 7-10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8. In partnership with Hell City Tattoo Festival, explore the science of skin and self expression, meet talented artists and more. Get your tickets.
Dressed to Kill presented by Columbus Fashion Alliance: This Halloween (Oct. 31) head to The Loom for a night of fashion benefitting Access Granted, an initiative removing financial barriers for local creatives pursuing careers in the fashion industry. Costumes encouraged. Get tickets.
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! Get tickets.
CAPA Haunts the Palace: Celebrating 100 years in 2026, the historic Palace Theatre will host CAPA Haunts the Palace on Oct. 21 for a weather-proof trick-or-treat experience. "Creatures" will be on-site courtesy of Ohio School of Falconry. Learn more.
Halloween at Thurber House: Visit Thurber House, former home to cartoonist James Thurber, during this event on Oct. 10. Drop in any time between 1–3 p.m. for free, kid-friendly tales, treats and crafts. Learn more.
Boo & Brew at Polaris Fashion Place: Head to Polaris on Saturday, Oct. 24, 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! 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. 15 and 16 for the city's Halloween celebration featuring trunk-or-treat, live performances and plenty of activities for the whole family. Learn more here.
The Great Gahanna Goblin Fest: Calling all ghouls and goblins, the Great Gahanna Goblin Fest is back Oct. 23! This evening is packed full of spooktactular fun and Halloween magic for the whole family. From hayrides, to live entertainment, storytelling and smores to Trick-or-Treating. Learn more.
Worthington's Spooky Pet Parade: Celebrate the season in downtown Worthington with the Worthington Night Market's Spooky Pet Parade. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. Get the latest updates here.
The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow: Westerville's annual Pumpkin Glow event is back! On Oct. 15–18, 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. 21 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.
