There are so many spooktacular things to do in Columbus for Halloween, it's tough to fit them all in!
Halloween means different things to different people and everyone marks the holiday in a variety of ways. Some like the aesthetics, some like the spooky parts, and some like the history; truly there are so many aspects to Halloween, but whatever you're looking for, we've got an event for you. Check out our incredible list of ways to get in the Halloween spirit in Columbus for all types of personalities!
Go ahead; pick your poison:
If you like the pomp and circumstance that comes with Halloween, then step away from Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween and check out one of these movies, plays, musical performances and fashion shows taking place right here in Columbus this month. Many arts organizations in the city have vaccine requirements, so be sure to double-check before you go.
Movies
Hitchcocktober at Gateway Film Center: In its 13th annual tribute to the Master of Suspense, Gateway Film Center screens Hitchcock films in 35 mm daily for the entire month at 7 p.m., with additional matinees at 2 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Check out the lineup and reserve your seats here.
Ghostbusters with the Columbus Symphony: The Columbus Symphony is offering an exciting new way to enjoy the original 1984 version of Ghostbusters - with them playing the score to the film. Check out this unique viewing on Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. at the Ohio Theatre. Purchase tickets here.
Performances
The Rocky Horror Show and Young Frankenstein at Short North Stage: For many, a staple of Halloween is the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and if you make Dr. Frank-N-Furter part of your Halloween tradition, 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.13 and running for the remainder of the month. Find showtimes and tickets here.
Hallowfest at District West: The fabulous Queens of the West Family - Virginia, Krystal and their band of merry misfits - are back to "slay" you in the Horror-ific HALLOWEST 3: District of the Damned! Showtimes begin Oct. 14 and run weekends through the end of the month. Grab your tickets here.
Music & More!
Haunted Fest at Ohio Expo Center: Prime Social Group is bringing back their popular Halloween-themed EDM music festival on Friday, Oct. 28. The frighteningly good lineup includes Seven Lions, NGHTMRE, LP GIOBBI, Disco Lines and BKLAVA. Secure your spot here.
Highball Halloween in the Short North Arts District: The world's most fashionable costume part is back in person this year for one night only, Saturday, Oct. 22, in the Short North Arts District! Check back in for more event details and purchase tickets, here.
If it's being viscerally 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've made note of age recommendations or requirements where necessary.
Haunted Houses
ZOMBIEzi Bay: The pools of Zoombezi Bay are now filled with waves of terror, in a new haunted experience where the undead rule the night. Get the crew together to explore the wicked new world with four haunted houses, two scare zones and plenty of other sinister surprises. This experience runs through Oct. 31 is only for ages 13+. Get your tickets here - if you dare.
COSI After Dark - Nightmare on Broad Street: Enjoy COSI without kids at this 21+ event from 7-10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13. Be prepared for a side of creepy when visiting this time-traveling haunted house and compete for costume prizes. Get your tickets here.
Thurber House Boos and Books: Take a tour of the haunted Thurber House, former home to cartoonist James Thurber, during this event on Oct. 29. Enjoy the spooky spot's Halloween decor while you hear strange tales about the property and enjoy special treats and activities. This event is family-friendly and not designed to be scary! However, paranormal enthusiasts can enter a raffle to win a private ghost investigation tour of the property. Learn more here.
Ghost Tours
Columbus City Adventures Walking Tours: This October, Columbus City Adventures is offering three tours that show the creepier and most secret sides of Columbus. These include Secrets Columbus - Spooky Columbus and Tales of the Arena District. Learn more here.
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. This after-dark tour will include ghost stories and tales of spooky experiences on the property. This event is recommended for ages 10+ and takes place on Oct. 27 and 28. Get your tickets here.
Uptown Westerville Ghost Story Tours: Hear the haunted history of Uptown Westerville in this slightly theatrical and highly entertaining Ghost Story Tour. Offered weekends through Halloween at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., each 1.5-hour tour is $25. Check out the route and get tickets here.
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.
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 includes a trick-or-treat trail, 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!
All Hallows' Eve: Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on October Saturdays, the Ohio History Center's Ohio Village opens its doors to the community for an evening of Victorian-era Halloween fun. The traditional retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is joined by Fashions that Kill and Mysterious Monsters of Ohio Lore. Bring the whole family for pumpkin carving, fortune telling, a straw maze, crafts and more. Time entry is required, so secure your spot here.
Boo & Brew: Polaris Fashion Place is getting decked out for Halloween Saturday, Oct. 15 from 12-4 p.m. with a Boo & Brew festival extravaganza. Taking place at the main entrance by the flag poles, 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 Friends of the Lower Olentangy River.
HOWLoween Pet Contest & Fall Festival: Head to Easton on Oct. 23 from 12-3 p.m. for an exciting and ultra-cute pet costume contest! Additional fall festival activities will include an inflatable corn maze, pop-up pumpkin patch and caricature artist. Check out costume categories and more details here.
Trick or Trees: Dawes Arboretum invites families to celebrate the Spooky Season! Join in on the fun on October 26 from 5:30 to 7 pm dressed in costume and walk the Parkwoods Trail to experience fall color, get a sweet treat and enjoy the spooky season. Those 15 and younger will receive free admission to the event! Learn more here.
Community Festivals
Dublin Halloween Spooktacular: Goblins, ghosts and ghouls are invading Dublin's Coffman Park on Oct. 14 and 15 for the city's Halloween celebration featuring trunk-or-treat, dance performances, sidewalk chalk, costumed characters and plenty of activities for the whole family. The first 30 minutes of each day will be designated as sensory-friendly, during which lights, sounds and wait times will be reduced to make the event more enjoyable for guests with special sensory needs. Learn more here.
Worthington's Spooky Pet Parade: Celebrate the season on the Worthington Village Green from 12-6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23. Get the latest updates here.
The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow: Westerville's annual Pumpkin Glow event is back! From 7-11 p.m. Oct. 19-23, Wind your way through an enchanting trail of 1,500 carved glowing pumpkins. New this year, plenty of fun activities are included with the price of admission. Check out this free event here.
Boo & Brew at Bridge Park: Businesses at Bridge Park will pass out candy and fun promotional materials for a family-friendly trick-or-treat event on Oct. 26 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.
