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
Hitchcocktober at Gateway Film Center: In its 15th 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.
Trivia and A Movie (Tuesdays at Land-Grant): For the whole month of October, Land-Grant will be showing free spooky flicks like IT, Nightmare on Elm Street and more following Trivia Tuesdays in the Beer Garden. See the full lineup of films here.
Batman in Concert at Ohio Theatre: Join the Columbus Symphony Orchestra for a screening of Batman (1989) accompanied by the Columbus Symphony performing the thrilling score by Danny Elfman live to film. Get tickets.
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. 3 through November 2. 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. 11 and run weekends through the end of the month. Grab your tickets here.
Music & More!
Halloween Spooktacular with the Columbus Symphony: The Columbus Symphony offers a fun way for the entire family to get out and enjoy spooky season. Join them for the Halloween Spooktacular and dress up in your favorite costumes for "boo-tiful" music for kids ages 2-10 at the Ohio Theatre on October 20. Purchase tickets here.
Haunted Fest at KEMBA Live!: Prime Social Group is bringing back their popular Halloween-themed EDM music festival on Friday, Oct. 25. The frighteningly good lineup includes DJ DIESEL (also known as Shaq), NGHTMRE, Eliminate, CELO and more. Secure your spot here.
Highball Halloween in the Short North Arts District: The world's most elaborate costume part is back and for the first time ever, admission is free! Join host Nina West in the fun on Saturday, Oct. 26!
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Haunted Experiences
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.
COSI After Dark Unmasked: Enjoy COSI without kids at this 21+ event from 7-10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10. Be prepared for a side of creepy when visiting this time-traveling haunted house and compete for costume prizes. 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. This after-dark tour will include ghost stories and tales of spooky experiences on the property. This event is recommended for ages 12+.
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 learn more.
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.
Family-Friendly Festivals 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. 26. 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. 19 from 2–6 p.m. for the 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 the Epilepsy Alliance of Ohio. Learn more.
HOWLoween Pet Contest & Fall Festival: Head to Easton on Oct. 27 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.
Community Festivals
Dublin Halloween Spooktacular: Goblins, ghosts and ghouls are invading Dublin's Coffman Park on Oct. 17 and 18 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 from 12–6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20. Get the latest updates here.
The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow: Westerville's annual Pumpkin Glow event is back! On Oct. 17–20, wind your way through an enchanting trail of 1,500 carved glowing pumpkins and enjoy plenty of fun activities are 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. 23 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.
