Every October the leaves start to pile up, the air gets a slight chill and Columbus transforms into its very own “Halloweentown” filled with every haunt imaginable! From some of the nation’s best haunted houses to one-of-a-kind festivities, our Halloween events will thrill young and old alike.
For the Not-So-Faint-of-Heart
- The ScareATorium
One of Columbus’s premier haunted houses, ScareAtorium haunted house, features two indoor attractions and free parking. Their Northland Asylum haunted house is actually built on the site of a former institution. - Dead Acres/Haunted Hoochie
Ranked in USA Today’s top 10 best haunted houses, the Haunted Hoochie is sure to make your blood run cold. You’ll travel through 50,000 sq ft of extreme haunts set inside a 50 acre farm, also known as ‘Dead Acres’ – here’s hoping you make it out in one piece!
For the Grown-Up Ghouls
- Monster Bash in German Village
The 12th annual Monster Bash brings a spooky soiree to Columbus’s charming German Village. Take part in adult trick-or-treating, dancing and drinks, costume contests, and more.
This one happened before publication, but it’s worth adding to your calendar for 2018! - NightLight 614 presents Hocus Pocus
Watch a Halloween classic under the stars against the backdrop of the Columbus skyline, complete with food trucks, brews, wine and dessert.
Thursday, October 19 - Nightmares Film Festival at Gateway Film Center
Sit back and enjoy prestige horror films from around the world at Columbus’s very own art house, the Gateway Film Center.
Thursday, October 19 – Sunday, October 22 - HighBall Halloween
High fashion and haunts combine for a Halloween event like no other! Columbus’s Highball Halloween is the nation’s most elaborate costume party, complete with runways, competitions and unique live performances. Make sure you put on your very best, because at this event “you are what you wear!”
Friday, October 20 – Saturday, October 21 - Boos and Brews Halloween Bar Crawl
Throw on your best costume and head down to Park Street District to get your thrill on! There will be food and drink specials, along with live music performances.
Saturday, October 21
For the Littlest Ghouls
- All Hallow’s Eve at The Ohio History Center
Travel back in time to the late 1800s for some good old-fashioned fun! Activities include a retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, pumpkin carving, fortune telling, crafts, games and more.
Saturday, October 14 + Saturday, October 21 - Circleville Pumpkin Show
Hailed as the “Greatest Free Show on Earth,” this annual event is sure to boast the biggest pumpkins you’ve ever seen! Don’t miss out on a taste of Lindsey Bakery’s “world’s largest” pumpkin pie, in addition to a host of other great pumpkin-flavored treats.
Wednesday, October 18 – Saturday, October 21 - Boo at the Zoo
This annual Halloween-themed event at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will entertain families of all ages. Special regions of the park are dressed up for a spooky-good time, not to mention there are tons of meet-and-greets with all of your favorite characters!
Friday, October 20 – Sunday, October 22 + Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29
The witching hour is upon us – be sure to check out these events before it’s too late! And don’t forget to mark your calendars each year as most of these are annual events.
Happy haunting!
