Make the most of your Halloween in Columbus with our comprehensive event guide. Unmask the marvels of Columbus's Halloween festivities with our guide, revealing wonders to costumed locals and masked marauders.
Popular Events: Get ready to enjoy the spirited ambiance at Columbus Oktoberfest, where traditional German food, music, and festivities bring the community together for a lively celebration. Another highlight is Boo at the Zoo, featuring themed activities for families and a chance to see your favorite animals in a festive setting. And the Official Halloween Bar Crawl - Columbus is something you definitely don't want to miss, with a chance to explore the city's nightlife in creative costumes. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Columbus
- The Official Halloween Bar Crawl - Columbus
- Columbus Oktoberfest
- Fear Columbus Haunted House
- Boo at the Zoo (Powell)
- Haunted Hoochie (Dead Acres) (Pataskala)
- Carnage Haunted House
- Boo & Brew at Polaris Fashion Place
- Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party
- Escape from Blood Prison (Mansfield)
- COSI After Dark Boo Bash
See these and even more events listed below!
Columbus Area Haunted Experiences
Fear Columbus Haunted House
What to Expect:
An immersive haunted house experience with three unique attraction themes, including a twisted carnival and a haunted school.
Description:
Fear Columbus Haunted House is Ohio's ultimate Halloween event, featuring multiple immersive attractions, including "Oddballs: Feast of Freaks," a twisted carnival where freaks are on the hunt, and "Fright Fest at Fearwood High," where a Halloween festival turned into a night of terror. The event also includes photo ops, a retail store, and themed desserts and drinks.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Fear Columbus Haunted House
Carnage Haunted House
What to Expect:
Features two immersive haunted houses with highly-detailed sets and realistic horror experiences.
Description:
Carnage Haunted House is an immersive horror experience featuring two terrifying haunted houses: the Bayou and the Entity. The Bayou is set in a swamp plagued by an ancient voodoo priestess and cursed creatures, while the Entity takes you through an abandoned hospital filled with carnage and darkness. With highly-detailed sets and a fully realistic horror experience, this event is rated as one of the Top 5 Haunted Attractions in Ohio.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Carnage Haunted House
Haunted Hoochie (Dead Acres)
What to Expect:
A full sensory assault experience with extreme and cutting-edge scares.
Description:
Haunted Hoochie at Dead Acres is a full sensory assault experience designed to drag you down the rabbit hole into a heart-pounding horror show. This immersive attraction features caverns, cabins, cellars, and swamps with characters to scare you at every turn. It is an adult-only indoor and outdoor haunted house located in Pataskala, Ohio, known for its extreme and cutting-edge scares.
Where: Pataskala | More Info: Haunted Hoochie (Dead Acres)
Hanna Haunted Acres
What to Expect:
An all-new reimagined, scarier than ever event with six terrifying haunted attractions and a variety of entertainment options.
Description:
Hanna Haunted Acres is Indianapolis' scariest haunted house event, featuring six terrifying haunted attractions, a large midway with character meet-and-greets, exciting games, spooky photo-ops, and delicious food and drink options. The event includes custom movie-quality special effects, amazing actors, unique themes, and detailed sets, making it one of the top haunted houses in the nation.
Where: Indianapolis | More Info: Hanna Haunted Acres
Indiana Fear Farm
What to Expect:
A combination of a Hollywood-style Haunted Hayride and the infamous Slaughter Barn, featuring over 50 actors and immersive scare experiences.
Description:
Experience heart-pounding thrills and spine-chilling scares at Indiana Fear Farm, located in Jamestown, just a short drive from Indianapolis. The event features a Hollywood-style Haunted Hayride and the infamous Slaughter Barn, offering unforgettable live entertainment every weekend in October.
Where: Jamestown | More Info: Indiana Fear Farm
Pataskala Haunted Forest
What to Expect:
A family-friendly, yet intense, outdoor haunted attraction with a 35-year history.
Description:
Pataskala Haunted Forest is a 30-45 minute outdoor trek through a pitch-black forest where the vengeful Murdock family takes their revenge on trespassers. This event has been a Pataskala tradition for over 35 years, supporting local causes and providing a fear-packed experience for all ages.
Where: Pataskala | More Info: Pataskala Haunted Forest
Indy Scream Park
What to Expect:
A diverse array of terrifying haunted attractions and interactive experiences.
Description:
Indy Scream Park is a premier haunted attraction in Indiana, celebrating its 15-year anniversary in 2024. The park offers a variety of terrifying experiences, including haunted houses like Backwoods, Infected, and Brickmore Asylum, as well as interactive attractions like Zombie Paintball Assault and Killgores 3D Circus. The Monster Midway provides additional entertainment with games, concessions, and themed characters. This event is perfect for those seeking a full evening of thrills and chills.
Where: Anderson | More Info: Indy Scream Park
Haunted Statehouse Tours
What to Expect:
A guided tour through the darkened halls of the Ohio Statehouse, featuring historical and spooky tales.
Description:
Explore the Ohio Statehouse during the Haunted Tours 2024, where you'll follow conductors with lanterns through the darkened hallways and chambers. This historical tour combines history with spooky tales, making it appropriate for ages 12 and older. The tours take place on Friday, October 18, Saturday, October 19, Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Haunted Statehouse Tours
Field of Fright
What to Expect:
A realistic horror experience in a real cornfield with multiple haunted attractions.
Description:
Field of Fright is a haunted attraction located in Glen Ray’s Corn Maze, offering a spine-tingling, interactive experience. Visitors can navigate through a real cornfield surrounded by authentic props and real actors, creating a realistic horror experience. The event includes multiple haunts, such as Mutilated Madness, Land of the Dead, Eternal Escape, and The Haunted Maze, ensuring a terrifying journey for all participants.
Where: Milford Center | More Info: Field of Fright
Haunted Hoorah
What to Expect:
Immersive military and sci-fi themed haunted attraction where visitors become part of the story.
Description:
Haunted Hoorah is a unique, interactive haunted attraction located in Marion, Ohio. This 15,000 square foot, 10-acre facility offers a military and sci-fi themed experience where visitors become part of the story. The event begins with a military transport to the Joint Research Base Hoorah, where recruits face a doctor who determines their suitability for his super soldier creation program. The attraction is designed to attack visitors' senses and fears at every twist and turn, making it an unforgettable experience.
Where: Marion | More Info: Haunted Hoorah
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Columbus
Columbus Oktoberfest
What to Expect:
A weatherproof event with 100,000 square feet of covered space.
Description:
Columbus Ohio Oktoberfest 2024 is a festive celebration featuring traditional German flair, food, and beer. The event takes place at the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fair Grounds, offering 100,000 square feet of covered space. Enjoy live music, games, and a variety of activities for all ages.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Columbus Oktoberfest
Boo at the Zoo
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration in a zoo setting with various themed activities and attractions.
Description:
Boo at the Zoo is a family-friendly Halloween celebration at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The event features various activities such as Tommy C. Turtle’s Trick or Treat Trail, Jessie’s Jack-o-Lantern Journey, and Character Ambassador Meet-n-Greets. Guests can enjoy spooky-themed fun without the fright, including rides like the Zoo Boo Choo-Choo and the Sydnee Koala’s Candy Corn Carousel. The event is included with regular zoo admission and membership, and costumes are encouraged for a fun and festive atmosphere.
Where: Powell | More Info: Boo at the Zoo
Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party
What to Expect:
A unique blend of LEGO-themed activities and Halloween fun.
Description:
Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party is a family-friendly Halloween event at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus, featuring the new Potion Kitchen experience where families can create potions, an exclusive 4D Halloween movie, themed games and activities, fun photo ops, pumpkin building, dance parties, costume contests, and treat stations.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party
Boo & Brew at Polaris Fashion Place
What to Expect:
A festive Halloween celebration with a variety of activities for both adults and children.
Description:
Join Polaris Fashion Place for the annual Boo & Brew event on October 19, 2024, from 2 pm to 6 pm. Enjoy a live band, beer sales, food trucks, kids' pumpkin decorating, inflatables, and more. The event will take place in the outdoor Polaris Lifestyle Center near The Cheesecake Factory, Benihana, and COhatch.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Boo & Brew at Polaris Fashion Place
Books and Boos at Thurber House
What to Expect:
A unique blend of spooky storytelling, creative writing, and haunted house tours.
Description:
Celebrate Halloween at Thurber House with ghostly stories, fall crafts, tours of haunted Thurber House, a spooky creative writing workshop, sweet treats, a pumpkin carving/painting contest, and more. The event features three separate programs: a family-friendly drop-in event from 1-3 pm, a spooky creative writing workshop for adults/teens from 3:30-5:30 pm, and an adult event from 6-8 pm.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Books and Boos at Thurber House
Halloween Spooktacular - Columbus Symphony
What to Expect:
A frightfully fun concert of "boo-tiful" music with pre-concert activities designed for kids aged 5-12.
Description:
The Halloween Spooktacular with the Columbus Symphony is a family-friendly event where kids and their families can enjoy a frightfully fun concert of "boo-tiful" music, programmed especially for children aged 5-12. The event includes pre-concert activities such as making crafts, playing instruments, and taking pictures with the lovable mascot, Bee-thoven. Activities begin at 2 PM in the Ohio Theatre lobby.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Halloween Spooktacular - Columbus Symphony
2024 KidsLinked Olentangy Fall Festival & Treatfest
What to Expect:
A variety of fun activities and treats for the entire family, including a pumpkin run and visits from princesses and superheroes.
Description:
The 2024 KidsLinked Olentangy Fall Festival & Treatfest is a fun-filled event for the entire family. It features free pumpkins, a costume contest, hay rides, trick-or-treating, a bounce park, mini golf, carnival games, and more. The event includes activities like the Olentangy Pumpkin Run, visits from princesses and superheroes, a world-famous dog show, petting zoo, pony rides, music, balloon artists, face painting, and various games and treats.
Where: Lewis Center | More Info: 2024 KidsLinked Olentangy Fall Festival & Treatfest
2024 KidsLinked New Albany Fall Festival & Treatfest
What to Expect:
A comprehensive fall festival with a variety of activities including a pumpkin run and trick-or-treat fun run, making it a unique and engaging experience for families.
Description:
The 2024 KidsLinked New Albany Fall Festival & Treatfest is a family-friendly event featuring a variety of activities. Enjoy free pumpkins, a costume contest, hay rides, trick-or-treating, a bounce park, mini golf, carnival games, and more. The event includes a New Albany Pumpkin Run and Trick-or-Treat Fun Run with special medals and treats. There will also be visits from princesses and superheroes, a magician performance, a world-famous dog show, petting zoo, pony rides, music, balloon artists, face painting, and much more.
Where: New Albany | More Info: 2024 KidsLinked New Albany Fall Festival & Treatfest
Columbus BOOtanical Garden's Not-so-Scary Halloween
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with live entertainment and educational activities in a natural setting.
Description:
Join Columbus BOOtanical Garden for a family-friendly Halloween celebration. Trick-or-treat in a safe environment surrounded by nature, enjoy games, educational activities, and live entertainment. Face painting, scavenger hunts, and classic fall festival contests are part of the fun. The event also features a live bat show and carnivorous plant presentations. This event is perfect for children 12 and under and their families.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Columbus BOOtanical Garden's Not-so-Scary Halloween
2024 KidsLinked Newark-Licking County Fall Festival & Treatfest
What to Expect:
A comprehensive fall festival with a wide range of activities and resources for families.
Description:
The 2024 KidsLinked Newark-Licking County Fall Festival & Treatfest is a family-friendly event happening on October 13th, 2024, at the Canal Market District in Newark, Ohio. The festival offers a variety of fun activities including free pumpkins, costume contests, hay rides, petting zoos, pony rides, trick-or-treating, bounce parks, mini golf, carnival games, and more. It also provides an opportunity for families to connect with local businesses and find educational resources, health services, and shopping products.
Where: Newark | More Info: 2024 KidsLinked Newark-Licking County Fall Festival & Treatfest
Reynoldsburg Church of Christ Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat
What to Expect:
A variety of family-friendly activities including a Trunk or Treat session.
Description:
The Reynoldsburg Church of Christ Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat is a fun-filled event on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 3 PM to 6 PM. The festival includes activities for all ages, such as a Hot Cocoa and Cider Bar, Pickleball, Popcorn, Crafts, Lawn Games, Face Painting, and FREE Hotdogs and Chili. The highlight of the event is the Trunk or Treat from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. It's a perfect way to enjoy the fall season with friends, family, and neighbors.
Where: Reynoldsburg | More Info: Reynoldsburg Church of Christ Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat
Treat the Animals With Ohio Wildlife Center
What to Expect:
A family-friendly event where children can learn about animal compassion and participate in activities while dressed in animal costumes.
Description:
This event invites children to come dressed as their favorite animals and participate in a fun program that includes discussions on animal welfare, a half-hour animal encounter, and a half-hour tour of the Ohio Wildlife Center. Children will also collect treat donations for the center's animal residents and ambassadors.
Where: Powell | More Info: Treat the Animals With Ohio Wildlife Center
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near Columbus
HighBall Halloween
What to Expect:
A unique blend of fashion, music, and festive activities in an outdoor setting.
Description:
HighBall Halloween is a spectacular Halloween celebration in Columbus, Ohio, blending runway style with the culture of the Short North Arts District. The event features live performances of Y2K and 90s hits, a public costume contest with multiple cash prizes, a curated vendor market known as the HighBall Bazaar, and a fashion show showcasing 7 designers. The event also includes cocktails, beer, and food vendors, as well as a VIP experience with premium stage viewing, private tented areas, and full private bar service.
Where: Columbus | More Info: HighBall Halloween
COSI After Dark Boo Bash
What to Expect:
A themed-science Halloween celebration with activities, food, and a costume contest.
Description:
Join COSI After Dark: Unmasked for a spooky yet fun-filled evening on October 10, 2024. Enjoy themed-science activities, delicious food, craft cocktails, and participate in the annual Halloween Costume Contest. This 21+ event is perfect for adults looking to celebrate Halloween in a unique and engaging way.
Where: Columbus | More Info: COSI After Dark Boo Bash
Halloween Cocktail Class
What to Expect:
A Halloween-inspired cocktail-making class with a sample platter of appetizers.
Description:
Join the Halloween Cocktail Class at BrewDog DogTap on October 30, 2024, for a spooky and fun evening. Learn to create two Halloween-inspired cocktails while enjoying a sample platter of appetizers that pair perfectly with your drinks. The event includes two cocktails, spooktacular treats, tax, and gratuity. Costumes are encouraged, and the best costume will receive a BrewDog and Watershed swag bag. This is a 21+ event.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Halloween Cocktail Class
The Official Halloween Bar Crawl - Columbus
What to Expect:
A $1000 national costume contest and exclusive drink specials at multiple venues.
Description:
Join us for the ultimate Halloween Bar Crawl in Columbus, where spooky spirit and good times collide. Explore some of the best bars in Columbus, enjoy electric atmosphere, and participate in a $1000 national costume contest. This event is packed with energy and excitement, making it the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season.
Where: Columbus | More Info: The Official Halloween Bar Crawl - Columbus
Other Halloween Activities Near Columbus
The 13th Hour Hallow-Market
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration with spooky shopping, chilling contests, and devilish drinks.
Description:
The 13th Hour Hallow-Market is a spooky shopping event featuring local vendors selling creepy, crawly, and wickedly awesome items. Enjoy haunting home decor, wickedly awesome wearables, and indulge in spooky snacks and devilish drinks. The event includes a costume contest and a tour by Columbus Ghost Tours, promising a chilling experience.