Need plans for the Halloween season? Try these 8 Columbus activities
Halloween in central Ohio isn’t just about the frightful festivities that take place on the 31st of the month.
All month long, the region will be full of sometimes spooky, sometimes scary and always fun things to do and to see.
Below is a list of some of the activities and events to help you get in an appropriately hair-raising frame of mind ahead of Halloween.
‘Trail of Scarecrows’
Throughout Fairfield County
Dates: All month
Details: Access a digital map to blaze a path to countless scarecrows on display throughout Fairfield County, which is said to be named the “Scarecrow Capital of Ohio.” Find out if the county deserves the title by checking out all those straw men for yourself.
More information: visitfairfieldcounty.org
‘Harvest Blooms’ and ‘Pumpkins Aglow’
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St.
Dates: “Harvest Blooms” — now through Oct. 29; “Pumpkins Aglow” — Oct. 11 through 29
Details: Experience autumn during the daytime and after the sky grows dark during these two exhibitions. “Harvest Blooms” (daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or 4 p.m. during “Pumpkins Aglow”) offers visitors the chance to check out innumerable pumpkins, two pumpkin houses and a tree of pumpkins. “Pumpkins Aglow” (5 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays) offers much of the same in an after-dark environment also including live entertainment, pumpkin carving and activities and crafts.
Tickets: “Harvest Blooms” — included with general admission; “Pumpkins
Aglow” — $26, or $22 for senior citizens, $15.50 for ages 3 through 12, free for age 3 and younger
More information: fpconservatory.org
‘Boo at the Zoo’
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Road, Powell
Dates: 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays in October, starting Oct. 6
Details: The zoo will temporarily turn into an epicenter for all things Halloween
thanks to events including a trick-or-treat trail, a maze consisting of straw bales, a giant pumpkin carving (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays) and, just as the big day is upon us, a pumpkin smash in which the zoo animals do the smashing (Oct. 28).
Tickets: $29.99, or $27.99 for senior citizens, $25.99 for children
More information: columbuszoo.org
‘All Hallows Eve’
Ohio Village, 800 E. 17th Ave.
Dates: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays in October, starting Oct. 7
Details: Channel your inner Marty Mcfly to experience Halloween as it was celebrated in the 1890s at Ohio Village. Among other activities, “The Legend of Sleepy Hallow” will be recited as guests are invited to create masks and participate in a masquerade.
Tickets: $18, or $13 for Ohio History Connection member adults; $14 for ages 4 through 12, or $9 for member children; free for ages 3 and younger
More information: ohiohistory.org
‘Howloween Pet Contest and Fall Festival’
Easton Town Center, 160 East Town Center
Date: Noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 22 Details: Dress up your pet in its spookiest best for this pet contest in
Easton’s Town Square. Awards include Scariest, Funniest, Cutest, Most Creative, Best Duo and Best Group.
More information: eastontowncenter.com
‘Haunted Fest’
Kemba Live! 405 Neil Ave.
Date: 6 to 11 p.m. Oct. 27
Details: deadmau5, Loud Luxury and Kaleena Zanders are among the artists to participate in this concert of electronic dance music with a Halloween accent.
Tickets: starting at $59.99
More information: hauntedfest.com
‘Highball Halloween’
Short North Arts District
Date: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Oct. 28 Details: The Short North is again the setting for the annual event that melds Halloween revelry with high fashion. In addition to the fashion show, performers to be featured include DJ Pastel, Anna and the Annadroids, Virginia West and the West Family and Mojoflo.
Tickets: $10 for general admission, or $75 for early bird VIP admission
More information: highballcolumbus.org
‘Halloween Spooktacular’
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Date: 3 p.m. Oct. 29
Details: How often can you dress up in Halloween costumes for a classical music concert? Attendees are asked to do just that for this program from the Columbus Symphony. Conductor Andres Lopera will lead the orchestra in a performance of spooky tunes. Other activities, including musical tattoos and trick-or-treating, start at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $12.50, or $8.50 for children
More information: columbussymphony.com
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