Looking for Halloween events in Columbus? Start here -- You'll find haunted ships, costume parties for people and pets, harvest festivals, history -- even a haunted 5K run! And don't forget to check out Columbus Haunted Houses.
(BTW, Columbus and many suburbs hold Beggars's Night Thursday, October 29, 2009.)
Haunted Hocking Ghost Express
Spooky ghost tales and a train racing through the night. Can be intense. The Oct 24 Boo Train for Families may be more appropriate for young children.
When: Sept 12, Oct 10 and 17
Where: Nelsonville Depot, 33 E. Canal Street on U.S. Route 33 in Nelsonville
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: adults: $17, seniors: $15, children 3-12:$12, under 3 ride free but must sit on guardian's lap Call 800-967-7834.
Short North Gallery Hop
Halloween may be weeks away, but the costumes will come out for this monthly art extravaganza.
When: Oct 3
Where: Short North
Time: about 5-10 p.m.
Cost: free
Fall Festival
Fall and Halloween-themed crafts, food, farmer’s market, kids’ activities.
When: Oct 10
Where: downtown Worthington and Village Green (corners of High and Dublin-Granville)
Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: free
Creepside Festival in Gahanna
Put on your costumes for this spooktacular event that’s fun for the entire family. The Department of Parks & Recreation Department hosts this annual event that includes a Trick-or-Treat Trail, games, hayrides, music, blood drive and more.
When: Oct. 14
Where: Creekside Plaza, 123 Mill Street, Gahanna
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Cost: free
Haunted Statehouse Tours
Conductors with lanterns will guide you through the darkened hallways and chambers of the Statehouse. It’s a little spooky, and who knows? You may meet famous ghosts from Ohio’s past. Appropriate for all members of the family; free activities for kids before and after the tour.
When: Oct. 16-24
Where: Ohio Statehouse, High Street at Broad Street, Columbus
Time: Mon.-Fri.: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat.-Sun.: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: adults: $8; children under 16: $4
Ghost Walk 2009: Haunted Delaware
Join James Willis, author of Weird Ohio, and others for tales and a long walking tour of Delaware's local mystery spots. Sometimes the scary is in your own backyard...
When: Oct 17
Where:begin at Delaware Arts Castle, 190 W. Winter St., Delaware
Time: 2 sessions: 6-10 p.m. and 8 p.m.-midnight
Cost: $15 in advance; $20 at door. Limited to 100 people per session.
Magic of the Night[/link]
Magician Stephen Knight combines illusion, humor and music and to create a Haunted Magic Show suitable for everyone.
When: Oct 16 & 17
Where:Lincoln Theatre
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $16-$28
All Hallow's Eve
This Ohio Historical Society extravaganza is a fall tradition for many families in central Ohio. Held at Ohio Village, it's a family-style, 19th-century Halloween celebration. Look for a kid's activity area, a Museum of Oddities, games and crafts. The grand finale is the reading by the bonfire of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and an appearance by the dreaded Headless Horseman.
When: Oct. 17 and 24
Where: Ohio Historical Center/Ohio Village, 1982 Velma Ave., Columbus
Time: 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Cost: members: adults: $10, youth (6-12): $7, free parking; non-members: adults: $12, youth (6-12): $10, parking: $4. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling (800) 686-1541.
Garrison Ghost Walk
Tour Fort Meigs with a guide from 1812, and encounter the spookier side of history. The whole family will enjoy tales from the past, and while the ghosts aren't real, the fun certainly is.
When: Oct 23, 24, 30, 31
Where: Fort Meigs, Perrysburg
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Cost: adults: $8, youth (6-12): $4. Call (800) 283-8916 for reservations.
Boo Train for Families
Dress up in costume for this family-oriented tricks and treat ride. with funny and spooky characters.
When: Oct 24
Where: Nelsonville Depot, 33 E. Canal Street on U.S. Route 33 in Nelsonville
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: adults: $15, seniors: $13, children 3-12: $7, under 3 ride free but must sit on guardian's lap Call 800-967-7834.
Kids Halloween Party at the North Market
Trick or Treat at the North Market!
When: Oct 25
Where: North Market, Short North
Time: noon-3 p.m.
Cost: free
Halloween Pet Parade
Dress your pet up for Halloween, and help raise money for the Capital Area Humane Society.
When: Oct 25
Where: Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Cost: there is a cost, but it isn’t announced yet
There are so many Halloween Events, they take up two pages! Continue on for "Boo at the Zoo," haunted ships, "Highball Halloween" and more.