Fall is one of the greatest seasons in Ohio, with cooler weather and so much to do. There are over 120 events celebrating fall and Halloween in Columbus, so there’s no shortage of fun, fall festivals, pumpkins, and spooky (or silly) Halloween events.
You’ll find pumpkin patches, scary movies, food festivals, Halloween parties, trick-or-treat activities, events for kids, and events for adults! Trick or Treat, or Beggar’s Night, is scheduled on Halloween for most communities around Central Ohio; check out the Trick or Treat schedule here. There are over 30 community events with trick or treating or trunk or treating (updates in October for safer (and daytime) alternatives to Beggar’s Night. There are also 25+ parties at the local community centers during the month of October to get you in the Halloween spirit.
If you don’t know what to dress up as for all of these Halloween events, check out these 100 Cheap and Easy DIY Halloween Costumes.
Don’t forget – there are plenty of places to eat free or cheap on Halloween, including Chipotle, Krispy Kreme, and more!
More will be coming as Halloween event details are released. If you know of any other events that should be featured, please email news@columbusonthecheap.com.
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Ongoing events for Fall and Halloween in Columbus
U Pick: Best places to pick apples in Columbus
Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, and Farm Activities
Big List of the best Fall Date ideas around Columbus
Great locations for photography sessions in Columbus
Spooky Ghost Tours around Columbus
11 Haunted Woods and Haunted Houses Around Columbus beginning in mid-September
Haunted Halloween Party at The Disney Store: Every Saturday in October at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, enjoy a frightfully fun Haunted Halloween Party and receive a free Mickey Mouse pumpkin light up wristband. RSVP required to participate. Contact your local store. Event is intended for Guests ages 3 – 12 and limited to 20 participants per event. Giveaways are limited and and will be given to Guests ages 3 – 12 that RSVP.
Boo ‘N Brew Fall Fun at Polaris Lifestyle Center: Every Saturday in October from 11 am – 2 pm, head to Polaris Lifestyle Center for the Boo ‘N Brew Fall Festival. The festival features a beer garden and lots of family-friendly activities throughout the lifestyle center that will get you in the mood for Halloween!
Freeman’s Farm Fall Festival: Saturdays and Sundays through October Freemans Farm visitors enjoy hayrides through scenic woods, campfire concessions (hotdogs, chili, chips, beverages), a farm animals petting area, delicious fresh popped kettle corn, scarecrow making, and apple butter making demonstrations over an open fire on select days. Fall treats and decorations include pumpkins, fall squash, gourds, decorations, jelly, jams, apple butter, candy, apples, cider and fall gifts. Admission is free. There is a charge for food, some activities, and items purchased in the fall market. Festival hours will be Saturdays (10 AM – 5 PM) and Sundays (11 AM – 5 PM) starting September 22 and ending October 28. Bring your cameras to capture those memorable family moments!
Boos and Brews Tour: Haunted History: Various days, October 9-November 1. 2.5-hour*, walking tour, visiting a number of locations through the Short North, Arena District, and Downtown. Each location has its own tale and experience. From a cold winter murder to a hot prison fire to secret tunnels under the city, Columbus is full of haunted tales. This tour gives you a chance to learn and experience these stories over a drink during our several stops. Drinks purchased separately.
October Halloween Movie Series in Columbus
Hitchcocktober Film Series at Gateway Film Center – Every day in October; various showings
October Fright Nights at Marcus Theatres – Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through October
Fall and Halloween in Columbus by week
October 22-28
Costume & Candy Crawl at Kingsdale Shopping Center: October 25 from 6 pm – 8 pm Meet at the Green (the grassy area in the middle of the center) to collect your Trick-or-Treat bag before walking the shops. We’ll also have a costume contest, professional face painters, and balloon artists! Free for kids 12 and under.
Fall Scavenger Hunt at Kingdale Giant Eagle: October 25 from 6 pm – 8 pm. Join the hunt around the store for goodies and prizes; costumes are encouraged but, not required. Held in conjunction with the Costume and Candy Crawl (see above).
Trauma 2018: October 25-27 Halloween Fetish Party
Historic Ghost Tour of Worthington: October 26. Get spooked on a tour under the moon in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. $15
HalleBOOia Halloween Concert: October 26 25th annual Halloween concert featuring student vocalists and instrumentalists dressed in full Halloween attire. The concert is free and open to the public (early arrival is encouraged). No ticket required. Come as you are, or in costume
Haunted Wine Cellar at the Wyandotte Winery: October 26
Trick or Treat at the Shops at Worthington Place: October 26 Safe trick or treating at the mall, plus crafts, face painting, balloon artists and more.
Powell Village Winery Hallo-WINE Costume party: October 26 Drink specials, costume contest, and live music
Highball Halloween: October 26-27 Annual Halloween street party in the Short North with entertainment, costume contests, and more.
Haunted Ohio Statehouse Tours: October 26, 27
Howl-O-Ween at Ohio Wildlife Center: October 26 and 27 Walk through the White Tail Trail, visits from “spooky” Animal Ambassadors like owls Bella, Alex and Woodsy, snakes Checkers, bats Echo, and Percy and Lenore, our American Crows. $5 per person ages 6 and up or bring a donation from the wishlist.
Ghost Trolley with Ohio Railway Museum: October 19-20, 26-27 Fun, not scary Halloween event for young kids. Tour the decorated street cars and enjoy a lights out ride on the trolley about the Ghost Trolley.
Great Pumpkin Celebration at Cabela’s: October 20 & 21, 26-31 Free photo with the Peanuts gang (and a $5 photo package option), crafts and pumpkin toss at Cabela’s (and Bass Pro Shops) from noon – 5 pm. Trick-or-Treating and costume parade on Oct. 27 and 31, and other fun activities and freebies.
Boo at the Zoo: October 26-28 Meet superheroes throughout the Zoo, Pumpkin Junction, Animals on Safari, HOWL-OWEEN Show and treat stations located throughout the zoo
Haunted Halloween Party at The Disney Store: Every Saturday in October at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, enjoy a frightfully fun Haunted Halloween Party and receive a free Mickey Mouse pumpkin light up wristband. RSVP required to participate. Contact your local store. Event is intended for Guests ages 3 – 12 and limited to 20 participants per event. Giveaways are limited and and will be given to Guests ages 3 – 12 that RSVP.
Barker & Beggars in the Short North: October 27 from 11 am -2 pm Its your dog’s time to shine! Dress your pups in their Halloween costume and let them show off in the Short North! The Sixth Annual Trick-or-Treat event for dogs is happening the morning of HighBall Halloween. Stop by the Barkers & Beggars Pup Hub, (997 N. High St.) to pick up a map and a doggy bag for collecting treats and goodies from participating businesses. In lieu of a participation fee this year, consider making a donation to Columbus Humane ($5 suggested).
Boo ‘N Brew at Polaris Fashion Place: October 27 Fall festival with beer garden and lots of family-friendly activities throughout the lifestyle center. Live music, trick-or-treating, costume contest, parades and more!
Highbanks Harvest Fest: October 27 Wear your favorite costume and enjoy a fall celebration. Enjoy hayrides, jump in a giant leaf pile, make Halloween crafts, play games and roast marshmallows over a campfire.
A Haunted Night in the Gardens: October 27 Walk through a haunted maze at Hoover Gardens, play games and win prizes, enter acostume contest, get your face painted, paint a pumpkin ($2), eat popcorn and warm yourself with hot apple cider.
Halloween ComicFest: October 27 Comic shops around the world celebrate the season by giving away FREE comics to fans
Fall Harvest Festival at Granville Inn: October 27 Fall harvest festival is open to all ages during the Granville Chili-Cook-Off. Games, crafts, pumpkin carving and story telling will all be on-site on the front lawns of the Granville Inn & College Town House.
Floating Pumpkin Patch at Worthington Pools: October 27
Family Harvest at Slate Run: October 27 from 2-5 pm. Enjoy a hayride and apple cider, and pick Indian corn and pumpkins to take home. Meet at Slate Run’s Buzzard’s Roost picnic area.
Freaky Flights Tours with ZipZone: October 27-30 Zipline in the dark, costume party, pumpkin chucking, and more
Trick or Treat at the Conservatory: October 27 and 28 Free with admission. Dress in costume and travel to treat stations in the Conservatory and in the Children’s Gardens.
Hoot Family Film Series Halloween Edition: October 27
Scarysville in Uptown Marysville: October 27 The streets of Uptown “Scarysville” come alive with Halloween FUN! From 10 am to noon. Children are invited to dress up in their costumes and visit Uptown merchants for candy and other Halloween goodies. All the fun of Trick or Treat, in the light of day. Head to Partners Park at noon for the Monster Mash
Rocky Horror Halloween Show at Studio 35: October 27 The midnight cult-classic experience. The Tim Curry film will roll, and a live cast will perform in front of the movie. There is a pre show with costume contests and more. tickets are $10; will sell out.
Candy by the Carload in Powell: October 27 from 4-6 pm
Gahanna Creepside Festival: October 27 Games, food trucks, live music, activities, haunted trail and get candy from different businesses
Fall Fun Day Tram Rides at Blendon Woods: October 27-28 from 1-4 pm.
Special Needs “Trick or Suites” at Embassy Suites Columbus: October 28 from 3-5 pm The Autism Society partners with Embassy Suites Dublin to provide a fun and safe environment for special needs individuals of all ages and their families to enjoy trick-or-treat. Activities include goody bags, trick or treat booths, games and crafts, and more. Registration is required.
Hilliard Trunk or Treat at Hilliard/Ray Patch YMCA: October 28 Food trucks, music, Norwich Fire, Hilliard Police, a DIY photobooth and much more
Halloween Family Funday at North Market: October 28 Crafts, trick or treating starting at 11 am, face painting, games, farm animals, music and more!
Inniswood Halloween Party: October 28 from 2-4 pm Join us in the Gardens for activities and crafts as we celebrate this traditional holiday.
Radiant Life Trunk-or-Treat: October 28 from 10:30 am-2 pm Inflatables, hayride, character photos, food, carnival games and trunk-or-treating, and lots of candy
October 29-November 1
Haunted Village in Pickerington: October 30 Ghost tours, hayride, trick-or-treating at Old Pickerington Village businesses
Sips & Spirits at Camelot Cellars: October 30 Halloween soiree for the grownups
Spooktacular Halloween at Texas Roadhouse Polaris: October 31 from 4-7 pm. Halloween games, prizes, Hot Chocolate Bar, Candy and Popcorn. Kids Eat Free* with purchase of an adult entree! *Excludes Ranger Meals, Polaris Location Only, While Supplies Last
Boo on Broadway in Grove City: October 31 Family-friendly alternative to the traditional door-to-door Beggars’ Night allows children to dress in costume and safely collect candy and other goodies from area businesses and civic organizations in the Grove City’s Town Center Promenade.
BEGGARS NIGHT: October 31. Most communities host their trick or treat night on Halloween, October 31. Check our listing to see trick or treat for communities around Columbus.
Free Scary Face Pancakes for kids at IHOP: October 31 Free Scary Face pancake to kids (12 and younger) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
It’s always a good season for a happy hour, so find one in your area here!
Events from earlier in the season:
Columbus Oktoberfest: September 7-9
September 10-16
Slice of Columbus: September 12
Ohio Pawpaw Festival: September 14-16
Country Living Fair: September 14-16
Germania Oktoberfest: September 14-16
Scarecrow Festival: September 14-16 in Washington Courthouse featuring fun food, family activities, beer garden, rides, food, 5k, car show, and free concerts with John Michael Montgomery, Lynyrd Skynyrd Experience, and more.
Old Worthington Market Day: September 15
Delaware County Fair and Little Brown Jug: September 15-22
Sunday Sunlight Market on Gay Street: September 16
September 17-23
Delaware County Fair and Little Brown Jug: September 15-22
Annual Taste of Dublin: September 18
Jackson County Apple Festival: September 18-22
Powell Oktoberfest: September 22
Hops & Vines Fest, Gahanna: September 22
Destination Downtown Lancaster Fall Festival: September 22
Stratford Ecological Center Fall Harvest Fair: September 22. Food, wagon rides, kids activities, live music, cider making, animals, and more. $5 per person, $15 for family of 4.
Cartoon Weekend at the Columbus Zoo: September 22-23
September 24-30
Barnesville Pumpkin Festival: September 27-30
4th Fridays in Westerville: September 28
Harvest Festival, Columbus Commons: September 29 Family-friendly rides, games, and activities. Some activities require a $5 wristband.
Chalk the Block, Easton: September 29
Cheryl’s Cookies 2018 Fall Festival: September 29. Annual Fall Festival at our flagship store in Westerville! Fun for all ages and FREE admission for everyone!
TWIG of Nationwide Children’s Pumpkinpalooza: September 29
Welcome to Fall Festival at Glacier Ridge Metro Park: September 30 Celebrate the season with hayrides, live animals, crafts and activities. Meet at bulletin board at picnic shelter.
October 1-7
Paws in the Plaza, Gahanna: October 4 first Thursday of the month
Columbus Mac and Cheese Festival: October 5 Samples all kinds of mac & cheese at Easton from restaurants around the city!
Columbus Italian Festival: October 5-7
Ohio Gourd Festival (Delaware County): October 5-7
The Fall Festival at the Farm at Walnut Creek: October 5-20 (Closed Sundays)
Oktoberfest in Grove City: October 6
Short North Gallery Hop: October 6 (first Saturday of the month)
Boo ‘N Brew at Polaris Fashion Place: October 6, 13, 20, 27 Fall festival with beer garden and lots of family-friendly activities throughout the lifestyle center. Live music, trick-or-treating, costume contest, parades and more!
Haunted Halloween Party at The Disney Store: Every Saturday in October at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, enjoy a frightfully fun Haunted Halloween Party and receive a free Mickey Mouse pumpkin light up wristband. RSVP required to participate. Contact your local store. Event is intended for Guests ages 3 – 12 and limited to 20 participants per event. Giveaways are limited and and will be given to Guests ages 3 – 12 that RSVP.
Young’s Jersey Dairy Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival: October 6-7
Colo’s Classic Car Show at the Columbus Zoo: October 7
Respook, Rewear, Rescare: Halloween Costume Exchange: October 7 (but must drop off costume to exchange for a ticket in the days/weeks before the event)
Sunday Sunlight Market on Gay Street: October 7
October 8-14
Taste of Bexley: October 8
Franklinton Fridays: October 12 (second Friday of the month)
Harvest Moon Festival: October 13 at Infirmary Park in Granville
Haunted Halloween Party at The Disney Store: Every Saturday in October at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, enjoy a frightfully fun Haunted Halloween Party and receive a free Mickey Mouse pumpkin light up wristband. RSVP required to participate. Contact your local store. Event is intended for Guests ages 3 – 12 and limited to 20 participants per event. Giveaways are limited and and will be given to Guests ages 3 – 12 that RSVP.
Boo ‘N Brew at Polaris Fashion Place: October 13, 20, 27 Fall festival with beer garden and lots of family-friendly activities throughout the lifestyle center. Live music, trick-or-treating, costume contest, parades and more!
Oakland Nurseries Fall Festivals: October 13-14
The Moonlight Market on Gay Street: October 13
German Village Monster Bash: October 13 Adult trick-or-treat route, dancing and drinking, costume contest and more!
Historic Dublin Family Fall Festival: October 13 The Family Fall Festival features happenings all throughout the Historic District, with vendors in Bri Hi Square, and fun activities at many of Historic Dublin’s unique businesses – including musicians & a Magician, activities, vendors, trick or treating through the district and more
FREE GOOSEBUMPS 2 Party at Marcus Theatres: October 13-14. Celebrate the opening of the new film with a free party from 10 a.m. to noon at Crosswoods and Pickerington locations. Tickets sold separately for the movie
Ohio 24 Hour Horror Marathon at Drexel Theatre: October 13-14
All Hallows Eve at Ohio Village: October 13 and 20
Upper Arlington Fall Fest: October 14
October 15-21
Mommy & Me Fall Ball at Sunny Street Cafe Polaris: October 16 Join us for everything you love about the Fall. With Pumpkins, Apple Cider, Apples, Arts & Crafts for the Kids, and of course our Kids Dino Pancakes for only $1 (comes with our awesome kids toppings bar, and of course there will be Candy Corn!) So come dressed in your favorite costume and get a picture.
Circleville Pumpkin Show: October 17-20
COSI After Dark: Pick your Poison: October 18 COSI at night, just for the grown-ups!
Pumpkin Painting at Freedom Park (Pataskala): October 18 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Bring your pumpkin along with $2 to paint your pumpkin in the park! Paint will be provided. This is a family friendly event for all ages
Dublin Halloween Spooktacular: October 18 Trunk or treating, pictures with special guests, dancing, food trucks, The Turtle Lady, The Bug Man, the Shazzbots, and other Halloween related crafts and activities.
Mighty Halloween Party by Mighty Children’s Museum: October 19 from 6-8 pm. Spooky snacks, crafts, and fun! Each adult and child must purchase a ticket. Costumes are encouraged!
Worthington Halloween Party: Prehistoric Halloween: October 19 Trick or Treat Trail, Petting Zoo, hayrides, games, music, and more
Halloween Treat Trail Party at Everal Barn: October 19 FREE; Ages 8 and under will enjoy carnival games along the treat trail; Halloween Bingo, and Vendor Alley. Don’t forget to enjoy the horse-drawn carriage ride through the park. Remember to wear your costume!
Halloween Family Fun Night at Three Creeks Metro Park: October 19 from 6-7:30 pm. Not-too-scary stories and s’mores at the campfire and go trunk-or-treating for candy. Kids of all ages encouraged to wear costumes. Meet at Confluence Trails bulletin board.
Ohio Smoked Meat & BBQ Festival: October 19-20
Ghost Trolley with Ohio Railway Museum: October 19-20, 26-27 Fun, not scary Halloween event for young kids. Tour the decorated street cars and enjoy a lights out ride on the trolley about the Ghost Trolley.
Haunted Ohio Statehouse Tours: October 19, 20, 26, 27
Boo at the Zoo: October 19-21 and October 26-28 Meet superheroes throughout the Zoo, Pumpkin Junction, Animals on Safari, HOWL-OWEEN Show and treat stations located throughout the zoo
Oakland Nursery Trick or Treat Trail with Children’s Costume Contest (Columbus location): October 20
North Columbus Civitan Halloween Dance: October 20 Halloween Dance for the Greater Columbus Special Needs Community. The dance is free of charge. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is not required to attend. The dance is open to everyone in the Special Needs Community and their guests 15 years old or older. No one will be turned away.
Haunted Halloween Party at The Disney Store: Every Saturday in October at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, enjoy a frightfully fun Haunted Halloween Party and receive a free Mickey Mouse pumpkin light up wristband. RSVP required to participate. Contact your local store. Event is intended for Guests ages 3 – 12 and limited to 20 participants per event. Giveaways are limited and and will be given to Guests ages 3 – 12 that RSVP.
Boo ‘N Brew at Polaris Fashion Place: October 20 & 27 Fall festival with beer garden and lots of family-friendly activities throughout the lifestyle center. Live music, trick-or-treating, costume contest, parades and more!
Kidslinked Treat Fest at SuperKick Columbus, Lazer Craze, and Sky Zone in Lewis Center: October 20 from 9 am – 1 pm. Treat Village, Races, Video games, Bounce Park, characters, costume contests, and more.
Halloveen All Treats, No Tricks Bash at Tuttle Mall: October 20 Come in costume for spooky family fun and activities based on Vampirina and your favorite Disney Junior pals!
Powell Community Bonfire: October 20
Old Hilliard Halloween Haunt: October 20 Trick-or-treat, scavenger hunt, kid and dog costume contest and family fun activities
All Hallows Eve at Ohio Village: October 13 and 20
Trunk or Treat Car Show: October 20 from 11am-4pm. Trophies awarded for the best-decorated cars/trucks. Trick or Treat: 1 pm to 3 pm
Great Pumpkin Celebration at Cabela’s: October 20 & 21, 26-31 Free photo with the Peanuts gang (and a $5 photo package option), crafts and pumpkin toss at Cabela’s (and Bass Pro Shops) from noon – 5 pm. Trick-or-Treating and costume parade on Oct. 27 and 31, and other fun activities and freebies.
The Maize at Little Darby Creek Trick or Treat: October 21
Halloween Pet Parade and Fall Festival at Easton: October 21
Trick or Treat Trail at Gallant Woods: October 21 Gather treats from characters along the s-p-o-o-k-y trail. Decorate pumpkins, enjoy a hayride, & vote for your favorite scarecrow. Fun at Gallant Farms afterwards.
Halloween Pool Party at Westerville Community Center: October 21. Page 21 calendar
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