Annual Short North Highball Halloween is free for 2025

Its time to get creative and come up with a costume idea to impress! The Annual Short North Highball Halloween is Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Hosted by beloved drag performer Nina West, the annual event is staged in the heart of the fashion capital of Columbus – the Short North Arts District. This year’s event will take place from 2 p.m. to midnight at the intersection of High Street and Goodale Boulevard.

New in 2024 will be a HighBall Bazaar, curated in partnership with Matchmakers Market, featuring more than 100 unique fun and fashionable vendors. Additional highlights include the annual Costume Couture Fashion Show, public costume contests, a kid’s costume showcase, exciting musical performances, live art installations, food trucks and more.

photo: Randall Schieber, provided by Highball Halloween

HighBall Halloween is an all ages event, ID’s will be checked for all alcohol purchases.

Costume contests, band, and activity schedule will be available on the website.

Highball features

tba for 2024

Photo: Abbey Leising, Highball 2017, used with permission by Highball Halloween

Highball Halloween admission

General admission is free in 2024!

Tickets for exclusive VIP experiences go on sale on August 30. These options include:

VIP Admission (Early Bird VIP Admission: $80, VIP Admission: $100). The first 100 VIP tickets purchased will include a special meet-and-greet with Nina West! VIP ticket holders will enjoy premium stage viewing, access to a private tented area with full bar service, restroom access, five drink tickets, complimentary food, entertainment, interactive experiences and more. The VIP Section will be open from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m., with last call at 11:30 p.m.
Spooky Suites (Limited Availability | $2,500). For the ultimate HighBall Halloween experience, reserve a Spooky Suite for up to 20 guests. This exclusive package includes a private cabana with a tent and courtyard, private restrooms, and tantalizing complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy the festivities with exclusive bar access through a 100-drink ticket package and join the VIP Party on Goodale Avenue. As a special treat, Nina West will stop by your Spooky Suite to say hello!

100% of all proceeds from event ticket sales after facility and processing fees go to benefit the Short North Alliance.

About Highball Halloween

Proceeds from HighBall Halloween go to support the Short North Alliance (SNA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving both the property owners and business owners of the Short North Arts District.

HighBall Halloween helps to underwrite the programs and activities of the Short North Alliance, including clean and safe initiatives, promotions, holiday campaigns, public art installations, and initiatives to support inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.

Learn more about the Short North Alliance and Short North Arts District at ShortNorth.org.