It's the most frightful and fabulous time of the year! Halloween is almost upon us, but luckily, you won't have to wait until October 31 to celebrate. Columbus is hosting a wide variety of spooky yet sweet Halloween events throughout the month, including costume contests, pumpkin carving, a spooky campout, adult trick-or-treating and more.
From family-friendly gatherings to 21-and-up events, we've rounded up the events we are most looking forward to this month. So, get dressed in your Halloween best, prepare your sweet tooth, and get ready to make this a season you will not soon forget.
Film still from Hitchcock's "Vertigo" (1958)
For the eighth year running, the Gateway Film Center will countdown to halloween by showcasing the best films from Alfred Hitchcock. This month-long celebration of cinema and suspense will feature Vertigo, The Wrong Man, Strangers on a Train, The Birds, Psycho and more, all presented on the big screen.
Located just over an hour northeast of Columbus, Pleasant Hill Lake Park is a popular destinations for camping during the warmer months. Finish off the camping season in style at this Halloween-themed campout, which will feature a full gauntlet of family-friendly activities including pumpkin carving, costume contests, a chili cook-off, trick-or-treating, karaoke, campsite decorating and more!
Graphic courtesy of Ohio Village
Enjoy an evening of 1890s-style fun at this historical, family-friendly event. Sit down for a spooky retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by the bonfire, try your hand at pumpkin carving, and interact with a number of strange characters roaming about Ohio Village. There will also be fortune-telling, crafts, games and more!
Photo courtesy of Randall Schieber and the Short North District via Highball Halloween
You are what you wear at this elaborate costume party! On October 20 and 21, the streets from Goodale to Nationwide will be filled with bright lights, vibrant colors and party goers for the nation's most high-fashion Halloween event. The event bridges runway style with the culture of the Short North Arts District, boasting costume couture fashion shows, goofy contests, live art, and electrifying stage performances. Proceeds will benefit clean and safe initiatives, public art installations and more in the Short North Arts District.
Photo courtesy of the Easton Town Center
Pets are as cute as can be already, but we absolutely cannot resist them in costume. Stop by Fenlon Square to see the fluffiest ghouls, goblins, and ghosts imaginable at the Halloween Pet Parade. Prizes will be given to the best group, scariest and funniest costumes. Afterward, enjoy a variety of family-friendly games and activities!
Photo courtesy of the Ohio State University School of Music
Join the Ohio State University School of Music for their annual Halloween concert, which will feature student vocalists and instrumentalists dressed in their best costumes. The spooky ensemble will feature theme music from your favorite seasonal movies, jazz and contemporary pop tunes, spoofs and more. The concert is completely free — just bring yourself (and a costume, if you wish)!
Photo courtesy of ZipZone
During Halloween week, ZipZone will feature nighttime ziplining through the trees! Dress in your favorite costume (one that can be worn with a harness), to compete for best-dressed. Then grab a pumpkin and chuck it from the line for the chance to win prizes.