Child in corn box during Halloweekends (photo courtesy of Cedar Point)
Travel

6 Unique Halloween Events In Ohio

Grab your costumes and candy bags, because Oct. 31 is right around the corner. Here are some low-scare and fun-forward ways to celebrate the season across the Buckeye State.

Halloween is almost here, and that means pumpkins galore, ghosts around every corner and enough candy to have a sugar high until Thanksgiving. This season, Ohio is bringing its best for chills and thrills for all to enjoy, including these attractions that range from a special-effects-laden live telling of the Frankenstein story in Chillicothe and a pooch parade in Lakewood to kid-friendly days during Cedar Point’s Halloweekends and Columbus’ fashion-forward Halloween spectacle. 

The Frankenstein Expereince at Haunted Mountain (courtesy of event)
The Frankenstein Experience at Haunted Mountain | Select Dates Through Oct. 26

Each fall, Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe transforms into a Haunted Mountain, home to fall frights and festivities known as The Frankenstein Experience. Mary Shelley’s classic tale of horror is brought to the stage by the same producers that put on “Tecumseh!” each summer, and the production tells the classic Frankenstein tale with special effects and grandeur. You can also walk the haunted trail, watch an outdoor movie and visit the escape room.

Halloweekends House on Boo Hill (courtesy of Cedar Point)
Kid-Friendly Fun at Halloweekends | Select Dates Through Nov. 2

Cedar Point’s annual Halloween celebration is lauded for its spookiness and something lurking around every corner, but before the sun goes down, it is the perfect place to bring the kids for a no-scare day of Halloween fun. Friday through Sunday, kids can come in costume to trick or treat throughout the amusement park, play in the Crazy Corn Box, see what waits in the Magical House on Boo Hill and more.

Tricks and Treats Kings Island (photo courtesy of Kings Island)
Kings Island Tricks and Treats | Select Dates Through Nov. 3

Each Saturday and Sunday through the end of the season, Kings Island brings the fun for little ones who want to enjoy the day without the spooky atmosphere that the evening’s Halloween Haunt brings. Throughout the day, kids and families can enjoy costume contests, candy and treats and the chance to visit Camp Snoopy and enjoy kid-size rides like the new Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers.

Spooky Pooch Parade (photo courtesy of Lakewood Alive)
Spooky Pooch Parade | Oct. 12

Humans aren’t the only ones who love to get dressed up in costume for Halloween. Our furry friends get in on the fun during the city of Lakewood’s Spooky Pooch Parade which returns to Madison Park for its 17th year this fall. Dogs and owners alike dress up in costumes and walk down Madison Avenue, with awards for best dressed to follow. Throughout the day, attendees can also enjoy pumpkin painting, entertainment and shopping from vendors that sell all manner of treats and accessories for man’s best friend.

Nightmare on Front Street (courtesy of event)
Nightmare on Front Street | Oct. 20

Eat, drink and be scary at this annual event in the heart of Cuyahoga Falls. Dress up and head to Front Street where entertainment such as a live DJ, costume contests, food trucks, prizes and haunting history await. The festival also features beer, cocktails and wine from several local vendors, as well as a chance to browse handmade goods such as art, home decor, accessories and more.

Highball Halloween (courtesy of event)
Highball Halloween | Oct. 26

Fear meets fashion at this annual couture event where “You are what you wear.” Hosted in the heart of Columbus in the Short North Arts District, the upscale event is offering free general admission for the first time ever, as well as VIP packages to elevate the experience. Hosted by Nina West, the evening includes a public costume contest, couture fashion show, cocktails, live music performances and much more. 

For more Ohio events inspiration, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to beauty, adventure and fun across our state.

Related Articles