The best fall festivities near Columbus to get you in the mood for Halloween
From spooky to terrifying
Columbus is in a constant state of hustle and bustle. It comes as no surprise that there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the upcoming holiday around the city. Masses of students made their way to the Circleville Pumpkin Show last weekend, but the fun doesn't end there.
Here are some events and activities to help you get into the Halloween spirit near and around Columbus.
Trick-or-Treating at The Shops at Worthington Place
On Friday, October 27th, Worthington Place is offering a safe and convenient environment for trick-or-treating, face painting, crafts, and more. If you have younger siblings or are looking for a way to get in touch with your inner child this is perfect. Grab your family or grab some friends to take advantage of the fun. If you're lucky you might even run into the balloon artist on the way. If you're feeling extra spooky, throw on a costume.
Experience Boo at the Zoo
This weekend, October 27-29, is the last weekend for Boo at the Zoo. It's the best alternative to a haunted house if you aren't into cheap jump scares. The zoo will be open during regular hours with Halloween themed activities taking place later in the day. Pumpkins will be one of the main stars of the evening, appearing as carving displays and animal entertainment. There's even a hay ride through the zoo grounds.
Visit a Haunted House
The Scareatorium and Haunted Hoochie are two of the most popular haunted houses near Columbus. Find your fears in the Northland Asylum and Rip's Funhouse with your friends, or even play some three minute escape room games for 5 bucks each. You can always hop in an Uber and make your way to the Hoochie, where ghosts, monsters, and images from nightmares come to life just to scare you for the night.
See a horror movie at Gateway Film Center
Every fall, Gateway plays both classic horror flicks and terrifying movies from around the world. They offer special engagements with director commentary, activities before the film, and more. It's within walking distance of campus, has affordable concesssions, and sells local craft beer to enjoy during your movie. What more could you ask for?
Whether you're into some wholesome fun or want to be a little spooked out, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself this fall in Columbus. So take advantage of the cool weather, the pumpkin spice, the haunted houses, and the creative costumes while you can!