Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.
It seems absurd to think that me, the world’s biggest scaredy-cat, would love Halloween. But what can I say? I’m full of contradictions. Yes, it can be spooky, but it doesn’t have to be. The former theatre kid in me sees it as an opportunity to bust out my old costumes, gather with friends, and generally just have a good time.
If you’re looking for a place to show off your costume and grab a few cocktails, you’re in luck. Columbus has quite a few adult Halloween parties going on through next week. Spoiler: I do feel compelled to warn you that there is at least one scary clown image included here. I apologize in advance and recommend this adorable compilation of animals being best friends to cleanse your brain.
Ectoplasm featuring Dan Deacon, Halloween at Otherworld
What: Otherworld is hosting a night of psychedelic thrills and chills on Halloween night. Ectoplasm, the official Halloween party of Otherworld, will feature Dan Deacon as the headliner. Costumes are encouraged and there will be monsters, makeup artists, and more waiting to be discovered throughout Otherworld’s 40+ rooms.
When: October 31 from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Where: Otherworld, 5819 Chantry Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
Spacebar Spooktacular
What: Costumes aren’t required, but they are heavily encouraged at Spacebar’s 2019 Spooktacular: Halloween Costume Coverup. Cover bands will be performing all night long, featuring the music of AC/DC, Metallica, The Ramones, Danzig, and more. Admission is free and guests must be over 18.
When: October 26 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where:Spacebar, 2590 N High St, Columbus OH
The Rocky Horror Show
What: Short North Stage should be on everyone’s Halloween to-do list. The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of an innocent young couple stranded at the haunted castle of Frank N. Furter, a mad scientist from Transylvania. Grab a drink from the bar and get ready to have a strange and wonderful night.
When: Various times through November 3rd, 2019
Where: Short North Stage, 1187 N High St, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Cantina Official Halloween Party
What: Park Street Cantina is hosting an epic Halloween bash, complete with a costume contest. The best male, female, and couples costumes will earn a $100 gift card. Tickets to the party include four drinks (beer, wine, cocktail, or top-shelf spirits). All guests must be 21+.
When: October 26 from 2 p.m. to close
Where: Park Street Cantina, 491 Park St, Columbus, OH 43215
Halloween Candy and Wine Pairing
What: Snack on your favorite childhood Halloween treats and sip on some serious wines at Tastings- A Wine Experience. If you wear a costume to this candy and wine pairing, you’ll get a free bonus pour. Tickets are $15.
When: October 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Tastings – A Wine Experience, 958 North High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Skully’s Annual Halloween Bash
What: If you’re trying to make some extra cash (or just earn back what you spent on your costume) head straight to Skully’s. Their Annual Halloween Bash will feature DJs Chuckstar and Skull Dogg. 1st Place in the costume contest will take home $300.
When: October 31 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Skully’s Music Diner, 1151 N High St, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Adult Trick-or-Treat
What: Missing the joy of trick-or-treating? Lucky’s Market will be hosting an adult trick or treat event. Wander through the store and sample beer and wine from different vendors, enjoy the in-house DJ, and have fun. If you get your whole passport stamped during the event, you’ll get a Lucky’s Market reusable bag and a special pint glass. Good sports who come in costume will even get extra candy!
When: October 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Lucky’s Market, 2770 N High St, Columbus, Ohio 43202
Official Halloween Bar Crawl
What: Calling all bar crawl fans. There will be a huge bar crawl through the Arena District this weekend. It’s all treats, no tricks, fam. Tickets start at $29.99. Participating venues include BBR, Dahlia, Callahan’s, Park Street Cantina, Brothers Bar, Gaswerks, and more.
When: October 26 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Arena District
German Village Pet Parade
What: So technically this one isn’t adult-specific, but let’s be real. An adorable pet parade is a perfect way to cure your hangover. The 2019 German Village Pet Parade presented by the German Village Fun Bunch will be held at Schiller Park. There will be local recuses and pet-related vendors set up throughout the park and the costume contest starts at 3 p.m.
When: October 27 at 2 p.m.
Where: Schiller Park
