If your ideal Halloween plans involve ghost stories, old-fashioned fortune-telling, and a possible encounter with the Headless Horseman, Ohio Village has something for you. All Hallows’ Eve is returning to the historic Columbus village for the first time in two years, with two evenings of spooky entertainment planned for October.
Hosted by the Ohio History Connection, All Hallows’ Eve will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 24. The event invites guests to explore Ohio Village after dark while enjoying Halloween activities inspired by the past.
One of the main attractions is a fireside retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Keep an eye out for the ghostly apparition of the Headless Horseman as the familiar story unfolds around the bonfire.
There will be plenty to do beyond listening to spooky stories, too. Guests can try traditional dancing, enjoy fortune telling, play games and take part in crafts. Pumpkin painting will also be available for an additional $5 per pumpkin, with card payments accepted.
For a little historical intrigue, visitors can hear from Widow Claire about the strange circumstances surrounding the death of her most recent husband and explore a funeral parlor featuring information about 19th-century funeral practices. It’s a chance to get into the Halloween spirit while learning a little about how people in the past approached death, mourning and the unexplained.
All Hallows’ Eve Returns After Ohio Village Renovations
This year’s event marks the return of All Hallows’ Eve after a two-year pause caused by renovations at Ohio Village. Construction is expected to continue through early 2027, but the village will open for the Halloween festivities and its upcoming Holidays at Ohio Village event on Dec. 11 and 12.
The historic village, located on the Ohio History Connection campus near the Ohio Expo Center, offers a setting that feels particularly suited to an evening of old-fashioned ghost stories and historical Halloween entertainment.
All Hallows’ Eve takes place at Ohio Village, 800 E. 17th Ave. in Columbus. Advance tickets are required, and admission costs:
- Adults: $18
- Ohio History Connection member adults: $13
- Children ages 4-12: $14
- Ohio History Connection member children: $9
- Children ages 3 and under: Free
Tickets are available through the Ohio History Connection’s registration page. You can also find event details on the official All Hallows’ Eve website.
With ghost stories, traditional entertainment and a few unsettling historical detours, All Hallows’ Eve offers a different way to spend an October evening in Columbus. Just don’t wander too far from the bonfire if you hear hooves approaching.
