2018 Trick Or Treat & Halloween Events Around Columbus

October is one of those months filled with nostalgia. For me, a lot of those memories focus on Halloween.

I had a lot of awesome costumes throughout the years, from 50’s poodle skirt girls to Ms. Frizzle. Trick or Treat is one of those time-honored traditions in the US. If you were allowed to participate as a kid, you probably have some very vivid memories. You knew which streets to go on first, which people gave out toothbrushes, and you were probably on a very tight schedule.

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In 2014, the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Committee decided in 2014 that Trick or Treat for Columbus would be on October 31, unless that date is on a weekend. Then, Trick or Treat would be held the Thursday before. This Trick or Treat schedule is valid through 2019, although individual communities and special events in the Central Ohio area are entitled to choose their own dates and times.

Special Halloween Events

Boo at the Zoo

What: Boo at the Zoo is one of my favorite Columbus traditions. This “merry-not-scary” event will give kids the opportunity to meet Spider-Man, Captain America, Black Widow and Black Panther, plus visit Frogwortz, Pumpkinpalooza, collect yummies at candy stops, and more. Admission is included with your Zoo membership or paid admission.
When: October 27-28, 2018
Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Creepside Festival

What: The 15th Annual Creepside Festival is a free event with live music, games, activities, a not-so-scary trail, trick-or-treat with local organizations, escape rooms, inflatables and candy.
When: October 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Creekside Gahanna Park & Plaza, 117 Mill Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230

Trick or Treat At The Conservatory

What: Celebrate your Halloween at the “boo-tanical” gardens of Franklin Park Conservatory. This two-day event features treat stations throughout the conservatory, including the new Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden. Price is included in your admission to Franklin Park Conservatory.
When: October 27-28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad Street

North Market Halloween Family Fun Day

What: Gather up the kiddos and head to North Market for a day of free, Halloween fun. The event will include trick-or-treating, face painting, music, games, kids’ activities, live farm animals from Shady Grove Farms, and more. Vendors will begin passing out candy at 11 a.m. and will keep on handing it out until it’s gone.
When: October 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: North Market, 59 Spruce Street

Prairie Township Trick or Treat Trail

What: Prairie Township invites your fam to their Trick or Treat Trail! Vendors will be handing out candy along the trail and admission is free. Costumes aren’t required but are most definitely encouraged!
When: October 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Praire Township Community Center, 5955 West Broad Street

Kids Halloween Cookie Decorating

What: While the kids are enjoying an afternoon of cookie decorating, parent’s can shop with a discount at THREAD. Tickets are $25 and include 4 cookies for the kids to decorate, a take-home bag of mini halloween cookies decorated by instructor Jana Lee, 15% off your purchase during the workshop, small bites for the adults and halloween snacks for the kids, and a fall favorites beverage bar including apple cider.
When: October 29 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: THREAD, 1285 Grandview Avenue

Kids Cook: Halloween Treats and Spooky Drinks

What: Let your kids make their own treats this Halloween at 1400 Food Lab. The special event will teach children and families how to make spooky drinks and Halloween treats, blending real cooking skills with spooky fun! Children 7 and under must have an adult present in the kitchen with them.
When: October 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 1400 Food Lab, 1400 Dublin Road

Trick or Skate at Chiller Easton

What: Break out your favorite costume and head to OhioHealth Chiller at Easton for Trick or Skate. Entering the contest will earn participants a free admission to a future public skate, and the winner will take home a free Quarterly Ice Skating pass. Your costume also earns you free skate rental. Tickets are $7 in advance.
When: October 27 and 28 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Chiller Easton, 3600 Chiller Lane

2018 Trick or Treat times in Central Ohio

10/31/2018

Bexley: 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Blendon Township: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Canal Winchester: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Columbus: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Delaware: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dublin: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Franklin Township: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Gahanna: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Genoa Township: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Grandview Heights: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Grove City: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Hamilton Township: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Hilliard: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Marysville: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
New Albany: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Orange Township: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Pickerington: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Powell: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Prairie Township: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Upper Arlington: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Village of Marble Cliff: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Westerville: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Worthington: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Zanesville: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

You may be too old to go trick or treating, but you’re never too old to eat the candy. Don’t forget to inspect your kid’s candy. (Taste testing is encouraged!)

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