Ohio is a hub for small, quaint towns– some so much so that they’re practically off the map! There is an appeal to that, though, as it can be refreshing to be somewhere that is a bit more self-contained, slowed down, and allows for deeper personal connections within the community. Lithopolis, Ohio is no exception here!

Lithopolis is a charming village just 25 minutes from downtown Columbus, Ohio. With a population of 2,134 and its size covering only about 2 square-miles, it is certainly a far more intimate experience to live here compared to the main bustling city of Columbus (though it is included in the Columbus Metro Area). Its name, Lithopolis—which means “Stone City” in Greek—was given to them in 1836 due to its large deposits of valuable stone found in and near the town.

Enough about facts and history, though– that’s not why we’re here! With fall just around the corner, trying to sneak up on us, the excitement may be rising in each of us to think about all the festivities that come with the second half of the year’s holiday season. More specifically, the kick-starter of it all, Halloween!

Whether you love all the tricks, scares, and thrills that Halloween brings, or if you’re just in it for the candy, the festivities in and around Lithopolis can certainly provide for you! Check out and plan for these events and opportunities to get your fill of spooky fun this October!

Trick-or-Treating

Give me something good to eat!

As likely the most obvious and anticipated event of the season, Trick-or-Treating is at the top of our list. Referred to as “Beggars’ Night” in the greater Columbus area, there are an abundance of opportunities to break out your best costumes and collect as much candy, sweets, and treats as possible!

Each location tends to operate on their own schedules and announce their respective dates and times for Trick-or-Treating as October gets closer. With that being said, the 2022 central Ohio schedule has not yet been made public, though you can likely plan for October 28-31. Check out the 2021 schedule here to gauge where you may want to go ahead of time!

Pumpkin Picking

Add a personal touch to the iconic Halloween tradition

Pumpkin carving is an iconic October activity, and a glowing jack-o-lantern is essentially the poster child for Halloween. And what could make carving pumpkins an even more fun experience? Picking them out yourself! Ohio is a hotspot for farming and produce, so of course there are a variety of pumpkin patches to choose from. Get the family together and spend an afternoon at a local farm, or take a day trip to visit a new location! Consider these markets and farms located in central Ohio, and scour through pumpkins of all shapes and sizes to find the perfect ones for you and your family!

Apple Picking

Find your inner hunter-gatherer and enjoy a day in an orchard

From crunching on caramel apples, baking apple pies, and making similar sweet treats, to partaking in a game of apple bobbing, it is clear that apples are a must during their prime season of autumn. And while you can go to the store and just buy yourself a bag, there’s something so much more special and fulfilling about picking them yourself at an orchard! Whether it be part of a sweet date or an occasion for the whole family to enjoy, these central Ohio farms and orchards can supply. Grab some bags and get picking!

Halloween Market

A fun family-friendly event to enjoy the Halloween festivities

Sat, Oct 29 | New Albany | 3PM-6PM

Come one, come all to this fun seasonal event at New Albany, Ohio’s BrewDog! Find curated Halloween goodies from a variety of handmade vendors, or enter the costume contest for individuals, family, children, and even your dog! Raffles will also be going on throughout the whole event, so come out, enjoy, and potentially win some prizes!

Corn Mazes

Enjoy twisting & turning through puzzles of corn in Ohio

Yet another activity that just screams autumn and Halloween, we have corn mazes! As corn is America’s leading produced crop, we should at least have some fun with it, right? Take a look at this list of Central Ohio corn mazes and farms to help you decide on the perfect field for you! Who knows, you may even find some haunted ones….  

2022 Columbus Witches’ Ball

An evening of ritual, dancing, shopping, & celebrating the Pagan community

Sat, Nov 5 | Columbus | 6PM | 18+

This annual event held in the Greater Columbus Convention Center acts as a time of celebration for Samhain, paganism, and the spirit of Halloween. Featuring Front Row DJ, a cash bar, a costume contest, vendors, an Ancestor shrine, and more, this night would certainly be one to remember! For tickets and more event details visit this page.

The Columbus Zoo & Waterpark

Get spooked at Columbus’s Boo at the Zoo & Zombiezi Bay

4850 Powell Rd | Powell

Who doesn’t want to go to the zoo? It is a great way to spend a summer day out with family or friends, and you have to go see all the spectacular lights when Christmastime comes along. Now I present to you yet another excuse to head to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium: Boo at the Zoo! Taking place during the last 3 weekends in October, this family & kid-friendly event will be full of costumes, treat stations, and more Halloween fun!

Connected to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is the waterpark, Zoombezi Bay. However, beginning on September 16, it will become ZOMBIEzi Bay! Unlike the merry-not-scary Boo at the Zoo event next door, this 13+ event offers both scares and thrills via 2 scare zones, 4 haunted houses, and 6 amusement rides! A variety of food and drinks are also available at the park. Grab some friends and prepare for a spooky night at this exclusive central Ohio destination!

Haunted Houses

Filled with tricks, terror, and fun!

Enter if you dare, but “hold my hand!” at any of these chilling central Ohio haunted houses. Ohio is ranked at the third most haunted state in the country, so you better expect to have your socks scared right off! For the adrenaline junkies, and scaredy-cats dragged along with them, choose from eerie mansions, frightening forests, sinister schoolhouses, possessed prisons, and more to get your heart rates up and your comfort levels low.

Halloween Weekends at Buckeye Lake

Partake in fun Halloween activities for the whole family to enjoy

Last 4 weekends in Oct | Buckeye Lake | Friday 12PM – Sunday 12PM

Available for 4 weekends in October, come camp and celebrate the season at central Ohio’s Buckeye Lake! Join in pumpkin and site decorating (along with contests for both!), trick-or-treating, a pet costume contest, and more! Consider it the perfect way to get a little family getaway, plus guaranteed Halloween fun! Your Halloween Weekend experience awaits!

No matter what activities you choose to partake in to celebrate the season of Halloween, remember to stay safe! I wish you all sweet candy, great frights, and unforgettable memories this fall!

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