Once September rolls around, it seems like everyone’s mood starts to shift. School starts back up and the days start to get shorter, and the nights get a little cooler. That can only mean one thing—autumn has started, and the spooky season has begun! Fall is a wonderful time of year in Columbus, OH as the leaves start to change and you start to find pumpkin spice in all sorts of things from coffee, to bread, to donuts, and more! 

The autumn season also means that Halloween can’t be far away, and if you’re looking for fun Halloween-themed things to do in the Columbus area, you have a lot of choices! Whether you want to check out some of the fall festivals, or want to have a good scare at a haunted house, Columbus certainly does the spooky season right. WIth so many events to choose from, how do you know which ones are the best? Not to worry, we’ve chosen the top Halloween and fall-focused events in the Columbus area you must see in 2022. We’ve grouped the events into three categories:

• Fall festivals and events around Columbus
• Family Halloween fun
• Halloween events for adults in Columbus

No matter what type of event you’re looking for, we have it right here!

Fall-themed events around Columbus, OH

Enjoy the cooler weather and check out some of these fantastic events

Throughout September and October, the Columbus area has all kinds of fall festivals and events going on. This list is not exhaustive, but we think these are the must-see options. For all kinds of fall fun, you can find more events here!

Pumpkin patches, orchards, and corn mazes, oh my!

First we should note that all kinds of pumpkin patches, orchards, and corn mazes start to pop up all over the Columbus area. You will start to see pumpkins appearing almost everywhere, but if you want the full pumpkin patch experience we recommend checking out:

• Lynd Fruit Farm. This is the place you want to go if you need the pumpkin patch experience, plus a pick your own apple option! Don’t forget to check out their market as well as the corn maze.
• Leeds Farm. If it’s a hayride you want, it’s a hayride you’ll get at Leeds! Pick your pumpkin in the patch, or choose from their options in the market. 
• Pigeon Roost Farm. Stop by this popular pumpkin patch for pumpkin picking, a corn maze, farmer’s market, crafters, and even farm animals!

Freeman’s Farm Fall Festival

6142 Lewis Center Rd. | Galena | freemansfarm.com‍

If you’re looking for a great fall festival, look no further than Freeman’s Farm Fall Festival. Not only can you come and pick out a great pumpkin, but throughout September and October, you can also look forward to hayrides, the fall market, farm animals, kettle corn, and a concession stand that features fire-roasted hot dogs! The farm is a great place to spend an afternoon, and you’ll love the festive fall atmosphere—and perhaps come home with more than a few pumpkins and gourds. 

Fairfield County Trail of Scarecrows

Fairfield County | visitfairfieldcounty.org‍

If you’re looking for a unique autumn experience in Columbus, make sure you check out the Fairfield County Trail of Scarecrows! Each year the 14 communities of this county display their best scarecrows throughout the month of October. There will be lots of scarecrows scattered throughout the area, but not to worry, you can download their app to find a map of all the scarecrows available for viewing. The tour is self-guided and you can win a prize for visiting each of the scarecrows on display.

Each community will vote for the best scarecrow and one will win the People’s Choice award after the season. 

Fall Festival at the Farm at Walnut Creek

4147 County Rd. 114 | Sugarcreek | thefarmatwalnutcreek.com‍

Another popular fall festival for central Ohio is the autumn even at Walnut Creek. This farm offers up all kinds of fun activities throughout the months of September and October. Make sure you arrive early and get in the horse-drawn hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick out the best pumpkin. You can also fall-themed games for kids, amazing food like kettle corn and apple pie, as well as demos of candle making and basket weaving on the weekends.

The farm is home to a multitude of animals as well, which is always a fun time for kids and adults alike. There is also a farmer’s market so you can pick up any other fall fruits or items like jams and preserves.

Family Halloween fun in Columbus, OH

Round up the kids and head over to any of these family Halloween events!

Trick or treating

The municipalities around Columbus, OH will typically post their days and times for 2022 trick or treating in October, usually  from October 29-31, but it’s best to double check with your locality. Dressing up for trick or treating is always a great time, and once you know when your local Beggar’s Night time is, stay safe and have fun! 

All Hallows’ Eve at Ohio Village

800 E 17th Ave. | Columbus | ohiohistory.org‍

If you’ve always wanted to see what it was like to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve the way our 19th century ancestors did, then you and the family should definitely check out this event at the Ohio Village! Each weekend in October you’ll be able to tour the village that has been decorated in beautiful fall foliage and enjoy a bonfire, pumpkin carving, and learn from the historical characters throughout the property.

The village also offers Victorian-era fun like fortune telling, crafts, games, and even a retelling of Washington Irving’s “The Headless Horseman,” with an appearance from the Horseman himself!

Boo at the Zoo

4850 West Powell Rd. | Columbus | columbuszoo.org‍

Grab your best Halloween costume and meet at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for the Boo at the Zoo! As you explore the park, you can stop at the treat stations and fill up your bag with Halloween goodies. In addition, there will be events that offer the chance for kids to learn more about the animals at the zoo, and even get pictures with their favorite animal ambassadors. The Zoo Boo Choo Choo will take you throughout the zoo so you can also attend pumpkin carving and the Jack o Lantern Journey!

Ghost Trolley at the Ohio Railway Museum

990 Proprietors Rd. | Worthington | ohiorailwaymuseum.org

It’s all aboard the Ghost Trolley for three special weekends in October! This is a great chance to not only check out an old locomotive, but to have some Halloween fun too. The trolley ride is perfect for younger children, as the rail cars will be decorated, but won’t be too scary. Once everyone is aboard for the tour, the lights will be dimmed and the guide will retell the story of the Ghost Trolley. 

Admission is only $9 for adults and $7 for kids 3-12, kids under 3 are free.

Circleville Pumpkin Show

159 E. Franklin St. | Circleville | pumpkinshow.com‍

Located just 25 miles south of Columbus is Circleville, which is famous for its annual Pumpkin Show that takes place on the 3rd Wednesday-Saturday of October. Known as the “Greatest Free Show on Earth,” this is a must-see event if you’re a fan of pumpkins! With amusement rides, parades, and even the crowning of a Miss Pumpkin and Little Miss Pumpkin, this show is definitely worth checking out with the whole family.

While you’re there, take a look at all the prize-winning pumpkins, gourds, baked goods, fruits and vegetables, canned goods, and even art exhibits. There is always a prize for the largest pumpkin as well, last year’s weighed in at 1,850.5 pounds!

Halloween events in Columbus, OH for adults

While there are plenty of family friendly events around Columbus for Halloween, we thought it would also be helpful to list some events that adults can attend. After all, the spooky season is for everyone! So whether you appreciate a good scare, or just want to show off your best costume, these are the events we think everyone should attend this year. 

Hitchcocktober Film Series at the Gateway Film Center

1550 N High St. | Columbus | gatewayfilmcenter.org/hitchcocktober‍

It doesn’t matter if you’re a super-fan of Alfred Hitchcock, or just want to expand your horizons when it comes to the “Master of Suspense,” the films shown throughout the month of October at the Gateway Film Center are all must-see. Each year for the past 13 years, the center has given Columbus residents the opportunity to view his classic works as they were meant to be seen, in 35mm on the big screen. 

This is a great way to appreciate cinematic suspense at its finest, and you’ll be supporting a worthy arts organization in the meantime! The lineup for Hitchcocktober 2022 is:

• Dial M for Murder
• Strangers on a Train
• The Birds
• Frenzy
• North by Northwest
• Vertigo
• Rope
• Rear Window
• Shadow of a Doubt
• Psycho‍

Rocky Horror Picture Show at Studio 35

3055 Indianola Ave. | Columbus | studio35.com‍

For something completely different than Hitchcockian suspense, why not grab a group of friends and check out the screening of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show? Studio 35 plays the film, along with its official shadowcast, one Saturday a month, but in October they offer more chances to get in on the kitchy fun! The midnight showings will feature the original film, but also have a live cast perform as the movie plays. 

Of course costumes are welcome, and there will definitely be audience participation expected. Do the time warp again and make sure you get your tickets early, because these Halloween showings will sell out!

German Village Monster Bash

German Village | germanvillage.com

Back for its 16th season, the German Village Monster Bash is one of the best Halloween parties in the city! Happening on October 15, 2022, this party is a great opportunity to show off an amazing costume and participate in some awesome adult trick or treating. German Village homes will be handing out treats and drinks, and when you’ve had your fill, you can head over to the DJ party at the Meeting Haus!

Fear Columbus Haunted House

2605 Northland Plaza Dr. | Columbus | fearcolumbus.com‍

While Halloween parties are a fun time, and who doesn’t love watching spooky movies, if you’d like something a little scarier, we challenge you to check out Fear Columbus Haunted House! This is Columbus’ largest, and scariest haunted house, with multiple immersion experiences that are sure to chill you to the bone. With trained actors, elaborate costumes, professional sound system and lighting, and realistic sets, be prepared to be scared.

In addition to the haunted attraction, Fear Columbus also offers unique photo ops, a retail store, and even food vendors!

Carnage Haunted House

3770 Refugee Rd. | Columbus | carnagehauntedhouse.com‍

If it’s terror you seek, then that’s what you’ll get at the Carnage Haunted House. Rated one of the scariest and most immersive haunted houses in Ohio, you’re in for a real fright. With realistic designs and some of the best actors in the spooky business, you might actually start to think you’ve left the safety of Columbus!

Ghost Tours

If you’re looking for something more paranormal and less gore, then consider taking one of Columbus’ many ghost tours! The history of this city goes deep, which is why there are many areas that boast of paranormal happenings rooted in the past. You’ll learn something and maybe even experience something you can’t explain!

• Creepy Columbus Downtown Walking Tour. If you’ve always wanted to know a little more about the creepy side of Columbus, then this is the walking tour for you.
• Civil War Ghost of Green Lawn Cemetery. Want to know more about the Civil War and its connection to Green Lawn Cemetery? Be ready for some interesting history.
• Uptown Westerville Ghost Story Tours. This theatrical, but historical, walking tour puts together a variety of spooky stories from the Uptown Westerville community!

There are plenty of Halloween events to check out this year in Columbus, OH, so make sure you try and visit some of the places on our list! What’s your favorite way to celebrate Halloween in Columbus? Let us know in the comments!

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