In Columbus, Halloween has become almost synonymous with another "H" word - HighBall, as in the Short North Arts District's two-day fashion, music, couture costumes extravaganza. This year's HighBall - the seventh annual - takes place on High St., between Goodale St. in the Short North and Nationwide Blvd. in the Arena District, from Friday, Oct. 24 to Saturday, Oct. 25.
In Columbus, Halloween has become almost synonymous with another "H" word - HighBall, as in the Short North Arts District's two-day fashion, music, couture costumes extravaganza. This year'sHighBall - the seventh annual - takes place on High St., between Goodale St. in the Short North and Nationwide Blvd. in the Arena District, from Friday, Oct. 24 to Saturday, Oct. 25.
It will be larger and more entertainment-packed than previous years, with Grammy-nominated "Tell It to My Heart" singer Taylor Dayne headlining the inaugural '80s-themed "On the Rocks" concert on Friday. Lydia Loveless will take the stage before Dayne Friday with her favorite '80s covers, and performances by Columbus favorites MojoFlo, the Fabulous Johnson Brothers, the Wet Darlings, Nick D' & The Believers and Bella Ruse round out the weekend. Highball's signature program, the Costume Couture Fashion Show, will go down Saturday night.
We've compiled a sampling of some of the other Halloween festivities taking place these next couple of weeks around town. Listings are subject to change, so check with the event venue before making plans.
When it comes to Halloween in Columbus, there's literally a party for everyone.
For the film buffShock Around the Clock: 666th Annual Ohio 24-Hour Horror Marathon
This 24-hour horror film festival features classic fright flicks, rediscovered gems, area premieres, filmmaker Q&As and more.
Drexel Theatre
12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 to 12 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19
2254 E. Main St., Bexley
scifimarathon.com
Hitchcocktober
The Gateway Film Center and Studio 35 are partnering to pay tribute to Alfred Hitchcock. Catch "The Birds" (Oct. 10-16), "Rear Window" (Oct. 17-23), "Strangers On A Train" (Oct. 15) and "Psycho" (Oct. 24-31) on the big screen. All films will have multiple showtimes during their runs.
Gateway Film Center
1550 N. High St., Campus
gatewayfilmcenter.com
Studio 35 Cinema and Drafthouse
3055 Indianola Ave., Clintonville
studio35.com
Fritz the Nite Owl: "Beetlejuice" & "Trick R Treat"
Fritz The Nite Owl will host a special Halloween-themed Double-Chiller episode featuring Halloween classics "Beetlejuice" and "Trick R Treat."
Studio 35 Cinema and Drafthouse
9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18
3055 Indianola Ave., Clintonville
studio35.com
Freaky Flight
During Halloween week, adventure-seekers can take a completely dark, spooky ZipZone zip line tour - in costume.
Camp Mary Orton
7-11 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28- Friday, Oct. 31
7925 N. High St., Worthington
zipzonetours.com
Trauma Columbus
This annual Halloween fetish party is not for the faint of heart. Costumes are required.
The Bluestone
Circus: Thursday, Oct. 30; The Ward: Friday, Oct. 31; Masquerade, Saturday, Nov. 1. 9 p.m. doors for all events.
583 E. Broad St., Downtown
traumacolumbus.com
Haunted Prison Experience - Supernatural II
Ever wondered what goes on inside the halls of a haunted former prison? Find out during this terrifying tour, complete with actors, animatronics and props.
Ohio State Reformatory
Through Saturday, Nov. 1; gates open at 6 p.m.
100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield
hauntedx.com
ScareAtorium
According to its website, the ScareAtorium "exists only to terrify you and exist in your nightmares." The 40,000-square-foot venue features two attractions: the "Northland Asylum" and "Rip's 3D Funhouse," complete with actors, detailed sets and special effects techniques.
Through Saturday, Nov. 1
2605 Northland Plaza Dr., North Side
scareatorium.com
Trapped In a Room With a Zombie
In this interactive adventure, you have 60 minutes to escape from a room in which a hungry zombie is chained to the wall. Will you make it out alive?
Columbus Idea Foundry
Multiple dates and times, year-round
421 W. State St., Franklinton
roomescapeadventures.com
Aaron Carter's Retro Halloween Bash
Party with former teen heartthrob Aaron Carter and stick around after for Ladies 80s.
Skully's Music-Diner
7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23
1151 N. High St., Short North
skullys.org
QFM96 Halloween Bash featuring Thunderstruck w/ Sweet Leaf
Rock out to legendary AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck, and Sweet Leaf, Ohio's own Ozzy tribute band.
Newport Music Hall
7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
1722 N. High St, Campus
promowestlive.com
Halloween Covers Show & Costume Party
Dress up and listen to 30-minute sets from local bands (Turtle Island, The Worn Flints, Gelatinus Cube, Playing To Vapors, FRIENDLY FAUX and more) dressing and performing as their favorite famous bands.
Brothers Drake Meadery & Bar
7:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
26 E. Fifth Ave., Short North
brothersdrake.com
The Spikedrivers Halloween Party
Featuring a performance by Columbus rock band the Spikedrivers.
Woodlands Tavern
8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
1200 W. Third Ave., Grandview
woodlandstavern.com
HalleBOOia!
Audience members and performers alike dress up in costume for the Ohio State University School of Music's annual concert featuring vocal and instrumental ensembles.
Weigel Hall Auditorium
8-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
1866 College Rd., Campus
music.osu.edu
Haunted Fest
This Halloween music festival features national acts such as Zeds Dead, A-Trak, Arty and Audien, along with a costume contest.
Columbus Convention Center
8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
400 N. High St., Arena District
hauntedfest.com
Trick-R-Wine
Sample 20 wines for $20. Costumes are not required, but the best will be rewarded.
Wine on High
6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16
789 N. High St., Short North
wineonhigh.com
Monster's Bash
Venture from stop to stop among neighborhood homes and businesses to sample delicious concoctions and other dangerously tempting treats, followed by drinks, dancing, a costume contest and a bier garten.
Meeting Haus
7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18
588 S. Third St., German Village
germanvillage.com
Butcher at Till: Hallow's Eve Party
Haunted garden and late night treats.
Till Dynamic Fair
Friday, Oct. 31
245-247 King and Neil Ave., Victorian Village
tillfare.com
For the nature lover
Annual Halloween Party
Halloween activities and crafts will be offered in the gardens.
Inniswood Garden Society (Education Pavilion)
2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26
940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville
inniswood.org
Spirits of Olde, A Halloween Soiree
Tour the conservatory after dark and learn about nature's most unusual, misunderstood and scariest plants. Full bar offerings, handcrafted cocktails, small plates and appetizers will be served, with entertainment provided by DJs Charles Erickson and Donnie Mossman, and the Amazing Giants. Costumes optional.
Franklin Park Conservatory
5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30
1777 E. Broad St., Downtown
fpconservatory.org
Haunted Halloween Maze
Kids will love this haunted greenhouse, straw maze, pumpkin patch, games and more.
deMonye's Greenhouse, Inc.
2500 Airport Dr., North Side
Through Oct. 31
demonyes.net
Boo at the Zoo
This family-friendly, "merry-not-scary" event features a performance by Spider-Man and friends, a trip to the new FrogwortZ Academy, rides and attractions for all ages.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26
4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell
columbuszoo.org
Columbus Landmarks Foundation's Halloween Lantern Walking Tours
Get a new perspective on your favorite historic (and haunted) Columbus neighborhoods: Town-Franklin, Oct. 24 and 25; Victorian Village, Oct. 26; Short North, Oct. 27; Fort Hayes, Oct. 28; and Downtown, Oct. 29. Bring a flashlight if possible or help carry a lantern.
Topiary Park Gatehouse
6-9 p.m. Friday-Wednesday, Oct. 24-29
480 E. Town St., Downtown
columbuslandmarks.org
Halloween Pet Parade
Dress your pets up in Halloween costume and show them off in Fenlon Square. The pet parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m. in front of Moochie & Co., and awards for the most creative, scariest and funniest costumes will be given.
Easton Town Center
12-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19
Fenlon St., Easton
eastontowncenter.com/events
All Hallows' Eve
Children five and under are free. Travel back in time for spooky stories by the bonfire, pumpkin carving, creepy characters and 19th-century-style entertainment (fortune telling, crafts, games and more).
Ohio History Center/Ohio Village
800 E. 17th Ave., North Side
5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Oct. 18
ohiohistory.org
Family Halloween Funday
Trick or treat at the North Market with your little ghosts, goblins and superheroes. Other activities include children's crafts, music and a special appearance from Columbus Children's Theatre cast of "Super Sidekick."
North Market
12-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26
59 Spruce St., Arena District
northmarket.com