If you are new to Columbus this year or are looking for a more exciting venue than the typical “Mean Girls” Halloween house party, then you need not look any further! We the people at the Columbus House of Media have done the research for you and compiled our top five Halloween events for Columbus natives, sure to thrill horror-lovers and partygoers alike.
1. HighBall: October 23-24
HighBall is a two-night Halloween festival put on by the Short North Arts District, operating on the mantra you are what you wear. It is a fashion-based event (costumes are a strict requirement) that features a street party, live performances, and original artistry in one of the trendiest areas of the city. It kicks off with the “On the Rocks” concert on Friday night, and ends with the crowning of a costume contest winner on Saturday. All proceeds benefit the improvement and enrichment of the Short North Arts District.
2. Monster Bash: October 17
Monster Bash is similar in style to HighBall, but much more low-key as a one-night event in German Village. Party guests are free to roam the streets and sample food, drink, and vendor items. Monster Bash will be a night of drinking, dancing, and a costume contest, wrapping up with a bier garten in the German Village Meeting Haus.
3. Trauma: October 29-31
Trauma is one of Columbus’ edgiest parties of the season. It is considered a “Halloween Fetish Party” and is a three-night event that features a new theme each day. These themes include “Pyromance,” “Kings and Queens,” and “Dystopia” but your costumes (which are strictly required) need not apply to any of these themes. On all three nights, doors open at 9:00pm for patrons 18+ at The Bluestone located in downtown Columbus. Disclaimer: Trauma is also enforcing an additional $20 charge at the door for anyone who left their costume at home, so be sure to show up with your greatest Halloween getup on!
4. Haunted Fest: October 30
Haunted Fest is an exclusive one night-event hosted in The Lausche Building at the Ohio Expo Center, tailored towards anyone who loves loud music and louder costumes. It features an awesome lineup of DJs alongside a Silent Disco. The main lineup of DJs includes Martin Garrix, Cash Cash, Snails, and Nghtmare, and there will be even more featured for the Silent Disco event. Costumes are encouraged but not as strictly required for this 18+ event.
5. Flannagan’s Fear Fest: October 1-November 1
Flannagan’s Fear Fest is perhaps the most extensive Halloween-Happening on our list; it is a haunted house venue open for an entire month. Accounting for this length, regulars have the option to purchase season passes to access the entertainment all October long. Flannigan’s Fear Fest is one of the few events on our list that is open to patrons of all ages, but anyone under 17 is required to have a parent or guardian accompanying them. Aside from the more fearsome main attractions, Flannagan’s is also home to the Blood Light Saloon where you can drink and watch live entertainment either before or after you go through the haunted house.
Flannagan’s Fear Fest also hosts a special Halloween Party on October 30 & 31 starting at 7:00pm. Most regular nights they open by 8:00pm, but you can check their website for more specific hours.
We also encourage you to follow all these events on Twitter, as it gives them added publicity, and keeps you in the know:
@HighBallCbus (@shortnorth)
@germanvillage
@TRAUMAColumbus
@HauntedFest
@FlannagansDub
Happy Halloween, Columbus!