Halloween is just around the corner, and the Dayton area is gearing up for a frightfully fun time! From haunted attractions that will send shivers down your spine to family-friendly events that promise a delightful dose of spookiness, this season offers something for everyone. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a candy enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys the eerie ambiance of the holiday, Dayton has a treat (and maybe a trick or two) in store for you. Join us as we explore the Halloween happenings in this vibrant city and uncover the thrilling and chilling events that await.
Tom’s Maze and Pumpkin Farm
Now through November 1, Hours Vary
Don't settle for a cookie-cutter corn maze that looks good from the air but leaves little to the imagination on the ground. Tom's Maze is grown from the ground up. Explore eight fun-filled acres of corn on the cob fun! It will be a-MAZE-ing fun! And be sure to also check out the Punkin’ Chunkin’ Cannon while you're there! 😉
An Array of Spooky Things at Dayton Art Institute
Art After Hours: Mystery at the Museum - October 7, 6 p.m.
Join the Dayton Art Institute for an intimate evening during spooky season, as you work with friends to solve a mystery in the museum! Guests will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Dayton Art Institute's collection, too.
Through her mastery of dramatic lighting and evocative subjects, Hoops created a series of dreamlike, atmospheric photographs that feel as mysterious as they are mesmerizing. Each image invites you to linger, wonder, and question what lies just beyond the frame. This exhibition is exclusive to the Dayton Art Institute, offering a rare chance to experience Hoops’ hauntingly beautiful visions in person.
Special Interest Tour - Spooky Tour, October 10, 24 and 31
Step into the shadows of art history as you dive into mysterious legends, haunting symbols, and timeless depictions of death and dying. It’s a tour that blends curiosity with a touch of the macabre—perfect for the season. End your visit with a creative project that captures the spirit of the day!
Skinner Pipe Organ "Spooktacular" - October 25, 2 p.m.
A spine-tingling experience is set to unfold as Matt Dierking from the Dayton Chapter of the American Guild of Organists takes the stage for a special Halloween concert in the Mimi and Stuart Rose Auditorium. This hauntingly delightful event features eerie silent films paired with spine-chilling music played on the magnificent Skinner Pipe Organ.
Haunted History Ghost Walk
October 8, 6 p.m.
Get ready for a spooktacular history walk through Uptown Centerville at Benham's Grove. Guests can enjoy a box dinner and drinks before embarking on a Ghost Walk full of vivid storytelling and reenactments of the town's extensive history. Tickets can be purchased on their website.
Human Race Theatre Show - Salem: Blood to Drink
October 14 - 25
Set during the Salem witch trials, Salem: Blood to Drink follows four accused women forced to share a jail cell as they navigate fear, friendship, and the fight to survive. With sharp humor and unexpected twists, this darkly hilarious play performed by the Human Race Theatre Company offers a fresh perspective on a familiar chapter of history.
Ghostbustin' in the Burg: Operation PKE
October 11, 12-5 p.m.
The Real Ohio Ghostbusters are taking over Miamisburg for Ghostbustin’ in the Burg: Operation PKE on October 11 at the Plaza Theatre! The weekend will feature Ghostbusters screenings, a Ghostbusters car show, a Slimer-themed activity in Riverfront Park, local artists, themed activities from downtown merchants, and an appearance by P3 Paula’s Paranormal Project. The event will also benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Trunk or Treat at Austin Landing
October 28, 6-9 p.m.
Austin Landing transforms into a Halloween wonderland with decorated Jeeps, inflatables, and piles of candy for the kids. Dress in your best costume, grab your candy bucket, and don’t miss the family-friendly fun, contests, and surprises that make this one of the can’t-miss Halloween events in Dayton!
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
October 18, 6:15 & 8:45 p.m. shows
Step into the glow this season at the Dayton Masonic Center! Under the flicker of hundreds of candles, the Listeso String Quartet will bring hauntingly beautiful renditions of classics like Thriller, Danse Macabre, the Stranger Things theme, This Is Halloween, and more. This 60-minute multi-sensory performance is the perfect way to celebrate October—whether you’re a music lover, a Halloween fan, or just looking for a magical night out.
Troops & Treats at National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™
October 31, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., FREE
Ghosts and goblins of all ages will not want to miss this exciting day of trick-or-treating in the museum. Dress in your favorite costume (maybe it's a pilot costume?) and be prepared for a day of free activities. Avoid any unpredictable Ohio fall weather and enjoy the views of more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles!
HAUNTFEST in the Oregon District
October 24, 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Hauntfest is a community gathering that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Dayton's Oregon District. This spooktacular event isn't just about fun; it's also an opportunity to support and strengthen our local community. Get ready for live music, DJ sets, delectable food trucks, refreshing beer trucks, and captivating street performers, all in one fantastic Halloween celebration! Costumes are encouraged! New this year: Hauntfest features family-friendly daytime activities, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., in addition to the 21+ block party from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Enter to win tickets to Haunfest!
Stoddard Ave Pumpkin Glow
October 26 & 27, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Said to be a magical evening, the Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow is nestled behind the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dayton's charming Grafton Hill neighborhood. This enchanting, FREE event draws a multitude of visitors who gather to admire the mesmerizing display of individually hand-carved jack-o-lanterns. You'll find nearly 1,000 unique masterpieces, carved by novice to expert volunteers from the Dayton community!
Photo Credit: Tom Gilliam
Ghost ‘n Goblin 5K
October 27, 6:15 p.m.
Get ready to lace up for a spooktacular time at the 40th Annual Ghost n' Goblin 5k! It's a Halloween tradition where the thrills of the run meet the chills of the season. Aligned with the Ohio River Road Runners Club's mission, the Dayton Ghost 'n Goblin 5K supports local school running programs. When you register, you can choose the school district that will receive a donation. Race over to the Sinclair Community College-Centerville Regional Center for some eerie excitement.
Check Out Some Scary Movies
Now - October 31
The Historic Plaza Theatre is getting into the Halloween spirit by offering a thrilling array of holiday movies starting with Young Frankenstein on October 2 and ending with Psycho on October 31 with other spooky themed showings in between. In the middle of October, you'll be intrigued to learn that Englewood Cinema will be hosting its 3rd Annual Gem City Horror Film Fest on October 17. Showings include Scooby Doo at 6 PM, Drag Me to Hell at 8 PM, The Evil Dead at 10 PM, and Dead Alive AKA Braindead at 11:30 PM. Lastly, don't miss out on Blue Byrd Tattoo's Nights of the Living Films all month long! Every Saturday throughout October, they will be hosting a FREE outdoor screening of a family-friendly movie at 7:00 PM, followed by a horror movie afterwards. The first movie showing on October 3 features Coraline and House of 1000 Corpses, ending on October 31 with Monster House and Halloween.
Gather your friends, family, and costumes, and join in the frightful festivities to make this Halloween truly memorable! We wish you a thrilling and spooky season, full of laughter, scares, and sweet treats to satisfy your inner ghost or goblin. Happy Halloween, Dayton!
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Be sure to request a FREE Destination Dayton Visitors Guide and download the FREE Destination Dayton App for more about things to see and do in Dayton. For more information about Destination Dayton and the services it offers, visit DestinationDayton.org or call 800-221-8235.
