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.
1. Dayton Ballet's Dracula: Bloodlines
October 27 - 29, 2023
Prepare to be entranced as "Dracula: Bloodlines" makes a return to the historic Victoria Theatre! This captivating ballet sweeps audiences away to 15th-century Transylvania, delving into the enigmatic tale of how the noble Prince Vlad metamorphosed into the legendary vampire, Dracula. The spellbinding choreography by Karen Burke, combined with Austin Jaquith's haunting live score performed by the Philharmonic, sets the stage for a chilling Halloween weekend.
2. Halloween Celebration at The Foundry
October 27, 2023 4 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Step into a captivating world of tradition and vibrant celebration as the rooftop venue undergoes a mesmerizing transformation for Día de Muertos. They'll breathe new life into this cherished holiday, creating an experience like never before.
Festivities will feature an array of delights, from enticing cocktail specials and the groovy beats of a live DJ to a tantalizing Espolòn Tequila tasting. The spirit of Día de Muertos will come alive with complimentary face painting, delightful treats for the little ones, and a thrilling costume contest. This extraordinary event promises to blend culture, fun, and remembrance in the most enchanting way. Reservations are strongly encouraged!
3. Halloween Pony Rides at Carriage Hill Farm & MetroPark
October 28, 2023 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The beloved Annual Halloween Pony Rides event, is a spook-tacular experience perfect for kids aged 2 to 8. Be sure to join us and discover what creative costumes the ponies will be wearing this year! It's a delightful Halloween treat with a $5 cost per ticket.
4. HAUNTFEST in the Oregon District
October 28, 2023 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.
HAUNTFEST is a community gathering that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Dayton's Entertainment & Entrepreneurial neighborhood. This spooktacular event isn't just about fun; it's also an opportunity to support and strengthen our local community. HAUNTFEST doubles as a fundraiser for the Oregon District Business Association, helping fund year-round improvement efforts within the district. 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! Click here to get your advanced tickets or pay $15 the day of the event.
5. Dayton Art Institute Halloween Concert
October 29, 2023 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Matt Dierking, a maestro from the Dayton Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, is conjuring up a special concert like no other. Picture this: spooky silent films paired with eerie melodies, all brought to life on the magnificent Skinner Pipe Organ at the Dayton Art Institute. If you're a member, this hauntingly good experience is on the house. For non-members, it's included in your museum general admission. Mark your calendars and prepare to be enchanted by an evening of creepy classics and organ magic!
6. Howl-o-Ween at Boonshoft
October 29, 2023 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
This one-of-a-kind event invites you to unleash your inner ghoul, don your spookiest Halloween attire, and step into a world of enchanting programs and eerie entertainment. The highlight? A monster-sized Monster Mash dance party and a costume contest hosted by our friends at iHeart Radio, right in the heart of the Exhibit Hall. As you venture through the museum, be prepared to encounter treat stations manned by fantastic community partners, just waiting to delight you. And that's not all – be prepared to be spellbound by mesmerizing laser shows with Howl-O-Ween themes that will enchant kids of all ages. It's a creepy-crawly good time you won't want to miss! Tickets are $6 for member and $9 for non-members. *Children 2 and under are free*
7. Stoddard Ave Pumpkin Glow
October 30 & 31, 2023 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!
8. Check Out Some Scary Movies
October 22 - Novemeber 2, 2023
The Historic Plaza Theatre is getting into the Halloween spirit by offering a thrilling array of holiday movies from October 22 through November 2. But mark your calendars for the ever-popular Slasher Night at The Neon, on October 26, brought to you by two UD Department of English professors. This year, they're screening two classic horror films: The Thing, starring Kurt Russell and directed by John Carpenter, and An American Werewolf in London, directed by John Landis. Your $20 ticket covers both films, however, after the success of last year's event, it's wise to secure your tickets early. This promises to be a hauntingly good time!
