COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Central Ohio is packed with ways to celebrate Halloween and more this weekend.
Whether people are looking for eerie entertainment, cultural experiences or local creativity, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Families can stroll through glowing pumpkins, join Día de los Muertos festivities, or cheer on the Buckeyes, Blue Jackets and Columbus Crew.
This is the final weekend to catch Pumpkins Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory, with more than 700 hand-carved pumpkins, while the Ohio Art Council’s 2025 Biennial Juried Exhibition begins at the Riffe Gallery, putting works from Ohio artists on display.
For music lovers, Ekoostik Hookah’s HookahWeen returns to Newport Music Hall, while “The Rocky Horror Show” ends its run on the Short North Stage.
There will be family fun through the weekend with Dave & Boo-ster’s Boo Bash at Dave & Buster’s, the Insect Film Fest at Studio 35 and community celebrations like CMA Community Days: Día de los Muertos at the Columbus Museum of Art.
Additionally, Gallery Hop returns to the Short North with local art and live performances.
Riffe Gallery, 2025 Biennial Juried Exhibition
The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery, Tuesdays through Fridays until Jan. 9
• Selected from over 1,900 entries, this exhibition features contemporary art by 61 Ohio artists.
Pumpkins Aglow
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Wednesday through Sunday until Nov. 2
• More than 700 hand-carved glowing pumpkins light up Franklin Park Conservatory during its sixth annual Pumpkins Aglow event. A family-friendly festival that is spooky, but not scary, features themed displays, including pirates, creepy-crawly spiders, dancing skeletons and even aliens landing among the leaves. Nightly roaming entertainment, food trucks, a bar with specialty cocktails, a glass pumpkin pop-up shop, crafts and more. Open hours are 5 to 9 p.m. nightly, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. Tickets range from $17.33 to $30.45, including the city’s culture fee; check for member discounts.
Dave & Boo-sters Boo Bash
Dave and Buster’s, Friday, Oct. 31, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m
• Enjoy family-friendly Halloween fun with crafts, activities, and games. Enter the costume contest for a chance to win free game play for a year, enjoy unlimited simulator games, and make memories in a safe indoor environment. The first 100 ticket-holders will receive souvenir cups. Admission is $14.99 and includes three hours of unlimited game play and a Boo Bash voucher valid for 15% off food and nonalcoholic beverage purchases.
HookahWeen
Ekoostik Hookah, Jenny & The StreetWalkers, Newport Music Hall, Friday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m.
• Ekoostik Hookah’s 116th performance at the Newport. Costume contest. General admission is $37.45, including fees.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
Ohio Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 1, noon
• Ohio State takes on Penn State at Ohio Stadium.
November Gallery Hop
Short North Arts District, Saturday, Nov. 1, 4 p.m.
• Visitors can view new work by various Ohio-based artists at locally owned galleries. This monthly event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. and features a dynamic blend of local creativity and community spirit. Featuring live performances, public art and locally-owned shops and eateries along High Street.
Blue Jackets vs. St. Louis Blues, Star Wars Night
Nationwide Arena, Saturday, Nov. 1, 7 p.m.
• The force will be strong at Nationwide Arena as Blue Jackets take the ice on Star Wars Night against the St. Louis Blues. Fans will have the chance to meet characters from the Star Wars universe, including Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Stormtroopers, Mandalorians, Bo-Katan Kryze, Imperial Officers and Jawas for photos and immersive encounters. In addition to the game action, fans can purchase a special Star Wars Night ticket package, which includes an exclusive Blue Jackets Star Wars-themed jersey.
‘The Rocky Horror Show’
Short North Stage at the Garden Theater, Thursday through Saturday, showtimes vary
• Back for its eighth year, buckle up for a wild ride through the twisted, tantalizing world of “The Rocky Horror Show.” When straight-laced couple Brad and Janet’s car breaks down, they find themselves at the mercy of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist with a flair for the dramatic and a penchant for creating life. The audience will rock out to “Time Warp,” the ultimate party anthem. Rated-R Tickets range from $43.35 to $92.75, including fees. Student rush tickets are available at the door two hours before showtime for $20.
CMA Community Days: Día de los Muertos
Columbus Museum of Art, Sunday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Attendees can celebrate and learn about the history of Día de los Muertos, including a participatory community ofrenda, performances and experiences, art-making, tasty bites and more. This free event is open to all ages; registration is encouraged.
Insect Film Fest at Studio 35
Studio 35 Drafthouse and Cinema, 3055 Indianola Ave, Columbus, Sunday, Nov. 2, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• A free family event aimed to get viewers excited about insects. Before and between movies, there will be insect-themed activities, arts and crafts, temporary tattoos, raffles, and prizes, as well as the BugMobile, OSU’s insect lab parked in front of the theater. Two free movies include Disney’s “James and the Giant Peach” at 1:15 p.m. and Guillermo del Toro’s “Mimic” at 4:15 p.m.
Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati: MLS Cup playoffs
Lower.com Field, Sunday, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m.
• The Columbus Crew (No. 7, Eastern Conference) hosts FC Cincinnati (No. 2, Eastern Conference) for Game 2 in the Round One Best-of-3 series of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. Cincinnati currently holds the series edge following its 1-0 win at TQL Stadium in Game 1 on Oct. 27. Tickets start at $85.
