HighBall, 'Goosebumps,' Grateful Dead part of central Ohio weekend fun

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The final full weekend of October has arrived, and central Ohio is brimming with fall festivities and Halloween happenings.

From glowing “Goosebumps” pumpkin displays to concerts and community celebrations, there is something for every age and interest this weekend.

Families can enjoy trick-or-treat events, scavenger hunts and hands-on science activities, while adults can take in live music, seasonal cocktails and the nation’s most elaborate costume party, HighBall Halloween.

Many local attractions are adding spooky twists and autumn-inspired experiences to mark the final weekend before Halloween. Check out the list below for some standout events from Oct. 23 to 26, 2025.

Goosebumps at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, through Oct. 26, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will display pumpkins decorated as “Goosebumps” book covers and host special “Goosebumps”-themed scavenger hunts. The Watershed bar will offer specialty cocktails, such as “Monster Blood” and “Little Monster Blood.” Tickets range from $17.33 to $28.35 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and $19.43 to $30.45 on Fridays and Saturdays. Prices include the Columbus culture fee.

CAPA Haunts the Palace

Palace Theatre, 3 W. Broad St., Thursday, Oct. 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. 
• An annual free, family-friendly Halloween event put on by CAPA. Children and adults are invited to wear costumes and explore the Palace Theatre, which will be decorated for the season. In addition to trick-or-treating, guests can also grab a craft, take photos at selfie stations, view a Day of the Dead display and more. “Creatures,” courtesy of Ohio School of Falconry and characters from Castle on a Cloud Entertainment, will be on hand. Trick-or-treat bags will be available, but guests are welcome to bring their own bags or buckets. Tickets are not required for this free event.

WestFest 2025, West Campus Science & Sustainability Festival

Ohio State University West Campus Quad, Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• A free, family-friendly event showcasing science and sustainability. WestFest is designed to encourage kids to get interested in STEM fields. Hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and a food truck will be set in the university’s West Campus Quad.

Blue Jackets vs. Washington Capitals, Grateful Dead takeover night

Nationwide Arena, Friday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m.
• The CBJ is hosting a Grateful Dead Night at Nationwide Arena. Hockey fans can celebrate the Grateful Dead with a special ticket package and live music from Terrapin Moon. The band will perform on the main concourse before the game when doors open at 6 p.m. sharp, during both intermissions, and after the game. Each ticket purchased with a special ticket package will include an exclusive CBJ/Grateful Dead Jersey.

‘The Shawshank Redemption’

Willis Theatre, 74, West William Street, Delaware, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 24 to 26
• When Andy Dufresne is convicted of murder and sentenced to life in the notorious Shawshank prison, he must find a way to keep himself and his hope alive by using his wits and forging friendships. Based on the novella by Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption brings the story of resilience made famous by the acclaimed film to the stage. Tickets are $15.

• Friday, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, 2 p.m.

Fright at the Museum

Ohio History Center, Saturday, Oct. 25, 6 to 9 p.m., timed entries at 6, 6:15, 6:30 and 6:45 p.m.
• The Ohio History Connection will celebrate the Halloween season with Fright at the
Museum. Guests will discover the spooky side of Ohio’s history as they learn about
creatures of the night alongside the Ohio Wildlife Center, test their acting chops with
vintage horror movie reels and step back in time with a mid-century Monster Mash at
the 1950s-era Lustron Home inside the museum, plus more. Admission is $18 for adults, $14 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for children ages 3 and under. Member pricing is $13 for adults,
$9 for children. History Connection premium members receive free admission.

HighBall Halloween

High Street from Goodale Street to Nationwide Boulevard, Saturday, Oct. 25, from 6 to midnight
• HighBall Halloween is the nation’s most elaborate costume party. With free general admission, locals and visitors alike can celebrate the art of costume and the vibrancy of Columbus’s fashion scene. Official HighBall Halloween 2025 host, Virginia West, along with NBC4’s Matt Barnes and Joe Speir will get visitors in the Halloween spirit as exciting live performances enter the spotlight. Tickets for the VIP Party, Weekend Access Passes and the FCCFA Spooky Suites can be purchased at highballcolumbus.org.

Purity Ring

Newport Music Hall, Saturday, Oct. 25, doors open at 7 p.m.
• Trailblazing electronic pop duo Purity Ring, on their “Place Of My Own Tour,” will perform at Newport Music Hall. Purity Ring released their self-titled album on Sept. 26. For this release, they’ve developed an imaginary place — inspired by the record’s production and narrative. Their new show is built on this otherworldly landscape, immersing fans in this world alongside them. General admission is $43.85, including fees and taxes. 

American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Genoa Park, Sunday, Oct. 26, event opens at 10 a.m.
• A noncompetitive walk and community celebration. The event will be held rain or shine. Attendees can expect an inspiring day of celebrating survivors, honoring our loved ones, and free, mission-driven family fun. This year will be the event’s 18th anniversary. There are new 5K and 1-mile walk route options and a post-walk party until 2 p.m.

UnderCurrent: Walk, Roll, and Play

High Street from Long to Town Streets, Sunday, Oct. 26, noon to 4 p.m.
• UnderCurrent: Walk, Roll and Play, will transform High Street for a day of car-free activity. This free event features an expanded footprint along High Street from Long to Town Streets. A giant inflatable slide will be located in front of the Ohio Statehouse, along with inflatable pickleball courts, yoga and Pilates classes, a pop-up roller rink, and dance performances. In addition, there is the Roll Lane (a dedicated lane for bikes, scooters, rollerblades), pop-up workout classes, live art demonstrations, local business activations, food trucks and more.

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