Halloween is less than a week away and ways to celebrate in Northeast Ohio are abundant. From haunted hayrides through acres of fall foliage to costume parties with large cash prizes on the table, we picked out 15 things to do this weekend that are spooky, scary and all around fun.
Halloween Parties
Jack's Haunted Carnival Halloween Party
If you are heading to the casino, make sure you think of a costume to wear for the haunted carnival party. Join other costume-goers at Slush Bar to show off your most creative, scariest and casino-theme costumes for a chance to win a share of $5,000 cash. Registration is from 5 to 8:55 p.m. so get there early before the top three winners will be judged at 9:30 p.m.
When: Saturday, October 25 from 5-11 p.m.
Where: Jack Thistledown Racino | 21501 Emery Road North Randall, Ohio 44128
Owls & Howls: A Not So Spooky Halloween Party
Children can celebrate Halloween in a not so spooky way. Attendees can learn about the serious business of animal enrichment through interactive activities. Live animal demonstrations will take place every hour from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Light up different animal skulls and learn additional things you can't normally do at the Smead Discovery Center.
When: Saturday, October 28 from 10-4 p.m.
Where: Cleveland Museum of Natural History | 1 Wade Oval Drive Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Admission: Children under 12 in a costume get in free!
A Bavarian Halloween Party & Costume Contest
Dress up and drink German beer is the agenda for this Halloween party. The lucky person voted best-dressed can win $100 in cash.
When: Friday, October 27 from 9 p.m. -1 a.m.
Where: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland | 1550 Chester Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44114
One of Cleveland's favorite music spots is hosting a Halloween contest with good music and food. Costume contest starts at 10 p.m. The three categories are most elaborate, best music-related costume and people's choice.
When: Saturday, October 28 from 9-11:59 p.m.
Where: Jukebox | 1404 W. 29th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Halloween can be funny to some especially if you're an avid comic book fan. Every year on the Saturday before Halloween, comic shops across the country celebrate Halloween ComicFest by giving away comic book titles. Pose with your favorite superhero from Heroes United and get an artistic drawing from several sketch artists.
When: Saturday, October 28 from 1-3 p.m.
Where: Comics Are Go | 5188 Detroit Road Sheffield, Ohio 44035
Dance the night away under black lights. DJ Mike Filly will be spinning the beats. There will be drink specials and costume contest for those who are feeling creative. Must be 21 and over to enter. No cover charge.
When: Saturday, October 28 from 8 p.m.- 2:30 a.m.
Where: Twist Social Club | 11633 Clifton Cleveland, Ohio 44102
It's HalloWine! Stop by the CLE Urban Winery for free live music and prizes for the scariest costume, funniest costume, most creative costume, best couples costume and best overall costume.
When: Saturday, October 28 from 6-11 p.m.
Where: CLE Urban Winery | 2180 Lee Road Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
Haunted Cleveland
Survive the Night at Gray's Armory Museum
This downtown castle has been said to be haunted for years and those who are curious to know what hauntings have been reported can spend the night here. The night starts with a ghost tour with the director with lights turning off at 10 p.m. Limited space is available and tickets need to be purchased in advance.
When: Friday, October 27 at 7 p.m.
Where: 1234 Bolivar Road Cleveland, Ohio 44115
It's a site commemorating the 9,000 veterans who served in the Cuyahoga County regiments. Once a year, the public get access to the tunnels beneath the monument.
When: Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.
Where: 3 Public Square Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Admission: FREE
Trick-or-Treat
Children can have a candy-filled night at Public Square. Candy stations, a children's parade and a pet costume contest make this an event for the whole family.
When: Tuesday, October 31 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: 3 Public Square Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Admission: FREE
No matter what the weather is like on Halloween, children can still trick-or-treat indoors at the I-X Center. Trick-or-treat, rides and magic shows are available for children to experience.
When: Saturday, October 28 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, October 29 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: I-X Center Drive Cleveland, Ohio 44135
Admission: Get $3 off your admission ticket using code TREAT.
Hauntaquarium at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Celebrate Halloween with a pirate-themed party. Children can search for hidden treasure among the sharks and other aquatic life. Stay warm and dry during this underwater adventure.
When: Friday, October 27 from 6-9 p.m.; Saturday, October 28 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: Greater Cleveland Aquarium | 2000 Sycamore Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Admission: General $12; Pass holders; $10. Find ticketshere.
Outdoor Halloween Gatherings
Halloween Celebration & Hayrides
Trick-or-treating just got a little more interesting. Walk around the wildlife gardens as you trick-or-treat and meet animal ambassadors. Hayrides will reveal autumn's true colors and an outside fireplace will keep you warm during this non-scary Halloween event.
When: Friday, October 27 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: Lake Erie Nature & Science Center | 28728 Wolf Road Bay Village, Ohio 44140
Admission: Adults $14; Children $9. Find tickets here.
Pumpkin Pandemonium at Heritage Farms
It's pumpkin galore! Pumpkins, hay rides and fall leaves are just a few things celebrating the autumn season at Heritage Farms.
When: Saturday, October 28 from 10-5 p.m.; Sunday, October 29 from 10-5 p.m.
Where: 6050 Riverview Road Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Tickets: $8 and up
It's not too late to grab a pumpkin and get creative with your carving skills. Then, return to the barns to roast marshmallows over an open fire or get lost in a hay maze.
When: Saturday, October 28 from 1-5 p.m.; Sunday, October 29 from 1-5 p.m.
Where: Boyert Farm | 4557 Paradise Road Medina, Ohio 44273
Tickets: $10 (ages 7 and up); $7 ( ages 6 and under)
