Credit: JOHAN ORDONEZ
Credit: JOHAN ORDONEZ
According to History.com, Halloween wasn’t widely celebrated in the U.S. until the late 1800s, when the large influx of Irish immigrants fleeing the Irish Potato Famine helped popularize the holiday.
Since then, America has developed a love for the fright-filled holiday. According to the History.com article, “One quarter of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween.”
The holiday is celebrated by adults and children alike. There are many events geared specifically for adults, being too intense for children.
There are also many Halloween attractions and events created for the whole family, including in the Dayton area. Here is a guide:
👻Newport Aquarium Pumpkin GLOW
Credit: JEREMIAH F KANE IV
Credit: JEREMIAH F KANE IV
When: Sept. 16 through Nov. 3
Where: Newport Aquarium, 1 Levee Way, Newport, Ky.
Description: Featuring a 13-foot-tall octopus and other sculptures made from pumpkins, the Newport Aquarium is celebrating the Halloween season with a glowing exhibition.
👻Kings Island Tricks and Treats
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 22 through Nov. 3
Where: Kings Island Amusement Park: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
Description: Kings Island’s family friendly counterpart to Halloween Haunt is Tricks and Treats. At the event, children are encouraged to wear costumes and participate in the Trick-or-Treat Trail, costume contests, craft making and more.
👻Fall Farm Family Fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy
Credit: Natalie Jones
Credit: Natalie Jones
When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 21 through Oct. 27
Where: 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs
Description: At Young’s Jersey Dairy, families will be able to celebrate the fall season with pumpkins, a corn maze, special holiday treats and more.
👻Lucas Brothers Fall Festival
When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27 through Oct. 27
Where: 3229 Ferry Road, Bellbrook
Description: The annual Lucas Brothers Farm’s Fall Festival has returned for its eighth year. Featuring a hayride, barrel train, corn maze, sunflower patch and more, children under the age of four are free with the purchase of an adult wristband.
👻Wegerzyn Gardens Fall Family Adventure
When: 4-7 p.m. Oct. 19
Where: 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton
Description: Wegerzyn will be hosting an autumn event mixing learning with recreational activities. Guests will be able to learn about the changing colors of leaves while playing games, listening to music and creating crafts. This event is free and families can register online.
👻Front Street Halloween Market
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 20
Where: Front Street Studio : 1001 E. Second St., Dayton
Description: More than 80 vendors will be open at Dayton art collective Front Street’s Halloween Market Oct. 20. There will also be children’s activities and free pumpkins for kids, while supplies last.
👻Cross Pointe Centre Trick-or-Treating
When: 10 a.m. Oct 24. business hours vary
Where: 101 E. Alex Bell Road, Dayton
Description: Businesses within the Cross Pointe Centre in Dayton will be handing out candy to children in costumes on Oct. 24. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Business taking part in the program will have a special sign on its door.
👻Czech Club Halloween Party and Dance
When: 6-10 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: 922 Valley St., Dayton
Description: The American Czechoslovakian Club is celebrating Halloween with a dance party for families featuring Ed Klimczak. Guests are encouraged to bring their costumes and a dish to share. There will also be pumpkin decorating.
👻Rock the Rec Halloween Party
When: Noon-4 p.m. Oct. 26
Where: Vandalia Recreation Center: 1111 Stonequarry Road, Dayton
Description: The Vandalia Recreation Center will be hosting a free party featuring food trucks, Trick-or-Treat, hayrides, inflatables and more. There will also be costume judging and craft vendors.
👻Camp Cedar Fall Festival
When: Noon-8 p.m., Oct. 26
Where: 5158 Kings Island Drive, Mason
Description: In addition to its Boo and Brew event earlier in the month, Camp Cedar in Mason will also be hosting its Fall Festival Oct. 26. The event will feature a pumpkin patch, hayrides and more. This event is open to all.
👻Trunk or Treat at Mack’s
When: 2-5 p.m. Oct. 26
Where: Mack’s Tavern: 381 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Dayton
Description: Mack’s Tavern in Dayton will hosting its annual trunk or treat for families in the area. Guests are encouraged to decorate their cars and bring candy to pass out. Dogs will also be allowed at the event, with some trunks passing out dog treats. Reality Goat Farms will also bring several goats to the event for guests to pet and take pictures with.
👻Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
When: 6-10 p.m. Oct. 28-29
Where: Stoddard Avenue, Dayton
Description: To celebrate Halloween, Grafton Hill in Dayton is filled with hundreds of pumpkins carved by the community. Many pumpkins feature famous characters or phrases. This popular event is organized by volunteers and supported by donations.
👻Indoor Trick-or-Treat Movie Night
When: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 31
Where: On Par Entertainment: 4464 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek
Description: On Par Entertainment in Beavercreek is hosting an indoor Trick-or-Treat for families on Halloween. There will be separate children and adult Trick-or-Treats, beginning at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively. For an additional fee, guests can paint their own pumpkin. There will also be Halloween movies playing throughout the venue.
>> Submit your event
Don’t see your event on the list? Email alex.cutler@coxinc.com to get it added.
About the Author
