Ohio's Lake Erie Shores & Islands, like many other communities in the Midwest, loves Halloween and all things autumn. Practically the entire month of October is dedicated to fall festivals, harvest happenings, and spooky thrills. If you're looking for a decidedly different way to celebrate Halloween this year, check out some unique ways to enjoy the haunted holiday in the Shores & Islands.
On a Boat/Island – Middle Bass Island (Oct 21), Kelleys Island (Oct 27) and Put-in-Bay (Oct 28) each host adult Halloween parties. Grab your friends and put together your best group costume for lots of fun and potential prizes! Start the party on the water with the Goodtime I, which will offer two Halloween Party Cruises this year – Friday, October 27 to Kelleys Island and Saturday, October 28 to Put-in-Bay.
Walking with Ghosts – Spend an evening learning about the area's haunted past with a historical ghost walk or haunted prison tour. On October 22, the Maritime Museum of Sandusky will lead a one-hour walking tour of downtown Sandusky. This walk covers some of Sandusky's historical buildings and their eerie pasts including mysterious occurrences and ghost sightings. Did you know that Huron's Osborn Metropark used to be a prison farm? Join Erie Metroparks on October 27 for a behind the scenes tour to learn about some spooky situations and paranormal activity recorded at the former prison.
Screening a Horror Classic – The Sandusky State Theatre presents a holiday double-feature on Thursday, October 26. First, a screening of the silent horror classic Nosferatu, accompanied by the eerie sounds of the theatre’s original 1928 Page organ. The film will be projected on the theatre's brand new movie screen. The second film, the 1988 cult-classic Beetlejuice, will showcase the theatre's new sound system as well. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded. Specialty drinks, including Bloody Mary's served in IV bags, will be available throughout the evening.
Hair-raising Thrills – If you haven't experienced HalloWeekends at Cedar Point, have you truly celebrated Halloween? There are two weekends left to experience this magical time of year at the Roller Coaster Capital of the World®. During the daytime, the park delights young and old with The Great Pumpkin Fest featuring family-friendly fun and a daily midway parade. After dark, Screamsters come out and Haunt features six outdoor fright zones and six haunted mazes.
Dying for a Race – Count Krumnow's Tombstone Derby on Saturday, October 28 in Elmore features a race contestants are dying to participate in. The annual motorized casket races are a highlight of this day-long Halloween festival. The day's events also include the 13th annual “Parade of Fools,” kids’ and pets’ costume contests, vendors and food, plus, new for 2017, the Redneck Lawnmower Pull.
Running for Your Life – Okay so not really, but running for a good time! New to the Shores & Islands area this year is the Halloween Hustle 5K, 15K, and Kids Dash run/walk on Sunday, October 29. Friends and family are encouraged to join this wacky race in costume and enjoy a festive after-party at Ghostly Manor. Medals will be given to all finishers and prizes are awarded in many race categories and also for costume creativity.
Scared Out of Your Gourd – Don't miss the area's many haunted attractions for a spooky good time! Lake Eerie Fearfest at Ghostly Manor Thrill Center features five haunts in one place and has been recognized as the best haunted house in Ohio. Vermilion's DarkenWood is a terrifying outdoor maze located next to the old haunted schoolhouse. Panic in the Pines at Country Lane Tree Farm in Genoa is the area's only haunted hayride and also features a walk-through attraction. Each haunt continues through the last weekend in October.
Don't let your Halloween season be just a bunch of Hocus-Pocus! For more Lake Erie Shores & Islands Halloween activities and upcoming fall events, check out our complete calendar. A list of area Trick-or-Treat times is also available by calling our welcome centers at 800.255.3743 or 800.441.1271.
