Gather 'round all you witches and warlocks, ghouls and boys — the spookiest season of the year is upon us again! Between the caramel apples, costume contests and frightful fun, there will be plenty to celebrate over the next few weeks, but Halloween wouldn't be complete without attending one or two of these festive, local events.
From family-friendly gatherings to 21 and up events, we have rounded up some of the parties, festivals and bashes in the Akron and Canton area that we are most looking forward to. Mark your calendars and get ready to make this a Halloween you won't soon forget!
September 23-October 29, Saturdays and Sundays
Photo courtesy of Ramseyer Farms
Spend the day on Ramseyer Farms, located just outside of Canton, and fall in love with fall all over again. The festival features giant corn mazes, face painting, and fun activities for all ages. Fuel your adventures with a number of delicious fall-themed concessions, including fresh kettle corn, apple cider and barbecue.
September 29-October 29
The Carnival of Horrors, located in Cuyahoga Falls, was proclaimed the most terrifying haunted house in the Midwest, but it also rests among the top five most terrifying haunted houses in the world according to Monster Junkie Magazine. Only the bravest souls will be able to make it through all four attractions, which include an abandoned fun house, a freaky forest, an insane asylum and a freak show in 3D terror vision. Each offers a new labyrinth of chaos, wrong turns and monsters — and if you think you can escape unfazed, think again.
October 7
Enjoy a casual beer and wine tasting from local establishments as you stroll through the Akron Zoo after hours. Though costumes are not required, we challenge you to dress up as your favorite zoo animal for bonus points.
October 7
Celebrate all things pumpkin at Mapleside Farms, which happens to be home to some of Ohio's largest pumpkins. The entire family can join in the fun with the pick-your-own pumpkin extravaganza, a crafting tent, a pie eating contest and more! Once you've picked the pumpkin of your dreams, sit in on the carving demonstrations to get inspiration for your next Jack-O-Lantern.
October 13, 14, 20 and 21
This educational event gives a different meaning to the word "spooky." In the natural world, there are countless species that tend to spook or creep people out, but the goal here is to allow families the opportunity to explore, experience, enjoy and learn about nature in a fun creative way. Attractions include an enlightening night walk, a chance to identify the sounds of the night, and a mad scientist who will explain the science behind his crazy experiments.
October 13-14
Settle in and grab your popcorn! This two-day movie marathon event will feature the most classic and frightening Frankenstein and Dracula films at the Canton Palace Theatre. Guests are welcome to buy individual movie tickets or a weekend pass for the full spooky experience.
October 14
Photo courtesy of the Canton Museum of Art
Don your cleverest costume, grab a few friends and get ready to dance the night away at this swanky event. The Art After Dark Costume Party takes place at the Canton Museum of Art, and features a non-stop dance floor, roaming entertainment, craft beer, a tarot card reader and other spooky surprises. Make sure to enter the costume contest for the chance to win prizes! All proceeds from the party will benefit the Canton Museum of Art and the Massillon Museum.
October 14
For the 10th year in a row, the streets of downtown Massillon will fill with the undead — but that doesn't mean it won't be a lively celebration. The annual zombie walk will feature a live performance from New Wave Nation, local vendors and artists, kids activities and crafts, and of course plenty of spooky costumes.
October 14
Located in historic downtown Canal Fulton, the Dragonfly Tea Room is a popular destination for elegant finger sandwiches and soul warming tea. For this event, bring the children to do crafts, play games, and decorate a pumpkin to take home!
October 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29
Dress up your little superheroes and princesses for this scare-free event at the Akron Zoo. Grab your candy passport and use it to hunt for treats around the zoo after hours. Between bites, make sure to give a Halloween greeting to your favorite animals!
October 21
Photo of the Players Guild
Join the Players Guild Theatre for its second annual Masquerade Ball. Here, you'll find two kinds of spirits — the ones you consume and the ones inhabiting the theater. Dress in the costume of your choice, and enjoy a night full of dancing, libations and performances from haunted characters throughout the evening.
October 27
Akron's biggest event of the season is expected to draw hundreds of costumed imbibers to the Tangier this year. Grab a drink from the open bar and head out to the dance floor, where a live DJ will be slinging tunes all night. Make sure to dress in your Halloween best to have the chance to win $500 in the costume contest!
October 26-28
Photo courtesy of the Fieldcrest Estate
Enjoy wandering through the richly decorated grounds at the Fieldcrest Estate for the annual Glow festival. Guests will enjoy hayrides, a magical maze, demonstrations from jack-o-lantern artists, and thousands upon thousands of carved pumpkins that will light up the night.
October 28-29
This family-friendly festival is as spooky as it is fun! Enjoy scary story times, Halloween-themed games, and a nighttime flashlight corn maze adventure. Kids and their parents are invited to dress up in costumes for the full experience — and kids are welcome to participate in the costume parade. Bonus: Find a golden apple in pumpkin village, and you will have the chance to spin the prize wheel.
Happy Halloween!