Boo at the Zoo
This October, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo transforms into a Halloween wonderland every evening, Thursdays through Sundays. Families can wander glowing pathways, trick-or-treat at more than a dozen candy stations and ride the Boomerang train. Get crafty with hands-on activities and see your favorite animals after dark for a night at the zoo like no other. Highlights include meet-and-greets with costumed characters, the Monster Mash Dance Party and complimentary treat bags for the first 1,000 guests each night. $20-$22, Oct. 2-26, 5–9 p.m., 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, clevelandmetroparks.com
Halloween-Inspired Tours on the Funny Bus
Hop on the Funny Bus this October and take a ride-along comedy tour through Cleveland with a seasonal twist. Expect plenty of laughs from your comedian host, a soundtrack of Halloween favorites, and play games while rolling past Cleveland’s so-called haunted spots. It’s the perfect mix of city sightseeing, stand-up and spooky fun without the scares. Bring your own beer for sips while you ride. $31, Oct 2-31, 1250 Old River Road Cleveland, funnybus.net/cleveland
Halloween Volleyball Showdown at Mulberry’s
Grab your team, 4s or 6s, and dive into Mulberry’s Halloween beach volleyball tournament. Bump, set and spook your way through the night with pumpkin beer in hand, body-painting stations at the ready and plenty of cheers for the best-dressed players. Costumes are highly encouraged: Come dressed to win. Free, Oct. 4, 11 a.m., 2316 Mulberry Ave., Cleveland, facebook.com/mulberryscleveland
(Courtesy Bedrock)
Tower City’s Spooky Tower
Built almost 100 years ago, Terminal Tower in Downtown Cleveland is getting its haunt on with the Spooky Tower. While spirits might roam the shops, parents can take their kids inside the tower to enjoy crafty activities like making slime. Just don’t let your kids make something so scary that they stay up at night. With the strobe lights and scary sounds transpiring, you might not know what’s around the corner. Free, Oct. 4-26 (Saturdays & Sundays only), 230 West Huron Road, Cleveland, towercitycenter.com
Goodtime III Halloween Ghostly Cruise
Kick off spooky season on the water with the annual Halloween Ghostly Cruise. This family-friendly afternoon features a lively costume contest, ghost stories, games and music from All About You DJ Entertainment. Kids will love meeting Jungle Terry and his creepy critters, while everyone can enjoy scenic views of Cleveland decked out in their Halloween best. Costumes are encouraged, prizes are on the line and the fun sails rain or shine leaving from the North Coast Harbor. $25-$35, Oct. 5, boarding 1:30-4 p.m., 825 E. 9th St., Cleveland, goodtimeiii.com/halloween-ghostly-cruise
Goth Barge: Cleveland Blood Barge
The Lady Caroline transforms into a floating cathedral of shadows for Blood Barge, a one-night-only vampire ball on Lake Erie. Step aboard and set sail and lose yourself in waves of darkwave and industrial music, spun by Cleveland’s Mephisto and Deadlift alongside Milwaukee’s Dance Commandr. With the city skyline as your backdrop and the water beneath your feet, this moonlit cruise promises a mix of gothic pageantry and pulsing beats. Miss the cruise? Keep the night alive at After Barge with Hades Night, Smoke and Mirrors and DJ Mephisto. $55-$65, Oct. 11, 7:30-10:30 p.m., 1153 Main Ave., Cleveland, eventbrite.com/e/goth-barge-cleveland
(Courtesy I-X Center/Jennifer Gore)
I-X Trick or Treat Street: Final Boo
After nearly 30 years, the I-X Center’s Trick or Treat Street bids farewell with one last Halloween celebration. The indoor village comes to life with decorated houses, a spooky graveyard, 14 amusement rides and endless opportunities for children to fill their treat bags in a safe, festive setting. Live entertainment from Flower Entertainment, Jojo’s Magic, Tricia Ramos’ Little Princess Sing-Along and Jungle Terry with his animal friends keeps the fun going. $17+, Oct. 18-19 & Oct. 24-25, 1 I-X Center Drive, Cleveland, ixtrickortreatstreet.com
Cleveland’s Haunted Houses
Looking to get the adrenaline rushing, or want to enjoy watching your friends and family shake? Check out the Blood Prison in Mansfield, where crazed and demented inmates linger in the cell block. There are no guards to escort you. However, those at the Spooky Ranch in Columbia Station will have to deal with the monsters on the farm, hop on the hayride, and hope the farm hand gets your group to safety. If those are not your vibe, check out the numerous haunted properties in Greater Cleveland, as documented by longtime local Halloween enthusiasts at ClevelandHauntedHouses.com. Prices and times vary, clevelandhauntedhouses.com
Pumpkins & Piranhas at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Enjoy a splash of Halloween spirit at the aquarium on select weeknights. The evening brings together underwater jack-o’-lanterns, diver shows, seasonal decor, music, animal encounters, appearances by Finn the landshark, a rotating array of nightly entertainers and an activity booklet. Costumes are encouraged for adults and kids, with advance registration recommended to ensure treat bags for children. A sensory-friendly evening will also be offered on Sunday, Oct. 19, with softened lighting and reduced noise for those who may benefit. $15, Oct. 17-25, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com
The Mystic & The Muse Market
Step into a world of eerie enchantment, where Forest City Brewery transforms into a marketplace of the magical. More than 40 local makers and creators will gather with jewelry, home goods, spooky-chic apparel, art and frightfully delicious treats. Sip seasonal brews while browsing vendors like Wrappin’ Osborne, Confetti Moon, Firelands Wax, Forbidden Morgue and Steeped Pearl Tea Co. Add in live DJ sets, kid-friendly vibe and plenty of spine-tingling surprises, and you’ve got one of the season’s most spirited shopping experiences. Free, Oct. 19, 2159 Columbus Road, Cleveland, forestcitybrewery.com/events
Hermes Dead Sprint 5K and Little Monster Candy Dash
Lace up for one of Cleveland’s spookiest races as the Dead Sprint 5K takes runners through the Flats and Whiskey Island in full Halloween spirit. Costumes are highly encouraged, with prizes waiting at the finish line and a lively Survival Party at McCarthy’s Downtown to celebrate. Each registration includes a long-sleeve race shirt, a collectible cup, finisher medal and even a post-race brew for those 21 and older. Younger ghouls can join the fun in the b.a. Sweetie Little Monster Candy Dash for kids under eight years old. $15-$35+, Oct. 25, 1231 Main Ave., Cleveland, runsignup.com/Cleveland/HermesDeadSprint
Haunted Hofbrauhaus Halloween Party
Costumes, cocktails and keg-sized fun collide at Hofbrauhaus’ spooktacular celebration. Enter the costume contest for a chance to win prizes and enjoy the live entertainment while dancing the night away in true Oktoberfest fashion. Free, Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m., 1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland, hofbrauhauscleveland.com/events
American Werewolves Halloween Show at Old 86
Cleveland’s own American Werewolves have been blending punk ferocity with horror-themed swagger since the late ’90s, carving out a reputation as local legends of the horror-punk scene. They’re back on Halloween night with a full Misfits cover set on the patio at Old 86. Expect a wild, anything-goes evening, with a special bonus opener from the legendary Pantzig. $17.85, Oct 31, 5304 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, eventbrite.com/e/american-werewolves
The Flats Halloween Bar Crawl
Downtown Cleveland turns into a Halloween party zone for this Hosh bar crawl featuring themed drink specials, live DJs, giveaways and a costume contest. Participants can sip and celebrate across popular spots like Welcome to the Farm, I Hate Cowboys, Good Night John Boy, Inferno, Rum Runners, Glampe and Hi5, with photo ops and plenty of devilish fun along the way. $17.85-$33.85, Oct. 31, 3:30-9 p.m., 1055 Old River Road, Cleveland, eventbrite.com/flats-halloween-bar-crawl
(Courtesy AEG)
Mushroomhead Halloween at The Agora
Cleveland’s own Mushroomhead returns for a hauntingly heavy hometown performance, delivering their signature mix of industrial and alternative metal with frightful masks and a horror film-inspired set up. They’re joined by comedy-metal pranksters Psychostick, the darkly cinematic gothic rock duo Black Satellite, groove-driven thrashers Mind Incision and local legends, Bittersweet Revenge. Expect a night where horror theater meets headbanging chaos, perfect for kicking off November in full Halloween spirit. $55+, Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m., 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, agoracleveland.com/events
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