Night of the Creeps 2
When: Friday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Where: Vex, 101 S St Clair St, Dayton.
Cost: 18+
What to expect: Night of the Creep 2 will feature the works of Dayton's most talented artists, photographers and sculptors representing all things Horror & Halloween. All paid entries to the exhibit will receive a ballot to vote on their favorite piece, and the winner will receive a cash prize. A costume contest will be in full effect, plus Zombie Dogz is expected to be there, not to forget the dance party! What's not to love?
More info: Facebook
Halloween Extravaganza at the Mall at Fairfield Commons
When: Friday Oct. 30, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: The Mall at Fairfield Commons, 2727 Fairfield Commons Dr., Beavercreek.
Cost: Free
What to expect: The connect!kids Halloween Extravaganza sponsored by Inspire Center for Learning is the place to be for families. The first 300 children will receive a trick or treat bag, but even if you don't get there in time there will still be plenty to do. Kids can play on a Halloween themed bounce house, meet Snow White and the Evil Queen, play games, win prizes and much more. Get the whole family to participate by enrolling in the Family Costume Contest.
Ollie-ween
When: Friday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m.
Where: 518-20 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville
Cost: Free
What to expect: Ollie's Place and Great Lakes Brewing Company will be hosting a Halloween party like no other, complete with a Nosferatu costume contest. The most convincing Nosferatu will win a free tour and dinner at Great Lakes, as well as a free hotel room to stay in.
Ollie’s place will not only have Great Lake’s Nosferatu on tap, but also their Christmas Ale, Ohio City Oatmeal Stout cask with cherries, and their pub exclusive one-off, Aloha-Ale, plus some other familiar Great Lakes favorites.
Expect to see beer and candy pairings at this event, as well as some great beer blends. Flash Photography will provide a photobooth, so you can properly document the fun that will be had.
Spooky Science Saturday at Boonshoft
When: Saturday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton.
Cost: Included in general admission. Children ages 3-16 are $10, Adults are $13, Seniors above 60 are $11, Children under 3 and members are free.
What to expect: Looking to kick your Halloween off a little early? Before your kids hit the town to go trick-or-treating, come spend the day as a family at Boonshoft for some spooky surprises. From wicked space theater shows to creepy experiments, this event is sure to be one awesome way to spend your Halloween. Costumes are welcomed.
Spooky Spectacular Extravaganza at Dayton Convention Center
When: Saturday, Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: The Dayton Convention Center
Cost: $3 admission will be donated to St. Vincent.
What to expect: Enjoy some spooky sales at the Dayton Convention Center this year! Crafters and direct sales of all kind will be available for purchase. Kids are welcome to come trick-or-treat from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the word is there will be a special guest – BATMAN. Guests are encouraged to bring goods to donate from canned goods to diapers, and anything baby related.
More info: Website
Eudora's 2nd Anniversary Halloween Extravaganza
When: Saturday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m.
Where: Eudora Brewing Company,
Cost: Free
What to expect: Celebrate two years of Eudora Brewing Company with an all-out Halloween Extravaganza. This year's festivities include a costume contest, live music from Mad River Railroad, Dayton Urban BBQ food truck, and of course, beer. Prizes will be awarded to the various winners of the costume contest. The music starts at 8 p.m. but get there early. You certainly don't want to miss out on the chance to try Hullabaloo, their anniversary beer that's brewed extra special each year.
HauntFest on Fifth
When: Saturday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Where: Fifth Street between Patterson Blvd. and Wayne Ave.
Cost: Advance tickets and tickets at the gate until 8 p.m. are $5. After 9 p.m., tickets are $10.
What to expect: The region's largest and longest running Halloween event will feature food, drinks, music, street performers and a costume contest with cash prizes. The theme this year is "Halloween Nostalgia."
Costume party and content @ Spaghetti Warehouse
When: Saturday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. - midnight
Where: The Spaghetti Warehouse, 36 W. Fifth St., Dayton.
Cost: Free
What to expect: Spaghetti Warehouse is hosting an "Adults Only" Halloween Party Costume Contest, with cash prizes from $500 to a grand prize of $1,000. Get there a little early, and you can bring your children for the Kid's Costume Contest. Winners of the kid's contest will receive Spaghetti warehouse gift cards for $50, $75, and a grand prize of $100. It's the perfect way to kick off a night of trick-or-treating.
Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Dayton
When: Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2:15 p.m.
Where: 200 S. Jefferson St.
Cost: Free
What to expect: Dia de los Muertos is a tradition celebrated throughout Latin America, which serves to remember loved ones who have died. The Dayton celebration will include bright colors, imagery of Calaveras (skulls) and more, but recognizes all Day of the Dead traditions. The parade will begin at 2:15 p.m., will march down through the Oregon District, and end at Missing Peace Art Space at 3:30 p.m. The celebration will continue with community ofrendas (altars), performances and much more.
More info: Facebook
Looking for the best live music shows over Halloween weekend? Check out our picks.
About the Author