From haunted trails to dog costume contests, there is something for everyone this Halloween season.
Those who are looking to explore a western town, a 160-foot-long mine, an upside-down farmhouse and more, may be interested in going to the Haunting at Shireman Homestead. The homestead is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Oct. 31 and is located at 7060 W. County Road 200N, Columbus. The hours are 8-10 p.m. on Thursdays and 8-11 p.m. or until the last visitor goes through the trail on Friday and Saturday.
The theme for this year’s haunt at Shireman Homestead is a western, and they will have real horses for the trail. The Headless Horseman of the Mine from Cheryl Moore-Shireman’s book of the same name will be there. Moore-Shireman is the manager and owner of Shireman Homestead.
“People are going to see many different things through the woods,” Moore-Shireman said. “All kinds of chills and thrills.”
Tickets are $20 and for those 5 and under, it will be $10. They will also be offering a children’s walk through the trail with no actors from 4-6 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets for the children’s walk are $5.
On Oct. 25th, the homestead will have the Kentucky Cowboy Posse come to the trail for a shooting reenactment. They will also have horse rides and tractor rides. There will also be trick horses, music and more.
Those looking for a children-oriented event can attend the Kidscommons Haunted Museum on Sunday, Oct. 26th, from 5-7 p.m. at 309 Washington St., Columbus. The theme for this year is Grimm Nightmares. Children are encouraged to come in their Halloween costumes.
This is a ticketed event. Nonmembers will have to pay $24 for a children’s ticket and $12 for an adult ticket. Members will pay $18 for a children’s ticket and $9 for an adult. To register for the event, go to https://shop.kidscommons.org/PatronEducation.aspx?pid=49060&cal=https%3a%2f%2fshop.kidscommons.org%3a443%2fcalendar.aspx.
Limited tickets will be sold at the door on the day of the event.
“We shut down the day before and the day of to completely transform the museum into a completely different world,” said Taylen Lane, marketing and development officer at Kidscommons. “Each exhibit at Kidscommons will turn into a Grimm Brothers story.”
The exhibits will be themed by stories such as “Hansel and Gretel,” “Little Red Riding Hood” and more. At each exhibit, the children will do an activity and receive either a prize or a curse. If a child gets a curse, they will go to the curse room to do an activity. Once they complete the activity, they are then freed from the curse.
Other Halloween related events happening this month:
- Ghost in the Garden Painting Event Oct. 23rd from 6-8 p.m. T. S. Artisans, 422 Washington St., Columbus. People will paint a ghost in the garden on a wooden plank rather than on a canvas.
- Pumpkins & Props Halloween Event Oct. 24th from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. at Columbus Municipal Airport., Columbus. This is a free Halloween trick-or-treat event where guests will get to wander through the darkened hallways of the terminal and see decorated planes on the ramp.
- Howl-O-Run 5k & Trick or Trot Oct. 25th from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Mill Race Park, Carl Miske Drive, Columbus. This 5k benefits the United Way partners in our footprint. Participants are encouraged to dress up in a costume. Tickets can be bought at https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Columbus/CentraFoundationHowlORun5kAndTrickOrTrotKidsFunRun?fbclid=IwY2xjawNUzaFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1ZkpkSHQ1Znc4MHo2QnhOAR6_HIK7yoLaYTpCRrtFxE0gX_LUv389fCNiwEdkiy-KsCgOp-BNSd-HQyDFvQ_aem_3H8nOlkG8PECeogWmkP_Pw
- Paint and Sip: Halloween Celebrations Oct. 25th from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Hog Molly Brewing Co., 1405 Hutchins Ave., Columbus. People will have the option to choose from 13 different Halloween themes to paint. The event is open to all ages. Tickets and more information can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-and-sip-halloween-celebrations-buy-2-tickets-and-get-a-3rd-free-tickets-1720420286389?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawNUxqxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1ZkpkSHQ1Znc4MHo2QnhOAR7s36RnpReVGVWBmRQWIXECcKC3fB2FA4383LETAgTXz0BKWoct4of8QQ6X6Q_aem_-5j1xnRI8bjmTrTzLXkB2Q
- NeuroVersity Halloween Bash on Oct. 25th from 2-5 p.m. at 315 Washington St, Columbus. This is an event to celebrate neurodiversity put on by Imprint Pediatric Therapy. Guests are encouraged to come in costume.
- The 3rd Annual Graveyard Stompers Halloween Concert on Oct. 25th from 7–10 p.m. at 425 3rd St., Columbus. See the Graveyard Stompers for their 3rd annual Halloween takeover. Tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-graveyard-stompers-halloween-concert-tickets-1669281729589?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawNUxiBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1ZkpkSHQ1Znc4MHo2QnhOAR4qMq8tt0JDaedcXahAv0tF7voIRx1Q4XTLZPZuG5LW-5WLDUmnSFvp4_Y-ZQ_aem_5Sx01kCsd3rRYlFRzImusQ
- Boos & Brews: Dog Halloween Costume Contest & Party Oct. 26th from noon- 3 p.m. at Hog Molly Brewing Co., 1405 Hutchins Ave., Columbus. People are encouraged to come with their dogs dressed up and enjoy some craft beer. They will have a dog costume contest with three categories: Funniest Costume, Scariest Costume and Best Family Costumes (including your dog).
- BCPL Fall Festival Oct. 27th from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. at The LEX, 850 Tipton Lane, Columbus. Join the Bartholomew County Public Library for the return of their Spooky Trail, games, crafts and more.
- Trunk or Treat on Oct. 31st from 5:30- 7 p.m. at Sandy Hook United Methodist Church, 1610 Taylor Road, Columbus. Trick or treaters are encouraged to come to the church for candy, hot dogs and popcorn to celebrate Halloween.
