Northwest Ohio knows how to celebrate the fall season.
This time of year, when the leaves turn colors and pumpkin spice is bountiful, area businesses put their most festive foot forward.
Families can roam pumpkin patches or apple orchards — all annual activities leading up to the main event on Halloween.
No matter the age, there is a Halloween event for everyone: a bar crawl that resembles a scene from “The Walking Dead,” tours of local landmark buildings with paranormal activity or a musical version of Stephen King’s “Carrie.”
In this list, you should find the event perfect for you and your family. But be cautious: some are too scary for the squeamish and parents should determine if events are suitable for their children.
1. Zombie Pub Crawl
Adams Street, Toledo
Like past years, the Adams Street Zombie Pub Crawl encourages locals to get their drink on while dressed like a zombie. The crawl meets at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Wesley’s Bar & Grill, 1201 Adams St., and the rally begins at 9:30 p.m. From there, the undead will start their march at 10 p.m. with stops at some of Adams Street’s best known venues: Manhattan’s Restaurant, 1516 Adams St., The Attic on Adams, 1701 Adams St., The Truth Art Gallery, 1811 Adams St., Ottawa Tavern, 1817 Adams St., and Bretz Bar, 2012 Adams St.
2. Butterfly House corn maze
11455 Obee Road, Whitehouse
A corn maze at this venue spreads more than six miles and is fun for all ages. Weekly hours are 5 p.m. to midnight on Fridays, noon to midnight on Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays until Nov. 2. For more information or tickets, visit whitehousecornmaze.com.
3. HalloWeekends
Cedar Point, Sandusky
October is the month Cedar Point turns up the screams when the sun goes down. During your time there, be sure to ride Mantis before it is permanently shut down 8 p.m. Oct. 19. The fun takes place Friday nights and Saturdays and Sundays until Nov. 1. For more information, call (419) 627-2350 or visit www.cedarpoint.com.
4. Ghost hunts
Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo
Chris Bores has been exploring the afterlife for several years and is hosting ghost hunts from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Oct. 4, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24 and 25. Cost is $35 in advance and $45 at the door. 18 and older. For more information, call (419) 244-ARTS or visit www.collingwoodartscenter.org.
5. ‘Carrie’ & ‘Frankenweenie’
The Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian
Michigan’s oldest and continuously operating theater is going strong for its 2014-15 season. For more information, call (517) 264-SHOW or visit croswell.org.
- “Carrie,” based on one of Stephen King’s novels, shows every horror of Carrietta White’s story leading up to the iconic, gory prom scene. The show runs Oct. 17-26 (7:30 p.m. shows Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees). Tickets range from $15 to $35. Recommended for age 13 and older.
- “Frankenweenie” is based on Tim Burton’s stop-motion adaptation of “Frankenstein.” Victor’s pet dog Sparky, who gets hit by a car, is brought back to life as a bolt-necked monster wreaking havoc. Any child attending the showing in a Halloween costume will receive a prize. The showing is at 11 a.m. Nov. 1. Admission is $5 for adults and free for anyone younger than 15 years old.
6. Trapped Toledo
2410 Key St., Toledo
If you’re feeling brave, sign up for this event. Trapped is an interactive experience where 12 players are locked into a small room and must use their wits to find hidden clues in order to get out. There are two themes to choose from: Fighting a zombie apocalypse or disarming a briefcase bomb. Tickets are available at trappedtoledo.com. Events are Wednesdays-Sundays through Oct. 31. Participants must be 15 or older. (Younger than 18 needs parent signature.) For more information, call (567) 316-7028 or email info@trappedtoledo.com.
7. OctoBOOfest
Downtown Perrysburg, Louisiana Avenue and Front Street
Downtown Perrysburg will be filled with pumpkin carving and kids’ activities for OctoBOOfest. The fun takes place 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 25.
8. Garrison Ghost Walk
Fort Meigs, 29100 W. River Road, Perrysburg
The historical site, spanning 10 acres, hosts the Garrison Ghost Walk where attendees will get information about the War of 1812 and a fright as well. Tours take place 7-9 p.m. Oct. 17-18 and 24-25 and last about an hour. Cost is $8 for 13 and older, $4 for ages 6-12 and age 5 and younger is free.
9. Applebutter Fest
Grand Rapids, Ohio
The Downtown Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest features applebutter making, farm exhibits and military and colonial life reenactments. The fun is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 12. For more information, contact Steve Kryder at (419) 748-8238.
10. Fall Flavor Weekend & Hallowe’en
Greenfield Village at The Henry Ford, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Michigan
This indoor and outdoor history museum complex is a national landmark. For more information, call (313) 981-6001 or visit www.thehenryford.org.
- Fall Flavor Weekend celebrates traditional American food from the farm. Attend the event hungry. The fun is 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 4-5.
- “Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village” is an event for the whole family, including 1,000 carved jack-o’-lanterns. The celebration is 6:30-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 6:30-8 p.m. on Sundays on Oct. 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26.
11. The Haunted Hydro
1333 Tiffin St., Fremont
This park is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a “Silver-Scream” theme. A “Ghoul-a-bration” will kick off the event and two new attractions are featured: the haunted house called “A Night at the Os-SCARES” and “Crazy Bob’s Sanitarium & Psycho-Path.” The venue is open 7:30-11:30 p.m. every Friday in October For more information, call (419) 332-7380 or visit thehauntedhydro.com.
12. Monster Bash
Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo
Members can gather for festive family fun from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 23. For more information, call (419) 244-2674.
13. Fall Color Cruises & Halloween Boo Cruises
Jefferson Avenue Docks, Jefferson Avenue & Summit Street,Toledo
For more information, contact Mary Dalby at sandpiperboat@aol.com or at (419) 537-1212.
- Fall Color Cruises are two-hour cruises and come complete with hot cider and doughnut holes. Departures are 1 and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 4-19. Admission is $19 for adults and $9 for anyone younger than 12 years old. Reservations are required.
- Halloween Boo Cruises are non-scary holiday fun for all ages. It includes a 30-minute boat ride and costumes are welcome. Departure times are 5, 5:45, 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. on weekdays and noon, 12:45, 1:30 and 2:15 p.m. on Saturdays. Cruises run Oct. 24-25 and 28-30.
14. Lake Eerie Fearfest
3319 Milan Road, Sandusky
The Lake Eerie Fearfest is four haunts united with the Ghostly Manor, which has been featured on The Travel Channel’s “Best Places I’ve Ever Been.” It bands the mysterious legends of Lake Erie together in five haunted houses on six acres of nonstop fright. The fun takes place 7:30-11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 1 and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 26. For more information, call (419) 502-4288 or visit lakeeeriefearfest.com.
15. The Train of Terror and the Pumpkin Train
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc., 11600 County Road 99, Findlay
For more information, call (419) 423-2995 or visit nworrp.org.
- The Train of Terror/Haunted Engine House features a steam engine and takes a journey through a pumpkin patch. All aboard every Friday from Oct. 3-24.
- The Pumpkin Train transports visitors through the pumpkin patch where anyone can choose a pumpkin from 1-5 p.m. Saturdays until Oct. 18.
16. Art & craft show
Lighthouse Landing Art, Antique and Craft Mall, 4441 N. Summit St., Toledo
The DK Treasures Fall Festival & Halloween Art & Craft Show takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4. Cost is $2 with $1 going to a local nonprofit. For more information, email DKTreasures@bex.net.
17. Terror Town
Lucas County Fairgrounds, 1406 Key St., Maumee
The Terror Town Haunted Attraction was voted the No. 1 haunt of 2008 by City Blood Haunt Reviews website and remains one of the largest in Northwest Ohio. This attraction is open 8 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 1 and 8-10 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 26. For more information, visit www.terrortown.net.
18. Stevens Gardens
4550 Weckerly Road, Monclova
Every weekend, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., attendees can purchase apples off the stand and watch them be pressed into cider. Hay rides and mazes are featured as well. For more information, call (419) 867-7229.
19. Apple Butter Stir Festival
MacQueen Orchard, 7605 Garden Road, Holland
The Apple Butter Stir Festival includes apple butter and cider making and allows visitors to pick their own apples. The festival takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 4-5. For more information, call (419) 865-2916 or visit macqueenorchards.com.
20. Swingmania
Maumee Elks Lodge No. 1850, 139 W. Wayne St., Maumee
With its focus on swing music, Jeff McDonald’s group of musicians, Swingmania, provides a peek into another era, with music from bandleaders such as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, the Dorseys and more. From 7:30-10:30 p.m. Oct. 31, join the band for a Halloween Dance Party. For more information, visit www.swingmania.org.
21. Monclova Historical Foundation
Monclova Community Center, 8115 Monclova Road, Monclova
The Monclova Historical Foundation will sponsor the second annual Halloween Bash, complete with prizes for both young and old. The bash is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 29.
22. Country Lane Tree Farm
3525 N. Bolander Road, Genoa
There is plenty to do at the Country Lane Tree Farm. Tours, perfect for kids, include lessons on milking a cow, feeding livestock and a Barrel Train Ride. For more information, visit countrylanetreefarm.com or contact the Bowlander family at (419) 461-1298.
23. ScreamAcres, Corn Maze & Barnyard
Leaders Farms, 0064 County Road 16, Napoleon
Family fun takes place earlier in the day, but when the sun goes down, terror begins to lurk. The ScreamAcres Haunted Attractions are open dark till 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 1 and dark to 9 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 26. The corn maze and barnyard is open 6-10 p.m. Fridays, 2-10 p.m. Saturdays and 2-9 p.m. Sundays. Hot dogs, burgers, Marco’s Pizza, cider and hot chocolate are available. For more information, call (419) 599-1570 or visit www.screamacres.com.
24. Haunted Bike Ride
Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 4139 Girdham Road, Swanton
The Family Haunted Bike Ride is designed for families with children younger than 12 years old. Costumes are welcome and come ready to bike for 3-5 miles. Grab every family member for this event from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25. Register online at register.mvadventurers.org. Tombstone Tour for adults also same day.
25. Schwaben Oktoberfest
Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Road, Oregon
Attendees of the Schwaben Oktoberfest are encouraged to chow down on German brats and compete in Oktoberfest games. Live music will be featured as well. The fun is from 8 p.m. to midnight Oct. 4. For more information, visit www.gafsociety.org.
26. Halloween Hike
Olander Park, 6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
The 17th Annual Halloween Hike is back. Donations are welcome and go to Sylvania Area Family Services.The event is from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 25.
27. Fleitz Pumpkin Farm
7133 Seaman Road, Oregon
A corn maze, hayrides, goats, homemade doughnuts and apple cider — all events that won’t break the bank. The farm is open every day until Halloween from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Be sure to download the coupon for a free admission to the 5-acre maze when you buy one at fleitzpumpkinfarm.com. For more information, call (419) 836-7613 or email Fleitzfarm@aol.com.
28. The Oliver House
27 Broadway St., Toledo
The venue’s rich history is on display during tours of the facility. Tickets are $17. Visitors will enjoy a pint as well. The fun is Wednesdays through Oct. 29. For more information, call (419) 243-1302.
29. Cool Cat Strut
Paw and Whiskers Cat Shelter, 32 Hillwyck Drive, Toledo
The 11th annual Cool Cat Strut will feature dinner, dancing and an auction from 7-11:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at St. Clement Hall, 2900 Tremainsville Road. For tickets, call (419) 536-1914 or visit www.coolcatstrut.com.
30. Lantern Tour
Providence Metropark, Old U.S. 24 at state route 578, Grand Rapids, Ohio
In tradition, the Ghost of Providence Lantern Tour returns. These tours are 45 minutes in length and start at 7, 7:15, 7:30, 7:45 and 8 p.m. Oct. 25. Registration is required and available online. For more information, call (419) 407-9700 or visit www.metroparkstoledo.com.
31. Fall on the Farm
Sauder Village, 22611 state Route 2, Archbold
Activities like shelling corn and apple picking will be featured at this Fall on the Farm event. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts can enjoy the day for free Oct. 11. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for children. Any child younger than 5 years old will get free admission. For more information, call (800) 590-9755 or visit www.saudervillage.org.
32. Trick or Trot 5K Run and Zombie Walk
The Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Maumee
The Trick or Trot 5K Run and Zombie Walk is for people of all ability levels from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 18. For more information, call (419) 878-6255.
33. Flashlight tours
Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo.
During flashlight tours, guests are encouraged to explore the galleries in a whole new light. Participants are asked to bring their own flashlights. Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. The event is planned for 9-11 p.m. Oct. 17. (419) 255-8000 or visit www.toledomuseum.org.
34. Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
For more information, call (419) 385-5721 or visit toledozoo.org.
- The zoo’s Museum of Science will offer a nostalgic evening with hors d’oeuvres and historic artifacts from 7-11 p.m. on Oct. 17.
- Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy trick-or-treating, games and activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 23-24.
- Kids of all ages will love to roam the Pumpkin Path from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25-26.
35. Zombie Survival Kit Class and Zombie Fest
Toledo-Lucas Co. Public Library
Both programs below are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.toledolibrary.org.
- The Zombie Survival Kit Class helps participants prepare for worst-case scenarios. The class will take place at the Washington Branch, 5560 Harvest Lane, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 27 and at the Reynolds Corners Branch, 4833 Dorr St., from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 29.
- Zombie Fest will feature undead fun with treats and zombie makeovers. The fest will take place at the West Toledo Branch, 1320 Sylvania Ave., from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 and at the Lagrange Branch, 3422 Lagrange St. from 4-5 p.m. Oct. 28.
36. Crafts & Trick-or-Treat
Uptown Maumee, Conant Street
Youngsters are welcome to uptown businesses for crafts and trick-or-treating from 3-5 p.m. Oct. 27. For more information, call (419) 893-5805.
37. ‘Evil Dead: The Musical’
Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St.
The Toledo Cultural Arts Center is a nonprofit organization that produces and provides cultural and performing arts experiences for diverse audiences. A production of “Evil Dead: The Musical” will show at 7 and 10 p.m.on Oct. 25. For more information, visit toledoopera.org.
38.Candlelit tours and tea
Wolcott House Museum Complex, 1035 River Road, Maumee
- Candlelit night tours feature paranormal events that have been documented in the past. Tours cost $10 and are Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Nov. 1.
- Three fall teas will be served at the historic house.
There will be seatings at 11 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 15. For more information, call (419) 893-9602 or visit www.wolcotthouse.org.
39. Scarecrow Workshop
Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green
Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling (419) 352-0967 or visiting woodcountyhistory.org.
- For the Scarecrow Workshop & Contest on Oct. 7, the Wood County Park District will provide straw, string and a support pole to make your very own scarecrow. Participants will either take the scarecrow home or enter it into the annual Scarecrow Contest for cash prizes. Registration for the contest must be done by Oct. 6.
- During “Tea: Creatures of the Night,” a local park naturalist will talk about owls, bats and other creatures of the night at 7 p.m. Oct. 9. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for Historical Society members and $3 for children younger than 10.
- Participants in Friday Night Folklore Tours go on a 90-minute guided tour which include the Infirmary, a log cabin, the pestilence house, the lunatic asylum and the pauper’s cemetery from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 17 and 24.
- A pumpkin-carving contest will take place at 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 16.
40. Jason’s Pumpkin Patch
12629 W. Salem Carroll Road, Oak Harbor
New this year, attendees can enjoy pedal go-karts and pony cart rides on top of searching the patch for the perfect homegrown pumpkin, gourds, edible squash and other fall decorations. For more information, call (419) 898-3215 or visit jasonspumpkinpatch.com.
41. Lievens Market
10411 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg
This specialty garden center and farm market features treasures for home and garden, including hanging baskets, trees, shrubs, homegrown produce, custom birdhouses, birdbaths, fountains, outdoor furniture, “garden whimsy” as well as Amish pies, jellies, popcorn and more. An in-house carpenter craftsman recycles barn wood and stone. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call (419) 874-4897 or visit lievensmarket.com
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