Here’s something really scary: Halloween is almost here, and you still don’t have plans. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of local events taking place on or around the holiday.
Trick-or-Treating: Trick-or-treating in Columbus and on Fort Benning will be on Monday, Oct. 31, this year. On Fort Benning, kids younger than 13 can trick or treat from 6 to 8 p.m. “Trick or treaters” are encouraged to use basic safety precautions, such as wearing reflective, fire resistant costumes, using make-up instead of masks that can restrict vision, carrying a flashlight and using caution when crossing the streets.
Scary Face Pancakes at IHOP: Begin your Halloween with a terrifying breakfast. IHOP restaurants are offering free “scary face” pancakes to kids 12 and younger on Friday. Kids get one oversized signature buttermilk pancake with a whipped topping mouth and strawberry nose. It’s served with two mini OREO cookies and candy corn pieces on the side, so they can create their own scary face. The deal will be offered from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday. There are IHOP restaurants on Airport Thruway and North Lake Parkway in Columbus and on U.S. 431 in Phenix City.
Ark in the Park: Looking for an alternative to the traditional spooky Halloween celebrations? Try Ark in the Park, a Halloween celebration sponsored by Britt David Baptist Church, featuring rides, games, prizes, candy and food. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. on Monday at Britt David Park on West Britt David Road. For more information, call the church at 706-322-0357.
Haunted Histories: If you love a good ghost story, check out Historic Columbus’ Haunted Histories on Saturday at Heritage Corner (708 Broadway). Monica Cobis from Southern Odysseys will tell tales of ghosts and goblins. Costumes are encouraged and there will be spooky activities and candy for kids. The two-hour storytelling session begins at 3 p.m. Contact Callie Hecht at 706-322-0756.
Springer Ghost Tour: Live in Columbus long enough and you’ll hear the rumors of the Springer Opera House ghosts. Want to find out if they’re real? Take a ghost tour in the historic theatre on Sunday and Monday. Tours start at 7 p.m. and last about three hours. Admission is $10 per person, but tickets are limited. You can buy them online at or call 706-327-3688.
Monster’s Ball: This 21-and-older party is held by the Columbus Contemporaries, a group of young professionals associated with the Columbus Museum. It takes place at the Columbus Museum Saturday (Oct. 29) and costs $25 for non-members. Party is 8 p.m.-midnight and includes cocktails, snacks and costume prizes. 706-748-2562, ext. 542.
Big Dog Howl 5K: You can wear a Halloween costume to this 5K race, which starts at 8 p.m. Saturday. Meet at Big Dog Running Company, 1104 Broadway in downtown Columbus. Cost is $25. Call 706-322-2786.
Spooktacular: This annual Halloween festival in downtown Columbus will include costume contests for kids and pets, spooky games and activities and candy. The festival begins Saturday at 5 p.m. in the 1000 and 1100 block of Broadway. Sign-up for the costume contest will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. There are four age categories for kids: 0-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. The contest is limited to the first eight participants in each age group, so sign up early. Free. Call 706-596-0111.
Howlin’ Halloween at PAWS: Looking for a place to show off Fido’s costume? Try this pet-friendly Halloween party at PAWS Humane on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be trick-or-treating throughout the shelter, a mad scientist’s laboratory, pet costume contest, snacks, crafts and lots of games. The pet costume contest will be at 5:30 p.m. The free event is open to adults and kids of all ages. Call 706-565-0035, ext.208
Halloween Hot Yoga Party: Enjoy a spooky session of hot yoga with candles and jack-o’-lanterns. It’s 6:30 p.m. Monday at Art of Yoga, 627 Second Ave., Suite 6. Costumes encouraged, but not required. Cost is $15. Call 706-324-0558.
Haunted places: Walk through Building Quarantine at Gallery13 Event Center, 4216A Hamilton Road in Columbus. Cost is $5, not recommended for guests under 12. It’s 7:30-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Also, Pope’s Haunted Farm (Lee Road 724, Salem, Ala.) is open 7:30-11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, as well as 7:30-10 p.m. Sunday. Attractions include Haunted Barn, Haunted Hayride, Haunted Forest, 3D Clown Maze. Tickets: $12 for one attraction, $20 for two, $25 for three, $5 for 3D Clown Maze. 706-566-7766.
