Hauntfest on Fifth: Everything you need to know about Dayton’s biggest Halloween celebration

The 34th annual Hauntfest on Fifth Street this weekend promises to be as spooky as ever.

This year, however, there is an extra emphasis on community, said Natalie Skilliter, owner of Corner Kitchen in the Oregon District and treasurer of the district’s business association.

“It’s more than just a party,” said Kyle Babirad, president of the Oregon District Business Association (ODAB) and owner of Canary Consulting. “It’s an opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the positive and cohesive spirit of our neighborhood.”

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The event will serve as a fundraiser for the business district. Skilliter said pre-sale tickets have already sold double what they sold at this point last year. Proceeds will help support improvement efforts.

Festivities include live music, six food trucks, two beer trucks, street performers and the always anticipated costume contest with prizes. Organizers said even if you don’t want to participate in the contest, dressing up is highly encouraged. Historically, attendees have gone all-out for their costumes.

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Most of the district’s businesses will be open during the party, and all of the bars will participate.

“Some of the bars just go all out and decorate for Halloween. It’s just a party inside and outside on the street,” Skilliter said.

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WEATHER

Our partners at WHIO-TV are calling for a wet weekend for Hauntfest. There is an 80% chance of rain on Saturday, and chances of rain remain high as the night turns into Sunday. Temperatures will get up to a high of 59 and drop down to lows of 41 degrees. WHIO meteorologists will continue to update their website with the most accurate weather forecasts leading up to Saturday.

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“The thing is, at the end of October you never know what you’re going to get,” Skilliter said. “(There’s not) a lot of tents, but we have had rainy Hauntfests before and people just end up dancing in the rain. We’re going to keep this party going rain or shine.”

Dress for the weather, as much of this event happens outdoors. Bring a raincoat or a creative costume to keep you dry.

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TICKETS

Hauntfest presale tickets are $10 online at TheOregonDistict.Ticketspice.com.

They will be available at Oregon District businesses closer to the event date. The cost is $15 at the gate all night.

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COSTUME CONTEST AND PRIZES

You can win some serious cash if your costume game is strong.

The business association will award $300 each in three categories: most spooky, funniest, most original and best group (two or more).

The costume contest starts at 10 p.m. at the Pine Street Main Stage. Participants need to check in at the registration table no later than 9:30 p.m.

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Registration is $5 at the Hauntfest info table and limited to the first 12 registrations in each category. You can also register by emailing Emilee@theoregondistrict.org.

LIVE MUSIC

The event features a full night of music and entertainment.

DJ Edge will once again transform the intersection of Fifth and Wayne into a giant dance party. Another stage will be at the corner of Pine and Fifth so there will be no shortage of opportunities to dance and party.

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ADMISSION AND DRINKING

This event is for adults only. You don’t have to be 21 to enter, but you do have to be 21 to purchase “spirits.” Make sure to bring a photo ID.

There will be beer trucks located on the street and you will have to purchase beer tickets in order to drink. Bartenders will serve drinks inside a list of participating Fifth Street bars and restaurants that includes Oregon Express, Lily’s Bistro, 416 Diner, Newcom’s, Blind Bob’s, Hole in the Wall, Toxic Brew Co., Tumbleweed Connection, Lucky’s and Dublin Pub.

STREET CLOSINGS

A few portions of downtown roads will be temporarily closed Saturday to accommodate Hauntfest on Fifth Street in the Oregon District.

According to the Dayton Police Department, beginning at approximately 4 p.m. (until approximately 2 a.m.):

• Fifth Street from Patterson Boulevard to Wayne Avenue/Walnut Street will be closed

• Wayne Avenue from Fourth Street to Hugo Street will be closed

PARKING

Parking will be available in the 1,400-space Oregon District Garage, which is only about 730 feet away from the Oregon Express, the first bar in the district from downtown. Parking is $1 after 7 p.m.

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Street parking can generally be found in  the following places (but watch for restrictions):

🚗 Both sides of Wayne Avenue between Fifth Street and Bainbridge Street /Jones Street

🚗 Bainbridge Street near Dayton Towers and Franco's Ristorante Italiano.

🚗The Wheelhouse-owned parking lot on the corner of Wayne Avenue and Fifth Street across from the Dublin Pub and Corner Kitchen.

🚗Stone Street between Jefferson Street and St. Clair Street near The Neon movies

🚗Fourth Street between Wayne and just beyond Walnut Street.

🚗Walnut Street between Fifth and Fourth streets.

🚗 Wyandot Street between Fifth and Fourth streets.

🚗 Hugo Street between Wayne and Bainbridge.

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WANT TO GO?

What: Hauntfest on Fifth (rain or shine)

When: 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Where: Oregon District, East Fifth Street, Dayton

Cost: $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. 2018 admission prices included $5 over last year.  Find advance tickets here.

Advance tickets can be purchased at Oregon District businesses.

Info: Event Facebook page