Things to do to celebrate Halloween in Dayton this weekend

The 38th annual Hauntfest happened in The Oregon District on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Hosted by the Oregon District Business Association, this annual event is their largest fundraiser to cover improvements in the District throughout the year. Featured in this gallery is the Dayton-based spooky intergalactic indie surf rock band Turboslacker. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

The 38th annual Hauntfest happened in The Oregon District on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Hosted by the Oregon District Business Association, this annual event is their largest fundraiser to cover improvements in the District throughout the year. Featured in this gallery is the Dayton-based spooky intergalactic indie surf rock band Turboslacker. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Festivities celebrating Halloween and fall continue through Sunday with a bar crawl, Hauntfest, brunch, arts and crafts, trick-or-treating, costume contests and much more.

Here’s what to expect:

👻 BOO & BREW

WHEN: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24

WHERE: The Water Street District

DETAILS: The Water Street District is hosting its third annual Boo & Brew event, a Halloween-themed bar crawl featuring multiple stops throughout the district.

Participants can begin by picking up a koozie and Water Street District Pint Path Passport at Pins Mechanical Co.

After visiting five of the businesses listed below and taking a photo at each location, participants must return their passport by 9 p.m. to Pins Mechanical Co. to claim a 2025 Boo & Brew t-shirt and be entered to win prizes.

  • Brixx Ice Company
  • Dayton Barrel Works
  • Dayton Beer Company
  • Little Fish Brewing Company
  • Sueño
  • Tender Mercy
  • Southern Belle
  • The Foundry Rooftop
  • Warped Wing
  • The Barrel House
  • The Silos
  • Pins Mechanical Co.
  • Mikey’s Late Night Slice
  • Joui Wine

Those sharing photos on Instagram or Facebook should tag @waterstreetdayton.

👻 HAUNTFEST

WHEN: 6 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Oct. 25

WHERE: The Oregon District

DETAILS: The 39th annual Hauntfest, hosted by the Oregon District Business Association, is back with live street entertainment, food trucks, DORA cocktails and more.

This year’s theme is “witches,” so bring a broomstick or cauldron. During the event, a costume contest with cash prizes will crown the Best Witch, Best Group and Best Overall Costume.

This event is for those 21 and older. Tickets are $15 pre-sale or $20 at the gate.

Hauntfest has a strict weapons-free policy. No weapons, real or fake, will be permitted.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit theoregondistrict.org/hauntfest.

👻 BOO-ZY BLOCK PARTY

WHEN: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26

WHERE: The Fire Blocks District

DETAILS: Start the day by checking in at Joui Wine where participants will receive a drink ticket and scavenger hunt game.

Head over to Salt Block Biscuit Co. for brunch before stopping by Now and Zen DIY Studio to create a succulent pumpkin centerpiece.

Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes and scavenger hunt winners.

This event is for all ages and family friendly. Tickets are $53 and includes a brunch buffet, mimosa or nonalcoholic drink, succulent building workshop and games.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit exploretock.com/joui-wine-dayton.

👻 TRICK-OR-TREAT & PUMPKIN DECORATING

WHEN: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26

WHERE: 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St.

DETAILS: Dress up in a Halloween costume and trick-or-treat with the vendors at 2nd Street Market.

Free pumpkins will be available to decorate with craft supplies provided.

For more information, visit metroparks.org/places-to-go/2nd-street-market.

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