Two free Halloween events land on Saturday, Oct. 24, in Hilliard and Columbus. The Old Hilliard Halloween Haunt kicks off the morning, followed by a trick-or-treat party at the Franklin County Dog Shelter.
The Halloween Haunt runs from 9 to 11 a.m. along Main Street and at Hilliard's Station Park. Kids in costume can trick-or-treat at participating businesses, pose for photos and watch the Columbus DanceArts Academy perform a Haunted Hip Hop routine. Live music by Mr. E and balloon twisting round out the entertainment at the park.
Destination Hilliard, which organizes the Haunt, calls it a "beloved local tradition." The event is free and runs rain or shine. According to Destination Hilliard, cancellations for unsafe weather would be announced on social media.
The two events overlap by an hour, giving families a natural sequence. The day starts early with the Old Hilliard Halloween Haunt, then Trick-or-Treat with the Pups.
Later that morning, the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center hosts Trick or Treat with the Pups from 10 a.m. to noon. Children trick-or-treat through the shelter, then hand out goodies to adoptable dogs in what the shelter calls a "Reverse Trick or Treat."
The shelter is also offering crafts, games, prizes and face painting, according to the county's event page. No registration is required. Costumes are encouraged, but the shelter asks families to skip masks in the kennel areas for the dogs' comfort and to leave personal pets at home.
The shelter is at 4340 Tamarack Blvd. in Columbus. Families can call 614-525-3647 for details.
Columbus Navigator writer James Arney included both events in the site's October guide, noting they give families a full free morning of Halloween fun on the same Saturday.
Upcoming Hilliard community dates:
- Saturday, Oct. 24, 9–11 a.m. — Old Hilliard Halloween Haunt, Main Street and Hilliard's Station Park (free)
- Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.–noon — Trick or Treat with the Pups, Franklin County Dog Shelter, 4340 Tamarack Blvd., Columbus (free, no registration)
