Downtown Hilliard's free Halloween Haunt returns Saturday, Oct. 24, with dozens of trick-or-treat stops lining Main Street and Hilliard's Station Park.

The annual morning event, organized by Destination Hilliard, runs from 9 to 11 a.m. Downtown businesses from Heartland Bank to HillGarten will hand out candy to costumed visitors, according to Destination Hilliard's event guide. On top of those storefronts, more than 35 additional treat stations staffed by businesses from across the greater Hilliard area will line Main Street and the park.

Samantha Brill organized the event, which the group's guide calls "the biggest yet."

Main Street closed between Franklin and Norwich

Drivers should plan ahead. Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Franklin Street and Norwich Street during the event. The trick-or-treat route extends beyond the closure, stretching from Heartland Bank to Bear's Bagels, so organizers are asking families to stay on sidewalks and use crosswalks outside the closed section.

Live music, dancing and balloon twisting

Hilliard's Station Park will host live music by Mr. E and balloon twisting by Erica Carlson Entertainment. The balloon-twisting line closes around 10:45 a.m. so Carlson can finish by 11.

On Main Street near Norwich Street, Columbus DanceArts Academy will perform "Haunted Hip Hop."

Keep going after 11 a.m.

Families looking to extend the morning can walk to Lattimer Square, where Packrat Comics hosts its annual Halloween ComicFest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Two more treat stops at Green Threads & Beats and The Witch's Parlor round out the Lattimer Square offerings.

What to know before you go

  • Where: Downtown Hilliard, Main Street and Hilliard's Station Park
  • Cost: Free
  • Bring: Costumes, trick-or-treat bags and comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather: Rain or shine. Cancellations will be posted on Destination Hilliard's social media channels.

Credit Union of Ohio is the event's headlining sponsor.

A photographer and videographer will be on-site. Destination Hilliard has posted an interactive Google Map showing all participating businesses and activity locations.