The Hilliard Ohio Historical Society opens its historic buildings at Weaver Park for the annual Haunted Village on Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. each night.
Admission is $5 per person. Children 3 and under get in free with a paid adult.
The event transforms the society's log cabin, one-room schoolhouse, chapel and train station into a Halloween village geared toward families. Visitors trick-or-treat through the decorated buildings, make crafts in the church and listen to spooky stories in the schoolhouse. Pizza and drinks are available.
Last year's Haunted Village drew what the society called a record-breaking turnout, a 20-foot skeleton welcoming visitors, according to the society's October 2025 newsletter.
In the society's September 2024 newsletter, then-event chairperson Dawn Steele described the event's draw: "It's just a fun and unique way to encourage families to come to our Village … it's a unique opportunity for us to draw in more families." Steele is now the society's president.
Past editions have featured a children's costume contest each night for ages 12 and under, a DJ playing kid-friendly Halloween music, a witch's cauldron with dry ice and water beads, and costumed volunteers handing out candy in the buildings, according to the society's September 2024 newsletter. The current event listing does not specify whether those additional activities will return in 2026.
Free parking is available at the Franklin County Fairgrounds entrances off Columbia Street and 4591 Northwest Parkway, according to the society's event page.
More Halloween events in Hilliard
The Old Hilliard Halloween Haunt runs Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 to 11 a.m. along Main Street and Hilliard's Station Park, with trick-or-treating, live music and balloon twisting, according to Destination Hilliard's fall guide.
The same day, Packrat Comics hosts its Halloween Comic Fest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Old Hilliard location, with free comics, a dozen treat stations, barrel train rides and an annual food drive, according to the store's event page.
The Hilliard Ohio Historical Society's Tree Lighting at the Historical Village is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
