It’s October in Downtown Fort Wayne. Time for crisp, autumn air, changing foliage, and one of the city’s favorite Halloween-themed celebrations—Fright Night.
Going strong for 15 years, Fright Night continues to pack the streets of DTFW with droves of zombies (during its annual Zombie Walk), taking over the town with thematic pop-up activities that will thrill and chill you.
While Fright Night might be one of Fort Wayne’s most storied All Hallow’s Eve affairs, it’s far from the only. Downtown Fort Wayne is home to all kinds of festive fall features.
Looking to celebrate a spirited Halloween season? Here’s what October has in store:
2024 Fright Night
Oct. 19
It can’t be overstated: Fright Night is a community favorite. With its zombie walk and expansive entertainment offerings for kids and adults alike, it’s a full day of frightening fun for all. Check out Fright Night’s schedule of events here.
Pumpkin Path Display at the Botanical Conservatory
Oct. 3-29
If you’re looking for something more autumnal and extra G-rated, check out the Botanical Conservatory’s fall pumpkin exhibit. Happening almost all season long, it’s the perfect place for a photo op with the fam. On October 26, there’s even an opportunity for trick-or-treating in the garden. Read more about the exhibit here.
Fireside Frights by Fort Wayne Dance Collective
Oct. 18-20
Every year, the Fort Wayne Dance Collective hosts a captivating Halloween performance—each year different from the last. This year’s production, Fireside Frights, gathers around a campfire for urban legends and scary stories, performed by FWDC’s professional artists, movement arts students, and dancers from our community. Learn more or purchase tickets!
Shuddersome: Tales of Poe by Fort Wayne Youtheatre
Oct. 18-21
The Fort Wayne Youtheatre is celebrating the Halloween season with the ever-creepy classic tales of Edgar Allen Poe. Check out this very special adaptation of Poe’s dark storytelling—Youtheatre style. Tickets and more info here!
Spirit of History Walking Tour by Riverfront Fort Wayne
Oct. 18
This tour is all about the haunted history of Promenade Park and its surroundings. Be prepared for a spin-tingling stroll. Bonus: it’s completely free (ages 13 and up). Details can be found here.
Howl-O-Walkoween by Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control
Oct. 19
A fundraiser for Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control, but make it Halloween! At Howl-O-Walkoween, you’ll enjoy a pet costume contest, a parade through Promenade Park, raffle prizes, pet portraits, food trucks, and live music—all for a good cause! Learn more or register here.
Spooky Critter Houses: Bat Boxes by Save Maumee Grassroots
Oct. 20
Join the Save Maumee Grassroots organization for a craft session dedicated toward building and decorating bat houses. You can take your bat home to your backyard and watch them attract bats (and maybe a vampire or two) in real time. Register here.
Murdered to Death by Arena Dinner Theatre
Oct. 25-26
If you prefer a good murder mystery over horror, the Arena Dinner Theatre has just the show for you. This comedy, in the style of an Agatha Christie book, will have you dying laughing. Get your tickets here!
Halloween Hunt by Riverfront Fort Wayne
Oct. 26
Bring the kids to Promenade Park for a Halloween-themed egg hunt, with free treat-filled eggs for the gathering. Trick-or-treaters ages 5-12 welcome. Visit their Facebook event page for more details.
Haunted Objects Live! at the Embassy Theatre
Oct. 26
Join Greg and Dana Newkirk (Travel Channel’s Kindred Spirits, Amazon Prime’s Hellier) for an interactive presentation chronicling their experiences as full-time paranormal investigators, specializing in haunted objects. Tickets can be found here.
El Día de los Muertos: A Celebration of Latino Culture, Arts, and Local Community by Creative Women of the World
Oct. 26
Join Mexica-Arts and Creative Women of the World at Electric Works para un Día de los Muertos celebration like no other, with storytelling, art, entertainment and education—dedicated to icon Frida Kahlo. Learn more.
The Haunted Bell Mansion
Year-Round
The notoriously haunted Bell Mansion is the perfect backdrop to any Halloween-themed event (even outside of Halloween season). From all-ages parties and adult masquerades to ghost tours and murder mysteries, you’re sure to leave the mansion chilled to the bone. For all of the Bell Mansion’s events, visit their website.
Molly Conner is a Fort Wayne native and freelance writer. Having lived in Downtown Fort Wayne throughout her twenties, she loves watching her stomping grounds grow. With her love of storytelling and community in tow, she’s eager to tell Downtown Fort Wayne’s story piece-by-piece—exploring the people, spaces, and organizations that make it thrive.