Fright Night is back for its 17th year on Saturday, October 17. It's free, family-friendly, and full of festive activities that everyone can enjoy—from scare-free story time for the kiddos to a rooftop DJ and dance party! So here's a guide to help you choose your own Fright Night adventure:
Fright Night Essentials
Grab your Survival Guide and Map. Find it at FrightNightDowntown.com. Map numbers in the guide match the locations below.
Make Visit Fort Wayne your first stop. From noon to 3 p.m., they're handing out trick-or-treat buckets while supplies last. Don’t miss out!
Plan around the big moments. Zombie Central runs noon to 3 p.m. at the Allen County Public Library Plaza, featuring Fright Night’s flagship events: the Brain-Eating, Costume Contest, and the Zombie Walk which officially kicks off at 3:00 p.m. sharp. This year, it begins at Zombie Central and ends at The Bradley.
Ride around for free. The Boo Bus and Spooktractor Rides will run throughout the district, providing free transportation to Fright Night activities.
Come in costume. Zombies are encouraged, but any costume works (though it is certainly not required, for those who aren’t the dressin’ up type).
Kid-Friendly for the Littlest Ghouls and Goblins
Mad Science Day at Science Central (9 a.m.-5 p.m.). A sensory-friendly celebration of hands-on, hair-raising science experiments for all ages.
Not-So-Spooky Crafts (10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.). The library's Children's Services Department will be offering crafts and other activities in a completely scare-free zone. So leave your scary masks, costumes, or fake blood behind—this is a scare-free, zombie-free space where the littles can enjoy.
Straight Jacket Escape + Face Painting at Stoner's Funstore (11 a.m.-3 p.m.). Face painting is available for a small fee from noon to 3. At 1:30, local entertainer Jim Barron performs a straight jacket escape outside Stoner's to mark 100 years since Houdini's death.
Ghouls Just Wanna Have Crayons at BRU Burger Bar (11 a.m.-10 p.m.). Color a spooky page for a chance at a $25 gift card. One purchase is required to enter.
Trick-or-treat Downtown (12-3 p.m.). Collect treats all across Downtown from some of your favorite shops, restaurants, and destinations. Locations found in the Survival Guide.
Trunk or Treat at the Central Branch YMCA (12-3 p.m.). Collect even more candy and treats at the Y’s parking lot—opens up to everyone, no membership needed.
Zombie Central (12-3 p.m.). Expect the ProFed Fun Zone, tractor rides, a Hot 107.9 Stage with performances from Homegrown Halloween Show, SheeKri Dance Arts, and K. Monique's Dance Studio, and a sensory zone hosted by My Autism Ally.
Spooky Season's Readings (1:30-2:30 p.m.). Spooky stories and poems, plus hot cider and cookies, in the library theatre. Space is limited, so register ahead.
Halloween Haunt at the Community Center (3-6 p.m.). After the Zombie Walk, head over to the Community Center for kid-friendly games and activities, with free admission and concessions from the Anthony Wayne Lions Club.
Family-Friendly for Tweens, Teens, and Littles Who Like a Little Thrill
Werewolf Chase Fun Run by the Getting Miles Athletic Club (11 a.m.-1 p.m.). Run (or walk) a 3-mile course through the downtown trail network like never before. The goal? Make it to the end without getting caught by one of the “werewolves” roaming the trail. Everybody gets a five-minute head start before the werewolves are released. It's free, and they're collecting non-perishable food donations.
"Drop Dead Gorgeous" Photo Boo-th (12-3 p.m.). Stop by Cedar Loft Studio for the perfect Fright Night keepsake: a $5 Polaroid snapped on the spot for you to take home.
Zombies in the Brewhouse at Hop River Brewing Company (Hop River Business Hours—see website). Free and all ages, with a new Imperial Red IPA release in the taproom and a surprise Fright Night movie feature (PG-13).
The Landing Spooktacular (noon-midnight). Businesses all along the block host spooky crafts, photo ops, scary stories, and a silent disco.
Zombie Scavenger Hunt (12:30-4:30 p.m.). Find all the zombies hiding at the library's Reader Services department and win a spooky pin while supplies last.The Zombie Walk (3 p.m.). Join the biggest undead parade around.
Fright Night at the History Center (3-7 p.m., $4 per person). Visit the iron cells of the Old City Jail, take your own mugshot, and see what's left of General Wayne's actual coffin.
Spooktacular Car Show (4-8 p.m.). Vote for your favorite best-decorated vehicle, and while you’re there, check out the “haunted” trunk-or-treat, live DJ, and costume contests, and more. Spectators get in free.
Hot 107.9 Thriller After Party at The Bradley (5-10 p.m.). The perfect place to land after the Zombie Walk.
Japanese Spirit Parade: Hyakki Yakō (6-8 p.m.). Meet at Promenade Park's Auer Lawn for a celebration of Japanese folklore by Fort Wayne Sister Cities International. Show off your folklore-inspired costumes, with the parade starting at 7.
Lantern Tours at the Old Fort (6-10 p.m.). Hear tales of the Old Fort's resident ghost by lantern light. Admission is $5, and kids 9 and under are free with an adult.
Sensory-Friendly and Accessibility
Mad Science Day at Science Central (9 a.m.-5 p.m.). A sensory-friendly celebration of hands-on, hair-raising science experiments for all ages.
My Autism Ally's Sensory Zone at Zombie Central, and the scare-free zone at the library's Children's Services, are good home bases for families who want a calmer pace.
Accessibility needs at the library? Events at the Allen County Public Library are able to accommodate accessibility needs upon request. Email ask@acpl.info as soon as possible for accommodations.
Nightlife for Grown-Up Ghouls
The DORA Bar Crawl (5-10 p.m.). *21+ Stop at participating downtown spots with a spooky drink in hand. Stops include: The Abstract, Amoré, Birdie's, BRU Burger, Conner's Rooftop, Dana's, Dash-In, Ducky's at the Pearl, The Fairfield, Mercado on The Landing, Nawa, Night Train, The Nightmare Before Miracle at The Sidecar, and Tolon
The Crimson Ball at The Fairfield (7-10 p.m.). *21+ A night of dark glamour, craft cocktails, live entertainment, photo ops, and dancing. General admission is $50, and the dress code is crimson, black, masquerade, or elevated Halloween attire.
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde with Organist Cletus Goens (7:30-9 p.m.). This horror classic black-and-white film will be accompanied by the Embassy Theatre's Grande Page pipe organ for a very special film experience. All ages are welcome, but viewer discretion is advised.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Rated R) with Fright Night Market (7-10 p.m., $10). Held outdoors at the Botanical Conservatory with lawn chairs encouraged, a costume contest at 8, and the movie at 9:15. Hoosier Mama Food Truck and Mad Anthony Brewing Company will be on site. Attendees 17 and under are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Birdie's Hollow at Birdie's Rooftop (8-11 p.m.). *21+ And evening on the rooftop with all the best views, music from DJ Trend, and a fall-inspired food and cocktail menu—costumes encouraged!
Zombies in the Brewhouse at Hop River Brewing Company (Hop River Business Hours—see website). Free and all ages, with a new Imperial Red IPA release in the taproom and a surprise Fright Night movie feature (PG-13).
The Landing's DORA businesses. *21+ Pick your poison and wander The Landing during the Spooktacular.
Furry Friends
Howl-O-Walkoween (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control's annual pet costume contest and parade through Promenade Park benefits their Humane Education Department. There are raffle prizes, a silent auction, pet portraits, food trucks, and music. Spectators are free, and you can register for the costume contest on their website.
However you spend Fright Night, whether it's trick-or-treating with the littles, outrunning werewolves, or toasting the night from a rooftop, it’s sure to be a night to remember. Grab your Survival Guide at FrightNightDowntown.com, throw on a costume (or don't!), and come see what's lurking in #DTFW.
