Halloween is the second-most celebrated holiday in the United States, surpassed in spending only by Christmas. On the east side of Indianapolis, kids and adults look forward to dressing up and having a good time at a variety of events.
The biggest place to get your Halloween on is Irvington, which is holding its 73rd Annual Halloween Festival and Street Fair. On Thursday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m., check out A Night in Sleepy Hollow at Irving Circle Park in the 300 block of South Audubon. Spooky stories and winning contest entries will be read under the flickering lamplight, and the Black Hat Society Witches will dance. Expect some surprises and a spooky guest may arrive! Admission is free.
On Friday, Oct. 25, the Zombie Bike Ride begins at 7 p.m. in the Irvington Library Parking lot and winds its way down the streets, ending up at Irving Circle. Admission is free. The same night, a Zombie Walk has been organized to begin at 6:30 p.m. that starts at Coal Yard Coffee, 5547 Bonna Ave. with lots of shambling un-dead taking a stroll through the hood.
The streets could get pretty crowded as Al Hunter will host the last of his non-zombie Ghost Tours on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Magic Candle prior to the walk, or get to the starting point at the corner of Johnson and East Washington to get on the tour. Admission is $20 and includes a book, glow bracelet, tour pin, and two hours of fascinating history and hauntings. Wear good shoes and bring a flashlight!
All of this is a precursor to the blowout Street Fair that will take place on East Washington St. between Ritter and Bolton beginning with the Pleasant Run Vampire Run and Little Bat Dash at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26The street will be closed to through traffic, and detours will be clearly marked. Parking in the Irvington Plaza lot and Howe High School lots are served with shuttle buses ($5 donation suggested, which will benefit Howe athletic programs). Check out last week’s Weekly View issue with full details of events on the 26th. The costume parade begins at 4 p.m. and will sashay from Irvington UMC (30 N. Audubon) to Bonna Ave.
Several local businesses will be offering special activities and open houses in Irvington. Haunted Lodge inside the Irvington Lodge, 5515 E. Washington, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. will offer several vendors selling all sorts of items, as well as food and drinks.Frontdoor Home Design, 6101 E. Washington St., is offering a Spooktacular Pop-Up Art Sale and kids art activities from noon-4 p.m. Drop by with the kids to check out free activities, plus a great sale.
While you are at the Festival, please thank all the fantastic volunteers who are picking up trash, helping kids find their parents, and a million other things. The Historic Irvington Community Council, and the many Halloween Festival committee members work hard all year long to make this the best Halloween Festival week in the Midwest!
Beech Grove Business Owners are hosting a Pumpkin Express for kids on Main Street on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 1-2 p.m. Participating Beech Grove businesses will be providing candy and/or activities for kids free. There will be a Scavenger Hunt (pick up card from the Vault at 700 Main St.) to win prizes when you visit businesses. This is for youngsters under 14.
The City of Lawrence is hosting Fright Night on Saturday, Oct. 26 with a costume contest and free chili supper. Registration for the costume contest is from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at Lawrence Community Park, 5301 N. Franklin Rd. Costume judging begins immediately after, with prizes and bragging rights.
On Thursday, Oct. 31, the real Halloween is celebrated, and trick or treat hours are set by the city. Indianapolis Fire Department stations across the city will be handing out candy to kids from 6-8 p.m. Beech Grove official hours are from 5-8 p.m., Greenfield from 5-8 p.m., McCordsville from 5-8 p.m., New Palestine from 5-9 p.m., and Indianapolis from 6-8 p.m. For the 24th year, the Indiana State Fairgrounds will host a Safe Night Halloween for youngsters ages 12 and under from 5-7 p.m. Admission is free.
