Ghosts, goblins, witches, zombies, and assorted superheroes will hit the streets full force this weekend as the Halloween celebrations on the east side for the first time since the pandemic. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and everyone can get out to look at all the decorated houses and engage in the trick-or-treat traditions.
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.
CJ Woods III/Weekly View
Mike Lewis accepted the Founder’s Award from Sue Beecher for himself and his wife Paula who passed away recently (she started the Irvington Garden Club).
The biggest place to get your Halloween on is Irvington, which is holding its 75th Annual Halloween Festival and Street Fair. In the week leading up to the street fair, there are many activities that celebrate all that is unique about the historic neighborhood, including the presentation of Founder’s Awards on Sunday, which kicks off the week of fun. This year’s award winners included Mike and the late Paula Lewis, Paul and Peggy Diebold, Donn Smith, and Black Acre Brewing.
On Thursday, Oct. 28 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. 29, the Zombie Bike Ride begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Irvington Library Parking lot and winds its way down the streets, ending up at Irving Circle. People of all ages dress up their bikes and get their costumes out for a fun ride through the neighborhood. Admission is free.
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. The 29th and 30th are the last tours of the year. 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 (cash only) and includes a book,flashlight (while supplies last), and two hours of fascinating history and hauntings. Wear good shoes, bring a backup flashlight, and dress for the weather.
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 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. The race begins at Irvington Elementary School and dashes down the Pennsy, ending up in front of Black Acre Garden (cost is $35 for adults). Check out last week’s Weekly View issue with full details of events on the 30th. Parking is available at Howe at Emerson and Washington St. with a shuttle taking people to and from the street fair. The traditional costume parade begins at 4 p.m. and will run from Audubon at the Pennsy, heading north to Washington Street — seeing the many clever costumes and cheering on the kids is the best part of the festival. The grand finale will be the Black Hat Society’s witches dancing at the intersection. The winners of the costume contest and house decorating contest will be announced after the parade.
Much of the tradition of the Halloween Festival has been preserved, including the window painting efforts by the kids in the neighborhood in the merchant windows, plus a Pumpkin Carving contest at 1 p.m. in the parking lot at the corner of the Audubon and Pennsy. Local artisans and craftspeople will have space set up on Bonna, plus at the Vendor Village between Black Acre and Coal Yard Coffee, and a Haunted Market at the Irving Theater at Johnson and Washington St.
During the festival, check out the Battle of the Bands taking place on the stage at Washington St. just past Audubon. More live music can be heard at the Black Acre Beer Garden Showcase (5229 Bonna Ave). There will be an after-party for adults only from 6-midnight at Ice House Coffee Roasters, 400 S. Ritter (tickets are $25 and available online before the event.
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!
On Sunday, Oct. 31, the real Halloween is celebrated, and trick or treat hours are set by the city. 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.
