HAUNTED OHIO

From spooky tours to autumn festivals to frightful fun, check out these happenings across the state this season.

Fall Fun & Frights in Canton

Halloween-season activities abound in Canton and Stark County. Canal Fulton hosts the Spirits & Spirits Cruise aboard the St. Helena canal boat on Oct. 6 and 7. This guided tour explores local lore and comes with a complimentary shot of whiskey. Later in the month, lace up those running shoes for the Haunted Forest Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K in Canal Fulton on Oct. 29.

In Canton, Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa hosts its Haunted Wine Run that leads participants on a course that winds through the vines of the 55-acre estate on Oct. 21.

Those looking to move at a slower pace can join in on the Massillon Zombie Walk, a leisurely stroll through town on Oct. 14 that invites guests to don their undead garb. The city is also the site of Dine with the Dearly Departed: Massillon’s Macabre History & Lore on Oct. 6. This event serves up dinner alongside ghost stories rooted in local legend.

In downtown Canton, haunted history abounds during the Autumn Mystery, History & Hauntings Tour on Oct. 20, 26 and 27. Learn about the murders, mysteries and ghosts said to haunt the city. For those who like a serious scare, a trip to Canton’s Factory or Terror is in order. The attraction is open Sept. 23, Friday through Sunday Sept. 29 to Oct. 29 and Nov. 4. For more information, go to visitcanton.com.

Get into the fall spirit during the last full weekend of September at the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, in Belmont County, Ohio. See record-breaking size pumpkins, enjoy pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin donuts, and pumpkin pies as we celebrate together all things pumpkin!

Halloween in Chillicothe and Ross County

This Halloween season, Chillicothe and Ross County are home to several fall-themed events and activities for families and fright lovers alike. For those who enjoy the feeling of a chill up their spine or revel in the adrenaline rush that inevitably comes with a good scare, look no further than the festival of frights that is The Last Carnival. Like something wicked blown into town on a chilling autumn breeze, this unusual, latenight carnival show delights guests with dedicated actors, surprising scares and frights that last until the clock strikes midnight.

The Chillicothe Halloween Festival, which runs during the second weekend in October, welcomes local and visiting families and friends to come enjoy the seasonal fun. Live entertainment will be o ered along with the opportunity to shop from a variety of craft and food vendors and compete in the co n race or costume contest.

From the page to the stage, Frankenstein is coming to excite audiences at Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre with a lively, 65-minute performance. The show can be accompanied by a nightlong experience with additional ticket purchases for a laboratory-themed escape room and haunted trail. A nightly showing of a classic horror movie, tomahawk throwing and a scavenger hunt are included with the price of show admission. For more information, go to visitchillicotheohio.com.