CHILLICOTHE, OH — What began in 2017 as a small community gathering has grown into one of Ross County’s most anticipated holiday traditions. The Chillicothe Halloween Festival will return to Yoctangee Park Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, for a weekend packed with thrills, laughter, and family fun.
Organized by a volunteer-led nonprofit, the festival is about more than spooky attractions. Each year, proceeds are reinvested into the community through a grant program that supports local charities and organizations.
“The Chillicothe Halloween Festival has grown into a tradition that families mark on their calendars year after year,” said Gene Betts, festival president. “It’s a weekend where our community can come together to celebrate Halloween in a way that’s fun, safe, and inclusive, while also giving back to organizations that make a real difference.”
Weekend Highlights
- Friday Night: Pumpkin carving and painting kick off the fun, with the glowing Pumpkin Pyramid as the centerpiece. Live music and entertainment lead into the festival’s Haunted House Attraction, open both Friday and Saturday nights.
- Saturday: Families can join the popular Costume Contest, while car enthusiasts gather for the Car Show, followed by a Trunk-or-Treat. The Southern Ohio Pumpkin Growers will host their Pumpkin Weigh-Off Challenge, drawing crowds eager to see record-breaking gourds. Magic acts, circus shows, and live bands will keep the park buzzing throughout the day.
- Sunday: The festival closes with the always-hilarious Coffin Races, alongside inflatables, games, and kids’ activities in the Children’s Zone. The main stage will feature a final lineup of live entertainment.
Adding to the excitement, the Green Goblin truck from Stephen King’s Maximum Overdrive will return, joined this year by actor Patrick Miller, who portrayed Joe the Service Attendant in the cult classic. Fans can meet Miller throughout the weekend for autographs and photo opportunities.
A new addition this year is the “Where’s Jack?” Scavenger Hunt, where visitors search vendor booths to spot mini versions of the festival’s pumpkin-headed scarecrow mascot.
The celebration actually began earlier this month with the annual Ghost Walk fundraiser on Sept. 20, which drew crowds downtown to explore Chillicothe’s haunted history.
Over the years, proceeds from the Halloween Festival have gone back into the community, funding projects and organizations that improve quality of life in Ross County.
The festival runs all weekend, and organizers encourage families to attend more than one day to fully experience the fun.
For full schedules and details, visit www.chillicothehalloweenfestival.com.
