09/28/2025
Cant wait to see everyone again this year!
Chillicothe Halloween Festival: A Growing
Tradition Returns to Yoctangee Park, Oct. 10–12
Since its debut in 2017, the Chillicothe Halloween Festival (CHF) has quickly become
one of Ross County’s most beloved holiday traditions. Each October, thousands of
families, friends, and visitors gather in Yoctangee Park to celebrate the spirit of
Halloween with three days of thrills, laughter, and community pride. This year’s festival,
set for Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, promises to be one of the most
exciting yet.
From its very beginning, the festival has been more than just a collection of spooky
attractions—it has been a celebration of community. Organized by a volunteer-driven
501(c)(3) nonprofit, the festival raises funds that are given back to local charities and
organizations through an annual grant program designed to improve life in Ross County.
Its impact extends far beyond the park, enriching lives and strengthening community
ties.
“The Chillicothe Halloween Festival has grown into a tradition that families mark on
their calendars year after year,” said Gene Betts, CHF 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 local organizations that make a real difference.”
Each day of the festival offers unique experiences that make it worth attending all three
days. On Friday night, the festivities kick off with pumpkin carving and painting,
creating a colorful collection of glowing pumpkins that form the iconic Pumpkin
Pyramid. As evening falls, families can enjoy live entertainment and music before
venturing into the spine-chilling Haunted House Attraction, open both Friday and
Saturday nights for those brave enough to face its frights.
Saturday is packed with activities for all ages. The always-popular Costume Contest
invites children and families to showcase their creativity and Halloween spirit. The park
also comes alive with the roar of engines at the Car Show, which leads directly into a
family-friendly Trunk-or-Treat. Meanwhile, the Southern Ohio Pumpkin Growers’
Pumpkin Weigh-Off Challenge will return, drawing crowds eager to see which massive
gourds take top honors. Entertainment throughout the day includes live bands, magic
shows, and circus performances that keep the atmosphere festive from morning
through night.
On Sunday, families won’t want to miss the thrilling and hilarious Coffin Races, a oneof-
a-kind tradition that always draws big crowds and plenty of laughter. With the Kids’
Zone full of inflatables, games, and hands-on activities, younger visitors will stay
entertained, while the main stage offers one final lineup of performances to close out
the weekend on a high note.
Adding to the excitement, the festival favorite Green Goblin truck from Stephen King’s
Maximum Overdrive will once again make an appearance. This year it will be joined by a
special guest, Patrick Miller, the actor who portrayed Joe, the Service Attendant in the
cult classic film. Miller will be available throughout the weekend for autographs and
photo opportunities with fans.
A brand-new feature this year is the “Where’s Jack?” Scavenger Hunt, where visitors
search the vendor area to find miniature versions of the festival’s pumpkin-headed
scarecrow mascot. The activity adds a playful twist to the weekend, ensuring that
there’s always something new to discover.
The festival’s impact begins well before October. On September 20, the community
came together for the annual Ghost Walk, a guided tour through downtown
Chillicothe’s haunted history. This popular event serves as the primary fundraiser for
the festival, ensuring that the Halloween weekend itself remains accessible, affordable,
and packed with activities.
Proceeds from the festival are reinvested directly into the community. Over the years,
local nonprofits and organizations have received grants that help improve the quality of
life in Ross County, making every ticket, pumpkin, and hot dog sold part of something
larger.
The Chillicothe Halloween Festival is not just a weekend event—it’s quickly becoming a
holiday tradition that families look forward to year after year. With three full days of
attractions, contests, entertainment, food, and community spirit there’s no single day
that captures it all. To truly experience the magic, visitors are encouraged to attend all
weekend long.
For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit www.chillicothehalloweenfestival.com.
