There are a number of opportunities to celebrate Halloween this weekend. From charitable causes, fun runs and block parties to neighborhood trick or treat, here’s a (far from comprehensive) list of activities and opportunities to join the fun in Akron:
Thursday, Oct. 27, Trick or Treat on South High Street
The Akron Art Museum’s Trick or Treat on South High Street, Oct. 27, 5 to 8 p.m., is open for all ages and their grown-ups and includes an evening of art-making and trick or treat in the galleries for art supplies and a spooky musical performance. Kids are encouraged to arrive in costume. The event is free for museum members and $10 per child for non-members. Registration is required for all kids and family programs. Register online at AkronArtMuseum.org/eventregistration, or call (330) 376-9186.
Friday, Oct. 28, Earthquaker Canned Food Drive
On Friday, Oct. 28, EarthQuaker Devices will sponsor a canned food drive and trick or treat. Participants are encouraged to stop by the company’s headquarters, 350 W. Bowery St., between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to drop off some canned goods to benefit the local foodbank and grab some candy (and maybe a sticker) from your favorite EarthQuaker employees.
Friday, Oct. 28, Jack-O-Lantern Jog
The Kohl Family YMCA is hosting the Jack-O-Lantern Jog 5K walk/run through historic Glendale Cemetery Friday, Oct. 28. The family-friendly race begins at 5:30 p.m. at Lock 3 in downtown Akron (200 S. Main St.), ending at the same spot when the last goblin crosses the finish line. For info and to sign up, visit www.akronymca.org/UniversityPark/2016_Jack_O_Lantern_Jog_5k/ or contact Nick Ferguson via [email protected] or (330) 434-9622, ext. 12.
Friday, Oct. 28, Halloween Charity Ball
The 13th Annual Halloween Charity Ball, presented by Ashton, Wartko & Wilgus, Attorneys at Law, will take place Friday, Oct. 28, from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Tangier. The event includes a $500 costume contest grand prize, DJ dance party, open bar, VIP experience and food throughout the night. All proceeds benefit two local charities: Akron Snow Angels and Young Black Professionals Coalition (YBPC). Tickets to the Ball and raffle are available at halloweencharityball.org.
Saturday, Oct. 29, Trick or Treat Trot
The First Tee Akron will host the inaugural Trick or Treat Trot, a 5K run, Saturday, Oct. 29 at 8:30 a.m. Runners will follow the Mud Run Golf Course cart path, all ages are welcome and costumes are encouraged. Registration is $30. (Children 12 and under are free.) The event also includes a Candy Dash at 9:45 a.m., for children ages 3 through 12, a half-mile race that will find racers collecting candy along the path. Awards will given for best boys and girls youth costumes. Mud Run Golf Course is located at 2000 S. Hawkins Ave. For info, visit www.thefirstteeakron.org.
Saturday, Oct. 29, Trick or Treat in Akron
Trick-or-treating will take place in neighborhoods in Akron Saturday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. Residents who would like to participate are asked to turn on their porch lights.
Saturday, Oct. 29, Halloween Block Party in West Hill
The West Hill Neighborhood Organization will host a free Halloween Block Party Saturday, Oct. 29 at Oakdale Pocket Park, 88 Oakdale Ave., from 1 to 3 p.m. The party includes a costume parade, pizza, donuts, cider and treats for children. The event is co-hosted by Church of Our Savior, City Repair and neighborhood volunteers.
Saturday, Oct. 29, STEM Trick or Treat Trail
The National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM High School will host trick or treating, along with face-painting, a coloring contest and games, Saturday, Oct. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 123 S. Forge St., Door #1. The cost is $2 per child (children 2 through 11 are free).
Saturday, Oct. 29, Frankenstein’s Dog at Summit Artspace
Summit Artspace invites young members of the community, 8 to 13 years old, to join the Saturday, Oct. 29 marathon reading of Goosebumps “Frankenstein’s Dog” by R.L. Stine, during the 200th anniversary of Frankenstein. The event takes place from noon to 3 p.m. and includes creepy crafts, monster dance moves and spider mania. Organizers will sign up volunteer readers when they arrive for the event. Register here.
Saturday, Oct. 29, Masque of the Red Death
Now in its eighth year, The Masque of the Red Death, at the Akron Civic Theatre, is one of Akron’s premier Halloween events for adults. Guests must be 21 years of age and over and should arrive using the entrance under the Civic marquee on South Main Street. A $75 admission includes beer, wine and signature beverage with delectable light hors d’oeuvres and inclusive full bar service. An $85 ticket gets attendees all of the above plus a 10-minute reading with a psychic. Visit www.reddeathparty.com or call the Civic’s box office at (330) 253-2488 for tickets and other details.