Chillicothe Halloween Festival: A Growing Tradition Returns to Yoctangee Park
Article Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.
(Chillicothe) – 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, October 10 through Sunday, October 12, 2025.
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 one-of-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 thezcult 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 began 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.
