5 KILLER Halloween parties and events this weekend

Halloween is on Oct. 31, but the party starts early.

Here are 5 of the best of the best Halloween events around Dayton:

>> Your guide to Halloween in Dayton 2017

>> 7 of Dayton’s most haunted spots

>> GUIDE: Haunted houses, corn mazes, Halloween fun

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

1. 🎃 HAUNTFEST ON FIFTH  

When: 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

Where: Oregon District, E. Fifth St., Dayton

Cost: $5 in advance or $10 at the gate. Advance tickets can be purchased at Oregon District businesses.

Info: Event Facebook page  

>> Everything you need to know about Hauntfest

Dan Hapner and a crew of 400 volunteers are certainly gearing up for the 32nd annual spooktastic block party.  This year’s Hauntfest will feature street performers from Cincinnati, the Zombie Mobile’s completely brain hungry zombies, entertainment on two stages, the Eric Jerardi Band and one of the best costume contests around, Hapner, Hauntfest’s manager for seven years, said.

“We have entertainment on both ends of the streets,” Hapner said. “We have a lot of really unique and good costumes.”  The contest has three categories: best individual, best group and best Halloween theme.  Prizes will include $300 for first place; $200 for second place and $100 for third place.

The contest will be emceed by Dayton.com's Amelia Robinson and Jim Bucher, a local personality.  Several bars will also have bands.

>> 5 more of the most haunted places in Dayton  

Credit: E.L. Hubbard

Credit: E.L. Hubbard

2. 🎃 YELLOW SPRINGS ZOMBIE WALK

When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

Where: Downtown Yellow Springs

Cost: Free admission. Organizers have collected pantry donations from participants in the past.

Info: Facebook  

The event includes music from Mc Lars, Duderus, Yikes A Band and DJ JFX. There will also be kids activities, food trucks, booths and makeup artists.

3. 🎃 SLASH MORAINE: ZOMBIE FEST  

When: 6-10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27 and 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

Where: Wax Park, 3800 Main St., Moraine

Cost: Some activities are free while others cost as much as $5.

Info: slashmoraine.comEvent Facebook page  

Slash Moraine weekend at Wax Park includes a zombie run, hayrides, children’s activities, a teen zombie dance, a pet costume party, spooktacular trails, a food truck rally and trunk or treat.

4.🎃 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS DAYTON   

When: 2-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29

Where: The "Old" Yellow Cab building, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton

Cost: Free

Info: Event Facebook page  

>> PHOTOS: El Dia de los Muertos Dayton celebration  

Hundreds parade through the Historic Oregon District for this event, which started locally in 2012. El Dia de los Muertos or “Day of the Dead” is a Latin American celebration that recognizes dead loved ones with parties and parades. Expect crazy face paint and elaborate dresses and “floats” at Dayton’s celebration, which begins at 2 p.m. with a pre-party festival at Yellow Cab that includes storytelling, games, and face painting. The parade will leave Yellow Cab at 4 p.m. for the Oregon Distict and end at The Missing Peace Art Space, 234 S. Dutoit St., for dancing, gallery tours and food.

>> Why you should go to Dayton’s Dia de los Muertos celebration

>> Fantastic Dayton-themed costume ideas

5. 🎃 STODDARD AVENUE PUMPKIN GLOW

When: 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 30 and 31.

Where: Stoddard Avenue, Dayton

Info: Event Facebook page

Cost: Free

 >> The Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow returns in 2017!  

After taking last year off, the tradition continues on the hill behind the Greek Orthodox Church in the historic Grafton Hills neighborhood. The family-friendly event features more than 800 intricately carved jack-o’-lanterns.

>> Speaking of things that glow, get this event on your radar now

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