As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps through Omaha, it’s that bewitching time of year when the city transforms into a hub of Halloween excitement. From spine-tingling spooky races to sweet-filled trick-or-treating extravaganzas, costume contests that showcase creativity at its finest, eerie outdoor Halloween movie nights, and even dog-themed events that allow your furry friends to join in on the fun, Omaha has a spellbinding array of Halloween events to offer.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a candy-lover, a costume enthusiast or a film buff, our Omaha area Halloween event guide is here to help you have a ghoulishly good time. So grab your costume and your trick-or-treat bag, and let’s dive into the best Halloween festivities that Omaha has to offer!
Cobweb Castle
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, Omaha
When: September 30–October 31
Photo Courtesy of Omaha Children’s Museum
Cobweb Castle is a Halloween tradition at the Omaha Children’s Museum — without all the frights. Your littlest ones can clamber their way through the spooky maze, scale the castle wall, and meet members of the Cobweb Court. During special programming, you’ll learn all about spiders and their awesome secrets, including how they help humans, how strong their webs are, and why we should be nice to these crawly creatures. Cobweb Castle is happening at the museum through Halloween, so you have plenty of time to visit this interactive exhibit with your little ones!
Village Pointe Boo Bash
Where: Village Pointe Shopping Center, Omaha
When: October 13
Get ready for a spooktacular evening at Village Pointe’s Halloween Boo Bash on Friday, October 13 from 4–8 p.m. Dive into the Halloween spirit with an array of exciting activities including trick or treating at various participating stores like Warby Parker, Local, Ika Ramen, Bravo, Madewell, Lush, Cold Stone Creamery, Scooters Goodly Cookies, Rowan, CycleBar, Kona Grill, and Best Buy. Encounter special characters, have your face painted, and marvel at balloon twisters. Plus, don’t miss out on gift card giveaways and the thrilling flash mob. And be sure to stick around for a free concert by the amazing High Heel Band!
Omaha Zoo Ghouls and Glow
Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha
When: October 13–18, 20–25 + 27–29
The zoo’s un-frightful Ghouls and Glow event is a must for families during the Halloween season! More than 400 larger-than-life glowing lanterns, like dancing skeletons, ghosts, witches, wizards, a mummy band, and much more, will illuminate the Bay Family’s Children’s Adventure Trails. And just outside the lantern display, there will be hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins lining the zoo’s pathways, as well as a 14-foot-tall pumpkin tree. Plus, each night, there will be trick-or-treating — but be sure to bring your own bag to collect treats! Enjoy circus acts like fire dancing, aerials and juggling from Omaha Circus Arts, percussion performances from Omaha Street Percussion, a magic show from Joe Cole’s Magic Show, exciting DJ music, and more. Plus, Omaha Steaks® Grill will have s’mores kits and miniature pumpkins to decorate. And for the adults — Fisherman’s Landing picnic pavilion is now home to the “Spookeasy,” which will have soda, water and seasonal alcoholic beverages.
Take your experience to the next level with the V.I.G. (Very Important Ghoul) ticket, which provides additional benefits, including early admission and access to the V.I.G. Lounge, which has a DJ dance party, Halloween character meet-and-greets, and exclusive animal ambassadors. The V.I.G. Plus ticket includes all of the above, plus an exclusive trick-or-treat bag, a souvenir cup and beverage, a s’mores kit, pumpkin decorating, and more. Click here for more information about Ghouls and Glow and to purchase tickets!
Barks and Boos at Omaha Dog Bar
Where: Omaha Dog Bar, Omaha
When: October 14 + 15
Photo Courtesy of Emma Conrady via Omaha Dog Bar
Omaha Dog Bar is perhaps the most dog-friendly bar in Omaha. It has a 10,000-square-foot outdoor bark park with artificial turf, plenty of seating, and fire pits. And on colder (or super hot!) days, retreat to the climate-controlled indoor area with plenty of space to sit with a drink — and for your dog to roam off-leash! On October 14 and 15, they are hosting Barks and Boos, their annual Halloween weekend bash designed for dogs — and their humans. Click here for all the details about this paw-some event. And if you miss it, you can participate in their Instagram & Facebook Halloween Costume Contest. Submit a photo of your costumed pup by posting on Instagram and Facebook before October 17 — and if you win, you’ll get a $50 gift card to Omaha Dog Bar!
Trick-or-Treat Days
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, Omaha
When: October 14, 21 + 28
Don’t miss Trick-or-Treat Days at the Omaha Children’s Museum, happening each Saturday leading up to Halloween! Treat tables will be spread out throughout the museum and special seasonal exhibits, including Cobweb Castle, will be open, in addition to all permanent exhibits. Costumes are encouraged! This special event is included with regular museum admission, while supplies last.
La Vista Howl-o-ween
Where: La Vista Dog Park at Southwind Park, La Vista
When: October 19
There are plenty of dog-focused Halloween events happening this year! Dress up your pup in their finest costume and snap a picture of them in front of the fall-themed backdrop at La Vista Howl-o-ween at the dog park at Southwind Park. And be sure to stop by the City booth to pick up a locally baked treat from Long Dog Fat Cat and other giveaways for your pup. And don’t forget to treat yourself with a free hot beverage or smoothie from Jo-on-the-Go!
Wildlife Safari Park Trunk or Treat
Where: Wildlife Safari Park, Ashland
When: October 19–21 + 26–28
Celebrate Halloween in a wild way at the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park during their Trunk or Treat event. You can craft special “treats” for the park’s tree-dwelling animals and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the outdoors. Enjoy a delicious dinner, embark on a hayrack ride through the picturesque Pelican Wetlands and Crane Meadows, participate in tree-themed games, and savor the delights of marshmallow roasting. This event, previously known as Howl-o-ween Safari, is designed with families in mind, particularly those with children ages 3–12. However, all are invited to partake in the festivities, and each attendee will receive a treat bag to make it a memorable evening for everyone. Register for this wild event here!
Baseballoween
Where: Werner Park, Papillion
When: October 20
Photo Courtesy of Omaha Storm Chasers & Union Omaha
Get ready for a spooktacular night of family fun as Baseballoween returns to Werner Park for its 12th consecutive year! This free, family-friendly event promises an evening filled with trick-or-treating, exciting activity stations, and a family-friendly movie screened on the videoboard. They will also be accepting donations for Food Bank for the Heartland. While donations are encouraged, they are not mandatory; the most needed items include canned vegetables, tuna, chicken, fruit, beans, cereal, juice, pasta, peanut butter, shelf-stable milk, rice, and baby food/formula (please, no glass containers). Don’t forget to come dressed in your Halloween best — and even your furry friends on leashes are welcome!
Charles E Lakin YMCA Halloween Family Spooktacular
Where: Charles E Lakin YMCA, Council Bluffs
When: October 20
Get ready for an evening of family fun at the Charles E. Lakin YMCA Halloween Family Spooktacular! Head to the Lakin Family Park from 5 to 7 p.m. for an unforgettable Halloween celebration. Trick or treat with local businesses and organizations, immerse yourself in the festive spirit, and don’t miss the pumpkin float in the pool. Plus, enjoy a variety of other exciting games and activities that will keep all ages entertained. The best part? It’s absolutely free for the entire community! No registration is required for park events, but if you want to take part in the pumpkin float, be sure to sign up here. Come in your favorite costume and let the Halloween fun begin!
Free Friday Movie Nights at Ditmars Orchard
Where: Ditmars Orchard, Council Bluffs
When: October 20 + 27
All fall long, Ditmars Orchard is hosting their Free Friday Movie Nights series, and in October, things get spooky, with Halloweentown playing on October 20 and Nightmare Before Christmas playing on October 27. Orchard activities end at 6 p.m., but the Orchard Cafe, Sweet Shoppe and Bar will stay open throughout the movie, which begins at dusk. They serve a variety of wines, hard cider, pop, water, snacks, popcorn, and even entrees with fresh ingredients grown on the farm! Bring your own blankets, chairs and bug spray and enjoy a beautiful fall evening under the stars.
If you can’t get enough, return to Ditmars for their Dog Days of Fall Costume Contest on October 29 from 12–4 p.m. Registration is $10 per dog and net proceeds from the parade will go to the Nebraska Humane Society!
Spooky Sprint
Where: Zorinsky Lake Boat Ramp, Omaha
When: October 21
Photo Courtesy of Spooky Sprint
Join the annual Spooky Sprint 5K/10K and Half Marathon for a family-friendly Halloween-themed run! Enjoy awesome perks like designer shirts, custom medals, chip-timing with live results, and free photos. Indulge in delicious treats at the finish line, including free hot, fresh donuts! Whether you’re a serious runner or out for fun, this event has something for everyone. Can’t attend in person? Don’t worry — there’s a virtual race option as well. Get more information and register for the Spooky Sprint here.
Cass St. Trick ‘R’ Treat
Where: Omaha Conservatory of Music, Omaha
When: October 21
Have a ghoulishly good time at Cass Street Trick ‘R’ Treat, a free, family-friendly Halloween carnival brought to you by the Omaha Conservatory of Music, Omaha Community Playhouse, and Omaha Academy of Ballet. Taking place on Cass Street outside the Omaha Conservatory of Music, it’s a night filled with thrilling games, sweet candy prizes, and the eerie sounds of the spooktacular zombie orchestra. Feel free to get into the spirit by wearing your best costume — in fact, it’s encouraged! Get more details here.
The Great HALL-oween Haunt
Where: The Durham Museum, Omaha
When: October 24
The Durham Museum and other community organizations are hosting The Great HALL-oween Haunt for some trick-or-treating fun! Come in costume and collect sweets from historical characters and spooktacular displays throughout the museum. Plus, you can try your hand at ghostly games and creepy crafts, ride on the Haunted Train, and crawl your way through the Cobweb Caboose. And everyone’s favorite, the dancing zombies, are back this year! You may purchase tickets at the door but advanced tickets are recommended due to the popularity of this event.
Halloween at The Hoff
Where: PACE, Council Bluffs
When: October 27
Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE) in Council Bluffs is hosting several Halloween events on October 27, including Trick-or-Treating at The Hoff. From 4:30 to 6 p.m., knock on doors and fill a bucket with your favorite sweets. Keep in mind: adults must be accompanied by a child!
Put on your finest costume to compete for victory (and some cool prizes) at the Youth/Adult Costume Contest! The youth contest takes place at 6:30, conveniently after trick-or-treating, and the adult contest is at 8:15, right before the haunted flashlight tours. Register for the youth contest here and for the adult contest here.
Top off the evening with their Haunted Flashlight Tours, which take you into the gallery dating back to 1894. You can explore the most ghostly part of the building to find out for yourself if the legends of hauntings are true! Sign up for the tour here.
4th Annual Halloween Witchy Woods Walk
Where: Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
When: October 28
Experience the enchantment of the changing forest in a whole new light at the 4th Annual Halloween Witchy Woods Walk through Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, Iowa. This Halloween hike promises to deepen your connection with the forest and prairie as you explore the rich folklore surrounding this season. Discover the secrets of the plant, animal, and mineral communities in the Loess Hills and their significance in Halloween folklore. If time permits, you’ll return to the lodge for a captivating demonstration of the items and techniques discussed on this mystical journey. As autumn’s transformation unfolds around you, from nut harvests to migrating birds, from the deer’s rutt to the falling leaves, this is the perfect time to delve into the connections between nature and ancestral myth and ritual. The walk costs $10 and you can register here.
Trunk or Treat at Farnam Hill
Where: Zen Coffee Company, Omaha
When: October 28
Get in the spooky spirit the Saturday before Halloween at Trunk of Treat at Farnam Hill. Come dressed up and ready to trick or treat with a variety of local non-profits, all vying for your vote to become the winning non-profit of the night, receiving all event proceeds. And the treats don’t stop there — satisfy your cravings with delicious offerings from PJ’s Sweet Treats, Willie Dogs, Cake and Crumb Bakery, The Flour Shoppe Cookies, Dry Spokes, and Snowflake Bakes. Plus, enjoy a bounce house, face painting, photo booth, games, cake walk, and balloon animals. And don’t forget to grab your game and raffle tickets for a chance to win fantastic prizes!
Scales and Tails
Where: Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue
When: October 28
Answer the many questions you may have pondered, like can an owl turn its head all the way around? Do snakes blink? And what is a vulture’s defense when they are scared? At Scales and Tails, you’ll discover the answers to these questions and more facts about some of the resident animals at Fontenelle Forest. This fun family program will include slime making, decorating and eating spooky cookies, and other educational activities. Scales and Tails will be taking place indoors and outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather! This program is $10 for members and $20 for non-members — register here.
Hallo-weekend at The Durham
Where: The Durham Museum, Omaha
When: October 28 + 29
Photo Courtesy of The Durham Museum
If you couldn’t get enough during The Great HALL-oween Haunt, return to The Durham Museum for Hallo-weekend on both October 28 and 29. All weekend long, children under 12 get in for free! Enjoy goodie bags (while supplies last), the Haunted Train, Cobweb Caboose and Halloween games on The Platform. And of course, the Dancing Zombies, courtesy of UNO’s The Moving Company, will be back for their 10th year at 12:45 p.m.! Costumes are encouraged.
Ghoulish Garden Adventure
Where: Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha
When: October 29
Just in time for Halloween, go on a Ghoulish Garden Adventure at Lauritzen Gardens. This event will feature a variety of fun and educational activity stations throughout the garden, including a haunted Halloween village, a spooktacular photobooth, trick-or-treating, a model railroad garden ghost town, creepy crawlies with “The Bug Guy,” a fall obstacle course, creepy crafts, and more. Activities are included with paid garden admission of $15 for adults and $9 for children ages 3–12. Garden members and children under 2 are admitted free of charge!
Happy Halloween!
We hope you have a fun, memorable and safe Halloween!