Can't-Miss Fort Wayne Events for Horror Lovers
Pictured: Fright Night participants dressed for the Zombie Walk
Fright Night
October 21
It's a night when ghosts and goblins are free to roam the streets of Fort Wayne! Fright Night offers a day full of all-ages Halloween activities downtown, but some events are especially scary. You'll want to break out your costume for the main event: The Zombie Walk! It's a literal parade of monsters weaving through downtown.
Additional Fright Night events in the horror genre include:
- Fright Night Lantern Tours — Tour the Old Fort at night! Historic interpreters will present the Old Fort as it was in the early 1800s, complete with resident ghosts and a Headless Horseman.
- Murder! Mystery! Mayhem! Walking Tours — Not for the faint of heart. Discover Fort Wayne's dark and bloody past in the streets we now know as downtown
- Walk with the Spirits of the Past — With a neighborhood as old and historic as West Central, you know there are plenty of great ghost stories to go around. Walk and listen...if you dare!
- Haunted Bus Tour on Fright Night — Take one of three spoooky bus rides through Fort Wayne's historic and frightful sites!
- A Night in the Old City Jail — Step back in time at The History Center, the Old City Hall, and try not to get chills when you visit the old jail cells. Are you brave enough to enter?
- Rocky Horror Picture Show — Celebrate the time warp and catch this participatory cult classic, shown on the outdoor Terrace at the Botanical Conservatory!
- Zombie Prom — Head to Bell Mansion for the First Annual Zombie Prom. Dress up in your most-ruined attire and dance the night away in a haunted mansion!
See the full list of events in the Fright Night Survival Guide.
Pictured: Ominous skies loom over the Old Fort before the Haunted Lantern Tours
Ghost Tours at the Bell Mansion
Come explore the gorgeous Bell Mansion in downtown Fort Wayne! Did I mention it was a funeral home for more than 90 years? That said, you can expect paranormal encounters while taking a 2-hour guided ghost tour! Or, if you're brave, take it up a notch and go lights out with a guided flashlight tour. On both tours, hear all the paranormal stories experienced in the Bell Mansion's spooky history, tour all three floors, and venture to the basement where the original gurneys and embalming tables reside. And yes, you'll even see the building's original embalming room!
October's Tours and Events:
- Midweek Paranormal Fun / Every Wednesday until December 27
- Ghost Tours (With and without lights) / Every Saturday until December 30
- Zombie Prom — October 21 (Part of Fright Night!)
Hobnobben Film Festival – Saturday Night
The annual Hobnobben Film Festival is a must for film lovers of any genre, and features unique and diverse storytellers. Since the festival coincides with Fright Night, the organizers couldn't NOT throw in some spooky bits.
On Saturday, enjoy:
- The Saturday Scaries film block from 8-9:30pm, featuring fun horror with a slightly lighter twist
- The Saturday Scaries: Slightly Later Night Edition from 9:45-11:15pm, for horror films that delve into the macabre
October 19-22 (Fright Night features happening on Saturday, October 21) / Cinema Center
Pictured: Film lovers gather for the Hobnobben Film Festival
98.9 The Bear's Growl-O-Ween: Static-X and Sevendust
Featuring special guests, Dope and Lines of Loyalty, this metal concert will take place at the Clyde Theatre, and is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit.
Clyde Theatre / October 18
Murder on the Orient Express
A passenger is found dead in his train compartment, stuck inside the train, the passengers and a detective must try to find the killer before it's too late. Experience a delicious gourmet dinner and a mysterious play from Agatha Christie at the Arena Dinner Theatre this fall. Can you find the killer?
Arena Dinner Theatre / October 27, 28, November 3, 4, 10, 11
Dia de Los Muertos: A Day of the Dead Celebration
A concert celebrating the Mexican and Latinx holiday, Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) will be performed by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Songs include "Night in Mexico," "Danse Macabre," and "Remember Me" from the 2017 Pixar hit, Coco.
Auer Performance Hall at Purdue University Fort Wayne / October 28
Hunter's Moon Night Hike
Join a creepy hour-long hike under a full moon for no cost (pre-registration required). Experience nature and keep your ears open for howls, shrieks, and screams and your eyes peeled for the glowing eyes of a werewolf.
Lindenwood Nature Preserve / October 28
Kid's Halloween Hike
For something more family-friendly, take the kids on a spooky sunset hike! Dress up in costumes and wear comfortable shoes while you experience the fright of Halloween weekend. This hike is intended for kids 4-11 and, while signing up is free, registration is required to attend.
Lindenwood Nature Preserve / October 28
Halloween Psychic & Holistic Expo
Get your fortune read, discover alternative healing items and holistic products, and learn about astrology! This Halloween Expo is for those curious about the unconventional.
Memorial Coliseum / October 28-29
Spooky Drag Brunch
Munch on some delicious brunch, drink specialty mimosas, and watch a drag show (spooky edition) at Birdie's Rooftop Bar, on the 5th floor of the beautiful Bradley Hotel.
Birdie's Rooftop Bar at The Bradley Hotel / October 29
MORE: Find more fall frights with Fort Wayne's escape rooms and haunted houses! See the guide.
