Country Living named it one of the 30 best Halloween festivals in the country — and it just so happens to be on the near east side of Indianapolis.
The Historic Irvington Halloween Festival — one of the largest + longest-running Halloween festivals nationwide — is back this year with more offerings than ever.
Named after Washington Irving — author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” — it makes sense that Irvington would maintain such terrifying traditions. In fact, they have a special event in honor of the 19th century author, where locals read aloud their spookiest stories in an annual writing contest. Heads up, the Headless Horseman will be there, as well as the Black Hat Society — Irvington’s own coven of witches.
This Irvington house is a Monster House if we’ve ever seen one.
Photo by @findalottolove
The neighborhood is infamous for its house decorating + costume contests, as well. While you’re on a Ghost Tour or taking part in the costume parade, be sure to keep an eye out for the delightfully sinister decorations + spine-chilling outfits.
The full 2023 events schedule includes:
Saturday, Oct. 21:
- Wellness Fair | Irvington Presbyterian Church, 55 Johnson Ave. | 9 a.m-2 p.m.
- Masquerade Ball | Irvington Lodge, 5515 E. Washington St. | 8 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 22:
- Spooky Organ Concert | Our Lady of Lourdes, 5333 E. Washington St. | 6 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 23:
- Family Movie Night | AMC Washington Square 12, 10280 E. Washington St. | 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 24:
- Night of Spirits (Seance) | Irvington Lodge, 5515 E. Washington St. | 5:30 p.m.
- Horror Shorts Movie Night | Playground Productions Studio, 5529 Bonna Ave. #10 | 7:30-10 p.m.
- Frightseeing | Irvington Branch Public Library, 5625 E. Washington St. | Times vary
Wednesday, Oct. 25:
- Frightseeing | Irvington Branch Public Library, 5625 E. Washington St. | Times vary
- Starve: A Vampire Blood Drive | Irvington Branch Public Library, 5625 E. Washington St. | 3-7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 26:
- Night out in Sleepy Hallow (Spooky Stories) | Irving Circle Park, 236 S. Audubon Rd. | 6-8 p.m.
- Frightseeing | Irvington Branch Public Library, 5625 E. Washington St. | Times vary
Friday, Oct. 27:
- Zombie Bike Ride | Irvington Branch Public Library, 5625 E. Washington St. | 6:30 p.m.
- Frightseeing | Irvington Branch Public Library, 5625 E. Washington St. | Times vary
Saturday, Oct. 28:
- Street Fair + Battle of Bands, costume contests, Vampire Run, and parade | Downtown Irvington | 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
- After Party | Irvington Event Center, 6767 E. Washington St. | 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
Pro tip: Washington Street will be shut down for several hours on Saturday, Oct. 28, so if you’re passing through, make sure to reroute around the festivities.
Visit the festival’s official site for more details on each event and to secure your spot for ticketed events. We’re dying to see you there.
