Halloween lovers, horror film buffs and Hollywood stans are invited to celebrate the spooky season at the Cleveland History Center.
The center’s “History on Tap: Behind The Screams” happy hour event is Thursday, Oct 23. It is part of the museum’s new Hollywood on the Cuyahoga exhibit, running now through October 2026.
“[The exhibit] touches on the full genre of filmmaking and history of filmmaking in Northeast Ohio,” Cleveland History Center Director Angie Lowrie said. But, she added, “there’s a lot around the horror movies, including Wes Craven and ‘Nightmare on Elm Street.’”
A model of Freddy Krueger’s mask, created by special effects artists from Northeast Ohio, is in the exhibit.
Expect more than just a drink
Happy hour goers will learn about the creative design in a horror film, including horror film makeup, props and how horror film sound effects are made, said Cristina Moody, public programs manager for the Western Reserve Historical Society.
Special effects makeup artist Ron George will demonstrate the steps and tools to create zombie wounds. Using a volunteer, George will show how he uses wax and color to create a real-looking horror wound.
“They’ll leave with a gash in their face,” Moody laughed.
Prop designer Monica Plunkett from the Cleveland Prop Shop will talk about and demonstrate horror film props. She will have a display from an upcoming film she worked on, “Beneath The Light.”
Radio on the Lake Theatre, which does audio drama and podcasting, will do live 60-second horror audio performances.
“They do all the sound effects,” Moody added. “Then they explain it, showcasing how sound and voice and timing all creates suspense.”
History meets happy hour
The Cleveland History Center’s History on Tap series typically coincides with the opening of a new exhibit.
“We’re blending history and hands-on experiences and engaging socially all together at once. I think at one time we were calling it, ‘History meets Happy Hour’,” said Moody.
“Blood Moon Fizz” is the themed drink of the night, Moody said. “It’s cranberry and orange juice with a splash of ginger ale, that’s going to be the base. It should look really cool.”
After the happy hour, folks can enjoy the rest of the museum until 9 p.m.
For more information on the History on Tap: Behind The Screams event, visit the Cleveland History Center’s website.
A FULL MONTH OF SPOOKY EVENTS
BOO! Offbeat Cleveland area Halloween events you didn’t see coming
Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick – Daily
- When: Open 7 days a week, tours on the hour starting at noon
- Where: 2155 Broadview Rd., Cleveland 44109
- Details: The Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick is open for tours seven days a week, located at 2155 Broadview Rd in Cleveland. $8.
Story Road Halloween house: Sept. 4 – Oct. 31
- When: Now through October, lights turned on daily in the evenings
- Where: Story Rd., Rocky River 44116
- Details: Donate a non-perishable food item to benefit the Rocky River Assistance Program when you visit the Halloween house on Story Road in Rocky River.
The Nightmare Bar: Oct. 3 – Nov. 2
- When: Throughout October
- Where: 13450 Snow Rd., Brook Park 44142
- Details: McJames Sports Pub hosts a Nightmare pop-up Bar with special drinks, theatrical entertainment, and horroresque ambiance. Tickets start at $16.50.
Scare-borough Road: through October
- When: Throughout October
- Where: Scarborough Rd., Cleveland Heights 44118
- Details: Take a drive down Scarborough Road in Cleveland Heights as it transforms into “Scare-borough” Road for Halloween.
Candlelight Concerts: An Evening of Halloween Classics: Oct. 18, 24 and 30
- When: Oct. 18, 24 and 30 at 6 p.m.
- Where: 1855 Ansel Rd., Cleveland 44106
- Details: The Maltz Performing Arts Center hosts Candlelight Concerts: An Evening of Halloween Classics, featuring horror film themes such as “Halloween” and “Psycho” and the music of Danny Elfman. Tickets range from $33 to $55.50.
What’s missing?
We’re always on the lookout for additions for our listings. Having a Halloween event in your community? Send a note and we’ll add it to our list: gennifer@signalcleveland.org
SKA-lloween Party at Spotlight Cleveland: Oct. 30
- When: 8 p.m.
- Where: 8701 Madison Ave. Cleveland 44102
- Details: A free show featuring music from local ska bands…dressing up is encouraged – the invite says “skankin’ shoes REQUIRED!”.
Halloween Psychic Fair: Oct. 31
- When: Friday, Oct. 31, from noon to 6 p.m.
- Where: 12611 Madison Ave., Lakewood 44107
- Details: Oktober’s Occult Shoppe hosts a Halloween Psychic Fair for tarot enthusiasts – shop for your favorite reader!
Community Halloween Party at Stella Maris Coffee Shop: Oct. 31
- When: 8 p.m. to midnight
- Where: 1302 Winslow Ave., Cleveland 44113
- Details: Stella Maris Coffee Shop hosts a party with DJs, a costume contest with “killer prizes”.
Seance in the Cellar: Oct. 31
- When: Friday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m.
- Where: 2180 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights 44118
- Details: CLE Urban Winery hosts Seance in the Cellar with medium Michelle – you can also enter a drawing for a free session or tarot reading. Ticket are $35 per person.
Halloween Throwdown: Oct. 31
- When: Friday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m.
- Where: 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland 44110
- Details: The Beachland Ballroom hosts a special Halloween night show with Da Land Brass Band, Black Voltron and Jinari Kemet. Tickets are $25.59 advance; $30.72 day of show.
Spooktacular 2025: Oct. 31
- When: Friday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m.
- Where: 3440 Trowbridge Ave., Cleveland 44109
- Details: Ward 14 Cleveland City Council member Jasmin Santana and City Life on Trowbridge Avenue are hosting Spooktacular 2025, a family-friendly trunk-or-treat event with s’mores and candy.
Buckeye Trunk or Treat: Oct. 31
- When: Friday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Buckeye Water Tower parking lot
- Details: Buckeye Trunk or Treat is from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Buckeye Water Tower parking lot next to Morning Star Church at Buckeye and Shaker Boulevard. Come trick or treat or decorate your trunk at the free event and enjoy hot cider, prizes and a DJ.
Murder Mystery Dinner Party: The Spooky Séance at Squire’s Castle – Oct. 31
- When: Friday, Oct. 31, at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: 1148 Main Ave. Cleveland 44113
- Details: Squire’s Castle is the backdrop for a local murder mystery. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 day of show.
Mushroomhead Annual Halloween Show: Nov. 1
- When: Saturday, Nov. 1, at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44103
- Details: Local heavy-metal favorites Mushroomhead hosts their long-running annual Halloween show at the Agora. Tickets range from $55 to $110.
Parma Heights Frights: Nov. 1
- When: Saturday, Nov. 1, from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Greenbriar Commons, Parma Heights, 44130
- Details: A kid-friendly Halloween spooktacular takes place at Greenbriar Commons. Parma Heights Frights features a small business pop up market, Touch-A-Truck, and a petting zoo.
