On the Aisle with Tom Alvarez: Indianapolis comes alive with entertainment this Halloween weekend

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 12:58 GMT by WISH-TV

Haunted Manor at the Indianapolis Zoo

One of the headline attractions is the “Haunted Manor” at the Indianapolis Zoo, a multi‑room experience that blends animal encounters with chilling theatrics. Alvarez notes that the event features live actors, animatronic predators, and immersive sound design. The zoo’s new “Night at the Zoo” package allows visitors to stay through closing time, enjoying a special behind‑the‑scenes tour after the main attraction. According to the zoo’s official page, ticket prices range from $25 for adults to $15 for children, with early‑bird discounts available until the Friday before the weekend.

Ghost Walks Around Monument Circle

For those who prefer a more urban, history‑laden scare, Alvarez recommends the guided Ghost Walks that start at Monument Circle. The tour traces the stories of haunted houses, tragic deaths, and supernatural encounters that have shaped the downtown area. Local historian Sarah Mitchell, who leads the walk, shares eerie anecdotes about the “Phantom of the Public Square” and the “Ghost of the Old City Hall.” Visitors can join the evening session at 6:30 p.m., which is free but requires a 30‑minute reservation via the Indianapolis Historical Society’s website.

The Great Gatsby Halloween Ball

A more upscale option for the sophisticated partygoer is the “Great Gatsby Halloween Ball” at the historic Renaissance Ballroom. Alvarez describes the event as a “glitz‑filled night of jazz, dancing, and spooky elegance,” with live musicians performing period‑appropriate tunes. The ball is hosted by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s community outreach program and includes a costume contest judged by a panel of local celebrities. Tickets are $75 per person, and a limited number of early‑bird seats are available until the Wednesday before the weekend.

Kids’ Costume Parade at City Park

Family‑friendly events are well represented as well, with the “Kids’ Costume Parade” scheduled for Saturday morning at City Park. Alvarez highlights the parade’s “colorful floats, giant pumpkin displays, and a friendly pumpkin‑tasting booth.” Parents can bring their little ghouls and goblins to show off their costumes, and the parade ends with a trick‑or‑treat station where children receive small, non‑toxic candy treats. The event is free and open to the public; organizers recommend arriving early to secure a good viewing spot.

Midnight Spook Fest at the Indy 500

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is not just a racetrack; it’s also the epicenter of a midnight Spook Fest. Alvarez explains that the event will feature a “haunted car ride” experience where visitors board vintage race cars and navigate a darkened track lit by strobe lights and eerie sound effects. The highlight of the evening is a special “Ghostly Grand Prix” where retired Indy 500 legends return to a one‑lap sprint for charity. Tickets for the entire Spook Fest package start at $35, with a VIP option that includes a meet‑and‑greet with the legends.

Haunted House of the University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis is hosting its own “Haunted House” inside the campus gym, a collaboration between the university’s drama department and the local community theater. Alvarez visits the set and meets with director Mark Bennett, who says the house is designed to be interactive, with audience members participating in the scares. Admission is $20 for students, $25 for non‑students, and the event runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

“Boo Bash” at the Indianapolis Convention Center

A large indoor gathering, the “Boo Bash” at the Indianapolis Convention Center, is slated for Sunday afternoon. Alvarez describes the venue as being decked out in cobwebs and pumpkin décor, with a giant, illuminated “Boo” sign that greets guests. The Bash features live music from the local punk band “Ghoulies,” a “Spooky Trivia” competition, and a costume contest that awards prizes for the best DIY costume. Tickets are $10, and a complimentary drink is available for every attendee at the “Witch’s Brew” bar.

Halloween Film Festival at the Indianapolis Museum of Art

For film buffs, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is presenting a Halloween Film Festival featuring short films and documentaries that explore the cultural significance of Halloween across different societies. Alvarez highlights that the festival includes a panel discussion with film critics, a screening of a short horror film produced by the museum’s student division, and a midnight premiere of a classic horror film from the 1970s. Admission to the festival is free, but seats for the midnight screening must be reserved in advance through the museum’s online booking system.

Community Food and Drink Fest

A unique element to the weekend is a “Halloween Food and Drink Fest” that runs concurrently with the Boo Bash. Local food trucks offer a menu of spooky-themed treats such as “Witch’s Fingers” (fried dough sticks), “Mummy Hotdogs,” and “Pumpkin Spice Latte.” The event also features a “Brewing Station” where attendees can sample craft beers with names like “Brew‑tanic” and “Ghost‑Brew.” Alvarez notes that the food fest is supported by a local charity that distributes food to families in need, and a portion of the proceeds from each food truck will be donated to the charity’s “Feed the Hungry” program.

Final Thoughts

Tom Alvarez wraps up the article by urging viewers to plan ahead. “The demand is high, so get your tickets early,” he says. “And whether you’re a night‑owl ghost hunter or a family looking for a safe, fun night, Indianapolis has something for everyone this Halloween weekend.” With a wide array of events that cater to all ages and interests, the city’s Halloween celebration promises to be a memorable and spine‑tingling experience.