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 the neighborhood would maintain such terrifying traditions.

Mark your calendars for these events so electrifying, they could reanimate Frankenstein's monster:

An example of neighborhood decoration | Photo via @findalottolove

Saturday, Oct. 24

Wellness Fair | Irvington Presbyterian Church | 9 a.m-1 p.m. | Taking control of your health shouldn't be scary. Get the resources you need with blood drive screenings, HIV testing, drug take backs, and flu vaccinations.
Halloween Ball | Irvington Lodge | 8-11 p.m. | Alexa, play "Masquerade" from "The Phantom of the Opera." Don your best mask for an enchanted evening of dancing, live entertainment, food, and fun.

Sunday, Oct. 25

Spooky Organ Concert | Our Lady of Lourdes | 6 p.m. | Hear tunes from "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "The Phantom of the Opera," "Sweeney Todd," and many other spooky classics, as well as modern rock songs. New this year: Admission is $5 or five nonperishable food items.

*Pro tip:* Get to the spooky organ concert early to get a spot on the pews, as the free event fills up quickly. | Photo by INDYtoday team

Monday, Oct. 26

Blood Drive | Irvington Library | 1-7 p.m. | Starve a vampire by donating your blood for a better cause.
Family Movie Night | Crystal Creek Farm | Dusk | Bring your own chairs or blanket for an outdoor screening of "The Princess Bride" — make sure you save time for the haunted maze and bonfire too.

Tuesday, Oct. 27

Horror Shorts Movie Night | Kan-Kan Cinema | 7:30 p.m. | Join host Bunny Beaumont for a screening of short films that will send chills down your spine. Pro tip: While they aren't rated by the MPAA, the content will be similar to that of rated-R films.

Wednesday, Oct. 28

A Spirited Art Auction | Irvington Public Library | 6:30-9 p.m. | Bid on the 2026 festival poster contest entries and premium prize packages at this silent auction, complete with curated whiskey tastings.

Thursday, Oct. 29

A Night Out in Sleepy Hollow | Irving Circle Park | 6 p.m. | Hear haunted tales from writing contest winners, enjoy spooky delicious beverages from Snug, and watch a special performance from the witches of Irvington.

Friday, Oct. 30

Zombie Bike Ride | Irvington Library | 6 p.m. | Put on your best living dead wear and ride from the library to Irving Circle while neighbors cheer you on. Pro tip: Your bike must have lights in order to participate.

Listen to live music throughout the festival from bands like Jomberfox and The Palace. | Photo by INDYtoday team

Saturday, Oct. 31

Vampire Run | Downtown Irvington | 9:30 a.m. | Register to walk a mile or run a 5K through South Irvington. Kids under 12 can join in the fun by participating in the free Little Bat Dash.
Street Fair + Parade | Downtown Irvington | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Shop wares from hundreds of unique vendors, enjoy local food and drinks, listen to live bands, and watch or participate in costume contests, cackling contests, pumpkin carving contests, and much more. Editor Shea's pro tip: This is the best people-watching event of the entire year.

Dates vary

Frightseeing | Irvington Branch Public Library | Times vary | Take an adults-only bus tour to witness the creativity and passion of Irvington's residents as they compete for the title of the scariest house.

Pro tip: Washington Street will be shut down from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, so if you’re ~~passing away~~ 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, which usually sell out quickly. We're dying to see you there.