New Albany reversed its Halloween plans and moved trick-or-treat to Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m., joining Gahanna and dozens of other central Ohio communities on the same night.
The city announced the change on Tuesday, Sept. 29, citing "significant community feedback." New Albany had originally scheduled its Beggars' Night for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 3 to 5 p.m., departing from the regional recommendation. The city's updated notice said New Albany will follow the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) recommendation going forward.
MORPC recommends communities hold trick-or-treating on the Thursday before Oct. 31 when Halloween falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Halloween 2026 lands on a Saturday, so the Oct. 29 date aligns with that guideline.
Individual municipalities set their own schedules.
Gahanna's Oct. 29 date follows the same MORPC framework. The city's standing FAQ page ties its schedule to MORPC Resolution 11-09, which sets the Thursday-before rule. Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, Reynoldsburg, Upper Arlington, Westerville and several other Franklin County communities also picked Oct. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m., according to a central Ohio trick-or-treat list compiled by NBC4.
New Albany's announcement noted the event is rain or shine, with no rain date. The city also posted safety tips urging trick-or-treaters to wear reflective tape, carry flashlights and examine all candy before eating. Drivers should slow down in residential neighborhoods and turn headlights on earlier in the day.
Halloween-season calendar
- Friday, Oct. 16: Registration deadline for Gahanna's Spook Up Gahanna Halloween Decorating Contest (1 p.m. cutoff). Displays judged Oct. 19–23, 5–9 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 23: Great Gahanna Goblin Fest, presented by KEMBA Financial Credit Union, 5:30–9:30 p.m. at Academy Park.
- Saturday, Oct. 24: 6th Annual Trunk or Treat at Bevelhymer Park in New Albany. New for 2026: a sensory-friendly hour from 2 to 3 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 29: New Albany and Gahanna trick-or-treat, 6–8 p.m.
