FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fort Wayne’s Downtown Improvement District is holding their eighth annual Fright Night on Saturday, Oct. 17. With over 25 activities for people to enjoy throughout the day and evening, Fright Night has something for all ages!
Activities will begin at 9 a.m. at the Allen County Public Library Plaza with the “Fright Night Photo Op.” A spooky backdrop and a green screen will be a part of the photo op where you can morph yourself into the spooky or frightful background of your choice.
“ShadowCon is one of the new features for this year’s Fright Night,” events manager Megan Butler said. “It is a Paranormal Conference being presented by the Fort Wayne Community Schools ParaSisters at the Grand Wayne Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.”
Beginning at 5 p.m. is the Car Show Spooktacular located at the Community Center. This event is free and will give awards to the top six people with the best decorated vehicles. There will also be two costume contests, one for children and one for adults.
The afternoon has several activities for ages as young as three and up. “There are some great kid-friendly activities at the Community Center starting at 1 p.m., including a special performance of “Which Witch” by the Fort Wayne Youtheatre,” Butler said. She said having kids herself, she knows these activities are great for all ages.
Another event at Fright Night is the “Zombie Walk.” This year’s “Zombie Walk” begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Allen County Public Library Plaza.
Stephanie Wilson has been involved in Fright Night for three years, but says her favorite part of Fright Night is the “Zombie Walk”.
“I enjoy doing my hair crazy, putting on ghostly makeup and fake contacts, but I am looking forward to the new Zombie Machine they have that will get me ready before the walk,” Wilson said.
“Last year’s ‘Zombie Walk’ had roughly 6,000 people involved, but this year we will have anywhere from 7,000 to 8,000 including Fort Wayne Ballet dancers, a fire breather, a juggler, and more,” Butler said.
If you plan to be involved in multiple activities, be sure to look for the Spooky Shuttle, a free trolley that goes all over downtown to other activities throughout the day.
Also, be on the lookout for the Headless Horseman at the Old Fort with the Lantern Tour anytime between 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
“My friends and I enjoy the Lantern Tour after the ‘Zombie Walk’,” Wilson said. “The original gate of the Old (Fort) is still there so it makes it seem so spooky! You’re given a candle and a guide through the Old Fort and they take you to another time era.”
If you are looking to wind down after the day, enjoy the Rocky Horror Picture Show for people 17 and up which will be playing at 9:15 p.m. at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory.
These are just some of activities available at Fright Night. “No matter what your age is or what your budget is, there is something for everyone where it’s pet-friendly, college-friendly, or kid-friendly,” Butler said.
A new development Butler was excited to share was the idea for a Fright Night guide that will become available Oct. 15 in the Journal Gazette and the News-Sentinel. This guide will include a parking map, map of activities and the details for each one.
For more information on the 2015 Fright Night, visit http://downtownfortwayne.com/fright-night/.