Columbus really knows how to celebrate Halloween – from chilling ghost tours throughout the city to celebratory masquerades on High Street, from charity fundraisers to pet parades and 5K runs. So whether you’re in the mood for a scare, a treat or a donation, there is something for everyone:

Columbus Landmarks Foundation’s Annual Ghost Tours
Columbus Landmarks Foundation’s 2009 Ghost Tour series offers a chance to experience some of Columbus’ creepiest corners and spookiest spots. The 21st annual series features both walking tours and bus tours to celebrate the city’s haunted history. They include the following. For more information, visit www.columbuslandmarks.org:

*Gables, Gargoyles and Ghosts ... oh my! Oct. 19-23, 26-29; 7-9:30 p.m.
These ever-popular tours marry Columbus architecture and authentic Columbus ghost stories in a downtown bus tour with three stops each night. Tours depart from and return to Columbus Landmarks Foundation, 61 Jefferson Ave.

*Green Lawn Cemetery, Oct. 18; 2-4 p.m. and Oct. 24; 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
This two-hour walking tour features architecture, cemetery symbolism and history of the “cemetery beautiful” movement in Columbus' pre-eminent historic cemetery. Meet at Huntington Chapel near the center of the cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Ave.

*Tales from the Crypt, Oct 24, 6:30 p.m. or 8:15 p.m.
Visit Green Lawn Abbey, a hauntingly beautiful mausoleum located near German Village and downtown Columbus. Meet Columbus' historic leaders, businessmen and women now entombed in the Abbey. This tour is not recommended for children under 12. Green Lawn Abbey is located at 700 Greenlawn Ave., just west of Harmon Ave.

*An Evening with Sophia & Fernando, sort of, Oct. 30, 6:30-9:15 p.m.
Take a lantern tour of a familiar and beautiful neighborhood, culminating in an evening devoted to the authentic stories of The Kelton House, and enjoy seasonal snacks and spirits. Tour begins at Kelton House, 586 E. Town St.

*Bring Back the Magic, Oct. 31, 7 p.m.
Magician Howard Thurston and his fellow "residents" of Green Lawn Abbey mausoleum invite you to their historic abode for an evening of food, wine and other spirits, and magic that will dazzle and bewilder. Green Lawn Abbey is located at 700 Greenlawn Ave., just west of Harmon Ave.

“Broadview Bloodbath” home haunt for charity Oct. 29 & 30
The “Broadview Bloodbath” (www.broadviewbloodbath.com) isn’t your typical haunted yard. This local homeowner goes one step further by featuring some of the same techniques found in professional haunts – from actors to static props and animatronics. This 100 percent charity event will be held during the traditionally sanctioned Beggar’s Night, but also will be open an additional day this October. The event is free, but donations will benefit The Columbus Dog Connection (www.columbusdogconnection.com), a local canine rescue organization.

This year, the event features 10 actors each night in three distinct scenes: Horror Movie Madness, the Klown Karnival and the Ghoul Graveyard. Participants will wander through a lighted path dodging horror movie favorites Leatherface, Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers. To receive their candy treats, they will have to brave the black light Klown Karnival tent, filled with “toxic” fluorescent bubbles and mutant clowns gone awry.

The Broadview Bloodbath is located at the home of Robin “Zombie” Walters, 5313 Broadview Rd., 43230. 

Torch Relay for Children’s Miracle Network in Columbus Oct. 31
The 2009 Columbus Torch Relay 5K event will run through Columbus Oct. 31 at 9 a.m. and is part of a coast-to-coast Relay for Children’s Miracle Network that raises more than $1 million for hospitals throughout the country. It is expected that the Columbus Torch Relay will generate $35,000 to be donated to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in downtown Columbus.

Children’s Miracle Network, an alliance of many of the best children’s hospitals countrywide, has teamed up with Marriott hotels to transform the Torch Relay from a community event to a nationwide effort.

Community members are encouraged to participate individually or with a team and can walk, run or bike the 5K course that starts in downtown Columbus at Livingston Park and goes through historic German Village on Oct.31. All proceeds raised from the Columbus relay and from general donations will directly benefit Nationwide Children’s hospital. There are many other opportunities to get involved with the Relay. Individuals can sign up for the relay, volunteer their time to the event or donate by visiting www.torch-relay.org.

Boo at the Zoo
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s annual Boo at the Zoo event is Oct. 16-25 at the zoo, 4850 W. Powell Rd. This celebration offers candy stations, storytellers, magicians, a haunted train ride and other thrilling activities. Don't miss the Pumpkin Smash on Oct.18 and Oct. 25, when animals throughout the zoo will be presented with pumpkins as part of the zoo's enrichment program. Join Batman, the Joker and Wonder Woman for an exclusive lunchtime show and autograph session Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26. Visit www.columbuszoo.org.

Haunted Statehouse Tours
From Oct. 16-24, the Ohio Statehouse, on the corner of High and Broad streets, hosts its annual haunted tours. Follow conductors with lanterns through the darkened hallways and chambers of the Statehouse in a tour that is spooky but appropriate for all members of the family. Free activities for kids will be held before and after the tour. www.ohiostatehouse.org.

All Hallow's Eve
The Ohio Historical Center/Ohio Village, 1982 Velma Ave., hosts its All Hallow’s Eve event Oct. 17-24. A tradition at Ohio Village, this program invites visitors to experience a family-style, 19th-century Halloween celebration. A children's activity area, Halloween traditions, fortune telling, a Museum of Oddities, games and crafts are among the many activities featured. Visit www.ohiohistory.org.

Magic of the Night featuring magician Stephen Knight
Magic of the Night is Illusionist Stephen Knight's annual Halloween magic show featuring illusions, lights, music and special effects. The show, which will be held Oct. 16-17 at the Lincoln Theatre, 775 E. Long St., is inspired by the traveling midnight ghost shows of the 1930s-1960s. It contains no blood or gore and is appropriate for the entire family. Visit www.magicofthenight.com.  

Halloween Pet Parade
Dress up your pets in festive Halloween costumes for the 9th annual Pet Parade sponsored by the Capital Area Humane Society. The event raises money for abused, abandoned and homeless animals in Central Ohio. Awards are given for best, scariest and funniest costumes. Visit www.eastontowncenter.com.  

The Haunted Ship
Bring your entire family for a spooky tour on the famed Santa Maria, 25 Marconi Blvd. Visit www.santamaria.org.

Spooky Science Weekend
COSI sponsors the Spooky Science Weekend which includes a “Pumpkin Patch" Science Show, "Pumpkin Patch You Try It" Family Workshops (workshops $5 additional), trick-or-treat stations, and spooky cart activities such as exploding pumpkins. Come in costume. Visit www.cosi.org.  

Fright Night 5K Run
Runners and walkers will start the race at Creekside Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna, run past haunted graveyards, onto the specially lit Gahanna Golf Course, and back to Creekside Plaza by way of a haunted forest. It will be held from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 31. Visit www.ultrafit-usa.com.  

HighBall Halloween
The Short North Arts District’s High Street opens up from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Oct. 31 for this event, which is part carnival, part Mardi Gras. Festivities will include Outrageous Costume Contests, a Couture Costume Fashion Showdown for fashion professionals, the Dogtober Howloween Procession for costume-crazed pet owners, DJs and more. Visit www.highballhalloween.com.  

The Columbus Symphony Pops Series: Halloween Pops
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra plays Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad St., at 8 p.m. Oct. 31 for its Halloween Pops concert featuring Lisa Vroman and Doug LaBrecque playing excerpts from The Phantom of the Opera. Dress in costume. Visit www.columbussymphony.com.  

The Haunted Hotel
During this Halloween celebration, the Hyatt Regency Columbus transforms into an oasis of decoration, entertainment and music including a large ballroom, lounge and reception balcony. More than $5000 in cash and prizes will be awarded for scariest costume, sexiest costume and best couple costume. Visit www.halloween.thecgsgroup.com/info.html.