Things to Do in Global: New Events & Hot Spots (Updated 2026)

The Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival is taking place from August 20 to October 25, with events held every Thursday through Sunday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Located at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio, this festival transforms the zoos pathways with over 70 sets of glowing lanterns and features two live shows each night. This year, the festival introduces dinosaur lanterns alongside the traditional animal displays, offering a new visual experience for visitors. Interactive features have been added around Adventure Cove and Conservation Lake, including a floating lantern display on the lake. Its important to note that the festival will be closed on Friday, September 18 due to the zoos conservation gala. The lanterns are handcrafted by artisans from Zigong, China, a city renowned for its lantern-making heritage dating back to the Han Dynasty. The displays use LED bulbs, music, and sound effects to create a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can expect a magical evening, strolling among more than 1,200 individual lanterns, enjoying illuminated animal scenes, and experiencing a blend of tradition and modern technology. The Lantern Festival offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the zoo in a new light, making it an ideal outing for families, couples, and anyone seeking a memorable night.

Pumpkins Aglow is held at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio, featuring over 700 hand-carved pumpkins displayed in themed areas such as pirates, spiders, mermaids, and aliens. The event showcases the creative work of Conservatory staff, volunteers, and members, offering visitors a chance to explore imaginative scenes and take photos at the iconic pumpkin house. Pumpkins Aglow takes place on fall evenings from 5-9pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and from 5-10pm on Fridays and Saturdays during October 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, and 28-November 1. Guests can enjoy a variety of nightly food trucks, as well as beer, wine, desserts, and hot items from the Garden Café and Watershed Bar. The event provides a family-friendly atmosphere with bewitching displays and spooky surprises, making it an ideal outing for those seeking seasonal fun and memorable experiences. Visitors are encouraged to check in and capture the festive ambiance, especially at the pumpkin house.

For car lovers, the United States is dotted with museums that feel like holy ground—far more than showrooms, they’re immersive journeys where engineering, history, and culture intersect. Based on visitor ratings and collection depth, these standouts deserve a spot on your itinerary. In Los Angeles, the Petersen Automotive Museum turns heads with its iconic red ribbon facade and a Vault that hides 300+ rare machines. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum sits beside the legendary track and showcases a century of winning race cars. In Kentucky, the National Corvette Museum honors America’s classic sports car and features a powerful exhibit on the famed sinkhole. In Tacoma, LeMay – America’s Car Museum displays 300+ vehicles. In Nashville, the Lane Motor Museum is beloved for its quirky trove of European microcars. Whether you’re a hardcore enthusiast or a casual visitor, these museums deliver a thrilling feast for the senses—and the mind. Map your route, fire up the engine, and go find the soul within the steel.

HallZOOween is a seasonal event held at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, offering a festive experience for families and visitors. The event features Halloween-themed activities throughout the zoo, creating a lively atmosphere with decorations, costumes, and special entertainment. Guests can enjoy trick-or-treat stations, animal encounters, and themed rides, making it an engaging outing for children and adults alike. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is known for its diverse animal habitats and beautiful gardens, providing a unique backdrop for HallZOOween. During the event, visitors can explore the zoo while participating in interactive games and educational programs related to wildlife and conservation. The combination of holiday fun and animal experiences makes HallZOOween stand out as a memorable autumn activity. Attendees can expect surprises such as creative displays, opportunities to learn about animals, and a safe environment for celebrating Halloween. The event encourages families to dress up in costumes and enjoy the festive spirit together. If you are looking for a blend of seasonal excitement and wildlife adventure, HallZOOween at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden offers a unique way to celebrate Halloween and create lasting memories.

Halloween Haunt at Kings Island is a seasonal event taking place on select nights from September 25 to October 31, 2026. Located in Kings Island, this event is designed to immerse visitors in a thrilling Halloween atmosphere. The core attractions include ambient Scare Zones filled with fog and lurking horrors, live shows with a spooky twist, and exclusive Haunted Mazes that offer intense, pay-to-panic experiences for those seeking extra thrills. Guests can expect a mix of spine-tingling chills and entertainment, making it suitable for both horror enthusiasts and those looking for a fun night out. In addition to the Halloween-themed activities, visitors can enjoy Kings Islands signature rides such as The Beast, Orion, Diamondback, Mystic Timbers, and Banshee, adding to the excitement of the event. Halloween Haunt offers a unique blend of fright and fun, promising surprises and memorable moments. If you enjoy haunted attractions, live performances, and adrenaline-pumping rides, this event is worth checking out. Plan your visit to Kings Island and experience the chills and thrills of Halloween Haunt!

Kennywood Phantom Fall Fest 2026 is a major Halloween event held at Kennywood amusement park in Pittsburgh. The festival offers a unique two-part experience: during the day, families can enjoy friendly activities suitable for all ages, while after 6 PM, the park shifts to a more intense atmosphere with adult-oriented scares. The event features six haunted mazes, each designed to provide a different level of thrill and excitement. Visitors can explore a variety of themed attractions, including immersive haunted houses and scare zones. The park is decorated with Halloween-themed displays, creating a festive and spooky environment. Guests can expect surprises, suspense, and a mix of fun and fright throughout the event. The Phantom Fall Fest is known for its creative maze designs and engaging entertainment, making it a popular destination for both families and thrill-seekers. Whether you are looking for lighthearted Halloween fun or a more adrenaline-filled experience, Kennywood offers something for everyone. If you enjoy seasonal events and Halloween festivities, consider visiting Kennywood during the Phantom Fall Fest to experience its unique blend of daytime charm and nighttime chills.

Tucked away in Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a restorative escape open daily from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (except holidays). On the first Sunday of every month, local residents enjoy free admission—an easy way to unlock the twin romance of nature and art. This is the only botanical garden in the world that showcases large-scale Dale Chihuly glass sculptures. A shimmering glass train and dazzling floral installations glow against lush greenery, and after dark, James Turrell’s light art brings the Palm House to life. Seasonal exhibitions keep things fresh—graceful butterflies in spring, pumpkins dotting the landscape in fall, and neon-wrapped wonder in winter—so every visit delivers a new surprise. Instagrammable moments are everywhere. The 1895 Victorian-style Palm House oozes vintage charm, the desert collection and tropical rainforest walkway dial up the atmosphere, and the interactive features in the Children’s Garden make it a top pick for families. Whether you’re visiting solo, planning a couple’s date, or exploring with the kids, this is an aesthetic must-see in Columbus.

Zoo Boo 2026 will take place at the Detroit Zoo on October 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, and 23-25, from 3:00 to 8:30 p.m. This annual Halloween event offers an extended day-to-dusk experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the zoo with more daylight and full access before dusk. Core attractions include live entertainment, character meet-and-greet opportunities, and numerous trick-or-treat stations throughout the zoo. A highlight this year is the newly opened Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails, which will be accessible all evening. The event is designed for families, providing a festive atmosphere with themed activities and surprises suitable for all ages. Participants can expect a blend of Halloween fun and animal encounters, making it a unique way to celebrate the season. The event encourages early arrival to maximize the experience and enjoy everything the zoo has to offer. Tickets start at $21, with discounts available for members. Zoo Boo is a popular tradition in Metro Detroit, offering memorable moments and a chance to check in at one of the citys favorite seasonal events.

The Ohio Renaissance Festival offers a series of themed weekends, each providing unique experiences for visitors. Fantasy Weekend brings together the Witches of Willy Nilly and fairies, creating an enchanting atmosphere throughout the village. Guests can enjoy magical performances and immersive interactions, with ASL interpreters available to ensure accessibility. Pirates Weekend takes place from September 19 to 20, 2026, from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm. This event celebrates International Talk Like a Pirate Day, featuring lively sea shanties, a giant pirate ship, and Pirate Play Time activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in pirate culture and enjoy family-friendly entertainment. Highland Weekend is scheduled for September 26 to 27, 2026, also from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm. This celebration highlights Highland heritage, inviting guests to experience traditional music, cultural displays, and themed festivities. Each weekend at the Ohio Renaissance Festival offers a distinct theme, allowing visitors to explore fantasy, pirate adventures, and Highland traditions. The festival provides opportunities for surprise, fun, and cultural enrichment, making it an appealing destination for those seeking memorable experiences. Consider planning your visit to join in the festivities and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Pittsburgh Botanical Garden is a can’t-miss spot. Its artful displays make you feel like you’ve stepped into a dreamlike garden. The conservatory is brimming with moth orchids—vivid blooms with graceful forms that are a joy to admire. You’ll also find plenty of unusual plants, including varieties you rarely see, perfect for curious minds eager to explore the plant world. Although it’s indoors, the greenhouses are well ventilated and never feel stuffy, though the tropical rainforest section runs a bit warmer. The setting is inviting and ideal for plant photography—snap almost anywhere and you’ll get gallery-worthy shots. If you bring a camera, even an hour will fly by. Passionate about plants? Linger, look closely, and immerse yourself in a quietly beautiful world. Visit Pittsburgh Botanical Garden and let your own plant-filled escape begin.

The Headless Horseman Festival is a well-known autumn event held at Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana. Taking place on select evenings from October 1 to October 25, 2026, this festival has been a local tradition since 1996. The event is set across the historic grounds of Conner Prairie and offers a variety of seasonal activities for visitors of all ages. Core attractions include an 11-acre haunted corn maze, a haunted hayride, and live theatrical performances that bring the legend of the Headless Horseman to life. Guests can also enjoy a fireworks show, themed food and drinks, and other fall-inspired activities throughout the festival area. Visitors can expect a blend of excitement and seasonal atmosphere, with opportunities for both thrills and family-friendly fun. The festivals unique combination of history, entertainment, and autumn scenery makes it a standout event in Central Indiana. Those interested in experiencing a classic fall tradition with a spooky twist may find the Headless Horseman Festival an appealing choice for their October plans.

Erebus Haunted Attraction is located in Pontiac, Michigan, and is recognized as one of the largest and most intense haunted houses in the United States. The attraction spans four floors, offering visitors an immersive experience filled with terrifying monsters, otherworldly environments, and live actors who enhance the sense of fear and suspense. Advanced special effects and interactive scares ensure that each visit is unpredictable, providing new surprises and heart-pounding moments every year. Erebus is designed to appeal to both horror enthusiasts and those seeking a thrilling adventure for the first time. Visitors can expect a unique blend of suspense, excitement, and adrenaline as they navigate through the attractions elaborate settings. The haunted house is known for its ability to create a memorable Halloween experience, making it a popular destination for those looking to embrace the spirit of the season. If you enjoy intense scares and immersive environments, Erebus Haunted Attraction offers a distinctive opportunity to test your courage and experience the thrill of Halloween in Michigan.

The Columbus Italian Festival takes place at Saint John the Baptist Church, located at 168 E. Lincoln Street in Columbus Italian Village. The festival is scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This annual event celebrates Italian culture with a variety of activities and entertainment. A new highlight for 2026 is the exclusive wine tasting experience available on Friday night, offering visitors a chance to sample select Italian wines. Attendees can enjoy Italian cultural activities, participate in the Bocce Classic tournament, and join the Kick Off Dinner. Family-friendly options include dedicated kids events, a parade, and a mass. The festival provides opportunities for volunteering, making it a community-driven celebration. Visitors can immerse themselves in Italian heritage, enjoy authentic food and drinks, and experience a lively atmosphere filled with music and festivities. Whether you are interested in cultural traditions, culinary delights, or simply looking for a fun evening out, the Columbus Italian Festival offers something for everyone. Plan your visit and enjoy the vibrant spirit of Columbus Italian Village.

ScareHouse, established in Pittsburgh in 1999, is recognized as one of the leading haunted attractions in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh, this venue is known for its immersive Halloween experiences, combining cinematic storytelling, detailed scenic design, advanced special effects, and skilled actor performances. ScareHouse has received national attention and is frequently listed among the top haunted houses in the country. A standout feature of ScareHouse is The Basement, an adult-oriented experience that takes interactive horror and immersive theater to new levels. This attraction is designed for those seeking intense thrills and a unique, hands-on approach to haunted entertainment. Visitors to ScareHouse can expect a blend of suspense, surprise, and excitement, making it a popular destination for those looking to experience the spirit of Halloween in a memorable way. The creative team continues to innovate, ensuring each season offers something new and engaging. For those interested in horror, immersive storytelling, or simply a night of adrenaline, ScareHouse in Pittsburgh offers a distinctive and highly acclaimed experience.