EVENTS
Halloweenapalooza is one of those "kitchen sink" events. We fill it up with lots of fun things so that there is something for everyone.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(Subject to change)
FRIDAY THE 10TH (5-11pm)
5-11pm: FILM FESTIVAL (Produce Iowa Theatre)
Short horror films from all over the world will be screened over the two days. Blocks A, B, and C will play Friday night.
​
5-11pm: VENDORS & CELEBS (Lobby)
Different vendors selling all sorts of fun and Halloween-related goodies will be set up throughout the lobby. Celebs will be taking pictures and signing autographs.
​
5-11pm: PF 25 YEARS (Vampire Lounge)
Join us all Friday for a curated playlist of films by local creators Prescribed Films—frightfully fun stories that showcase their work across the years.
5pm: CRAFTING HOUR
Little and big kids will have the opportunity to do some fun paper craft projects to kick off Friday's events. From pumpkins to spider webs, all the materials will be included; all you need to do is bring your imagination!! (Ages 5-12)
*In "SunnyD Vodka Seltzer" Event Room
6pm: AUTHORS: THE PROCESS
This year, we’re taking things in an exciting new direction! Join us for The Process, a deep-dive panel discussion led by author Bret Royer. Instead of just hearing the finished words on the page, you’ll get an insider’s look at how those words came to life—from the very first spark of an idea to the final published work. Bret will guide a panel of talented local writers through every stage of their creative journey, sharing hard-earned tips, behind-the-scenes challenges, and the magic moments that make storytelling worth it. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, a curious beginner, or just someone who loves a good story, The Process will inspire, educate, and give you a whole new appreciation for the art of writing.
*In "SunnyD Vodka Seltzer" Event Room
​
7pm: PUPPET SHOW
Bat Brain Studio presents their Multi-Puppet Debut Show — "A Kooky Menagerie of Lost Souls!" Where art meets horror with all its macabre silliness, Barty and his eccentric friends are hosting a tea party that’s absolutely unfit for polite company… and just right for Halloween. Don’t miss this bizarre, creepy, and hilariously twisted puppet performance.
*In "SunnyD Vodka Seltzer" Event Room
8pm: SPOOKY SPLATTER SHOWDOWN
Assemble a team of four or find new friends to join your team for a thrilling paint relay! Each team will have 5 minutes to strategize their painting masterpiece before each member takes a 10-minute turn to create their part of the artwork. The catch? Each painter will work individually, unable to see what the others are creating until the final reveal. All supplies will be provided. Watch the teams' creative process unfold and witness the unique and surprising results.
*Sponsored by the Ottumwa Area Arts Council.
*In "SunnyD Vodka Seltzer" Event Room
​
9-10:30pm: TRIVIA W/INSANE MIKE
Test your trivia knowledge with Insane Mike. He'll be leading trivia games and contests for about 90 minutes. There will be prizes and fun things.
*In "SunnyD Vodka Seltzer" Event Room
11pm: AFTER PARTY
Keep the fun going after Halloweenapalooza with the Friday night After Party at Old School Pizza & Pub! Starting at 11 PM, enjoy free arcade games, pinball for just $.50–$1, 16 taps of ice-cold beer, RTDs, and a menu of fun foods.
*305 E Main St
SATURDAY THE 11TH (Noon-Midnight)
Noon-8pm: FILM FESTIVAL (Produce Iowa Theatre)
Short horror films from all over the world will be screened over the two days. Blocks D, E, F, and G will play throughout Saturday.
Noon-8pm: VENDORS & CELEBS (Lobby)
Different vendors selling all sorts of fun and Halloween-related goodies will be set up throughout the lobby. Celebs will be taking pictures and signing autographs.
​
12 Noon: CRAFTING HOUR
Little and big kids will have the opportunity to do some fun paper craft projects to kick off Saturday morning. From pumpkins to spider webs, all the materials will be included; all you need to do is bring your imagination!! (Ages 5-12)
*In "SunnyD Vodka Seltzer" Event Room
​
1-4pm: BLOOD DRIVE
Sink your teeth into something good at Halloweenapalooza! On Saturday, October 11th from 1–4 PM, ImpactLife will host a Blood Drive in our very own “Vampire Lounge.” Roll up your sleeve at the blood bank and help save lives while celebrating the spooky spirit of the season—it’s the perfect way to give back and keep the community thriving. Sign up HERE.
*In the "Vampire Lounge"
​
1pm: TRAILERTHON FROM BEYOND
Listen to the gang at Attack of the Killer Podcast riff live on the craziest mixed-up weirdo movie trailers you've ever seen right before your eyes! It's going to be a guaranteed hour of fun and laughing at Halloweenapalooza.
*In "SunnyD Vodka Seltzer" Event Room
​
2pm: SLAAAAY! 💅🔪
Carrsan T. Morrissey will be hosting a powerful and thought-provoking panel: “SLAAAAY! 💅🔪” - Creating Queer Horror in the Heartland with Carrsan T. Morrissey — where she’ll explore the deep connection between the LGBT+ community and the horror genre, along with insights into her own groundbreaking work.
Don’t miss your chance to hear from one of Iowa’s most compelling voices in horror!
*In "SunnyD Vodka Seltzer" Event Room
3pm: THE HISTORY OF VAMPIRE FILMS
Justin Beahm will be presenting The History of Vampire Films — a fascinating look at the undead through the ages, from silent classics to modern-day bloodsuckers.
*In "SunnyD Vodka Seltzer" Event Room
4pm: DERRY PUBLIC RADIO [LIVE PODCAST]
Welcome to the basement of the Derry Civic Center. Pay no mind to the strange sounds coming from behind the Unfound Door. It’s just your ka-tet, who are here to provide you with a variety of perspectives on Stephen King’s work – ranging from the comfortably familiar to the frighteningly fanatic. Derry Public Radio is here to keep you up-to-date with all that’s happening in Derry, Maine and “beyond.”
*In "SunnyD Vodka Seltzer" Event Room
5pm: Q&A w/AMANDA BEARSE, WILLIAM RAGSDALE, AND STEPHEN GEOFFREYS
Amanda, William, and Stephen will be on stage to talk all about their time on the set of Fright Night.
*In "SunnyD Vodka Seltzer" Event Room
6pm: FEATURED FILM - FIELD OF SCREAMS
A group of young people who are helping their friend clean out his his late grandfather's farmhouse are terrorized by a living scarecrow. This is the first feature film from local filmmakers Evan Runkle & Alix Moad.
*In "SunnyD Vodka Seltzer" Event Room
​
6pm: ZOMBIE WALK
Meet outside at the main entrance in your best living dead costume (or any costume really) and prepare to walk the streets of Ottumwa!!
*This is a free event, costume awards given out after​
​
8pm: COSTUME CONTEST (Produce Iowa Theatre)
Sign up at the front desk to enter the costume contest. Show your stuff! There will be prizes for Best Adult, Best Teen, Best Child, Best Couple/Group, Best in Show!
*Line up at 7:30
**The Costume Contest is sponsored by Ottumwa Radio.
8:45pm: AWARDS SHOW (Produce Iowa Theatre)
See who wins Best Short and Runner-up, Audience Choice, Best Kill, Halloween Spirit, and the Andy Wassom One-Liner. Trophies will be given out!
9:15pm: SAM REZZ PERFORMANCE (Produce Iowa Theatre)
Known for her captivating blend of sideshow and ground circus acts—including stilt walking, juggling, hula hooping, and more—Sam will take the stage for a thrilling performance.
10pm: ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
(Produce Iowa Theatre)
The event concludes with everybody's favorite audience participation movie Rocky Horror Picture Show. Bring your own props or we'll also have survival kits available for purchase at the main table. You don't want to miss this!!
*No glitter or confetti
VENUE
Doors will open 30 minutes early. So 4:30pm Friday and 11:30am Saturday.
With every paid entry you'll get a wristband or stamp that will allow you to come and go to all the events all day and night.
PHOTOS
We love capturing memories too, but please be respectful and ask permission before taking photos of guests, vendors, or costumes.
FOOD & DRINKS
There will be food and drinks and adult beverages available for purchase too. So please don’t bring in outside food and drinks.
VENDORS
Bring lots of cash! But there is also an ATM on site when you run out!