The annual event will run from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. in and around the grounds of the Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Road.

Activities run the gamut at Spooktacular, meaning all ages will be entertained, said Mary Jo DiSalvo, community relations specialist.

"We encourage everyone to come and be a kid again, regardless of how old they are," she said. "We're looking forward to a good time. It's a family event and kids of all ages will find something to do there. Even looking at other people's costumes is fun in itself."

Costumes aren't required to attend Spooktacular, but there are plenty of activities to get people in the Halloween mood.

Outdoor activities include a coloring wall, hayride, juggler, scarecrow, magician, haunted trail and games.

There will be no inflatables this year, but DiSalvo said visitors will find plenty to do.

"The hay maze is more amazing than ever," she said. "We're expanding it and adding more hay bales so it will be even more fun."

Children also can get a jump on candy collection with the trunk or treat trail, which DiSalvo said will include at least 35 groups handing out treats.

A pumpkin carver also will be on hand for the outdoor entertainment.

"He'll be carving shapes out of various sizes of pumpkins, so watch and learn from the master. People can get ideas of how they might want to do their own pumpkins at home," she said.

Inside the recreation center, Spooktacular offerings include the Boo! Boogie dance programs, crafts, scary stories, bingo, costumed characters and fortune tellers.

The freaky find activity will give children a chance to feel "strange objects," DiSavlo said.

"You can feel what it's like to touch a witch's hair or eyeballs," she said.

Dublin middle school students will have a chance to get "freaky" during the Monster Mash that is set to run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. DiSalvo said middle schoolers should bring their student ID to get into the dance.

Refreshments will be available for purchase, in addition to photos from DK Photographic.

For more information or a complete list of events, look online at Dublin.oh.us.