Heights businesses plan family-friendly Halloween events

A young trick-or-treater from last year's Cedar Lee Candy Crawl. Photo by Gabe Schaffer.

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As fall arrives and temperatures drop, many young Heights residents can think of only one thing—Halloween, with all of its thrills and chills, is almost here!

This year, three Cleveland Heights business districts will host family-friendly, Halloween-themed events, welcoming residents to get in costume and trick-or-treat in safe, walkable areas, all while enjoying neighborhood establishments.

The Cedar Fairmount Business District will host its 2016 Halloween & Fall Festival on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 5–7 p.m. The event will feature trick-or-treating, entertainment by Musical Mark and Whipples the Balloon Clown, a visit from police dog Argos, and merchant and restaurant specials throughout the district. Attendees can also participate in cupcake decorating at Luna's Cake Shop, for a small fee. Event visitors should look for orange pumpkins on the doors or windows of participating merchants. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Cedar Fairmount Special Improvement District, City Architecture, Cedar Road Buffalo Wild Wings, Kiefer Realty Group and Osborn Engineering are sponsors of the event. Learn more at the event's Facebook page.

On Friday, Oct. 21, 5–7 p.m., the Cedar Lee Business District, in conjunction with FutureHeights, will host the Cedar Lee Candy Crawl for children 12 and younger, and their families. This annual event features safe trick-or-treating at many Lee Road businesses. All children are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes, and must be accompanied by an adult. Look for the official Candy Crawl stop signs in the windows of participating merchants. Learn more at the event's Facebook page. 

On Friday, Oct. 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Coventry Village will host its annual CovenTREAT, in which children can visit participating businesses for candy and treats, and make Halloween crafts. All participating children must be in costume and be accompanied by an adult. Look for the official CovenTREAT Stop signs in the windows of participating Coventry merchants. Learn more at the event's Facebook page.

In Cleveland Heights and University Heights, Halloween trick-or-treating is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 31, 6–8 p.m. Those who intend to distribute candy are advised to make sure a porch light is on.