October Is Final Month to
Enjoy All That OGTTM Has to Offer
“Hocus Pocus” Is Top Choice for Venues in October
COLUMBUS, Ohio (September 17, 2026) – Ohio Goes to the Movies (OGTTM) will present a range of movies in October, and many of the 30 screening events plan to feature spooky films in line with Halloween tradition. One film was selected by more venues this month than any other: the 1993 classic “Hocus Pocus” starring Bette Midler and Ohio’s own Sarah Jessica Parker, who was born in Nelsonville and raised in Cincinnati.
Starting off the final month of Ohio Goes to the Movies, “Hocus Pocus” will screen October 1 at the Darke County Center for the Arts hosting at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall in Greenville, where they are encouraging guests to dress up in costumes and will have goody bags for children. The movie will also be shown October 2 at Meigs County District Public Library (Racine Branch).
Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike County in Waverly will host “Hocus Pocus” on October 10. “The library has heard positive feedback from the public that they are excited to have something free to do with their families. We are thankful for this opportunity and can’t wait to give back to our community,” said Library Director Natosha Massie. She added they will have free popcorn and water, along with take-home crafts for families to enjoy after the event.
“We decided to screen ‘Hocus Pocus’ on October 9 both because of the great local connection through Sarah Jessica Parker and just knowing how beloved the tradition of watching it is for many families every fall. The opportunity to have a gently spooky movie and celebrate one of the main actresses being born in Nelsonville right here in Athens County was too good to pass up,” said Taryn Lentes, youth services coordinator for the Athens County Public Library.
She added, “Before the movie starts, we are encouraging everyone to come in costume or their favorite spooky-themed outfit. We will have crafts, local treats, popcorn and even the opportunity to take photos with the Sanderson sisters, all leading up to the start of the film. The next day, on October 10, we’re keeping the ‘Hocus Pocus’- related fun going with presenters Alex Thomas and Friends, who will be leading attendees through two workshops: Shadow Puppetry and Special Effects Makeup. We hope people can come to both days of programming and learn how to recreate some of the characters and effects they spotted in the movie the night before. The goal is for the event to be truly for all ages, so we would love to welcome both the young and the young at heart.”
Tammy Trout of the North Baltimore Public Library said they will host their event on October 21 at The Virginia Theater and are encouraging patrons to dress as their favorite character. “We chose to show ‘Hocus Pocus’ because of Sarah Jessica Parker and because it is a perfect October/Halloween-themed movie. Many of our patrons are surprised by which movies, and how many, are associated with Ohio. It is great that OGTTM is spotlighting this and making the public aware,” she said.
A Spookier Side of OGTTM in October
“A Nightmare on Elm Street” will screen on October 2 at the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library in Ironton, accompanied by a special presentation before the movie. “We selected ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ because of director Wes Craven’s connection to Ohio and the significant impact his work has had on the horror genre,” said Youth Programming Manager Jan Gullett. “The event gives attendees an opportunity to learn more about Craven and his Ohio roots while also enjoying one of his most iconic films. We hope it will be a fun and unique way to celebrate Ohio’s contributions to the world of film.”
As part of the event, Shawnee State University instructor Eric Brown will present “Wes Craven and Horror Films,” exploring the legendary filmmaker’s Ohio roots and the lasting impact of his work on the horror genre. Following the presentation and movie, guests can enjoy horror-themed games and trivia, along with a cosplay appearance by Freddy Krueger.
KeyBank Discovery Theater at Imagination Station (Toledo) chose “Zombieland” to screen on October 2 because the film honors the city of Columbus and stars Woody Harrelson, who was raised in Ohio and attended high school in Lebanon.
Imagination Station will feature iconic moments from the film stationed around the science center as activities — from Zombie bites and a special Twinkie-inspired blender bike drink to Zombie handprints and trivia. Visitors can see if they’re destined for survival as they take part in each activity before heading to the theater and watching the witty, adventure-packed journey through a nation occupied by zombies.
The Fairborn Phoenix, which took over the historic Chaker’s Fairborn Theatre in 2020 and has been undergoing renovations, will celebrate local director James Van Bebber on October 9. He is expected to attend screenings of two of his chilling films. His debut feature, “Deadbeat at Dawn,” is a gritty revenge thriller that has become a celebrated independent cult film. His follow-up passion project, “The Manson Family,” was shot over more than a decade on a shoestring budget; it blends documentary realism, experimental filmmaking and psychological horror to explore the crimes and mythology surrounding Charles Manson and his followers. The result is a disturbing, hypnotic work that cemented Van Bebber’s reputation as one of the most uncompromising voices in underground cinema.
“Trick ’r Treat” will screen at Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse on October 22. Director of Programming Tyler Campbell explained, “We chose ‘Trick’r Treat’ because it exists simultaneously as evidence that Columbus filmmakers have a pathway to success in mainstream Hollywood and as an artifact that expertly depicts the feeling of Halloween in the countless small towns that dot the Ohio landscape.
“In addition, we’ll be screening the short film ‘Season’s Greetings,’ which inspired the full-length feature ‘Trick ’r Treat.’”
He also shared the exciting news that director Michael Dougherty, a Columbus native, will be on hand to discuss both projects. All guests will also receive a free commemorative pint glass.
On October 31, the Ohio Goes to the Movies calendar wraps up with Dublin Riverside Crossing Park screening “Coco” and “Wicked: For Good.” Directed by Lee Unkrich (Chagrin Falls), the animated story of “Coco” involves a curse for which the lead character must seek forgiveness from his ancestors in the Land of the Dead. The magic of “Wicked: For Good” includes the backstory of the Wicked Witch and Glinda from “The Wizard of Oz” in costumes by award-winning designer Paul Tazewell (Akron).
Ohio Goes to the Movies Grand Finale
Ohio Goes to the Movies kicked off on February 11 in Milan, the birthplace of Thomas Edison, whose inventions helped launch the movie industry. The unprecedented free Ohio movie series has seen more than 300 movies in all 88 Ohio counties over about 250 days. It is a signature event of America 250-Ohio that has united communities in a fun celebration of Ohio’s rich heritage in the film industry.
To conclude its special programming, OGTTM organizers are teaming up with the Strand Theatre in Delaware for a screening of “42,” the Jackie Robinson story, on October 14. The movie features Ohio’s Branch Rickey (Stockdale/Delaware), who signed Robinson as the first Black player in Major League Baseball. After the screening, guests will enjoy a panel discussion with Branch Rickey III, Larry Doby Jr., Marty Brennaman and Sidney Carlson White, moderated by Dr. Leslie Heaphy.More details are available here and for tickets visit https://strandtheatreoh.com/.
For full details on OGTTM events in October, visit the calendar at OhioGoestotheMovies.org.
October 2026 Ohio Goes to the Movies Events
###
Media Contacts:
Betty Weibel, Yopko Penhallurick, 216-956-4034 | bw@yp-pr.com
Jackie Reau, Game Day, 513-708-5822 | jreau@gamedaypr.com
Photos and Interviews Available Upon Request