Dublin families have four chances to fill their candy buckets before Halloween arrives on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The Historic Dublin Halloween Candy Trail opens the week on Saturday, Oct. 24. A dance party and Halloween "Scream-a-long" with Mr. E from 2-4 p.m. on the Dublin Branch library plaza at 75 N. High St., according to the Historic Dublin Business Association. Kids in costume can then collect candy from participating Historic Dublin businesses.

The end time for the candy trail varies by source. Dublin Daily newsletter author Nick Brodd listed the candy-collecting window as 3–5 p.m., while Columbus on the Cheap listed it as 2–4 p.m. Families should plan to arrive early. Trail maps are available at the Dublin Ohio Visitors Center at 9 S. High St. and at each participating location, according to Columbus on the Cheap.

Two Dublin churches are hosting Trunk-or-Treat events on Sunday, Oct. 25, both open to the community, Dublin Daily reported.

Dublin Presbyterian Church at 5775 Dublinshire Drive plans a Trunk-or-Treat from 5–8 p.m. with candy, games, face painting, food and an outdoor Monsters, Inc. movie.

Fellowship Baptist Church at 6720 Shier Rings Road holds its own Trunk-or-Treat from 5–6:30 p.m. with decorated cars, candy, hot dogs and a photo booth.

Then comes the main event. Dublin's official neighborhood trick-or-treating is Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6–8 p.m., according to the city's website. Dublin follows the date recommended by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). Because Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, the city moved trick-or-treating to the Thursday before.

One detail worth noting: Dublin does not reschedule trick-or-treating for rain, Dublin Daily reported. The city leaves it up to parents to decide whether conditions are good enough to head out.

Upcoming Dublin Halloween events:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: Historic Dublin Halloween Candy Trail, starting at 2 p.m., 75 N. High St.
  • Sunday, Oct. 25: Trunk-or-Treat at Dublin Presbyterian Church, 5–8 p.m., 5775 Dublinshire Drive
  • Sunday, Oct. 25: Trunk-or-Treat at Fellowship Baptist Church, 5–6:30 p.m., 6720 Shier Rings Road
  • Thursday, Oct. 29: Official neighborhood trick-or-treating, 6–8 p.m. citywide