UToledo Launches Inaugural Holloway’s Halloween Celebration

October 20, 2025 | News, UToday, Alumni, Student Affairs
By Calvin Sweeney



The University of Toledo is introducing a new campus tradition this fall with the launch of Holloway’s Halloween, a weeklong celebration inspired by President James Holloway’s love of Halloween.

From Monday, Oct. 27, through Friday, Oct. 31, students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are invited to take part in a variety of themed events celebrating creativity and connection.

A graphic for Holloway’s Halloween, from Monday, Oct. 27, through Friday, Oct. 31. There is an image of a haunted house with a full moon and bats.Planned by student organizations and offices across campus in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs, the inaugural week will feature everything from pumpkin carving and haunted houses to cultural celebrations and career development opportunities.

Monday, Oct. 27

•  Potions and Poisons, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Thompson Student Union. Join the Center for Advocacy and Student Experience to kick off Holloway’s Halloween Week. Craft your own potion (calm jars) and snag some treats (cup covers and test strips) to protect yourself against poisonous tricks.

•  Carve-In & Chill, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the front lawn of University Hall. Hosted by the Office of Student Engagement and Connections. Join in the fun with pumpkin carving and a showing of “Halloweentown.”

Tuesday, Oct. 28

•  Spooky Fest, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Centennial Mall. This sustainable, activity-based festival hosted by the Society of Environmental Advocates engages students through fun, fall-themed experiences promoting environmental knowledge and habits.

•  SAGA Spooktacular Halloween Party, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Room 2500. Celebrate Halloween with tarot readings, a costume contest and more with SAGA and friends.

•  Murder Mystery, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Room 2582. Join the Black Student Union for “A Killer Night!” Step into a world of suspense and deception in this interactive murder mystery event where everyone’s a suspect and only the sharpest minds will solve the case.

•  Halloween Bingo and Costume Contest, from 8 to 10 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Auditorium. Join the Office of Student Engagement and Connections and Campus Activities and Programming for an evening of prizes, laughter and friendly competition.

Wednesday, Oct. 29

•  Happy Hour with the Dean, from noon to 1 p.m. on the Savage & Associates Business Complex second-floor atrium. For all business students, grab candy, chat with peers and professors and meet the dean during this fun networking event.

•  All-American Haunting, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Auditorium. Step into the shadows of America’s haunted history in this immersive ghost seance blending storytelling, theatrical performance and multimedia.

•  I-Halloween, from 7 to 10 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Ingman Room. Join the International Students Association for a festive Halloween party with free food and games.

Thursday, Oct. 30

•  CAP Fall Fest, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Centennial Mall. Get into the spooky spirit at Fall Fest hosted by Campus Activities and Programming. Enjoy pumpkin painting, a haunted photo booth, caramel apples and games.

•  SigEp x Triangle Haunted House, from 5 to 8 p.m. in McComas Village. Experience this annual haunted house fundraiser hosted by Sigma Phi Epsilon and Triangle fraternities.

•  Kpopoween, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Room 2584. Join the UToledo K-Pop Club for a Halloween costume party celebrating music, fun and creativity.

•  Carlson Library Halloween Movie Night, from 7 to 10 p.m. in Carlson Library Room 2020. Watch “Deep Red,” with popcorn and candy provided.

Friday, Oct. 31

•  Provost’s Power and Peril Halloween Party, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Thompson Student Union. Join the Provost Office for a Halloween party. Stop by our festive tables to play a quick game or grab a treat.

•  Canvas of Horrors, from 12 to 2 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Room 2582/84. Join the Office of Student Engagement and Connections for a Halloween-themed canvas painting event.

•  Oktoberfest with Order of Omega, from 4:45 to 8 p.m. in McComas Village. Enjoy donuts, apple cider and yard games while making new friends.

•  IFC Trick or Treating, from 5 to 8 p.m. in McComas Village. Stop by the Greek Village for the InterFraternity Council’s annual Trick-or-Treating event. Open to all UToledo students and community residents.

•  Spooky Space, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ritter Planetarium. Explore the sky and outer space with a Halloween twist in this special planetarium show for all ages.

Boosting Your Career Week

Running alongside Holloway’s Halloween, the Rocket Career Center will host Boosting Your Career Week, offering opportunities for students to grow professionally while embracing the Halloween spirit.

•  Cider and Careers, Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rocket Career Center.

•  Mini Pumpkin Painting, Wednesday, Oct. 29, from noon to 2 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Room 2500.

•  Candy Crawl, Thursday, Oct. 30, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Rocket Career Center and various other locations around Main Campus.

Halloween Office Decorating Contest

Faculty and staff are encouraged to join in the fun by participating in the Halloween Office Decorating Contest, where departments can showcase their spooky spirit and creativity. The winning office will receive the traveling trophy and campus bragging rights for the year.

The deadline to sign up for participation is Wednesday, Oct. 22.

From apple cider and haunted houses to pumpkin painting and professional networking, Holloway’s Halloween promises to be a spirited week of creativity and connection and one that could soon become one of UToledo’s fall favorites.

For more information, visit the Involvement Network.