General Event Information
What is HighBall Halloween?
HighBall Halloween is the nation’s most elaborate costume party. Staged in the fashion capital of Columbus, this yearly event for the Halloween season bridges runway style with the culture of the Short North Arts District. At HighBall Halloween, you are what you wear!
When is HighBall Halloween?
The 2021 event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Doors to the event open at 5 p.m.
Where is HighBall Halloween 2021?
HighBall Halloween 2021 will take place at EXPRESS LIVE!, located at 405 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43215.
What does HighBallHalloween Support?
Proceeds from HighBall Halloween go to support the Short North Alliance (SNA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving both the property owners and business owners of the Short North Arts District. HighBall Halloween helps to underwrite the programs and activities of the Short North Alliance, including clean and safe initiatives, promotions, holiday campaigns, public art installations, and initiatives to support inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. Learn more about the Short North Alliance and Short North Arts District at ShortNorth.org.
COVID-19 Safety Information
What is the event doing to address COVID-19 health safety?
The safety of our event attendees and anyone involved with the event is our top priority. Due to the unprecedented circumstances required to keep everyone healthy and safe, we have made the decision to hold this year’s event at EXPRESS LIVE!. The location of the event at EXPRESS LIVE! allows for the highest standard of health and safety protocols and infrastructure to best protect all attendees and those involved with the event. In line with the PromoWest Production and AEG COVID-19 protocols that go into effect Oct. 1, 2021, HighBall Halloween will require that:
- All attendees and individuals on site provide proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination at entry
- Everyone on site wears masks (i.e. a facial covering that covers the nose and mouth) at all times during the event, except momentarily when actively eating or drinking.
- Additionally, increased sanitization practices will be in place along with sanitizer stations.
- Social distancing is also strongly encouraged.
What is acceptable to show proof of complete vaccination?
Acceptable documentation may be a physical copy of a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or a digital copy of such card, either of which show your final shot was received on or before Oct. 9, 2021.
What if I forget my proof of vaccination?
You will not be allowed to enter the event.
Will you accept proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the event?
No, negative COVID-19 test results will not be accepted as means to enter the event unless you have a medical or religious exemption (see details below) or if you are under the age of 12 (see details below). Otherwise, all attendees must provide proof of full vaccination.
What if I have a medical condition or religious belief that exempts me from getting vaccinated?
Any patron needing an exemption due to a medical condition, disability or religious belief will need to complete this form and bring the signed form along with a proof of a negative COVID test (molecular, PCR or antigen) that was administered by an official testing center to the event. Test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to entry. Home testing kit results will not be accepted for entry.
What if a child under the age of 12 would like to attend?
As the vaccine has not been approved for use on kids under age 12, a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of the event will be required. Only a negative COVID-19 test result (molecular, PCR or antigen) that was administered by an official testing center will be accepted. Said test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to entry. Home testing kit results will not be accepted for entry.
Ticketing, Refunds, & Entry Questions
How much is admission?
Early-bird General Admission tickets for HighBall Halloween 2021 start at $30 and VIP at $70, with ticket prices increasing to $35 and $75 respectively on Friday, Oct. 8. All tickets will be subject to additional facility and processing fees. 100% of all proceeds from event ticket sales after facility and processing fees go to benefit the Short North Alliance.
Where can I purchase tickets?
Tickets go on sale Monday, Sept. 13 and can be purchased online here or via the EXPRESS LIVE! Box Office located at 405 Neil Ave.
Why are tickets priced differently this year?
The modest increase in General Admission ticket prices for the 2021 event is needed to execute this year’s event in as safe a manner as possible at EXPRESS LIVE! The new location will also provide HighBallers with enhanced amenities including ample concession areas, indoor restrooms and elevated viewing.
What costumes and props are allowed?
Please review our full costume and prop guidelines here.
Can I leave the event and come back?
No re-entry is allowed.
What is the refund policy?
All ticket purchases are final and cannot be refunded in any circumstance, including, but not limited to, inclement weather, talent cancellation, illness, complete event cancellation, event restrictions due to COVID-19, etc. All ticket purchases directly support the 501c(3) organization the Short North Alliance. In the event that HighBall Halloween 2021 cannot take place for any reason, ticket purchases will be transferred as donations.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
HighBall Halloween is a rain or shine event. Per the refund policy above, no refunds will be given in the event of inclement weather.
Will there be drink tickets this year?
Drink tickets will only be provided to VIP ticket holders. Otherwise, all bars and food vendors on site will take cash, credit or debit card. A percentage of the proceeds from Late Night Slice food sales will benefit the Short North Alliance.
Can I bring my dog?
No. But we’d love to see your furry friend in their Halloween costume! Snap a pic and tag us on Instagram @HighBallCbus.
What’s the age requirement for attendees?
HighBall Halloween is an all ages event, however only those who are 21 and up may consume alcohol.
Is HighBall a kid-friendly event?
HighBall Halloween is an all ages event. At HighBall Halloween we focus on the fantasy and costuming elements of the Halloween season, so the stage performances are not designed to frighten. However, it is a public event and there are many costumes on the streets. It should also be noted that there will be alcohol present at the event. Since our first event 14 years ago, there have always been HighBallers both big and small and we have yet to receive any complaints about appropriateness for children.
Miscellaneous
Volunteers
For health and safety reasons, we will not be asking for volunteers this year.
Still have questions? Email HighBall@ShortNorth.org.