Scare in the Square

Get dressed up in your Halloween best and join us Friday, October 4 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a weekend of memories. Free shuttles are available between Harmony Square and Mohawk Park.

Brantford turns into a spook-tacular place filled with fall and Halloween themed events. Activities include trick-or-treating, Escape Rooms, Paranormal Tours, Halloween Roller Skate, Casper’s Craft Corner, HOWL-o-ween Dog Parade, costume contests, and more! Take your photo with scarecrow and pumpkin carving displays throughout the square.  Tickets are available to purchase at the Harmony Square office located in Harmony Square.

Schedules

Friday, October 4, 2024

Harmony Square (89 Dalhousie St):

  • 5:00 p.m. Official Event Opening
  • 5:30 p.m. Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade presented by Global Pet Foods, costume contest with prizes to follow
  • 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Character Meet and Greet with Mermaid Princess and Sea Witch
  • 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Marco the Clown presented
  • 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Vote for your favourite scarecrow and pumpkins
  • 5:00 p.m. to 900 p.m. Photo Booth presented by TD Bank Group
  • 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Casper’s Craft Corner presented by Family Gathering Urban EarlyON
  • 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tractor Drawn Hayrides presented by Millards Chartered Professional Accountants
  • 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Amusement Rides presented by Hudson Public and Associated Paving & Materials Ltd
  • 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Escape Rooms presented by Five Nineteen Productions
  • 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Paranormal Tour at Old City Hall presented by The Ontario Paranormal Society
  • 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Shuttle bus between Harmony Square and Mohawk Park presented by Heads or Tails Gaming
  • 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Halloween Roller Skating presented by Mitsui High-tec (Canada)

Mohawk Park (51 Lynnwood Drive)

  • 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Shuttle bus between Harmony Square and Mohawk Park presented by Heads or Tails Gaming
  • 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Haunted House at the Pavilion presented by Fright Club
  • 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Scare in the Trail: The Purge presented by Heads or Tails Gaming
  • 8:00 p.m. Scary Drive In Movie presented by Co-operators - McMillan Insurance and Levac’s
Saturday, October 5, 2024

Harmony Square (89 Dalhousie St)

  • 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Character Meet and Greet with The Spider Hero and Snow Princess
  • 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Face Painting
  • 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Vote for your favourite scarecrow and pumpkin. Winners to be announced at 5:00 p.m.
  • 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Amusement Rides presented by Hudson Public and Associated Paving & Materials Ltd
  • 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tractor Drawn Hayrides presented by Millards Chartered Professional Accountants
  • 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Escape Rooms presented by Five Nineteen Productions
  • 1:00 p.m. Tiny Tots Parade presented by Hudson Public
  • 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Photo Booth presented by Renway Energy Inc.
  • 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Trick or Treating
  • 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Stationary Jeep Parade presented by Brantford Jeep Club
  • 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Casper’s Craft Corner presented by Family Gatherings Urban Early ON
  • 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Paranormal Tours at Old City Hall presented by The Ontario Paranormal Society
  • 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Kids and Adults Costume Contest and Scarecrow and Pumpkin winners announced
  • 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thriller Dance by Quinn
  • 6:00 p.m. Disney Trivia at Hudson Public (pre-registration required)
  • 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Shuttle bus between Harmony Square and Mohawk Park presented by Heads or Tails Gaming
  • 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Halloween Roller Skating Presented by Mitsui High-tec (Canada)

Mohawk Park (51 Lynnwood Dr)

  • 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Shuttle bus between Harmony Square and Mohawk Park presented by Heads or Tails Gaming
  • 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Haunted House at the Pavilion presented by Fright Club 
  • 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Scare in the Trail: The Purge presented by Heads or Tails Gaming

Family-friendly activities

FREE Halloween Roller Skate (Friday and Saturday)

Enjoy a free Halloween Roller Skate on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Harmony Square presented by Mitsui High-tec (Canada). On-site registration is required. Retro Rollers Inc. roller skate rentals are available on-site, on a first-come-first-serve for your shoe size, for $10.00 per pair. Debit, credit and cash payments are accepted. Sizes range from J12 to adult size 15. 

Rink rules
  • Helmets and safety gear are strongly recommended
  • Roller skaters must all skate in the same direction as others at all times.
  • Please refrain from carrying your child on the roller rink
  • Extreme speed/racing while roller skating is not permitted
  • No food and drink allowed on the roller rink
  • Headsets, cell phones and hand held electronic devices are not permitted
  • No horseplay, games or sports permitted
  • Stunts, tricks and/or roller skating backwards is not permitted
  • Costumes need to be safe to skate in with clear visibility and no dragging garments.

 

Boy in costumer rollerskating
HOWL-o-ween Dog Costume Contest (Friday)

Join the HOWL-O-Ween Dog Parade on Oct 4 at 5:30 p.m., where your furry friends can strut their stuff in their most creative costumes! This fun-filled occasion features an array of amazing prizes for various categories, along with exciting activities and treats for both pets and their owners. Don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your pup's personality and enjoy a howling good time presented by Global Pet Foods!

Contest categories
  • Best Homemade Costume: These costumes must be made with love, and made by hand, this is no store-bought creation!
  • Best Dog and Owner Costume Combo: humans must be in costume! Multiple humans and pets allowed.
  • Most Creative Costume: this is the "OMG, I would have never thought of that!" category.
  • Funniest Costume: if you split a gut laughing when you see it, we've found the winner!
  • Best Large Dog Costume:dogs must be over 30 pounds, with the best costume
  • Best Small Dog Costume:dogs must be under 30 pounds, with the best costume
  • Best Movie/TV Character Costume: bring on Harry Potter and Yoda - the best movie costume wins!
  • Best Superhero Costume: these dogs have super costumes and super powers!
Contest rules
  • Winners can only win in one category, no repeat winners
  • All dogs must remain leashed and be with an adult at all times
  • No dogs without vaccinations
  • Rabies and vaccinations must be current
  • Dogs must wear I.D. tags at all times
  • No dogs in heat
  • No aggressive dogs
  • Please pick-up after your dog
  • Costumes must be safe and comfortable for dogs
  • City employees have the right to ask you and your dog to leave if deemed necessary
  • By entering this contest you are agreeing to have your photo taken with the potential of it being used on social media and/or for marketing purposes

 

Cute dog in Mrs.Claus costume
Trick or Treating (Saturday)

Head over to Harmony Square and pick-up a copy of our special trick-or-treating map and free bag while supplies last and explore downtown Brantford as you pick up treats from the participating businesses. Be warned, they might make you do a trick! Trick-or-treating begins at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. The costumer judging contest for adults and children with lots of amazing prizes to be won takes place at 4:00 p.m.

Trick or Treating

Stationary Jeep Parade (Saturday)

The Stationary Jeep Parade features jeeps transformed into festive Halloween displays, each one creatively decorated with spooky and fun Halloween decorations. While the jeeps remain stationary, they offer a thrilling experience as they hand out candy to kids, creating a safe and exciting trick-or-treating opportunity right from their vehicle on Sat, Oct 5 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Stationary Jeep Parade (Saturday)

Kids and Adults Costume Contest (Saturday) 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Contest categories
  • Best Homemade Costume (Adult and Child): This costume must be made with love, and made by hand, this is no store-bought creation!
  • Most Realistic (Adult and Child): the costume that makes us all do a double take, it’s so real.
  • Best Group/Family: This costume is the best for a group of three or more people.
  • Best Couple: Best family-friendly couple costume 
  • Best Special Effects (Adult and Child): this is the “wow how did they do that?!” category
  • Best Classic Costume -(Adult and Child): Pumpkin? Vampire? Witch? This costume makes you think “now this is what Halloween is all about!”  
  • Best Fairytale Costume (Adult and Child): This costume straight out of a fairytale book
  • Punniest Costume (Adult and Child): The costume that in equal measures makes you laugh and roll your eyes.
  • Best Superhero/Villain (Adult and Child): we need a hero (or villain)!
  • Best Zombie (Adult and Child): it’s the 15th year we have had this category. We’d hoped you know what it means by now.
Contest rules
  • Winners can only win in one category, no repeat winners.
  • By entering this contest you are agreeing to have your photo taken with the potential of it being used on social media and/or for marketing.

 

Kids dressed up for Halloween in Harmony Square holding treat bags
Tiny Tots Parade (Saturday)
The Tiny Tots Parade presented by Hudson Public is a fun-filled event where little ones dress up in their favourite costumes and march down the street on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. with joyful excitement. A chance to show off your imaginative outfits in this delightful celebration for kids of all ages!
Casper’s Craft Corner

Create a free Halloween-themed craft to take home with Family Gatherings Urban EarlyON at Casper’s Craft Corner on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm and Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Casper’s Craft Corner

Thriller Dance by Quinn (Saturday)
On Saturday at 5:00 p.m. join Quinn Morris for an electrifying Thriller dance experience in Harmony Square! Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a curious beginner, this occasion offers a chance to showcase your skills or learn the iconic moves from Michael Jackson’s classic hit. Dive into the rhythm, master the spooky choreography, and become part of a thrilling, dance-filled adventure.
Character Meet and Greet

During Scare in the Square, immerse yourself in two unique character encounters each day! On Friday, October 4, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., step into an enchanting world with the Mermaid Princess and the Sea Witch. Then, on Saturday, October 5, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., meet the heroic Spider Hero and the regal Snow Princess. Join us for these captivating experiences and make unforgettable memories. Don't miss your chance to be part of the excitement!

Disney Trivia at Hudson Public (Pre-Registration Required)
Gather your friends and family for a magical evening of Disney trivia! Assemble your ultimate team and put your Disney knowledge to the test at our Disney Trivia event, happening on Saturday, October 5, at 6:00 p.m. Join us at Hudson Public, conveniently located at 93 Dalhousie Street, right beside Harmony Square. This is your chance to showcase your expertise on all things Disney in a fun and competitive atmosphere. Whether you're a fan of classic animated films, recent releases, or theme park lore, this event promises a delightful challenge for Disney enthusiasts of all ages. Don’t miss out, so be sure to register your team in advance by calling 519-304-4561.
Tractor Drawn Hayride ($2.00 per person)
Take a tractor drawn hayride presented by Millards Chartered Professional Accountants through the downtown core and listen to delightfully spooky stories by Icthys Theatre Productions. Tickets are $2 per person and can be purchased in the Harmony Square Office. Hayride pick-up and drop-off is located at the 100 Market Square (Dalhousie Street and Market Street). The hayride is wheelchair accessible. Hayrides are available on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Escape Room ($5.00 per person per room)

See if you have the skill to complete the "Witches’ Hut" or "The Clown’s Dressing Room" escape rooms, hosted by Five Nineteen Productions. Children ages 10 and under must be with an adult aged 18 or over to enter the escape rooms. Escape Rooms are $5 per person and will be open on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in the Harmony Square Office at 89 Dalhousie Street. Each Escape Room allows a minimum of two people and maximum of seven people in each room.

The Witch's Hut - The witch has stolen a priceless family heirloom from you. Your group needs to break into her hut and get it back before she catches you.

The Clown's Dressing Room - Our clown has gone missing and the show starts in 5 minutes! We need you to figure out where he went and replace him before the show starts.

Escape Room ($5.00 per person per room)

Paranormal Tour ($5.00 per person)
Paranormal Tours will be available at Old City Hall, located at 100 Wellington Street. Paranormal Tours are $5 per person and run hourly on Friday beginning at 5:00 p.m. with the last tour taking place at 9:00 p.m. and Saturday beginning at 3:00 p.m. with the last tour taking place at 9:00 p.m. Time slotted tickets are available for purchase in the Harmony Square Office at 89 Dalhousie Street.

Directions to the Old City Hall: from Harmony Square turn right onto Dalhousie Street, left onto George Street, then proceed two blocks. Old City Hall will be on the corner of George Street and Wellington Street. 

Teenager and Adult Activities

FREE Scare in the Trail: The Purge 

It’s Purge night in Brantford! Try to survive the trails of Mohawk Park as the hungry purgers will be out to participate in making you a party of history. Don't stop running until you reach the end! This event is free and takes place Friday and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. sponsored by Heads or Tails Gaming. A shuttle bus is available between Harmony Square and Mohawk Park. 

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: To participate you must be ages 18 or over. Teens ages 14 to 17 may participate as long as an adult is with them.

FREE Scare in the Trail: The Purge

Haunted House ($4.00 per person)
Dare to face your fears at the Scare in the Square Chainsaw Massacre-themed Haunted House by the Fright Club in the Mohawk Park Pavilion. The Haunted House is $4 per person to enter if you dare on Friday and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Test your nerves against a labyrinth of spine-chilling scares and eerie surprises that promise to leave you breathless. This haunted experience is the perfect way to embrace the thrill of the season, whether you're seeking a heart-pounding adventure with friends or a frightful evening of fun. You must be ages 16 or over or with an adult ages 18 or over to enter the haunted house. A free shuttle bus is available between Harmony Square and Mohawk Park. Haunted House tickets can be purchased at the Harmony Square Office (cash and card) or at Mohawk Park location (tap card only). 
Scary Drive-In Movie (Friday only)

Back by popular demand the Scary Drive in Movie sponsored by Co-operators - McMillan Insurance and Levac’s. On Friday at 8:00 p.m. watch the 2003 screening of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre playing on the big screen in the upper parking lot at Mohawk Park at 51 Lynwood Drive. Space is limited and we will be accepting vehicles on a first come first serve basis.  Audio information utilizing your vehicles radio will be provided upon arrival. This event is not intended for children under 18 years of age as the film contains adult content and is rated R. Parents are urged to learn more about the film prior to taking their children.

Scary Drive-In Movie (Friday only)

Event prices and packages

All events are free unless otherwise noted below. The prices listed below do not include applicable taxes. Refunds are not available.

You can now purchase tickets in advance! Skip the lines and pre-purchase your tickets at the Harmony Square office on Tuesday, September 24 and Thursday, September 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please note that all ticket sales are final and will not be refunded for any reason. You can also purchase tickets on the day of the event on-site at Harmony Square Office or Haunted House tickets can be purchase day of the event on-site at Mohawk Park. Only tap card payment is available at Mohawk Park. All events are free unless noted below. Applicable taxes applied at checkout. 

Details
ActivityCost (+HST)
Tractor drawn hayride $2.00 per person
Paranormal Tours (time slotted tickets) $5.00 per person
Haunted House (ages 14 and over) $4.00 per person
One (1) Ride-all-Day wristband (ages 2 to 14) $7.00 per person
Witches' Hut Escape Room (time slotted tickets) $5.00 per person
Golden Gambit Escape Room (time slotted tickets) $5.00 per person
Package option 1 (includes a 2-Day Ride-All-Day Wristband valid for both Friday and Saturday) $10.00 per person
Package option 2 (includes 1 tractor drawn hayride, entry into one Escape Room of your choice, 1 Haunted House entry, 1 Ride-all-Day wristband and 1 Paranormal Tour. All items are valid for Friday OR Saturday.) $21.00 per person
Package option 3 (includes 1 tractor drawn hayride, entry into one Escape Room of your choice, 1 Haunted House entry, a 2-Day Ride-all-Day wristband and 1 Paranormal Tour.) $24.00 per person

Package option 4 (includes tractor drawn hayride, entry into one Escape Room of your choice, 1 Haunted House entry and 1 Paranormal Tour.) 

$14.00 per person

Transportation

Free Shuttle

Take the free accessible shuttle bus sponsored by Heads or Tails Gaming from Harmony Square down the winding lanes of Mohawk Park to visit the Texas Chainsaw Massacre themed Haunted House (fees apply) located inside the pavilion or to take part in the Scare in the Trail: The Purge through Mohawk forest. Will you make it back alive? You'll have to find out! Free parking is also available at Mohawk Park for those that wish to drive to this event separately. Shuttle bus rides are free and leave from Harmony Square approximately every 20-minutes beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the last bus leaving Mohawk Park at 10:15 p.m.

Brantford Transit

Consider using Brantford Transit to get to our event. You can find routes and schedules at Brantford.ca/Transit.

Municipal Parking

  • Market Centre Parkade: free municipal parking is available on Saturday between the Brantford and District Civic Centre and Harmony Square. The entrance is located at 59 Icomm Drive.
  • Darling Street Municipal Parking Lot No. 3: a paid parking lot is available and located next to the Brantford Transit Main Bus Terminal.
  • King Street Municipal Parking Lot No. 4: a paid parking lot is available and located between Dalhousie Street and Colborne Street off King Street.

A central pay station is available at the Municipal Parking Lots No. 3 and 4 where coins, Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Rates can be found at Brantford.ca/Parking.

Road Closures 

Due to the continued expansion and success of Scare in the Square some downtown road/lane closures will occur during Brantford's Scare in the Square event on October 4 and 5, 2024.  

  • Beginning Friday, October 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. to Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 11:00 p.m., Dalhousie Street will be closed from Market Street to King Street. 

  • On Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5, 2024 the north side lane of Colborne Street adjacent to Harmony Square will be closed  from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. to allow for the free Shuttle Bus service between Harmony Square and Mohawk Park. 

Social media

Join the conversation on the Harmony Square Facebook page or Instagram page using the hashtag #ScareintheSquare. 

Image gallery

Photo Gallery: 2022 Scare in the Square will appear here on the public site.

Volunteer

Thank you to all those that applied to volunteer for this year's event. We are no longer accepting applications. Keep an eye out on our social media for other volunteering opportunities at future events.

Get ready to dive into the event of thrills and chills by volunteering at this year’s Scare in the Square! We’re looking for enthusiastic ghouls and goblins to help us create a frightfully fantastic experience for our community. Whether you're a master of scares or just love a good costume, there’s a role for you. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of the spookiest Harmony Square event of the year and make some eerie-sistible memories! To sign up please fill out the application at the below link. volunteers must attend the mandatory virtual training on Wednesday, September 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sign up now and let’s make this Halloween a hauntingly unforgettable event!

2024 Sponsors

Each year, the Scare in the Square attracts an estimated 7,000 visitors of all ages to our wonderful downtown! Our sincere thanks to our community sponsors below for making this incredible lineup of activities possible. Learn how your company or brand can be involved in Scare in the Square by emailing harmonysquare@brantford.ca.

Downtown Diamond - $2500 and over
Gold Star - $1500 to $2499
Silver Bar - $1000 to $1499
Shinning Pearl - $500 to $999
Friends of Harmony Squirrel - $250 to $499