Friday, October 30 | 5:30–7:30 PM. Free and open to all. Come in costume. Follow the lights. Help us make some magic.
This year, Witch Walk becomes a community costume party at the Dairy Barn Arts Center! Wear your favorite costume (or make one with us) and join us as the Ora Anderson Trail comes alive with glowing lanterns, giant puppets, illuminated artwork, and curious creatures created by young artists, families, educators, and community members. Visitors may encounter potion-making, pumpkin carving, a puppet show, music, imaginative installations, and plenty of playful surprises along the trail. At the heart of the experience will be community-made illuminated sculptures developed during workshops with visiting artist David Lane.
In 2025, Witch Walk began as a collaboration with teaching artist Kasey Jones. “Participating in the Witch Walk as a child at Boardman Park through the support of the Boardman Kiwanis, while my mom was President of the club, remains one of my most cherished memories. Bringing the Witch Walk to life as an adult, in a community I love, has been an absolute joy.” Kasey’s childhood memory sparked the idea, and DBAC Education Director Rachel Clark co-taught the original youth installation class—both with their own daughters creating alongside them. That experience helped shape the spirit of Witch Walk: artists, educators, children, families, and neighbors learning from one another and transforming a shared place together. Check out the Post article about the Witch Walk 2025!
This year, that circle of participation is growing. Throughout September and October, the Dairy Barn will offer workshops, drop-in art-making days, youth programs, and family activities where community members can help create lanterns, puppets, costumes, and installations for the walk.
The celebration continues the following day with Passion Works Studio’s Honey for the Heart Puppet Parade on Halloween, making October 30 and 31 a joyful weekend of costumes, puppets, community art, and collective imagination in Athens.
Witch Walk 2026 is part of the Dairy Barn Arts Center’s new ArtsNEXT initiative, supported by an innovation grant from the Ohio Arts Council. This project brings professional artists, local educators, young people, and families together to develop new skills and create ambitious illuminated artwork rooted in the stories, ecology, and creative spirit of our region.
Part of the beauty of the 2025 event was the generosity of so many community partners: Rural Action’s Education Department, Passion Works Studio – Honey for the Heart, Birth Circle, ArtsWest, Solid Ground School, and Ohio University – Foundations Art Class, Community Work Study, Recycling Center, Eli and Lucian’s ” Little Miss Molly” Puppet Show, and the vibe-setting Michael Tobar’s spooky accordion. Thanks to the generous support of Hocking Valley Bank, The Magic Martha Fund, and Snowville Creamery.
“I want you all to know that the fall Witch Walk was a major highlight for my family! It truly was *magical,* and it made me grateful to live in our corner of the world. Thank you for all the careful prep, creativity, and time that went into hosting it.” – Becca Lachman