Read on to find out what’s happening for Halloween in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk and Hernando Counties. Also check out what’s going on in Orlando.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Tampa
Lowry Park's Zoo Boo
When: October 2-3, 9-11, 15-18, 22-25, 28-31
What: Experience the "dark side" of the Zoo (not too scary) with the frighteningly fun ZooBoo! It's a ghoulish good time for all during the nighttime Halloween celebration, presented by Bank of America. Beware of things that go bump in the night as you meander through the shadowy darkness of haunted houses and spooky trails, or find a hauntingly good time for little ones with a foam factory, boo house and free unlimited Zoo rides including the Gator Falls water flume ride in the eerie darkness! Price: Annual Zoo Pass members receive discounted admission. Hours: 7-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7-10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays.
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens
When: Thursdays 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Fri & Sat 7:30-2 a.m.
General Admission: $69.95
Advance Online Purchase
Thurs/Fri $39.95
Saturday $49.95
Passport Member Offer $29.95
Twisted Thursday 4-Pack Valid for four or more admissions on the same Thursday night $19.95 (per person)
Thrills & Chills Ticket $79.95
Have a weekend to kill? Choose any weekend (Thursday through Sunday) in October for unlimited daytime admission, and three Howl-O-Scream event nights.
2nd Annual Groovy Monster Bash
When: Saturday, October 17, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
What: You and your favorite pooch can celebrate Halloween for a good cause. Dogs will definitely be leading the way to "Groovy Monster Bash", the grooviest dog-friendly Halloween bash in town. Where: Carrollwood Center, 10213-B Lake Carroll Way. At this family-oriented event, dogs and humans alike will enjoy a fun-filled evening including:
- Ghoulish gourmet spread (for humans) by NoHo Bistro
- Ghastly gourmet spread (for dogs) by Pooch Smooch Treats -
- Doggie Costume Contest
- Live DJ with Music
- Prize Raffle & Silent Auction
- Exclusive goodie bags to the first 10 dogs in costume
Tickets: $35 per person in advance; $40 at the door. Tickets for children under 15 years are $20. Ticket price includes entrance to the event, food and non-alcoholic beverages and 5 raffle tickets. For an additional $10 per person, unlimited wine or beer "tastes" are available at the event.
Purchase event tickets: at Groovy Cats & Dogs, 10213-B Lake Carroll Way, Tampa, FL 33618.Call 813-265-1333 for details. Groovy Monster Bash proceeds benefit Kids and Canines, an assistance dog training program.
13 Ugly Men Halloween Freakshow
When: 8 p.m. on Friday, October 30 and benefits Voices for Children of Tampa Bay and the Guardian ad Litem program.
Where:The Sheraton Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa
Cost:Tickets are $15 for ladies and $25 for men online, $25 for ladies and $35 for men at the door and $500 for VIP tables.
Guppyween
Instead of going door-to-door, take your kids tank-to-tank throughout the Aquarium on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Children in costumes get in for $2.
Halloween Ghost Ship Kids Spooktacular
Where: SS American Victory
705 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL , 33602
When: Sat, Oct. 31, 2 p.m.
813-228-8766
The ghosts of wars past will be among you as you bob for apples, carve pumpkins, make crafts and scatter for a scavenger hunt all on a creepy old warship. Boo!
Price: $10, $5 ages 4-12, 3 and younger free
Masquerade Ball
When: Saturday, October 24 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
At the Carrollwood Cultural Center
4537 Lowell Road Tampa FL 33618 813-269-1310
The Ball is a fundraising event to be held the weekend before Halloween.
The evening will include music, dancing, appetizers, a silent auction, and costumes galore.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Carrollwood Cultural Center.
Admission: $20 for members, $30 for non-members
Call now for tickets! 813-269-1310
Ybor City
Guavaween 2009
When: October 31
This years festivities will be held on Saturday, October 31st in the historic Ybor City district.
What: After the family fun ends, the decadence will begin with a night filled with rockin bands, a killer costume contest and of course the annual Stumble Parade!
Children's Costume Parade and Contest
When: October 31, 2:30 p.m.
What: The annual Children's Costume Parade will begin at 2:30 p.m., and will depart from the MIX 100.7 Stage located in Centennial Park. The Children's Costume Contest will begin roughly at 3 p.m. and will be held at the MIX 100.7 Stage in Centennial Park.
Mix 100.7 Pet Costume Contest
When: October 31 : 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What: Dress up your favorite four-legged friend and bring them down to the daytime Guavaween festivities for the Pet Costume Contest. The contest will be held on the Mix 100.7 stage in Centennial Park at 2 p.m.
Mix 100.7's Safe Trick-or-Treat
When: October 31 : 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
What: From 11-1, Mix 100.7 will be hosting Safe Trick-or-Treat throughout Ybor. Kids, accompanied by their parents, will pick up a bag for candy and directions on which spots to go to at the Mix 100.7 Booth located in Centennial Park.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
When: October 31 : 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
What: Compete in the Guavaween Children's Pumpkin Decorating Contest this Halloween! It's bound to bring out your inner-artist! Prizes will be awarded for the most creative/unique pumpkin! The contest will be located in Centennial Park from 10 a.m. -1p.m. Judging and awards will be between 1-1:30 p.m.
Spooky Story Time
When: October 31 : 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
What: Get the daylights scared out of you at the Spooky Story Time as part of the daytime Guavaween activities. Storytime will begin at 1:30.
Ruskin
The Boo Fest
When: Saturday October 24th from 12 to 3 p.m.
What: Games, crafts, pumpkin decorating, face painting and contests, it's free!
Where: Hydro Harvest Farms, 1101 Shell Point Rd E, Ruskin
Wear your costume for an extra treat! They have snacks and a refreshment stand and loads of other fresh seasonal veggies available too!
The Pumpkin Patch
When: October 9th through beginning of November.
Cost: Free! Loads of Pumpkins, hay bales, scarecrows and an old tractor. Great picture opportunity!
Where: Hydro Harvest Farms, 1101 Shell Point Rd E, Ruskin
PINELLAS COUNTY
Clearwater
Trunk or Treats 2009
Where: Skycrest Baptist Church
125 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30
Who: For all kids who love candy and trick-or-treating
More details: Trunk or Treats, Skycrest's fun, safe alternative to trick-or- treating, is just around the corner. There will be inflatables, games, face painting and, of course, lots of candy! This free community event takes place in our church parking lot. Please use our Drew Street entrance.
Largo
Halloween Glow in the Dark Night Tournament
When: October 30th, 2009
6 p.m.
Largo Golf Course
12500 Vonn Rd.
727-518-3024
Event Description: This spooky tournament is a 9 hole illuminated night event for two person teams. A $35 entry fee includes dinner, green fees and a glow in the dark ball and tee gift. Prizes for 1st place teams in male division, all female division and co-ed division. Come dressed to scare for the annual costume contest prior to play with prizes awarded to the three best team costumes. Registration deadline is October 26th. For more information call 727-518-3024.
Halloween Happening
When: Saturday, October 31
5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
1920 Pinehurst Road - Highlander Park in Dunedin
(off Michigan Blvd. behind Community Center)
Carnival Games, Haunted Hayride, Haunted House, "Boo in the Zoo" Preschool Trick-or-Treat House,
Storytelling, Pony Rides, Moonwalk & Fire Truck Inflatable Slides, Halloween Crafts, Train Rides,
Pumpkin Rolling, Concession Food for Sale
Costume Contest Schedule
6 p.m. - 3 Years & Under
6:30 p.m. - 4 & 5 Years
7 p.m. - 6 & 7 Years
7:30 p.m. - 8-11 Years
8 p.m. - 12 Years & Up
8:30 p.m. - Group/Family
All activities require 1 to 6 tickets. Tickets are $.50 each or buy a 22-ticket Bonus Pak for $10 and receive 2 tickets free!
Haunted House or Hayride are $3/ticket or 8 for $20
Proceeds to Benefit the Dunedin For Youth Scholarship Fund
Volunteers Needed! Call 812-4545 for more information!
Halloween Spooktacular 2009
When: October 24th, 2009
4 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Largo Central Park
101 Central Park Drive
727-587-6740 ext. 5014
Event Description: Dress up in your favorite costume and join the fun of the 15th Annual Halloween Spooktacular. This year's trick-or-treat path will wrap around the entirety of central field. Inflatables, slides, games, activities and concessions fill the park. The old library field promises fun for the littlest ones while the teen area is filled with music and dancing. The trick-or-treat path is free but wristbands are required for most activities. For prices and parking information visit LargoEvents.com.
Howl-O-Weird
When: October 30th, 2009
4:30 p.m.
Largo Public Library
120 Central Park Drive
727-587-6715
Event Description: A program guaranteed to make you scream! For children up to age 12 who like the spooky side of October. Come in costume and be prepared for fun with ghost stories, a haunted hall, and other creep-tacular crafts and entertainment.
Owl-o-ween
When: October 29th, 2009
6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
McGough Nature Park
11901 146th Street N.
727-518-3047
Event Description: Celebrate Halloween among our nocturnal friends as we trick or treat along the nature trail. Learn about creepy critters, roast s'mores around a campfire and much more! Space is limited, so register early by calling 727-518-3047.
St. Petersburg
Halloween Halfathon
Where: Fort De Soto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway S Tierra Verde, FL , 33715
When: Sat, Oct, 31 7:05 am
727-347-4440
Costumes are strongly recommended for this 13.1-mile race on Fort Desoto's flat trails. All finishers receive a Halloween Starfish gold medal.
Price: $70 day of (discounts available for early registration)
Haunted Hike through Historic St. Petersburg Neighborhood
When: Oct. 17
Where: Euclid St. Paul neighborhood is located between 9th and 22nd Avenues and 16th and MLK Streets North. St. Petersburg's most paranormal neighborhood, invites the public to a family-friendly Haunted Hike. Tours will leave the intersection of 13th Street and 13th Avenue North every 15 minutes between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. The Hike is a one-mile walking tour and takes approximately one hour to complete. Guides will lead visitors down ESP's creepy alleys and brick-paved streets to old homes and landmarks where costumed characters will tell spooky stories like:"Problem Patients at the Sanitarium", "Euclid Stew"and the "Real Vampire Housewives of Euclid St. Paul's". Tickets: $5 for adults and $1 for kids 12 years old and under. Kids under two years old are free. They may be purchased at www.espna.org or at the intersection 13th Avenue and 13th Street North the night of the tour. Also at the corner of 13th Ave. and 13th St. N. will be the Ghouly Goodies Bake Sale featuring homemade baked goods. 727-823-0393.
Haunted Tarpon Springs
A passel of ghosts and other scary things have taken over the Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs.
The interlopers have settled above the Court of Two Sisters Antique Shop at 155 E. Tarpon Avenue. The building is a 100-year old, former boarding house that has been reported to have a few real "residents" of its own.
They will make themselves known to visitors each Friday and Saturday night from October 9th through November, as well as Wednesday, October 28th and Thursday, October 29th. They appear from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The volunteer cast and crew bring a wealth of experience from their backgrounds in theater, television and film - even the circus.
Admission is $7 per body. Parental discretion is advised since it may be frightening for small children.
Howl-O-Fest 2009
Friday & Saturday - 6 to 10 p.m., Sunday - 6 to 9 p.m.
October 23-25 and October 30-31
Nightmare at the Museum
When: October 31
St. Petersburg Museum of History, 355 2nd Ave NE, Star in your own Nightmare at the Museum this Halloween. Dress up as your favorite haunt and party to the sounds of The Hip Abduction, with special guests Blind Man's Colour and UnMovtivated in the halls of the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m., tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Pumpkin Patch
Great Explorations Children's Museum, 1925 4th St. N. 10 a.m. to 2 p. m. Spooky stories, face painting, Monster Mash Dance Party, scavenger hunt, costume parade and contest! More Information or 727-821-8992.
Sunscreen After Dark
When: October 23
Muvico 20 Baywalk Theaters
151 2nd Ave, 7 p.m. Prepare to be scared with "Evil Things"--Blair Witch meets The Hills have Eyes. A fun film, with some genuinely tense moments and "Deadfall Trail," an action horror film.
TASCO's Field of Screams
7 to 11 p.m.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S, 727-893-7813
Year-round Ghost Tours of St. Petersburg
119 2nd St. N (the Full Monty Cafe), 8 p.m. Discover what lurks in the shadows of the Sunshine City with a candlelight walking tour of downtown St. Petersburg. Why does the Lady in White haunt the Vinoy? Who is the phantom hitchhiker on the Sunshine Skyway? Is it a Mayor, the Police Chief or a playboy that haunts Jannus Landing and the old Detroit Hotel? Find out where Al Capone had his love nest, learn about Dead Man's Key, haunted forts and "deserted" islands. Ages 6-19, Adults $15, children 4-12, $8. 727-894-4678.
ORLANDO AREA
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
What: A Halloween-themed special event held select dates in September, October and November in Magic Kingdom theme park that requires a separate ticket to attend.
When: The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. on the following dates in 2009: September 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 October 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Tickets range from $46 to $59
Sea World’s Spooktacular
What: Kids may dress up and trick-or-treat among friendly sea witches, mermaids, octopus, pumpkin fish and more. Plus, play with sea fairies, learn from a "school" of fish and dance with an ice witch. All events included with park admission.
Price: $74.95, $64.95 ages 3-9. New "Pick Two" ticket, $79.95, details and Florida resident discounts online.
When: Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 30-31 Beginning at noon. Spooktacular included with park admission.
Spooky Empire's Ultimate Horror Weekend
October 9th - 11th
Wyndham Orlando Resort
8001 International Dr.
Orlando, FL
CITRUS COUNTY
The Great American Cooterfest
When: Oct 23 to Oct 25
What: Barbecue cook-off, bike rides, live entertainment, food and craft vendors, carnival rides, family entertainment, games, cooter races and much, much more!
Each year the Great American Cooter Festival is bigger and better than ever, with new events and activities for the entire family. The last full week of October you will find Sunny Cooter along with all his friends, visiting various restaurants in the city for the Miss Cooter and Cooter Idol competitions. The final winners are decided on Friday and Saturday, during the Cooter Blast and Cooter Festival. And on Sunday, Cooterween (a Halloween spook-tacular) rounds out the activities with one of the biggest outdoor costume parties in this neck of the woods.
352-726-3913
Haunted Halloween & Castle Keep Resort
When: Oct 23, 24, 30 and 31
7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
What: Friends of Crystal River State Parks sponsors a "Terrifying Tram Tour" through the "Fearsome Forest", a "Beastly Boat Ride" down the "Creepy Crystal River", and a special children's festival and food booth. Mortuary Photography, popular in the 19th century, will be available again this year in cooperation with Florida Public Archaeology Network. Gate admission is $5 donation for adults and $3 donation for children under 12 to the Friends.
Special Notice:
The extremely scary "Castle Keep Resort" haunted house has moved to the Crystal River Preserve State Park. This famous haunted house is recommended only to the bravest of souls and will be presented in cooperation with Florida Entertainment And Recreation Volunteers, Inc. (FEAR) for a donation of $5 per person (price not included in gate admission).
Crystal River Preserve State Park, north of CR Mall, left on State Park St.
Haunted Tram Rides
When: Oct. 30, Oct. 31
6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
What: The Friends present the Haunted Tram Rides with refreshments, costume contests and activities in the parking area of the Visitor Center with spooky scenarios set up along the park's tram road.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Price: Adults $5, Children $3 for Haunted Tram Rides
Pumpkin Festival
When: October 24
8 a.m.
What: The Hernando United Methodist Church will host a Pumpkin Festival beginning at 8 a.m., Saturday at 2125 E. Norvell Bryant Highway. There will be a costume parade, trunk and treat parade, free hot dogs and drinks, pumpkin decorating, games, a bake-off and bake sale.
561-726-7245
Scarecrow Festival
When: Oct. 24
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Come down to Heritage Village on Citrus Ave and join in the fun from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
What: There'll be games, booths, food, kid's make and take crafts, a cupcake walk, hula hoop contest and of course the Crystal River Sharks Mitey Mites Famous Haunted Hayride in the Heritage Village! All this and much much more!!! You won't want to miss all the fall fun!
PASCO COUNTY
Halloween in the Woods
Where: Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park
What: Family event with pony rides, hayrides, kiddie games, spooky trail and food. Fee for rides, games and food.
Price: Admission $1 for 12 and under; $2 for 13 and over. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Salt Springs Road, behind Sears at Gulf View Square, Port Richey)
When: Oct. 23 - Oct 24
727-816-1890
Halloween Train rides
Crews Lake Wilderness County Park
When: Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.;
Price: $5 donation.
Scarecrow Fest
Where: Downtown Dade City
When: Oct. 10
What: Make your own scarecrows and harvest hats, visit the pumpkin patch, shop the farmer's market, and tour historic front porches. Enjoy live music, family entertainment, games and activities for all ages at this fall festival. This is small-town Americana at its best! 352-567-0284
HERNANDO COUNTY
20th Anniversary Halloween Harvest Festival
When: Friday, October 23, 2009 - Saturday, October 24, 2009
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Hernando County Fairgrounds,6436 Broad St. (US 41), Brooksville. "You’ll be thrilled"!! Friday features: Pet Masquerade at 7 p.m. (register at 6:30) and Pet Parade. Entry fee: $1, 8 p.m. Group Costume Contest (must be 2 or more people - all ages)
Entry fee: $5 Saturday - Spooktacular Costume Contest at 7:30 p.m. (ages to 12) Register at 6:30p.m. Entry fee: $1 Both days: More than a dozen games, Kid-Zone, face painting, fantastic food, Haunted House, Hayride and contests! Game tickets: 4 for $1; Haunted House: $3; Hay Ride: $2; KidZone: $1 each. 352-754-4031
Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
When: Every Saturday and Sunday till Nov. 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Sweetfields Farm, 17250 Benes Roush Road, Masaryktown. Incredible fun for the entire family! Work your way through the 4-acre corn maze! Enjoy the Hay Playground, picnic area and more! Note: No sandals! Sunscreen / hats, water and camera recommended!
Admission: Adults - $8.50; Ages 3 to 11- $4.50; Under age 3: Free. 352-279-0977
Masquerade Ball Fundraiser
When: Saturday, October 24, 2009
8 p.m. - 12 midnight (Doors open: 7:30 p.m.)
Where: Masarytown Community Center, 539 Lincoln Avenue, Masaryktown. Music by "Decades of Tunes by Phil". Costume contest, 50/50, silent auction. B.Y.O.B. - setup's sold. Tickets: available Mon - Sat (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) at Masaryktown Post Office,399 Broad St. (US 41 South), Masaryktown. Tickets: $10 per person. 352-397-3758
Wild N' Wicked Nights!
When: Fri, Oct. 16; Sat., Oct. 17 7 p.m.
Where: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way (corner US 19 & SR-50), Weeki Wachee. See the Mermaids' "Spooktacular" underwater show! Kids' Maze, Haunted Maze, Scream Contest, Costume Contest, and more!
Park admission: Ages 11 - Adults: $13; Kids 6 - 10: $5
352-592-5656
POLK COUNTY
13th Annual Haunted Halloween Hayride & Happenings
Location: Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 West Carter Road, Lakeland
Starts at: 5 p.m.
Ends at: 10 p.m.
What: Come celebrate Halloween in a way that is safe and fun for the whole family! Activities include contests, carnival games, bounce houses, trick-or-treating, and a haunted hayride (parents: may frighten small children, please use discretion).
Admission: $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance beginning September 21 at the Polk County Leisure Services office (515 East Boulevard Street, Bartow).
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Payment methods accepted: cash or check.
Event flyer coming soon! For more information (or to be a vendor), contact Leisure Services at 863-534 - 6911 or alishaglasscock@polk-county.net.
Calling on volunteers: we need your help! To have fun, get freebies, and earn community service hours for school or work, contact Jennifer Wilson at 863-534 - 6911 or jenniferwilson@polk-county.net.
MANATEE/SARASOTA COUNTIES
Hallowkey
Where: a Private 12,000 square foot Downtown Warehouse, The "Binz" Building
When: Oct. 24, 9 p.m.
The biggest Halloween bash in Sarasota will feature Tarot card readings, costume contests, a live DJ and dance floor and more. Proceeds benefit charity
Hallowkey information
Family friendly holiday carnival and night walk
Where: De Soto National Memorial
When: October 30th from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
What: Experience a unique and educational Halloween event for all ages. This event and all featured activities are free to the public. So bring the kids in their costumes and have them try them out the night before trick or treating.
Address: DeSoto National Memorial is located at: 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton at the Northern terminus of 75th street West. I-75 exit 220 SR-64 Manatee Ave. 941-792-0458
Frightfully fun Halloween celebrations at Mote:
Night of Fish, Fun and Fright
Discover creatures from the deep in a safe and fun trick-or-treating zone at Mote Aquarium's Night of Fish, Fun and Fright from 6:30-9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23. Explore our haunted house, "Shipwreck on City Island," unearth shark teeth in "Coffin Creek" and enjoy deep-sea delights in the "Diner of the Dead." And don't miss Mote's signature underwater pumpkin carving in our spooktacular shark habitat! Admission is $4 per person ($3 for Mote Members) and must be purchased separately from day passes.
Oceanic Evening
If you only attend one Halloween party this year, it should be ours. Oceanic Evening is Mote's annual black-tie gala and major fundraising event benefitting Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. This year, Oceanic Evening falls on Oct. 31, and it's taking a ghoulish turn with the theme "The Devil & the Deep Blue Sea!" Join us to cavort among watery goblins and monsters of the deep - and keep a sharp eye out for "The Monster of the Mote Lagoon" and (what else?) the "Headless Sea Horse Man." Just about anything is possible on this night in the Haunted Aquarium. Go to www.mote.org/oceanic
Sharktoberfest: Ghouls (and boys) can wear their Halloween costumes to Mote Aquarium for a free treat bag and free admission with a paying adult on weekends throughout October. This special free admission applies to one child ages 4-12 with each paying adult on Saturdays and Sundays only. Each Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., keep an eye out for Mote mascot Gilly the Shark - he may be masquerading as a pirate or even a nurse shark!
Ticket prices are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors 65 and older and $12 for children ages 4-12. Kids 3 and younger and Mote Members always get in free. Mote Aquarium is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 365 days a year at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. For more information, call 941-388-4441, e-mail info@mote.org or visit www.mote.org.
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