17 minute read

Halloween Happenings in the Tampa Bay Area!

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

Advertisement

LOWRY PARK: CREA- TURES OF THE NIGHT - Fri & Sat in Oct, after 4 p.m. All ages. www.lowryparkzoo. org/

The Zoo transforms into an eerie and immersive Halloween adventure for the whole family. Creatures emerge at dusk with startling surprises around every corner. No horror or gore, just fun frights for all!

TAMPA BAY

of ghosts, haunted houses, restless spirits and supernatural oddities, and discover the quirky, haunted past of Tampa, a place where the ordinary does not apply! 8:00 pm. 727-398-5200. 507 N. Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602.

GHOST TOUR OF YBOR - thru Oct 28 www.yborghosttour.com

Ghost Tour of Ybor has added Sunday night tours to the schedule in response to the heavy Halloween demand for tour spots. The tour includes an extended exploration of the Cuban Club, named the fourth-most haunted building in the U.S. by the Travel Channel. Halloween tours fill quickly and are always in demand so early booking is recommended. 813-386-3905.

BUSCH GARDENS SESAME STREET SAFA- RI OF FUN KIDS’ WEEKENDS - Select nights thru OCT 28 www.BuschGardens.com

Located at Gwazi Field, visitors can participate in a wide variety of fall-inspired activities including a hay maze, pumpkin ring toss and much more. Kids won’t want to miss dance parties featuring their favorite Sesame Street pals like Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Grover, Rosita, and more who will make special appearances dressed in their best Halloween attire. Monsters & Fairies - Oct 6 & 7 Super Grover - Oct 13 & 14 Spooky Safari - Oct 20 & 21 Rosita’s Halloween Fiesta - Oct 27 & 28

GHOST TOUR OF TAMPA – Nightly thru Oct 31 and beyond www.ghosttour.com

In the city once described as the “damnedest town this side of Hell,” join in for a candlelight walking tour of haunted Tampa. Experience an entertaining evening with tales

SESAME STREET SAFARI OF FUN - thru Oct 28 www.BuschGardensTampa.com New this year, families can tune into the Not-Too-Spooky Howl-O-Ween Radio Show starring Count von Count. Count von Count serves as the master of scare-emonies as he leads his pals through some of his favor-

32www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ite tunes. With help from his Sesame Street friends, he produces a not-too-spooky Halloween show that features song and dance numbers that are sure to get everyone moving to the beat. Other fall-inspired experiences during the event include character dance parties, a hay maze, pumpkin ring toss and much more. With themed weekends throughout the month, families can enjoy crafts featuring their favorite characters.

GHOST TOUR OF ST. PETERSBURG - Nightly thru Oct 31 and beyond… 8:00pm www.ghosttour.com

Peer into the shadows and mysteries of Florida’s “Sunshine City”on a candlelight walking tour of St. Petersburg. Hear true ghost stories of wandering spirits, haunted mansions, phantom lovers and age old curses...forgotten tales brought back to life. Join in for a leisurely stroll along St. Petersburg’s quaint streets and beautiful waterfront. 300 Beach Dr. NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701. 727- 894-4678.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF TAMPA BAY PUMPKIN PATCH - thru Oct 31 www.humanesocietytampa.org/

Shelter grounds will be transformed into a friendly Halloween Haven where you’ll find plump pumpkins, painted jack-o-lanterns and festive decorations. Not only is the Pumpkin Patch a great place to get gourds, but it’s also the perfect spot for photos with

Continued

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com 33

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

your children and pets. Proceeds will benefit homeless pets. 3607 N. Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607. (813) 774-4344

SCAREHOUSE PINELLAS - Fri, Sat, Sun in Oct. www.scarehousepinellas.com

Scarehouse Pinellas is the newest haunted house to come to the Tampa Bay area. Located in Largo Florida, guests can experience 10,000 square feet of fright from some of their favorite classic horror flicks. Scarehouse has partnered with the SPCA of Tampa Bay to raise money to help care for even more animals. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the SPCA as well as discounts on tickets if you bring a pet item for donation, food, toys, treats.

AMERICAN VICTORY SHIP UNDEAD IN THE WATER - (select nights thru Oct 31) www.americanvictory.org

UNdead in the Water is an interactive, disturbing attraction that results from a zombie outbreak that has swept across Tampa Bay. Legions of ravenous undead are infecting and contaminating the innocent, and the only way out from this battle of humanity is to escape aboard the American Victory Ship. Research shows that zombies must feed for energy and can survive on land and sea. To assist guests who are trying to survive, they will be greeted by an informative but chilling

video, which will prove to be helpful should a few stray zombies make their way onto the ship. Each guest will receive a special flashlight that can reveal the pressure of Zombies. In order to get to safety, they must make their way throughout cavernous decks, multi-level ladders, eerie hallways, the ghastly Captain’s Quarters, the ominous engine room, the galley, and more terrifying spaces throughout the ship. The route for this scary escape to safety will take approximately 30 minutes.

TDRACULA, THE VAMPIRE PLAY - thru Nov 3 www.carrollwoodplayers.org

When Dr. Van Helsing, a specialist in obscure maladies, discovers that beautiful Lucy Westenra is the victim of a vampire, suspicion falls on a mysterious neighbor, Count Dracula, and his frighteningly beautiful wives, who receive special emphasis. The large cast contains many fine acting parts, from the haunting vampire wives to the everpopular Renfield, who fancies a diet of flies and spiders. There are young lovers, comic staff members, sanatorium guests and Jon-

34www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

athan Harker, first to fall victim to the vampire’s thirst. The story of his journey to Dracula’s fortress will have your audiences on the edge of their seats. Intermingled with the drama is a fine thread of comedy that helps relieve mounting tension and chills. Carrollwood Players Theatre, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL 33618

ST. PETE ZOMBIE FOOD BOOZE CRAWL - Oct 19 www.gulftobayfta.org

Join Gulf to Bay for Food and Fun. Gourmet food trucks will have candy for the kids. Face painting. Live Music & ZOMBIES. Live DJ, Zombie FL Ash Mob. All costumes welcomed. $500 costume contest. Picnic chairs and blankets welcomed. Pet friendly. Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Dr SE, St. Petersburg. 6 - 10 PM. Free admission.

NOVAWEEN 12 - Oct 19 www.nova535.com/event/novaween-11/

HOWL-O-FEST - Oct 19 - 20 facebook.com/events/966310730223867/?active_ tab=about Features inflatable games, temporary tattoos,

carnival games, arts & crafts, trick or treat, free candy, character meet and greet. Carnival style concessions available. 6 – 10 pm. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7326.

BOO ‘N BREW - Oct 20 www.westshoreplaza.com

Enjoy the cooler Fall air and ring in the Fall Season! Grab your friends, family, fall boots or favorite costume and join in for local brews, music, games, fall-themed food, costume contests & kids activities like bounce houses, face painting and more. WestShore Plaza – Center Court, 250 WestShore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609.

HAUNTIZAAR III - Haunted Hand Made Arts Bazaar - Oct 20 www.thestudioat620.org/

Featuring only the finest of creepy creators, this original art and craft market focuses on Halloween and Day of the Dead themed goodies, all sure to thrill you. Get in the spirit and come in costume! The more the scarier as they say. Shop local at this unique one day event and support the spooky arts in St Pete.

MOTE MARINE NIGHT OF FISH, FUN & FRIGHT - Oct 20. www.mote.org/events

St. Pete’s favorite Adults Only Halloween Costume party. The Infamous DJ Fresh returns. Look up it’s the beautiful Lyra Ladies. Tarot Card Reading. Scary Photobooth by Get the Picture. Sexy Fire Goddess Maven Misbehavin. GoGo Dancers. Multiple Full Liquor Bars. Valet Parking is Included in Ticket Price. Costume Contest. NOVA 535, 535 Dr. ML King St N, St. Pete, FL 33701. 949-873- 6682

Buoys and ghouls of all ages are invited to dress up in costume for an afternoon of Fish, Fun & Fright! Unearth shark teeth in “Coffin Creek,” enjoy deep sea delights in the “Diner

Continued

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com 35

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

of the Dead” and take part in Mad Science experiments and activities. Don’t miss the signature underwater pumpkin carving in the spooktacular shark habitats. Enjoy entertainment from students at EveryOneRocks and performances from Mad Science. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL. 941-388-4441

HAUNTED HIKE THROUGH HISTORIC ST. PETERSBURG - Oct. 20 www.facebook.com/The-Haunted- Hike-282268985136576/

Halloween Family-Friendly Event. Take a tour of St. Petersburg’s most paranormal neighborhood. Great spooky stories, side shows and bake sale. 1300 13th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33705. (727) 823-0393

North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful evening while listening to music, having a picnic and watching a classic movie. Bring your own blanket or low seat. Food and drink available for purchase.

TRUNK OR TREAT - Oct 25 www.spbrec.com/special-events

Trick or treat from the trunks of cars to get in the Halloween spirit. 5:30 – 7 pm, Free, St. Pete Beach Community Center parking lot, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr, St Pete Beach.

OPERA TAMPA SINGERS IN THE WITCHING HOUR - Oct 26 www.strazcenter.org

Something wicked this way comes when the Opera Tampa Singers unleash the greatest coven of witches of all time and fly into the Jaeb Courtyard at the Straz Center for The Witching Hour, a Fourth Friday free performance featuring superbly concocted witchy tunes. 813.222.1000. Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602

ZOMBIE THRILLER DANCE - Oct. 24 www.mfastpete.org Ghouls and zombies of all ages and dancing abilities are invited to take over the front steps of the museum for a fiendishly good time strutting your stuff to the famous Michal Jackson Thriller dance. 5:30 – 8:30 pm, Free, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive. NE, St. Petersburg. 727.894.4638.

MOVIES IN THE PARK: HOCUS POCUS - Oct 24 www.stpetepreservation.org

Live music at 6 pm, Movie at dusk, Free,

36

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

WE’RE DOOMED AT FST - Oct 26 www.floridastudiotheatre.org

FST Improv will celebrate Halloween with a one-night-only performance of We’re Doomed, where cast members will create a live horror movie on the spot inspired by audience suggestions. 941.366.9017. Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.

6th ANNUAL YBOR BIG MONSTER’S BED RACE - Oct 27 www.ybornow.com/events/

Watch local bars and businesses dress up and team up to race beds down 7th Ave. in Historic Ybor City. Free for all ages! Prizes for fastest time and people’s choice for favorite bed.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR - Sat, Oct. 27 at 12 - 5 pm www.largo.com/ Plan on a good time at this year’s Halloween Spooktacular event held at Largo Cen-

Continued

Classic Horror Films, Creepy Cult Favorites, Ghastly Ghost Tours and Spooky Special Guests

Tampa’s most historic – and most haunted – movie palace has an all-new line-up of classic horror films, creepy cult favorites and an expanded selection of “Mummy & Me” familyfriendly films; an evening of live storytelling; more ghost tours than ever before; Halloween happy hours on select dates; and a 14-hour marathon of A Nightmare on Elm Street 1-6 on Saturday, Oct. 20.

On select nights, the Theatre will open its lobby for PAUSE-O-WEEN happy hours. No ticket is required – just join in under the iconic TAMPA marquee in the heart of downtown for FREE shots, seasonal drink specials at the bar and

$2 off popcorn.

On Oct. 19, enjoy happy hour hosted by Dr. Paul Bearer. His hearse will be parked out front, and Dr. Paul himself will be in the lobby for photos, leading up to the world premiere FREE screening of his 2018 Halloween special at 6:30pm.

Then, on Oct. 31 spend a special Halloween edition of PAUSE-O-WEEN at the theatre. Besides the drink specials and free shots, there will be – for every drink you buy* – another ticket to enter into drawings for ghoulishly great prizes.

Please visit the website for more information and screenings.

711 N. Franklin Street, Tampa. www.TampaTheatre.org/Nightmare

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com 37

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

tral Park from 12-5pm. Trick-or-treat trail will be from 12-4pm. 727-587-6740. Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo.

A HAUNTING ON HARBOR ISLAND - Oct 27 www.eventbrite.com/e/a-haunt- ing-on-harbour-island-tickets- 50249053271?aff=erelexpmlt

The biggest Halloween party in the bay area at Jackson’s Nightlife. Costume contests, special performers, and an evening of dancing in our 3 music rooms. Harbour Island will be crawling with ghosts & goblins.

FLORIDA AQUARIUM GUPPYWEEN - Oct 27 www.flaquarium.org

Guppyween is the one time of year we let wild animals, ghosts and princesses roam The Florida Aquarium! Our guests get to trick-ortreat among 8,000+ animals and plants native to Florida and around the world, making for the perfect family-friendly and safe Halloween event. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602. 813-273-4000. www.flaquarium.org/. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813.273.4000

GULFPORT SENIOR CENTER MONSTER MASH - Oct 27 www.patch.com/florida/gulfport/calendar/ event/20181027/412303/monster-mash-2018

Put on your best, most creative or funniest costume and come to the Casino from 7 PM to 11 PM. Enjoy dancing to the band Four Of A Kynd, raffle prizes and costume contests while feasting on great eats.. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd So., Gulfport, Florida 33707

BASH ART PARTY at Artpool Gallery - Oct 27 www.artpoolrules.com

Trick & treat yourself at ARTpool’s annual Halloween Costume Bash ART pARTy, get ready to have your world rocked, with amazing art, wicked costumes and a runway show filled with spooky glamour. They will light up the stage with stunning living canvases with models painted head to toe as well as a full clothing runway show. Doors open at 8pm and all ages are welcome to attend. Dress to impress with your wildest costumes under the sun for our COSTUME CONTEST on the main stage at 10pm.

THE 3RD ANNUAL “RIVERWALK TRICK OR TREAT” - Oct 27 www.thetampariverwalk.com

4pm - 7pm on the Tampa Riverwalk. Kids in costume along with their families are invited to Trick or Treat along the Riverwalk as part of this FREE community event. Last year there were over 7,000 people who enjoyed this family-friendly event. Candy/Treat station locations are hosted by local businesses and organizations that will be handing out

38www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

candy and/or treats to children in costume. At the conclusion of the event, there will be a free family-friendly Halloween movie in Water Works park hosted by Friends of Tampa Recreation.

HALLOWEEN MOVIE IN THE PARK - Oct 27 www.facebook.com/CinemaSquatch/

Presented by the Sunscreen Film Festival, powered by Cinema Squatch and DJ Fresh Events. An evening of Halloween fun. 6 PM, Music, trivia and party. Movie starts at dark Williams Park, 2nd Ave N & 3rd St N. Free Admission.

YARD OF ALE: NIGHTMARE ON MY STREET COSTUME PARTY - Oct 27 w w w . f a c e - book.com/events/544024496032112/

Join #intheyard for a ‘Nightmare on My Street Halloween Costume Party’. $200 Best Overall Costume. Contest begins: 11:00pm (winner chosen by audience participation.)

Categories: Killer Costume Bro, Best Duo/ Group, Most Original, Super Hero/Villain. There will be a Trick or Treat basket to draw from for every costume entered. 10 PM - 3 AM. Yard of Ale, 406 South Howard Ave, Tampa, FL. 813-251-4433

AN EERIE EVENING AT THE TAMPA BAY HO- TEL - Oct 27 www.plantmuseum.com

7-10 PM. See the Museum in moonlight as you’ve never seen it before and hear creepy tales from days long past. Learn about spirit photography and create your own haunting image. Victorian mourning and funeral customs come to life as eerie entities roam the halls. Period lighting and candles set the stage for true stories of death, homesick soldiers, and poisons. Lantern light will flicker off the walls as visitors travel to the brink of a shadow world. Visitors will enjoy light refreshments on the veranda, a close look at macabre items from Dysfunctional Grace Art Co, and an opportunity to shop in the Museum Store. Don’t miss a photo opportunity in a vintage wheelchair, and look closely at historic photographs to spot any spirit visitors. Advanced purchase is strongly encouraged as space is limited. This event is intended for visitors ages 16 and above.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME BASH AT ARTPOOL GALLERY - Oct 27 www.artpoolrules. com

Get ready to have your world rocked with

Continued

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com 39

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

amazing art, wicked costumes and a runway show filled with spooky glamour. 8 pm. ARTpool Gallery, 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727.324.3878.

MONSTER MASH 2018 - Oct 27 patch.com/florida/gulfport/calendar/ event/20181027/412303/monster-mash-2018

Put on your best, most creative or funniest costume. Dancing, raffle prizes, costume contests, memory quilt drawing and great eats. 7 – 11 pm, Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport.

along with signature cocktails. All moviegoers are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes or masquerade masks, and prizes for the best costumes will be announced at the end of the movie. 6:30 - 9:00 PM. Paul’s Landing.

The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg. 501 5th Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701.

WAG-O-WEEN DOGGIE COSTUME PARTY - Oct 27 RSVP whitneyshenkman@gmail.com All dogs registered go home with a gift bag. Free hot dogs, salads and drinks. Donations accepted for CASA. 10 am – 1 pm, Free. Treasure Island Community Center Park.

HALLOWEEN HIJINKS FOR ALL AGES AT THE VINOY www.marriott.com

YELLOWEEN PARTY - Oct 27. Scare up a spooky, swanky Halloween costume and celebrate Halloween weekend at 4th annual Yelloween Party. The property will be transformed into a haunted hideaway for this ghoulish gathering at Marchand’s Bar and Grill, where guests can enjoy light bites, spooky sips and electrifying entertainment provided by DJ CR. Costume contests will be conducted throughout the night and first, second and third place prizes will be awarded to partygoers with the most outstanding outfits. Admission includes five food stations, one glass of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label and live entertainment. VIP tables are available at an additional cost. 727-954-8142. 8 PM - 1 AM

PAUL-O-WEEN MOVIE SCREENING - Oct 31. Celebrate Halloween with a screening of the family-friendly ghost flick, “Casper.” Special concessions such as candied apples, popcorn balls, spooky cookies, kettle corn and Halloween cupcakes will be available

EDGE DISTRICT SMASHING, SPOOKTACU- LAR HALLOWEEN STROLL - Oct 28 www.edgedistrict.org

Ticket holders can enjoy beverages including craft beer & ciders, craft cocktails, wine, sangria, coffee, kombucha, and kava. The craft beer is all local, from 3 Daughter’s Brewing and Green Bench Brewing. Along with drinks, ticket holders can also sample food at six stops, including Dr. BBQ, Sweet Charlie’s Ice Cream, Brooklyn South gourmet cheese, Hawkers Asian Street Fare, and Rawkstar Cafe. 930 Central Flats. Go dressed in costume to be eligible for prizes in a “Guest’s Best” costume contest. from 12-4 pm.

BOO BASH AT BRIGHT HOUSE FIELD - Oct 31 www.myclearwater.com

This free, family-friendly event includes free candy, a costume parade, hayrides, inflatables, and more. Boo Bash lasts from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Brighthouse Field, 601 N. Old Coachman Rd.

40www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

This article is from: