GUIDE
FA LL FESTIVALS ✦ PUMPKIN PATCHES ✦ HALLOWEEN EVENTS
TRUNK OR TREATS ✦ HAUNTED HOUSES ✦ COSTUME CONTESTS & MORE FUN
SWFL is loaded with exciting choices this autumn season, from spine-tingling spookiness to heartwarming family activities. Explore the diverse range of fall fun options that await you in our annual Fall Family Fun Guide.
Details are subject to change so check the event’s website for the latest information.
MULTI-DATE EVENTS
Check website for times
5th Annual Fall Adventure Festival at Springtime Farms Adventure Park
Enjoy the fall festival and a haunted maze on a 30-acre farm. The fun includes a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, daytime haunted walk, food trucks and more.
DATES: Sept. 28–Oct. 27
LOCATION: Springtime Farms Adventure Park, 10761 Aqua Vista Lane, North Fort Myers
INFO: www.springtimeplantfarm.com
Boo-tanical Weekend at the Wonder Gardens
Halloween at the Wonder Gardens has photo ops, fun decorations, family games and activities, face painting, special animal enrichment, and more.
DATES: Oct 11-13
Location: 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs
INFO: www.wondergardens.org/ boo-tanical-weekend
Boo at the Zoo
Guests will enjoy the Zoo magically transformed into a living movie scene, complete with costumed characters and trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under. All kids 12 and under in costume receive free admission.
DATES: Oct 11-13 & 18-20
LOCATION: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette Frank Rd. N., Naples
INFO: 239-262-5409 or napleszoo.org/boo
39th Cape Coral Oktoberfest
With German music and local bands, German food, and beer, there’s plenty of fun to go around, for any age. Carnival area for kids.
DATES: Oct 18-20 & 25-27
LOCATION: German American Social Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral
INFO: 239-252-4000 or capecoraloktoberfest.com
Farmer Mike’s 10th Annual Fall Festival & Corn Mazes
Farmer Mike has three different corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin patch.
DATES: Sept. 28-Oct. 27
LOCATION: Farmer Mikes U Pick, 26031 Morton Ave., Bonita Springs INFO: 239-498-4576 or farmermikesupick.com
Nature Centers 61st Annual Haunted Walk
This is the Calusa Nature Center's 61st annual Haunted Walk. The Haunted Walk is a fundraiser that raises money to care for all of the center's animal residents for the coming year.
DATES: Oct 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
LOCATION: Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers
INFO: www.calusanature.org
ONE
DAY EVENTS
Honrando Nuestra Historia: Dias de los Muertos Family Fun Day
Part of the Honrando Nuestra Historia series, this family-friendly event will talk about the importance of Los Dias de los Muertos and how they differ from Halloween. There will crafts with “calaveras” (skull decorations) and “offrendas” (alters).
DATE: Oct. 12, 10 am-1 pm
LOCATION: Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr., Marco Island
INFO: colliermuseums.com
Mid-Cape Fall Fest 2024
Vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, games, and more. Children’s costume contest (for children 12 and under) and enter your pup in the pet costume contest.
DATE: Oct. 12, 10 am-3 pm
LOCATION: Mercola Market of Cape Coral, 125 SW 3rd Pl, Cape Coral INFO: mercolamarketcc.com
Haunted Hoedown
Bring the whole family for a night of Halloween fun. Activities include
costume contest, face painting, pumpkin patch, trick or treating, and a free movie screening of Monsters Inc.
DATE: Oct. 15, 5:30 am-7 pm
LOCATION: Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples
INFO: experiencemercato.com
Halloween Howl
Parents can drop off their children for a fun-filled night of tricks and treats. Pizza, spooky games, activities, costume contest, and candy fun awaits.
DATE: Oct. 18, 6 pm–8 pm
LOCATION: East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Dr., Naples
INFO: www.collierparks.com
Spooktacular Night at Estero Park
A spooky night under the stars. Activities include Trunk-or-Treat, food trucks, and a movie in the park.
DATE: Oct. 19, 5 pm–9 pm
LOCATION: Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero INFO: www.leegov.com
Halloween Spooktacular C'MON
Come in costume and enjoy not-sospooky Halloween games, activities, and trick-or-treating for the whole family.
DATE: Oct. 19, 10 am
LOCATION: Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C'MON), 15080 Livingston Road, Naples.
INFO: www.cmon.org
Pioneer Pumpkin Palooza
Pick your pumpkin and head to the decorating station to gussy up your gourd. Then head to the crafts tables where you can make a scarecrow and huskdolls. Experience the magic of fall on the hayride as you tour the Ranch.
DATE: Oct. 19, 10 am–1 pm
LOCATION: Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch,1215 Roberts Ave. W, Immokalee
INFO: www.colliermuseums.com/event/ pioneer-pumpkin-palooza
FALL FAMILY FUN GUIDE
Tamiami Ford Trunk of Treats
The whole family can show off their most creative, spooky, or hilarious costumes for a chance to win amazing prizes. Other activities include axe throwing contest, dunk tank and carnival games, face painting, musical chairs, and more.
DATE: Oct. 19, 10 am–1 pm
LOCATION: Tamiami Ford, 1471 AirportPulling Rd. N, Naples
INFO: www.facebook.com/ events/1649638498932213
YMCA Fall Festival
A family-friendly fall event with games, giveaways, food, and more.
DATE: Oct. 19, 10 am–12 pm
LOCATION: Marco Island YMCA, South Campus, 101 Sand Hill St., Marco Island INFO: www.ymcacollier.org
6th Annual Fall Fest: Nation's Choice Church
A family-friendly fall event with vendors, bounce houses, games, and more.
DATE: Oct. 19, 12–4 pm
LOCATION: Nation's Choice Church, 903 Pondella Rd., North Fort Myers
INFO: www.nationschoicechurch.org/ currentevents
Exploding Pumpkins with Mr. Glen
A scientifically spooky spectacular event for all ages. Mr. Glen will bring science to Halloween.
DATE: Oct. 19, 1 pm
LOCATION: Riptide Brewing Company's Bonita Springs Brewhouse, 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd., Bonita Springs
INFO: www.facebook.com/ events/1050329096434453
North Collier Regional Boo-tacular Bring the family to the North Collier Regional Park Soccer Complex for this BOO-tacular Halloween. There will be entertainment, bounce houses, games, crafts, food trucks, face painting, and a trick or treat lane.
DATE: Oct. 19, 6–9 pm
LOCATION: North Collier Regional Park Soccer Complex, 15110 Palmer Lake Cir., Naples
INFO: www.facebook.com/ events/1050329096434453
BCIRP Ghoulden Gate Estates
Trunk or Treat
Enjoy a fun-filled night of Halloween
festivities, including games, costume contests, prizes, bounce houses, food vendors, and more.
DATE: Oct. 25, 6–8 pm
LOCATION: Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, 810 39th Ave. N.E., Naples
INFO: www.collierparks.com
Immokalee Trunk or Treat
The Collier County Parks and Recreation annual Halloween Trunk or Treat event will feature trick or treating, music, face painting, bounce houses, food, and a costume contest.
DATE: Oct. 25, 6–8 pm
LOCATION: Immokalee Community Park, 321 N. First St., Immokalee INFO: www.collierparks.com
Trunk or Treat NABOR
Dress up and collect candy at the Naples Area Board of Realtors Trunk or Treat. This is a free event for the entire community with a DJ and lots of treats.
DATE: Oct. 25, 5:30–7:30 pm
LOCATION: Naples Area Board of REALTORS, 1455 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples INFO: www.facebook.com/ events/3880313805585708
Annual Halloween Trick or Treat Spooktacular-Bell Tower Shops
Enjoy a variety of entertainment, games, themed photo ops, inflatable axe throwing, visits from Way Too Tall Torrie, a bounce house, and more. Trick or treating will take place at participating retailers throughout the center (while supplies last). Children are encouraged to wear costumes.
DATE: Oct. 26, 12 pm–3 pm
LOCATION: Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Parkway and US 41, Fort Myers INFO: www.belltowerfl.com
Trunk-or-Treat at Ave Maria Town Center
Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and bring your treat bag for candy, games and a costume contest in the Ave Maria Town Center. Themed live music, DJ, food and beverages, and more.
DATE: Oct. 26, 3 pm–6 pm
LOCATION: Ave Maria Town Center, 5076 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria INFO: www.avemaria.com
5th Avenue South Annual Halloween Spooktacular
The event will have community vendors offering food, candy, games, costume contests, live music, and child-friendly performances.
DATE: Oct. 26, 3 pm–8 pm
LOCATION: Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave.
S., Naples
INFO: www. fifthavenuesouth.com/ halloween
Spooktacular Halloween
Marco Island
The City of Marco Island
Parks and Recreation will hold it's annual Halloween Spooktacular event at Mackle Park. There will be music, games, treats for the kids, and a costume contest.
DATE: Oct. 26, 4 pm–6 pm
LOCATION: Mackle Park, 1361
Andalusia Terr., Marco Island INFO: www.cityofmarcoisland.com/
GTLC’s Annual Trunk or Treat
Wear your costume, bring a treat bag, and get ready to vote on your favorite decorated trunk.
DATE: Oct. 26, 6 pm
LOCATION: Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church, 11381 Gateway Blvd., Fort Myers INFO: www.facebook.com/ events/458430140428732
Everglades City Trunk or Treat
Check out the current “python hunters” exhibit in the front, then wind your way through the main gallery to pick up treats from creepy characters.
DATE: Oct. 26, 5–7 pm
LOCATION: 105 Broadway Ave. W., Everglades City
INFO: www.colliermuseums.com
Spooky Sweets Trunk or Treat
A frightfully delightful evening of familyfriendly Halloween fun at the Shoppes at Vanderbilt's Spooky Sweet Trunk or Treat event.
DATE: Oct. 26, 5–8 pm
LOCATION: Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples
INFO: www.shopvanderbilt.com/events
Trick or Treat & Costume Contest
Take the family to Gulf Coast Town
Center for it's annual trick or treat and costume contest.
DATE: Oct. 26, 5–8 pm
LOCATION: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers INFO: www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com
City of Naples Trunk or Treat
Join the City of Naples and C.O.N.C.E.R.N in an exciting event full of scary activities, food trucks, live entertainment, and more.
DATE: Oct. 26, 6 pm
LOCATION: Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples INFO: www.naplesgov.com
BOOth or Treat
A frightfully delightful evening filled with vendors offering potions, brews, and enchanting arts and crafts. And beware — special kid-friendly characters will be lurking about for a fang-tastic meet and greet.
DATE: Oct. 26, 5–8 pm
LOCATION: Be Our Guest Party Room, 12901 McGregor Blvd #10, Fort Myers
INFO: www.facebook.com/ events/371748572624958
9th Annual Halloween
Flamingo Fest
Spend the day at the Flamingo Island Flea Market. Activities include pet costume contest, kid's costume contest, live music, games, food, bounce house, reading to rabbits, and more.
DATE: Oct. 26, 9 am–5 pm
LOCATION: Flamingo Island Flea Market, 11902 Bonita Beach Rd., SE, Bonita Springs
INFO: www.facebook.com/ flamingoisland
Trunk or Treat at the Florida Sports Park
Family-friendly drive through trunk or treating. Come see a world-famous swamp buggy up close.
DATE: Oct. 26, 6-9 pm
LOCATION: Florida Sports Park, 8520 Rattlesnake Hammock Rd., Naples INFO: www.swampbuggy.com
Haunted Halloween: Heroes & Villains
A “not-so-spooky” Halloween concert that’s sure to be fun for the whole family.
Come dressed as your favorite superhero or villain for a costume contest and try out the instruments of the orchestra in our Musical Discovery Zone. This will be followed by a concert featuring some of the most memorable superhero music.
DATE: Oct. 27, 1 pm
LOCATION: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers
INFO: www.bbmannpah.com
First Naples Church Trunk & Treat
A free night of fun with for the whole family. Fill your bags with candy, play games, and wear your favorite (nonscary) costume.
DATE: Oct. 30, 6:30 pm–8 pm
LOCATION: First Naples Church, 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples
INFO: www.firstnaples.org/event/trunktreat-2024
Trunk or Treat at Pursue Church Family-friendly event with a bounce house and an inflatable obstacle course. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served.
DATE: Oct. 27, 6:30–8 pm
LOCATION: Pursue Church, 15205 Collier Blvd., Naples INFO: www.pursue.church
Fall Festival at Empowerment Farm
This family-friendly event promises a day full of autumnal fun and community spirit.
DATE: Nov. 2, 10 pm–4 pm
LOCATION: Empowerment Farm, 2000 Garland Rd., Naples INFO: www.empowermentfarm.org/ fall-festival
THEME PARK HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party offers a spooktacular celebration with family-friendly fun, such as trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, and the "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade.
DATES: Aug. 9-Oct. 31
LOCATION: Walt Disney World Resort, 1180 Seven Seas Dr., Lake Buena Vista INFO: www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
Busch Gardens' Howl-O-Scream Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Howl-OScream celebrates its 25th anniversary with more than 10 new spine-chilling experiences, including five haunted houses, including the twisted "Shadows of Wonderland" and the eerie "Witch of the Woods: Rise of the Coven."
DATES: Sept. 6-Nov. 2
LOCATION: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N McKinley Dr., Tampa
INFO: buschgardens.com/tampa/events/ howl-o-scream
Busch Gardens' Halloween Harvest
Families can enjoy various festive activities, including trick-or-treating, costume parades, and themed dance parties, all in a the fall-themed park. Highlights include Kandy’s Sweetacular Celebration and Sesame Street-themed Halloween fun.
DATES: Sept. 7-Oct. 30
LOCATION: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N McKinley Dr., Tampa
INFO: buschgardens.com/tampa/events/ halloween-harvest
Brick-or-Treat
This Halloween event features LEGOthemed trick-or-treating, spooky character meet-and-greets, Halloween shows, and a giant LEGO pumpkin for memorable photo opportunities.
DATES: Sept. 14-Oct. 27
LOCATION: LEGOLAND Florida Resort, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven
INFO: https://www.legoland.com
Dia de Los Muertos Reunion with the Ancestors
Skeletons are scary, right? Maybe on Halloween (if you want them to be), but absolutely, positively not on Día de Los Muertos, a joyful day when, according to 3,000-year-old Aztec tradition, the gates of the mythological Land of the Dead are opened to allow the ancestors to cross over for a big family reunion of sorts. That day is usually November 2. The living are the hosts, and the ancestors, dressed in their finery, are the guests of honor. The most symbolic depiction of the ancestors is La Catrina, a fashionable-to-the-max skeleton – her jiggly white bones clad in ornate dresses, her head adorned in masses of feathers and flowers, and her smiling face a makeup artist's dream in red lipstick and dramatic eye shadow highlighting her long, fluttery lashes.
The strong scents of incense and marigolds, and illumination from candles (or more recently, strings of twinkling lights) will help guide the ancestors home, where lively musicians and dancers await in plazas and public gathering places to entertain them.
At home, the family will have prepared an altar, or offrenda, with candles, papel picado (colorful paper flags as delicate as snowflakes), pictures of the departed, and representative things they enjoyed in their earthly lives. There will also be offerings of a special bread called pan de muertos, chips, water, fruits, and and some of their other favorite foods. Special highlights are artful cardboard or papier-mâché skulls, or even sweet meringue delicacies called sugar skulls. Private family traditions may include storytelling, songs, and poetry.
It's only the fragrance of the food that lures the ancestors – because, technically, skeletons can't eat, you know. Some say that the next day the food has no taste because the essence was already enjoyed by the spirits.
By Karen T. Bartlett
LOCAL EXPERIENCE
Naples Botanical Garden
La Catrina herself will make an appearance in the form of four spectacular sculptures throughout Naples Botanical Garden during its weekendlong Día de Los Muertos fiesta on Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There also will be live and DJ music by David Munoz and DJ Vamanos, respectively, plus folkloric dance performances, arts and crafts stations, and family -themed activities on the Performance Lawn. For adults and younger foodies, there's a drop-in program called "The Spice is Right: Spices of Mexico" in the Scott Florida Garden. Inside Kapnick Hall are several offrendas created by members of the community, and a memory wall where guests may post their own tributes using materials provided.
enous and traditional folk dance and music from Mexico and throughout Latin America. There will be food trucks, street performers, sugar skull face painting, mask painting, puppet-making and other traditional Mexican craft booths, and other kids’ activities.
T aco Tummy Food Truck will be on hand with authentic Mexican fare, and the garden's Fogg Café will offer a special chicken flautas dish created from a family recipe of two café staff members. naplesgarden.org/series/dia-de-losmuertos-celebration
FULL IMMERSION Fort Lauderdale
Grab your skeleton costume and head to Fort Lauderdale for one of the biggest and most joyful Día de Los Muertos fiestas outside of Mexico. Day of the Dead, now in its 15th year, is a free day-long family festival attended by thousands. More than 100 performers will entertain on the Folklorico Stage, showcasing indig-
The evening begins with the spectacular Skeleton Processional through downtown Fort Lauderdale. Young mariachi musicians lead dozens of skeletal puppets up to 18 feet tall animated by professional puppeteers from Puppet Network and the Puppet Guild of South Florida. After the Skeleton Processional, the all-ages street party continues with more entertainment, vendors and food. dayofthedeadflorida.com
Travel Editor Karen T. Bartlett loves a backstory. She believes that immersing in history and authentic cultural traditions enriches the travel experience, and that exploring the world changes life perspective. Sometimes that world is just upriver (watch for her Fossil Quest in next month's issue), and occasionally, she confesses, the immersion starts with an excellent animated movie. (See: Coco). Go to our calendar of events for additional Dia de Los Muertos events neafamily.com/calendarofevents/events
The skeletal form of La Catrina was inspired by late 1800s political printmaker José Guadalupe Posada, who used skulls and animated skeletons (calaveras) to poke fun at Mexican market vendors who put on airs in the feathers, flowers, and finery of high European fashion, and white makeup to make their skin look pale. La Catrina gained new fame from a 1940s painting by Diego Rivera. Ever since, modern celebrations of Día de Los Muertos feature lots of elegant Catrinas, in parades, festivals, and public art. La Catrina at Naples Botanical Garden by Karen T. Bartlett.
AI-generated by Karen T. Bartlett