If we have said it once we have said it a million times, 2020 has been a weird year. It has impacted every aspect of our lives, including how we are celebrating the holidays, and Halloween is no eerie exception.
This year’s festivities won’t have the usual packed parties, costume contests at bars or huge events at theme parks, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. That’s why we have summoned 31 days’ worth of socially-distanced Central Florida and Tampa Bay events, virtual gatherings and enter-at-your-own-risk skelebrations that will let you practice safety guidelines while enjoying the LGBTQ community’s favorite holiday.
No matter where you go and how you celebrate, make sure you are doing it with everyone’s health in mind. Wear masks, socially distance, adhere to safety precautions provided by local officials or the businesses hosting events.
Remember that all events are subject to changes or cancellations. Be sure to visit every website listed and check for safety measures, restrictions and cancellation policies. Be safe, enjoy yourselves and from all of us Watermark ghosts and goblins, have a Happy Halloween!
1 Treat Town Halloween
virtual
Start your month off by joining Treat Town, a virtual trick-or-treat experience. Sign up at Treat-Town.com or through the Treat Town Halloween app and create a profile. Then help your kids decorate their virtual door and create spooky avatars. Starting Oct. 1, buy candy credits for virtual trick-or-treaters that can be redeemed for real candy like M&M’s, Snickers, Skittles, Twix and more. Enjoy safe trick-or-treating with your family around your neighborhood, or virtually visit friends and relatives across the country.
2 Sanford Ghost Tour
Downtown Sanford
Take a guided walk through downtown Sanford and hear tales of ghostly encounters, visit historical landmarks and learn about the nearly 150 year history of the city. The 90-minute walking tour culminates with a walk to an actual haunted building. Groups are limited to 12 people. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at ExperienceSanfordFL.com. Tours are available every Friday and Saturday in October except Oct. 24.
3 Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail
Plant City
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail is an outdoor, haunted experience featuring three haunted trails, an escape game and laser tag. Sir Henry’s also offers live entertainment, food vendors and merchandise. Tickets are $25-$35 depending on the night and must be purchased in advance online at SirHenrysHauntedTrail.com. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trails are open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during October, except for Oct. 4.
4 LEGOLAND’s Brick or Treat
Winter Haven
LEGOLAND’s family-friendly Brick or Treat returns this October with spooky, kooky fun. Enjoy neighborhood-style trick-or-treating from 1–5 p.m. with contactless candy distribution throughout the park. You can also celebrate with monster-themed LEGO characters, The Groovin’ Graveyard and A Candy-Coated Curse Show, Brick or Treat LEGO Builds and more. Brick or Treat events run Saturdays and Sundays throughout October and are included as part of your daily tickets, Awesome, Awesomer and Awesomest annual passes. For event schedule and park ticket prices, go to LEGOLAND.com/Florida.
5 Ghosts and Gruesomes Walking Tour
Downtown Sarasota
Explore the “spirited” side of Sarasota with Ghosts & Gruesomes’ ghost and murder walking tour. Hear stories of paranormal activity and unsolved murders as you stroll through the downtown Sarasota theater district after dark. Tickets are $17.95 and must be reserved in advance. The 75-minute walking tour is available twice a night every Thursday, Friday and Sunday and once a night every Saturday in the month of October. Tickets can be booked at SarasotaSuncoastTours.com.
6 Gatorland’s Gator Night Shine Tour
Orlando
Armed with only a flashlight and gator food, bravely make your way along the winding wooden walkways of Gatorland’s Alligator Breeding Marsh. Sounds of the night come alive around you as the rustle of feathers overhead and the splashing of water nearby signal that you are not alone. Turn your flashlight towards the water to see hundreds of hungry, glowing, red eyes slowly making their way closer. Tickets are $24.99, tours start at dusk and last 60-90 minutes. Tours are every night except Mondays and Thursdays. Get tickets at Gatorland.com. You can also check out the website for information on Gatorland’s second annual “Gators, Ghosts and Goblins” Halloween event, happening every weekend in October.
7 Kid-friendly movie night
streaming
Gather your favorite snacks, pop some popcorn and stay in for a fun, kid-friendly Halloween movie night. Some streaming recommendations: Disney+ offers the ‘90s classics “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Hocus Pocus” as well as the “Halloweentown” series; HBO Max has both live-action “Scooby-Doo” films as well as the recently released animated “Scoob!”; and Netflix has an entire library of family Halloween offering including “Goosebumps 2,” “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf” and “Monster Family” to name a few. If you don’t mind spending a few bucks, two of our personal favorites — “Coraline” and “ParaNorman” — can be rented for $2.99 on Amazon, Google Play, VUDU and YouTube.
8 Enzian’s Popcorn Flicks in the Park
Winter Park
Enzian Theater, as part of its Popcorn in the Park series, brings you “Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man” on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Central Park. Watch this classic with up to six people in your own 10×10 socially distanced viewing space. Admittance is free but advanced registration is required to reserve a spot. If you can’t make it to Central Park, Enzian’s Popcorn in the Park returns Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. to Ward Park with the film “Hocus Pocus.” RSVP for either or both flicks, and check out what Enzian has planned at the theater for its “13 Films of Halloween,” at Enzian.org.
9 Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream
Tampa
Tampa Bay’s premier Halloween event is preparing to return in a whole new way this fall with the 21st annual Howl-O-Scream. This year’s modified production, themed “The Fear In Your Eyes,” will be unlike any other, including significantly enhanced safety and health measures at the core of the event. The event will be modified to feature 10 open-air scare zones, limited-capacity admission with reservations required and physical distancing. Howl-O-Scream runs every Friday-Sunday in October and is a separate ticketed event from standard park admission, tickets start at $39.99. Reserve a spot now at HowlOScream.com.
10 UNDead in the Water III: Operation Decon
Tampa
The American Victory Ship presents Tampa’s nautical haunted attraction, “UNDead in the Water III: Operation Decon.” Traverse multiple decks of this historic WWII cargo ship and avoid being eaten by the infected zombie stowaways. Survive the chaos as the ship struggles to stay afloat. Tickets are $15-$20 depending on the night, military discount available. All tickets must be purchased online. UNDead in the Water III runs every Friday and Saturday during the month of October as well as Thursday, Oct. 29. Visit UNDeadInTheWater.com for tickets.
11 SeaWorld Spooktacular
Orlando
Get the costumes ready for the kids and kids at heart, because SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is back with all-new safety procedures. The trick-or-treat trail is stocked with candy and adventure. Kids can enjoy not-so-spooky fun with their Sesame Street friends and even join Count von Count for a special Halloween breakfast and do a little cookie decorating with the Cookie Monster. You can also pick up some Halloween-themed SeaWorld merchandise, visit the park’s amazing animals and ride the thrilling coasters. SeaWorld’s Spooktacular runs every weekend in October from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tickets are available at SeaWorld.com/Orlando.
12 Fathom Events presents the 60th anniversary of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”
check local theater listings
Fathom Events brings you the film that changed the horror genre forever, Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” Join the Master of Suspense on a chilling journey as an unsuspecting victim visits the Bates Motel and falls prey to one of cinema’s most notorious psychopaths — Norman Bates. Back in select theaters for its 60th anniversary for two nights only, Oct. 11 and 12. Visit FathomEvents.com for theaters, showtimes and ticket information.
13 Bilheimer Capitol Theatre Movie Series: “Friday The 13th”
Clearwater
Go back to Crystal Lake where it all started. One of the longest-running horror film series began with this gory shocker 40 years ago. Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Bilheimer Capitol Theatre presents “Friday The 13th,” a one-night engagement on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. Come early for fun pre-show trivia, games and prizes. Tickets are $10 each or $30 for a Family 4-Pack. Luxury Boxes, with seating for up to four people, are available for $50. Get your tickets at RuthEckerdHall.com.
14 Orlando REP’s Haunted Halloween Makeup Master Class
virtual
Use your makeup skills to create the best Halloween look ever. This online master class will help your technique reach the next level. Find your inspiration, sketch designs, create a character and then get hands-on with the application. Open for grades 6-12, this course runs Oct. 12-15. Tuition is $175 and includes a student makeup kit and supplemental supplies that are available for pickup at Orlando REP prior to the start of class. Register online and check out some other Halloween-themed courses and activities available online at OrlandoREP.com.
15 Corn Maze Orlando- “Mission To Mars”
Orlando
Corn Maze Orlando, located at Painted Oaks Academy, helps you get some space with its socially-distanced “Mission To Mars” corn maze. Outside of the maze, you can have fun with live music, a fun park, hay rides, ducky races and more. Tickets are $15 for GA, $12 for UCF students and $10 for kids 3-17. Tickets into the Pumpkin Patch are $5 for adults and $3 for kids. All tickets must be purchased online at CornMazeOrlando.com. Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch are open 7 days a week.
16 ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night
Tampa
ZooTampa at Lowry Park’s Halloween event, Creatures of the Night, returns this October with spooky scares and unforgettable eerie frights for ghouls and goblins of all ages. The mostly outdoor, family-friendly event is themed around campfire tales and features several new outdoor Halloween experiences, including The Realm of the Spider Queen. Tickets start at $24.95 with events running every Friday and Saturday in October, as well as Thursday, Oct. 29. To purchase tickets and reserve your spot, visit ZooTampa.org.
17 Iberian Rooster’s BOOobies & BOOotys
St. Petersburg
Join Iberian Rooster for its premier event celebrating the reopening of Subcentral Speakeasy with one of its most popular shows, Burlesque Revue presented by Exquisite Entertainers, just in time to kick off the Halloween season. Featuring five frightening burlesque performances. Two shows each night, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., on Oct. 16 and 17. Each show is limited to 20 guests. Tickets are $50 for GA and $150 for VIP. VIP includes admission for two people, a bottle of bubbly and dinner upstairs before the show. For tickets, go to IberianRooster.SimpleTix.com/e/58320.
18 Phantasmagoria XI “Plague Tales”
virtual
Phantasmagoria comes to you with “Plague Tales,” a brand-new show for Halloween 2020 and for the first time ever it is all virtual. Five newly told tales of terror — featuring haunted storytelling, “Phantastical” dance, explosive stage combat, puppetry, projections, fire dancing, aerial arts and more — combine to create a tapestry of elegant and whimsically macabre horror. Viewings are available Oct. 15-18 in the Orlando and Tampa areas. Other dates available throughout Florida during October. Tickets are $22 per household/device. To purchase and for more information, go to Phantasmagoria’s Facebook page.
19 The Haunted Road
Orlando
Check out Central Florida’s first contactless, drive-thru Halloween theatrical event. The Haunted Road immerses you in the middle of twisted creatures and bloodcurdling encounters all from the comfort of your own vehicle. You drive from scene to scene and, once your car is in park, watch the story come to life all around you. Sounds from the terror around you are piped in through your car radio. Nighttime rides last 40 minutes and daytime, family-friendly rides are approximately 30 minutes. Tickets start at $15 per person with shows running most nights in October. Family-friendly, daytime shows are weekend only. Visit TheHauntedRoad.com for dates, times and tickets.
20 Ybor Ghost Tour
Ybor City
Hear spine-tingling stories about real people, history, folklore and the ghosts that have made Ybor City, one of the most haunted towns in the U.S., their playground. Hear true-life tales of villains, buccaneers, bandits and gangsters. Tours take approximately two hours, occur every night in October and are an easy walk with frequent stops along the way. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for kids. Select nights offer special $20 pricing. For tickets, go to YborGhostTour.com.
21 Virtual ghost stories with friends
virtual
Take this campfire classic and give it a virtual spin. Gather your friends on a Zoom call or in a Facebook room, light a candle or grab a flashlight, turn off the lights and take turns trying to get the most screams with a scary ghost story. Pour a drink (or two) and also play Halloween-themed online versions of Wink Murder, Never Have I Ever and Truth or Dare.
22 Scream-A-Geddon
Dade City
Scream-A-Geddon returns with six attractions in one location: enter Ravenhill Asylum and Blackpool Prison, two interactive attractions; experience the terror of Demon’s Revenge, Rage 3D and Deadwoods; or hunt the undead with Zombie Paintball Assault (requires an additional ticket price). Also enjoy Monster Midway, the hub of Scream-A-Geddon featuring fire pits, an array of monsters, drink, food, games and Bonzo’s Beer Garden. Open every night in the month of October. Tickets start as low as $21.95 depending on the night and can be purchased at ScreamAGeddon.com.
23 Universal Studios Haunted Houses
Orlando
While Halloween Horror Nights is a no go this year, Universal Studios is offering two haunted houses Oct. 3-Nov. 1 during regular park hours — “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives” and “Revenge of the Tooth Fairy.” Guests must sign up for the virtual queue in the Universal Orlando Resort app to be able to visit the houses. Visitors can also partake in the Scarecrow Stalk, a scavenger hunt for scarecrows throughout select retail locations in the park. Costumes are allowed in the parks and at Islands of Adventure, visitors who are 12 and under can go trick-or-treating at select retail locations. For tickets, prices and more details, visit UniversalOrlando.com.
24 MrMs Adrien presents “The Rocky Horror Drag Show”
Orlando
Give yourself over to absolute pleasure with MrMs Adrien’s “The Rocky Horror Drag Show” at the Parliament House’s Footlight Theatre. Do the time warp with Orlando’s freakiest cast of characters in this fast paced, 90-minute revue to the greatest cult classic ever made. Only three nights to catch this event; Oct. 17, 24 and 31. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, if any seats remain. Curtain is promptly at 8 p.m. and your ticket gets you into the rest of the parliament House for the night. Tickets are available to purchase through the Parliament House’s Facebook page.
25 Forum of Fear presents The Dark Séance & Tunnel of the Damned
Orlando
The Dark Séance is a dining and theatrical experience that will leave you on the edge of the seat. You are escorted to a secret Victorian Séance Room where you will be seated at your own private table and treated to four course, five-star gourmet, meal befitting a last supper. While enjoying dinner, your host will share stories of some of the most notorious and nefarious souls to ever walk amongst the living. Once the séance begins, your skilled Medium will open the gateway to the “beyond” allowing the dearly departed to engage for an unbelievable and unsettling experience. Forum of Fear also brings you its Tunnel of the Damned, a haunted maze featuring 20 masked actors scaring you through 480 feet of horrifying madness. Throughout the season, Tunnel of the Damned will change to City Overtaken and conclude with Apocalypse. The Dark Séance runs every night in October except Mondays and tickets are $87.50 per person. Tickets for Tunnel of the Damned start at $17.95 and the event runs every night, from 6 p.m.-2 a.m., in October. Visit DarkSeance.com or TunnelOfTheDamned.com for tickets and information.
26 Throw a micro or virtual Halloween Party
in-person or virtual
While COVID-19 has left large Halloween parties of the table this year, that doesn’t mean there is no party to be had. If you typically throw a large party every year, have several micro parties with no more than 6-7 guests each. Either divide your friends into groups based on interests or put all of their names in a bowl and draw for each party for random groupings. If you don’t have the space in your home to keep a safe distance between guests, try a virtual Halloween Party where everyone can dress up and show off their costumes online.
27 Virtual pumpkin carving with friends/family
virtual
Of all the traditional Halloween festivities, pumpkin carving may be the easiest one to do online. Set a time that works for everyone, buy your pumpkin, decorations and carving tools and set your camera up. It’s that easy. Have a stress-free night of creativity and at the end of the carving, have everyone vote on their favorites.
28 Scary Movie Night
streaming
Put the kids to bed early, get out your favorite adult treats, grab a blanket to hide under and enjoy a good old scary movie. You can even watch with friends online using synced viewing with apps like Movies Anywhere, Google Chrome extensions like Netflix Party and YouTube With Friends or websites like Watch2Gether. Streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime have entire libraries of films collected into a Halloween category. The hardest part will be everyone deciding on one movie.
29 Walt Disney World’s Halloween Entertainment
Lake Buena Vista
While the pandemic has caused the traditional Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to be cancelled, Disney is still celebrating the holiday all October long. Main Street, U.S.A. is still getting decorated for the fall and look for special Halloween cavalcades popping up throughout the day with characters dressed in Halloween costumes. Speaking of costumes, for the first time ever, Disney is allowing all park guests to wear costumes. All parks will also have special Halloween treats and at Hollywood Studios, Minnie’s Halloween Dine is still a go, albeit without the usual buffet. Check it out all month long. For ticket prices, dates and more information, visit DisneyWorld.Disney.go.com.
30 A Little Hocus Pocus to Drag* Out the Vote
virtual
Hosted by the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area, tune in for a little hocus pocus magic to “drag” out the vote with Tampa Bay’s very own Sanderson Sisters — Daphne Ferrero, Kathryn Nevets and Chi Chi Lalique. Have some spooky fun while getting informed on the importance of voting. The event is free and will stream live on League of Women Voters St. Petersburg Area’s YouTube channel on Oct. 30 from 7-8 p.m. Read more here.
31 Halloween candy scavenger hunt
in-person
It’s Halloween night and traditional trick-or-treating is a big no no this year. Instead, try inventive ways to get some delicious candy treats to the kids. Steal a tradition form the Easter holiday and hide pre-wrapped candy throughout the yard and have the kids hunt for it themselves. Either organize it for your own kids or if your neighborhood has trick-or-treaters roaming the streets, this is a way to give them candy but keep them at a safe distance. If you don’t feel like hiding the candy, place a big bowl at the end of your walk way or drive way and let the kids grab on their own.
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