Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties are packed with ways to celebrate Halloween over the next couple of weeks– from ghost hunting and haunted forests to petting zoos and pumpkin festivals. So, costumes and candy at the ready – here are 16 ways to have a spook-tacular Halloween:
1. Boo Fest Family Fun- On Friday, October 24, 2014, one of the most popular events of the year in Lakewood Ranch, the 9th Annual Boo Fest Halloween Festival, takes place at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. The event features trick or treating, a costume parade, a “lights on” haunted house and much more. Kick-off is at 6pm, and admission is free.
2. Haunting on the Harbor – The 5th Annual Smuggler’s Haunting on the Harbor Halloween Festival and Haunted House takes place October 24‐28 and 30‐31 at City Marketplace in downtown Punta Gorda. The downtown area will be transformed into an autumn showcase of pumpkin patches, hay rides, kid’s carnival games, fair food, live music, and the largest haunted house in Charlotte County. More information can be found by clicking HERE.
3. A Ghost Expedition – Historic Spanish Point will host its Ghost Hunting Tours on October 24, with three chances (6:30, 7:30 & 8:30 pm) to investigate on foot the ghostly happenings of the 30-acre outdoor museum. Then, on October 31, the point will host a spooky Victorian Funeral at Mary’s Chapel. For information and tickets, visit HERE.
4. Haunted Woods – Embark on a haunted trail through Oscar Scherer State Park on October 24 and 25, with frightening tours that wind through the woods. There will also be fun, family-friendly activities on the Trick-or-Treat Trail. For tickets and more information, call 941.483.5956.
5. Payne Park Pumpkins – The 6th Annual Sarasota Pumpkin Festival takes place on October 24 – 26 at Sarasota’s Payne Park. With pony and carnival rides, a petting zoo, trick-or-treating and plenty of pumpkins, you’re sure to get into the spirit of fall. More information can be found HERE.
6. Boo Run – Throw on your best costume and lace up your running shoes for The 11th Annual Boo Run, taking place Saturday, October 25 in Lakewood Ranch. This family friendly 5K run/walk features a costume contest, with awards given to the best couple, most creative, most funny and best male/female kids under 10. For more info and how to register, visit HERE.
7. Boo-Boo Q – The Italian American Club of Venice will host its adult Halloween Costume Party on Saturday, October 25. Costumes are a must, and there’ll be a buffet “Boo-Boo Q” dinner served to the sounds of live music. They haven’t forgotten the little ones either – the club will host a Children’s Halloween Bash on Sunday, October 26. More info HERE.
8. Pumpkin Party – The 23rd Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival is sure to thrill, with its scarecrow displays, hayrides, petting zoo, face painting and more. Enjoy the festivities October 25-26, and visit HERE to find out more.
Photo Courtesy – Sarasota Children’s Garden
9. Costumes for a Cause – Join The Sarasota Children’s Garden for the 11th Annual Safe Trick or Treating for All Faith’s Food Bank on Sunday, October 26 from 5 pm – 6 pm. This is free with donations of canned food for All Faith’s Food Bank. Wear your best costume and bring your goody bag, there are 3 prizes for top costumes and a “Spooktacular Gallery”.
10. Seriously Scary –Not for the faint of heart, The 2014 Frightmare’s Haunted House returns to the Sarasota County Fair Grounds, with two haunted attractions promising “your worst phobias brought to life!” There are chances to visit on October 24, 25, 30, 31 and November 1. Visit HERE for more.
11. Howl-O-Ween – Wednesday, October 29 marks the 17th Annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest at Phillippi Estates Park Farmer’s Market. Hosted by The Humane Society of Sarasota County, prizes will be awarded to precious pets in categories such as “Cutest,” “Funniest,” “Spookiest” and “Best Owner/Dog Look-A-Like.” Find out more HERE.
Photo by SarasotaDog.com
12. Siesta Treats – Siesta Key Village plays host to the Safe Treats Halloween, a chance for the little ghosts and ghouls to trick-or-treat safely wherever they see orange and black balloons and pumpkin flyers. The event is free and takes place in the village on October 31 from 3 pm – 6 pm.
13. Costumes on Parade – Centennial Park in downtown Venice will provide the venue for a Kids Halloween Costume Parade on October 31, starting at 4 pm.
14. St. Armands Spirit – St Armands Circle will be transformed for trick-or-treating and Halloween fun on October 31, with haunted store fronts and statues at every turn. The fun starts at 6pm.
15. Grave Encounters – Explore the mysterious past of the Crosley ghosts this Halloween, October 31, at the Crosley Estate’s 2014 Halloween Masquerade Gala. Wander the graveyard with spirit stalkers and enjoy a Halloween dinner, entertainment and paranormal experiences. There’s also an after party to continue the spookiness into the night. Tickets and info can be found HERE.
16. Treats on the Street – Englewood’s historic Dearborn Street will play host to the 19th Annual Dearborn Street Halloween Safewalk on October 31 from 5pm to 7pm. Local community groups and businesses will pass out candy alongside live music, a pumpkin patch photo prop and a pet costume contest.
Do you have any spooky plans this Halloween? Share them with us and be sure to hashtag your photos #SaundersSights!