Halloween: Where to find the best events with fun, fright, gore in Palm Beach County
"Darkness falls across the land; the midnight hour is close at hand."
Can you feel it? That's right, Halloween is almost here and whether you prefer happy Halloween fun with games and candy, enjoy getting dressed up in your Comic-Con/frightful/sinful best or just want to have the absolute bejesus scared of you, there's something for everyone in Palm Beach County.
From Jupiter to Delray Beach, there are costumed runs, kayaking excursions, haunted houses, Halloween-themed street parties, witches on bicycles and more. Here are more than a dozen fabulous options that are sure to fill you with fun fright as well as infuse you with the "soul for getting down."
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Sully's Halloween 5K Run at Riverbend Park
This 5K is a race but also a bit of a party. In addition to the run there will be a Halloween costume contest, live auction and raffle, along with food from Food Shack, Old Skool Blues & BBQ, Rosetta's Produce, Bolay's Kitchen, La Gringuita Cookies and Rosa's Ice Cream. Beer, wine, juice and water will be on hand. And to help that all go down, there will be live music by The Holidazed. The event is held in honor of Lauren Sullivan and benefits the Pearl Mae Foundation and the Sarcoma Alliance.
The event is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. 9060 Indiatown Road, Jupiter. Advance $35, at door $40. Information: runsignup.com/Race/FL/Jupiter
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Jupiter Outdoor Center's 'Spooktacular Hunt-and-Paddle Halloween Adventure'
This self-guided digital scavenger hunt will have individuals and teams solving riddles via their cell phones to uncover hidden treasures lurking along the Loxahatchee River and its spectral banks. Those who solve each puzzle correctly will win fun prizes such as gift cards, limited-edition merchandise, and more.
The spine-tingling experience lasts approximately two-and-a-half hours.
These events will be held on select dates and times throughout October. The center is at 9060 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter. Cost is $55 per person in a single kayak; $85 for two people in a canoe or tandem kayak; and $99 for three people in a canoe. Kayaks and canoes, life jackets, phone dry bags, and pre- and post-paddle instructions are included. Space limited. Information: jupiteroutdoorcenter.com
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Halloween Skate and Scooter Contest
Though this contest will focus on the proficiency of skaters and scooter riders in age groups including 11 and younger, 12 to 15 and 16 years and older, it will also take a hard look at their creativity when it comes to costumes. There will be awards for top skaters and scooter riders as well as for the best costume. Contestants cannot wear masks while competing and costumes must allow them to wear helmets.
The contest is 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. 1501 W. Frederick Small Road, Jupiter. Entry fee $10. Information: jupiter.fl.us
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HallowMarine at Loggerhead Marinelife Center
There will be sustainable trick-or-treating, animal enrichment and feeding talks, discover shows, visits with sea turtle patients and more. Costumes are encouraged with an emphasis on the ocean. Participants are encouraged to bring candy wrappers as part of the center's Unwrap the Waves initiative for a zero-waste Halloween.
The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. 14200 US 1, Juno Beach. Free. Information: marinelife.org
'Noche de los Muertos' Halloween Feista at Downtown Palm Beach Gardens
Avocado Cantina is calling all spooky revelers for an electrified night filled with dance, drink and music! There will be hauntingly creative backdrops for the costume clad to strike their best poses along with spirited cocktails, concocted to capture the essence of night, like the bloody margarita with black salt or the la bruja with tequila, watermelon, lime and jalapenos.
The event is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Drive, Downtown Palm Beach Gardens. Free. Information: avocadocantina.com
Hometown Halloween Treat Trail
Celebrate Halloween with your decked out little ones at Downtown Palm Beach Garden's Halloween Treat Trail. Let them creep and crawl through participating retailers including Avocado Cantina, Blessed Boutique, CMX Cinemas, Craft Haus, Fair Harbor, Grimaldi's, Lola Chiq, Luli Fama, Pineapple Kidz, REI, Stitch Golf, Sweetgreen, The Spice & Tea Exchange, Vagabond Apparel Boutique and Yard House and get their candy buckets filled. Don't forget to dress in your scariest costume yet.
The event is all day at participating outlets from Saturday, Oct. 28 to 31. 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Drive, Downtown Palm Beach Gardens. Free. Information: downtownpbg.com/event/Downtowns-Halloween-Treat-Trail/2145554131
Palm Beach Gardens Fall Festival
The Palm Beach Gardens Fall Festival will feature trick-or-treating, carnival games, face painting, airbrush tattoos, live performances, music, food vendors and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their Halloween best. No pets.
The event is 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. 5101 117th Court N., Palm Beach Gardens. Free. Information: pbgfl.com/events
A Wicked Cool Art Show, Zero Empty Spaces
This show will feature works by artists Arielle Charis and Shica Hardy. Attendees are asked to dress in their Halloween costume best as in addition to the art show there will a costume contest with first, second and third place prizes. There will also be sweet treats and more.
The event is 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. 11300 Legacy Ave., Palm Beach Gardens. Free. Information: zeroemptyspaces.com/florida
North Palm Beach Links 5K Ghost Run
Held along the golf cart paths of the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at the North Palm Beach Country Club, this race encourages runners to wear their best Halloween running outfits. In addition to the 5K, there will also be a Monster Mile Race and a Li'l Goblin Gallop (100 yards). There will be a costume contest with prizes, a collectors finisher medal and breakfast courtesy of the Farmer's Table, the club's restaurant.
The event will be held 6 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. 951 US 1, North Palm Beach. See website for entry fees. Information: findarace.com
'In the Bayou' Halloween festival at Anchorage Park
This fourth annual Halloween celebration from the village of North Palm Beach will feature a full day, spooktacular experience at Anchorage Park. With the theme "In the Bayou," the event will feature a haunted house, voodoo witches, zombies and deadly locals. There will also be hay rides, food, music, a DJ, a trackless train, a costume contest and more.
The event is 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. 603 Anchorage Drive, North Palm Beach. $18. Information: village-npb.org
Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds
Back for its 21st season at the South Florida Fairgrounds, this year's Fright Nights will feature four haunted houses including "Jed's Chop Shop," the "Hockley House," "Dead of Winter: Chapter 2" and "Cutting Edge." The entire event will have over 125 "scare actors" done up by eight professional makeup artists and in costumes described as "Hollywood tight" and so realistic that attendees "can't deny their existence." There will be haunted 'vignettes,' thrill rides, roaming "scare actors" and more.
The event is 6 to 11 p.m. Thursdays Oct. 12, 19, 26; 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21, 28. 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. See website for ticket prices. Information: myfrightnights.com
Spookyville at Yesteryear Village
This old-fashioned Halloween for families and children ages 10 and under will include trick-or-treating, contests, games and more. This is a throwback to the more traditional days of Halloween held in a safe, secure, family-friendly environment.
The event is 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 and Sunday, Oct. 22; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 and Sunday and 5 to 9 p.m. Halloween, Tuesday, Oct. 31. 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. $10, 2 and under free. Information: southfloridafair.com
Cox Science Center and Aquarium Spooky Science Laser Lights & Bites
Enjoy the smashing pumpkin demonstrations (gourds, not the band), feel the fear in the science center's haunted house, get a sugar rush while visiting the many treat stations, check out the Gimmie Grillin and Heavenly Churros food trucks and then get rocking with the Halloween-themed laser concert.
The event is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach. Adults $18.95, seniors $16.95, children $14.95, adult members $15.95, children members $11.95. Children under 3 FREE. Information: coxsciencecenter.org
Catskill Haunts at Commons Park
This event will feature four haunted attractions including the haunted mansion, spooky graveyard, the zombie attack and the creepy carnival along with a little more PG-13, family fare like the pumpkin patch, bounce houses, Halloween inflatables and the Parkside Cafe Snack Shack. There will also be a make-up studio where participants can get a haunted makeover, a pro shop filled with haunted merchandise and more.
The event is 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 14, 21 and 28; Saturdays Oct. 15, 22 and 29. 11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. $10. Information: catskillhaunts.com
Little Scream Halloween Event at Bryant Park
This annual Lake Worth Beach event will feature safe trick-or-treating where dressed-up kids can get candy from spookily-decorated vehicles. There will be costume contests for both children and pets. Along with traditional Halloween fun there will be a rock wall, bounce house and Euro Bungee. Finally, get into the spirit with a screening of the Halloween classic "Hotel Transylvania."
The event is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. 100 S. Golfview Road, Lake Worth Beach. Free. Information: lakeworthbeachfl.gov
Skate for a Cause Halloween Fundraiser at Astro Skating Center
Get dressed up as your favorite cartoon character and skate for the organization Rhonda's Promise that is dedicated to the success of woman and girls in South Palm Beach County through education and life skills. The event will feature a costume contest, a 50/50 raffle and skating games for prizes.
The fundraiser is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. 3100 Jog Road, Greenacres. $12. Information: rhondaspromise.org
12th Annual Witches of Delray Beach Bike Ride
More than 300 witches will put on their best witch-wear (fashionable, but still evil), ride their extravagantly decorated brooms (bicycles) and cruise through downtown Delray Beach, along the ocean on A1A, stop at the Sandoway Parking lot for hydration and finally, end up at Old School Square. There will be awards for "best costume," "best witches cackle," "best decorated broom (bike)" and "best group theme."
The event is 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Starts at Delray Beach City Hall, 100 NW First Ave., Delray Beach and ends the Delray Beach Green Market at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Information: achievementcentersfl.org
HOWL-O-Ween Yappy Hour and Dog Costume Contest at THRoW Social Delray
There will be Happy Hour drink and food specials, free dog treats, live music and the chance to win a $100 bar tab if your precious pup wins this costume contest.
The event is 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30. 29 SE Second Ave., Delray Beach. Information: throwsocial.com; eventbrite.com
Halloween in Downtown Delray Beach
This celebration will feature multiple events on Saturday, Oct. 28. There's Trick-or-Treating on the Avenue, brought to you by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, where costumed kiddos can hit participating merchants along Atlantic Avenue for sweet treats. That runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Next there's the 61st Annual Halloween Parade. This annual event starts at 1 p.m. and runs from SE/NE Fifth Avenue down to Old School Square and allows dedicated Halloweeners to show off their costumes and be rewarded for their efforts with free ice cream as the enter Old School Square. It is put on by the Rotary Club of Delray Beach.
Finally, there's Halloween Kidsfest at The Park at Old School Square. It runs from noon to 4 p.m. It will feature food, vendors, arts and crafts, entertainment, and more.
The events all take place Saturday, Oct. 28 along Atlantic Avenue and at Old School Square in Delray Beach. Free. Information: delrayoldschoolsquare.com
Rosewater Rooftop by Akira Back presents: Midnight Mystique Halloween Celebration
The popular destination Rosewater Rooftop by Akira Back will host a captivating Halloween affair, transforming the space into a mystical fantasy ball on Saturday, Oct. 28. Guests are invited to dress in captivating masks and elegant attire. There will be specialty cocktails like the AB Positive, All Hallows Eve and more.
The event is 9 p.m. to late Saturday, Oct. 28. The Ray Hotel, 33 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach. General admission complimentary, but must be reserved. Table rentals available starting at $300. Information: sevenrooms.com/events/ahNzfnNldmVucm9vbXMtc2VjdXJlchwLEg9uaWdodGxvb3BfVmVudWUYgICy1u7U0wsM?event_id=ahNzfnNldmVucm9vbXMtc2VjdXJlcjYLEg9uaWdodGxvb3BfVmVudWUYgICy1u7U0wsMCxIQc3JfR2VuVmVudWVFdmVudBix27bBIww
Halloween Hoot & Howl, Daggerwing Nature Center
This family-friendly event will feature Halloween games and crafts and provide a great way great way to learn about all those "spooky" creatures like owls, toads, spiders and snakes. Bring a flashlight and bug spray to continue the adventure outside on the center's boardwalk.
The event is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. 11435 Park Access Road, Boca Raton. Free. Information: discover.pbc.gov
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best Halloween events, activities in Palm Beach County
