Top Halloween events in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Siesta Key, Palmetto, Port Charlotte
While October features all sorts of events taking place in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, this month's occasion with the most local celebrations centered around it is Halloween. And while there'll be plenty of holiday festivities on Halloween weekend and Oct. 31 proper (which falls on a Tuesday this year), you don't need to wait until then, with events starting as early as this week.
Friday marks the return of the annual Goblin Gathering in Bradenton, Halloween Notte in Port Charlotte, Lights at Spooky Point in Osprey and Haunted Sarasota trolley tour, with the latter three events running through Oct. 31. You'll find plenty of other Halloween celebrations between now and then, ranging from family-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating to 21-and-up parties — and even some events for your four-legged furry friend.
Here are the top Halloween happenings in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties this year, listed in roughly chronological order. Event details are subject to change.
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Goblin Gathering
The 21st annual family Halloween event will feature a costume contest, food trucks, a spooky trail to explore, free trick-or-treating, and additional activities available with the purchase of a wristband including face painting, petting zoo, pony ride and bounce houses. 5:30-8 p.m. Friday; G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton; free entry and trick-or-treating, $5 wristband; mymanatee.org/goblin
Halloween Notte
This Halloween event features multiple haunted houses — The Haunting of Grin Hollow, Zombie Barn and Scarecrow's Scream — as well as a bounce house, rides and food. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 20-22 and 27-31; Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte; free admission, $5 parking, $15-$50 haunted house tickets, $20-$25 bounce house and maze tickets; 941-416-2548; halloweennotte.com
Lights at Spooky Point
The Halloween-themed light show is back for a second year, with food and beverages also available for purchase. Friday-Oct. 31; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey; $30 adults, $20 members, $15 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and under (guests under age 18 must be accompanied by adult ticket holder); 941-366-5731; selby.org
Haunted Sarasota
Hear stories about famous murders, visit spirited buildings and explore unsolved crimes during this 90-minute, air-conditioned nighttime tour hosted by Lady Melody, with mystery guests along the way. 8 p.m. Friday-Oct. 31; Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 Fourth St., Sarasota; $52.99, including free beer/wine before boarding; 941-260-9818; discoversarasotatours.com
Haunted Trail Carnival
Enjoy carnival-style games and spooky surprises along Arlington Park's half-mile walking trail at this Halloween event that's free and all ages, though children under 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult. 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 20; Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St., Sarasota; free; letsplaysarasota.com
Boo! at the Bay
Downtown Sarasota park The Bay hosts this "not-so-scary evening" with trick-or-treating, pumpkins available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 1,500 kids, yard games, a not-really haunted decorated trail, live music by Jennifer Real, a movie double-feature of "Monsters, Inc." and the original "Ghostbusters," and more. There will also be a sensory-friendly version of the event that will take place 5-6 p.m. 6-10:30 p.m. Oct. 20; Common Ground at The Bay Park, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota; free; thebayturnsone.org
The BooMobile
Discover Sarasota Tours will also host this family-friendly Halloween event, a 45-minute musical adventure on the trolley for kids ages 3 and up, where children and their parents will join WitchyPOO on her search for the missing Pumpkin all around downtown Sarasota’s historic landmarks. 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20-22 and 26-30; Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 Fourth St., Sarasota; $24.99 kids ages 3 and up, $39.99 adults, including free soft drinks for kids and beer/wine for adults before boarding; 941-260-9818; discoversarasotatours.com
Pumpkin Splash
Pick out a pumpkin from a floating patch, with carving utensils provided but parental assistance required. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 21; Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St., Sarasota; $10 per pumpkin, $2 per additional child, with pre-registration required as space is limited; 941-263-6732; letsplaysarasota.com
Hard Heart Burlesque
Hard Heart Burlesque celebrates Halloween, their favorite time of the year, with "some of the most enchanting glamour ghouls, spooky side show surprises, and haunting vocalists that the state of Florida has to offer." 8 p.m. Oct. 22; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $37; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Part of the Candlelight concert series that has also featured Taylor Swift tribute shows, this performance will feature Halloween-appropriate music including Michael Jackson's "Thriller," classical pieces such as "Night on Bald Mountain," and the themes from films such as "Halloween," "Psycho" and "The Exorcist." 6:30 and 9 p.m. Oct. 24 and 26; Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $41-$67; candlelightexperience.com
Trunk or Treat
The "safe and spooky" evening will feature fun, games and candy, with prizes awarded for the best decorated cars and costumes. 5-7 p.m. Oct. 25; Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers St., Sarasota; free; 941-263-6562; letsplaysarasota.com
Trick or Treat on the Lake
Nathan Benderson Park once again hosts this early trick-or-treating event along a candy trail with not-too-spooky themed booths decorated by community organizations. There will also be an area for interactive play, storytelling, live music and a Halloween movie playing on a large video screen. 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 26; Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota; free admission, $10 parking per vehicle; 941-358-7275; nathanbendersonpark.org
Bark!-O-Ween
Dress up your dog for this costume contest with pooch-friendly prizes. 5:45-6:15 p.m. Oct. 26; Arlington Park Dog Park, 2650 Waldemere St., Sarasota; free, with pre-registration encouraged for the costume contest; 941-263-6732; letsplaysarasota.com
'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'
This play based on the short story by Washington Irving follows schoolmaster Ichabod Crane as he arrives in Sleepy Hollow, meeting the wealthy Katrina, his rival for her affections Brom Bones, and of course, the Headless Horseman. This is an outdoor event, so attendees are asked to bring their own blankets or chairs, with each night featuring a costume contest and Oct. 28 featuring a fall festival. 6-7 p.m. Oct. 26-28; Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota; $25 adults, $10 kids (play), fall festival bracelet additional; 941-552-8879; theplayers.org
BooFest
The family-friendly Halloween event on Lakewood Ranch's Main Street will feature entertainment, food and drink vendors and more, with children encouraged to bring trick-or-treat bags to collect treats given out by merchants and sponsors, and to dress up for a children's costume parade. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 27; Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton; free; lakewoodranch.com
'The Addams Family'
Sarasota Opera's Movies at the Opera House series will conclude with a Halloween season-suitable screening of the Oscar-nominated 1991 film starring Anjelica Huston, Raúl Juliá, Christina Ricci and Christopher Lloyd. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $12; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
Spooktacular
Joyland hosts this third annual event featuring a Scareland haunted house, costume contest with $500 in cash prizes, and music by DJ Rudo. 8 p.m. Oct. 27; Joyland, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota; $5 cover ages 21 and up, $20 ages 18-20; 941-210-4110; joylandsarasota.com
Sarasota Dog-A-Ween Costume Contest
The 16th annual dog costume contest and parade benefits the Donte’s Den Foundation. 9 a.m. check-in, 10 a.m. parade, 10:15 a.m. contest Oct. 28; Sarasota Farmers Market, Lemon Avenue and Main Street, Sarasota; $15 pre-registration fee; destinationdowntownsarasota.com
Long Live the Horror
Palmetto brewery Corporate Ladder Brewing Company's fifth annual event celebrates all things horror, as the tasting room is "turned into a scene out of your very worst nightmare," horror movie-themed drinks are served and a rotation of iconic horror movies are played on projectors and TVs. Costumes are encouraged, as are mature audiences, as the event may not be appropriate for young ones due to some of the content and graphic imagery. Noon-11 p.m. Oct. 28; Corporate Ladder Brewing Company, 4935 96th St. E., Palmetto; 941-479-4799; corporateladderbrewing.com
Howl-O-Ween Movie Night Spectacular
The event at the Baltimore Orioles' spring training home of Ed Smith Stadium will feature children's games, activities, a sensory area and community booths from 5 to 6:45 p.m., a Halloween costume parade featuring the Orioles' Bird around the bases at 6:45 p.m., and a screening of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" starting at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket for the outfield or watch from stadium seating. 5 p.m. Oct. 28; Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota; donation of one nonperishable food item encouraged; sarasotacountyparks.com
Haunted Mansion Party
Downtown Sarasota's Sage, a restaurant and rooftop bar housed in the historic Sarasota Times building, will be transformed into a haunted mansion with two floors of entertainment, cash bar, photo booth, costume contest with cash and prizes up to $500, live DJ, and passed hors d'oeuvres. VIP tickets include exclusive rooftop access, a buffet crafted by Sage's culinary team, two complimentary drink tickets and more. 5 p.m. Oct. 28; Sage, 1216 First St., Sarasota; $50, $150 VIP (21-and-up only); 941-445-5660; sagesrq.com
Boo Bash
Joyland will also host this 27th annual Halloween event featuring the Scareland haunted house, costume contest with $3,500 in cash prizes, music by DJ Trevor, giveaways and drink specials. 5:30 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. party starts Oct. 28; Joyland, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota; $15 advance, $20 day of ages 21 and up, $40 ages 18-20; 941-210-4110; joylandsarasota.com
Halloween Block Party
Downtown Sarasota's Gator Club will hold its annual Halloween block party with live music by 22N outside and Johnny Diamond and DJ Kelly Crawford inside, food trucks, and costume contests outside and inside with over $1,500 in cash and prizes. 6 p.m. doors open Oct. 28; The Gator Club, 1490 Main St., Sarasota; 941-366-5969; facebook.com/thegatorclubsrq
Boo! at the Bishop
This night at the museum will take attendees trick-or-treating within The Bishop, while light activities also provided for children and costumes encouraged, so long as they're child-friendly. 6-8 p.m. Oct. 28; The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton; $5, free for children under age 2; 941-746-4131; bishopscience.org
Halloween Costume Party Cover Show
Suburban Wasteland plays the music of Blink-182, The Tilt plays The Cure, Neverless plays Fall Out Boy and Lesa Silvermore plays Nirvana acoustic at this show, where concertgoers are "110% encouraged" to come in costume. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show Oct. 28; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; free; 941-201-4950; oscura.live
Neon Terror '80s Halloween Dance Party
The Halloween dance party will feature live music by Felix da Housecat, Val Verra, DJ Dean and Joey D; haunted ballroom with laser dance floor and '80s horror decor; three glowing bars, costume contest with $1,500 grand prize and $800 runner-up award, and more. 8 p.m. Oct. 28; Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; $20 presale, $40 day of, VIP options also available; perspectiverooftopbar.com
Jumanji: Welcome to the Beach Club
Beach Club will host this Halloween party with a Jumanji theme, featuring a 9 p.m.-midnight dice roll, with one free roll upon entry to win free drinks, cover, gift cards and more, and a costume contest at midnight with $1,000 in cash and prizes and sexiest, scariest and “dress-to-theme” categories. 8 p.m. Oct. 28 and 31; The Beach Club, 5151 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key; 941-349-6311; facebook.com/beachclubsiestakeyofficialpage
Selby Spooktacular
The family-friendly event will feature Halloween happenings including trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, and fun and educational activities, as well as more frightening (but not too scary) options for older children such as an inflatable corn maze and storytelling. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 29; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota; included with admission ($26, $11 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and under/members); selby.org
Puppy-Ween
Along with a dog costume contest, this event will feature complimentary beer samples from brewery reps, raffle prizes, live music, vendors and adoptable dogs from the Humane Society of Manatee County. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 29; Waypoint Bar & Grill, 11000 U.S. Highway 41, Palmetto; $5 costume contest; 941-212-6600; waypoint27north.com
Howl-O-Ween Bash
Another dog-friendly Halloween event, this one held at the Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar that opened earlier this year, will feature goodie bags for the first 50 attendees, a canine costume contest with celebrity judges, and a “pie”-eating contest just for the pups. Attendees must purchase either a Boo's Pack membership or $8 day pass at the door, and pre-register to confirm your dog meets certain requirements. 2-5 p.m. Oct. 29; Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar, 1314 10th St., Sarasota; 941-960-2669; boosdogbar.com
Siesta Key Safe Treats
The annual Halloween event features trick-and-treating, with participating members displaying festive balloons. 3-6 p.m. Oct. 31; Siesta Key; free; 941-349-3800; siestakeychamber.com
Children's Halloween Parade
The annual Halloween event starts at 4:30 p.m. in Centennial Park, with the parade down West Venice Avenue beginning promptly at 5 p.m. and more than 500 children expected to receive candy treats. Following the brief parade, children will be free to trick-or-treat for more goodies at participating locations along the avenues. 4:30-6 p.m. Oct. 31; Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice; 941-484-6722; visitvenicefl.org
Fright Night on St. Armands Circle
The 15th annual Halloween event features decorated storefronts and frightening characters as well as trick-or-treating, with numerous retailers and restaurants offering candy, games and customized promotions. 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 31; St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; free; 941-388-1554; starmandscircleassoc.com
Halloween on S. Lime Ave.
Artists Dave Gordon and Elln Hagney of Enlightened Monkey Arts transform their yard and home into a free, family-friendly Halloween experience once again, this year featuring a Pee-wee's Postmortem Play Party in honor of the Sarasota-raised Pee-wee Herman portrayer Paul Reubens who recently passed away, with multiple distinct haunted areas for guests to enjoy and features, projection mapping, custom-made animatronics, special effects, games, interactives, a scavenger hunt and more. 7-10 p.m. Oct. 31; 133 S. Lime Ave., Sarasota; free, donations encouraged; enlightenedmonkeyarts.com
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Halloween 2023 events Sarasota Bradenton Venice Port Charlotte
