Experience the thrill of Halloween in Tampa Bay! From spine-tingling scares to family-friendly fun, we’ve gathered the best events to get you into the spooky spirit.
Take a look at our Fall events page for the more pumpkin-spice-side of Tampa Bay.
Year-Round
Delve into the supernatural history of Ybor City and downtown Tampa on a captivating walking tour. Explore haunted sites, hear ghostly tales, and learn about the spectral residents that still linger.
Now thru Nov 2
Brace yourself for spine-chilling thrills as Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is completely overtaken by Howl-O-Scream®. The park transforms into a haunting realm packed with haunted houses, immersive scare zones, and sinister live shows—all while creatures of the night lurk where you least expect them. Even the park’s world-class thrill rides aren’t safe from the horror, making every twist and drop more intense than ever. This year’s Howl-O-Scream pushes fear to the next level, and once you enter, there’s nowhere to hide from the terror that awaits.
Now - Oct 27
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay's Halloween Harvest is here to bring fall magic to life. Join Kandy the Witch and her magical friends for a Sweetacular Celebration filled with pumpkin-packed fun on the Festival Walkway. Your favorite Sesame Street friends are ready for Halloween fun every Saturday and Sunday in October at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun.
Select dates from Sept 16 - Oct 26
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors is a 90-minute, laugh-out-loud reimagining of the gothic classic, filled with clever wordplay and pop culture twists. Follow a timid English real estate agent as he meets the world’s most fearsome vampire. Famed hunter Jean Van Helsing and her crew chase Dracula from Transylvania to London. This fast-paced comedy promises thrills, laughs, and screams of delight for all audiences. Don’t miss out—buy your tickets today!
Select dates from Sept 26 - Nov 1
Step aboard the American Victory Ship this Halloween season, where eerie tales of a sinister purple glow haunt its once-heroic decks. Brace yourself for an immersive experience as whispers of madness and chaos lure you deeper into the ship’s twisted corridors. Will you survive the force lurking within?
Select dates from Sept 26 - Oct 26
Experience a family-friendly evening of spooky encounters, haunted tales, and enchanting surprises as ZooTampa transforms into a supernatural wonderland where creatures come alive after dark. This year brings all-new chills and thrills, from a colorful ride on the Carousel de los Muertos to an unforgettable trek through Mesozoic Mayhem’s secret lab that leads to dinosaur encounters. Dance the night away at the lively Dancing Dead disco, then revisit fan favorites like Pirates Paradise, Troll Cave, and the Vampire Ball. With new adventures and returning classics, it’s a Halloween celebration you won’t want to miss!
Every weekend from Sept 27 - Nov 1
This October, Dinosaur World comes alive after dark with Jurassic Haunt Halloween: Mammoth Mayhem—a prehistoric twist on Halloween fun. Rumors of eerie noises emanating from the caves and shadowy figures along the trails suggest that something colossal is stirring beneath the ground. From 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., families can follow the haunted paths, snack on seasonal treats, and discover frightful surprises throughout the park. Adventure, mystery, and a dash of dino-sized fear await—are you brave enough to find out?
Oct 1 - 31
Savor Tampa Theatre’s most sinister series this spooky season, A Nightmare on Franklin Street returns for its lucky 13th year! During their total Halloween transformation, the historic movie palace will showcase Halloween classics, offer ghost tours, feature eerie stage shows, and present spooky storytelling. Bring your friends and family for spook-tacular Halloween screenings all month long!
Now thru Nov. 2
The monsters have come out to play at The Sail Plaza & Big Ray’s Fish Camp Riverwalk! The free attraction, “Boos & Brews” has become a popular stop along the Tampa Riverwalk. All October, larger-than-life creatures are stationed for a fearful photo op (tag @TheSailPlaza on socials for a chance to be featured!). Groove to live music every Thursday-Sunday. Plus, enjoy craft cocktails from The Sail bar and delicious seafood and sandwiches from Big Ray’s Fish Camp Riverwalk for purchase.
Every weekend in Oct
Set sail for a 45-minute PG-13 haunted cruise along the Hillsborough River with the Undead Crew, featuring spooky stories, Halloween photo ops, and chilling entertainment in partnership with Stageworks Theatre. Guests receive a complimentary test tube cocktail (non-alcoholic available), with beer, wine, seltzers, soda, and snacks available for purchase. A thrilling Halloween experience you won’t want to miss!
Every weekend in Oct
Spend your weekends at Keel Farms for Harvest Days, sipping and savoring fall-inspired wines, ales, and ciders. From 10 AM–3 PM, get the full fall experience with activities including hay rides, a corn maze, camel rides, a pumpkin patch, local vendors, kid zones, and more.
Every weekend in Oct
Set sail on the Lost Pearl this October for a 1.5-hour pirate adventure in Downtown Tampa! Enjoy spooky games like Pumpkin Toss, Water Cannon Battles, and a dance party, plus a visit to Captain Patchy’s Pumpkin Patch with a free pumpkin for kids. Tickets start at $12.95 for infants, $29.95 for children, and $39.95 for adults. Drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are available onboard.
October 3 - 5
Check out Scaradise, Presented by Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay’s Howl-O-Scream at the Florida State Fairgrounds! You’ll have the chance to meet a lineup of horror and Halloween icons, including Charlie Cox, Linda Blair, Elden Henson, Christina Ricci, Wilson Bethel, and more!
Oct 4
Set sail on a one-of-a-kind dinner cruise where comedy, mystery, and suspense come together in an interactive whodunit experience. Guests will enjoy delicious dining, plenty of twists, and a night where everyone’s a suspect. Reserve your spot now for this unforgettable evening on the water!
Oct 11
The Shops at Wiregrass will host a FREE, family-friendly Candy Crawl featuring games, crafts, live entertainment, and trick-or-treating from local businesses. Children can enjoy bounce houses, a Not-So-Spooky Haunted Obstacle Course, free pumpkins and treat bags (while supplies last), along with costume contests for all ages, pets, and groups. Guests who register on Eventbrite will also have the chance to win tickets to local attractions while enjoying a fun-filled day in support of Tampa Bay moms and families.
Select dates from Oct 15 - Nov 9
Jobsite presents the Florida premiere of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a chilling tale blending John Mellencamp’s bluesy country score with Stephen King’s masterful storytelling. Follow a young couple who discover a haunted cabin and uncover a violent, almost Biblical story of love and rivalry between two brothers. This eerie, suspenseful production promises a spine-tingling experience just in time for Spooky Season.
October 16 - 18
Step inside Tampa’s historic El Reloj cigar factory for a haunting like no other. For three nights only, October 16–18, J.C. Newman Cigar Company unlocks its long-sealed basement for the Haunted Factory Experience, where chilling history and spine-tingling scares await. Tickets are limited—dare to descend before the darkness is sealed away again.
Oct 18
Explore Tampa’s 19th-century living history museum by night. Along the way, meet storytellers who will spin wild yarns about a few of Florida’s unexplained oddities! A little scary, a little funny, and always family-friendly, the Tall Tales tour is a Florida history adventure by lantern light. Each tour lasts approximately 60 minutes. This event is not recommended for children under 6 years old. General pricing begins at $16 per person. All tickets include a festive snack and drink. Tickets are only available online. All ticket sales are final.
Oct 18 & 25
Set sail on the Lost Pearl this October for a 1.5-hour Halloween bash on the water! Dance to DJ beats, compete in a costume contest with prizes, and enjoy spooky drinks and snacks—tickets start at $39.95, and costumes are highly encouraged for this epic night afloat.
Oct 19
Experience A Night at the Museum at the Tampa Bay History Center for an evening of Halloween fun. Families can trick-or-treat, meet costumed characters, play games, enjoy crafts, and capture festive photo opportunities throughout the museum. With timed entry and limited capacity, reservations are required for this magical blend of history and Halloween excitement.
October 23-26
Pied Piper’s 4th Annual Haunted Carnival takes over Armature Works October 23–26, 2025, bringing four days of thrills, rides, games, and a star-studded music lineup including Steve Aoki, Rick Ross, Galantis, and more. By day, enjoy family-friendly fun with a Kid Zone, pumpkin painting, and carnival rides; by night, the festival transforms into an electrifying Halloween party for adults. Don’t miss Tampa’s most immersive Halloween celebration, blending carnival magic with world-class entertainment.
Oct 24-26 and Oct 29-31
See the Henry B. Plant Museum, formally the Tampa Bay Hotel, in moonlight as you’ve never seen it before. From 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., explore death and funerals, mourning, and spiritualism from the 19th century. With period lighting, candles, and eerie artifacts, the scene is set for a night of spooky entertainment. This open house allows guests to explore freely, coming and going at their own pace.
Oct 24, 25, & 31
Celebrate Halloween at the skate park with free contests, food, drinks, and prizes at multiple locations across Hillsborough County! Events run October 24 at Providence, October 25 at Apollo Beach, and October 31 at Carrollwood and Jackson Springs, featuring costume contests, coffin races, and best trick competitions. Registration takes place onsite the day of each event—just bring your board and your best Halloween look! Don’t miss out—mark your calendar and join the fun!
Oct 25
Celebrate Halloween with free, family-friendly fun along the Riverwalk. Dress up in your spookiest attire and enjoy trick-or-treating at 50 treat stations spanning Water Works Park to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Bags are available in Cotanchobee Park while supplies last, starting at 3:45 p.m.!
Oct 25
MOSI’s Ghoulish Gala: Twisted Carnival returns October 25 for an 18+ night of spooky science and carnival fun. Enjoy interactive experiments, tarot readings, live entertainment, themed cocktails, and a costume contest—all while supporting MOSI’s STEAM programs.
October 25
Join Keel Farms on Saturday, October 25, from 5–10 p.m. for a festive Halloween Party filled with music, costumes, and fall flavors. Enjoy a live DJ, seasonal-inspired flights, and plenty of spooky fun—no reservations required! Come dressed to impress and celebrate Halloween the Keel Farms way.
Oct 26
Experience Halloween like never before at Candlelight Concerts, where live, multi-sensory music fills the historic Centro Asturiano de Tampa under the warm glow of candlelight. These 65-minute performances offer spooky-inspired tunes in an unforgettable setting—tickets are going fast, so secure yours before they sell out! Shows are recommended for ages 8 and up, with those under 16 accompanied by an adult.
Oct 31
Celebrate Halloween in style aboard Yacht StarShip’s Rock the Bay cruise this Halloween! This 2-hour party at sea features two DJs spinning hits across multiple levels, unbeatable views of Tampa Bay, and a costume contest on the top deck. With live music, dancing, and spooky surprises, it’s the ultimate 21+ Halloween bash you won’t want to miss!
Oct 31
The 13 Ugly Men are back with Tampa’s ultimate Halloween party at the historic (and haunted) Cuban Club in Ybor City. Get ready for a dark carnival of DJs, wild entertainment, and unforgettable costumes—all while supporting the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch and its mission to empower veterans.