Discover the hidden horrors and ghostly gatherings of Bradenton with our meticulously compiled Halloween guide, offering a wealth of spine-tingling experiences. Unlock Halloween fun for longtime locals and first-time frighters.
Popular events to explore include Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights, where immersive haunted houses and thrilling scare zones bring fear to life in a backdrop of your favorite films. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream features captivating live shows and scare zones designed to send chills down your spine. And the 2024 BooFest is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing family-friendly activities and festive treats perfect for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Bradenton
- Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights (Orlando)
- Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest (Sarasota)
- 2024 BooFest (Lakewood Ranch)
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream (Tampa)
- SENSORY-FRIENDLY Boo at The Bay (Sarasota)
- Goblin Gathering
- Haunted Trail Carnival (non-haunted activities)
- Trail of Treats 2024 (Anna Maria Island)
- Trick or Treat at City Center (Sarasota)
- Scream-A-Geddon (Dade City)
See these and even more events listed below!
Bradenton Area Haunted Experiences
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted experience with haunted houses and scare zones.
Description:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Howl-O-Scream 2024 transforms the park into a terrifying Halloween experience with haunted houses, scare zones, and sinister shows. The event features pulse-pounding thrill rides and intense adult content, making it a must-visit for horror enthusiasts. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the event starts at 7 p.m. each night.
Where: Tampa | More Info: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream
Scream-A-Geddon
What to Expect:
A comprehensive horror theme park with multiple haunted houses and interactive attractions.
Description:
Scream-A-Geddon is Florida's premier horror park, offering a thrilling experience with six haunted houses, including "Rage 3D," "Ravenhill Asylum," "Bloodwater Bayou," "Demons Revenge," and "Breach." The park also features Zombie Paintball, ax throwing, and the Monster Midway with food, beverage options, and craft beer. This event promises heart-pounding scares and unforgettable adventures.
Where: Dade City | More Info: Scream-A-Geddon
Halloween Spookquarium
What to Expect:
Encountering live, nocturnal animals in their element.
Description:
The Halloween Spookquarium at Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers a family-friendly experience with a haunted trail featuring nocturnal animals like tarantulas, snakes, and scorpions. The event includes eerie decorations, interactive games, and educational talks. It's a unique blend of spooky fun and marine life exploration.
Where: Clearwater | More Info: Halloween Spookquarium
Sir Henry's Haunted Trail
What to Expect:
Immersive outdoor haunted trails with three rethemed trails and a haunted hayride.
Description:
Sir Henry's Haunted Trail is a premier outdoor haunted attraction in Plant City, Florida, offering multiple haunted houses, escape games, laser tag, food vendors, a gift shop, axe throwing, and a common area with roaming scare actors. The event features three rethemed outdoor haunted trails and a haunted hayride, making it a must-visit for horror fans.
Where: Plant City | More Info: Sir Henry's Haunted Trail
Fear at The Pier Haunted House
What to Expect:
A walk-through dark attraction featuring terrifying live actors and amazing special effects.
Description:
Fear at The Pier Haunted House is a walk-through dark attraction filled with terrifying live actors, amazing special effects, and incredible monsters. This spooky experience is perfect for those seeking genuine goosebumps, with stunningly scary scenery and realistic props that will keep you on your toes. Whether you're a horror enthusiast or just looking for a thrilling adventure, Fear at The Pier offers an unforgettable experience.
Where: Panama City Beach | More Info: Fear at The Pier Haunted House
Gainesville Fear Garden
What to Expect:
The unique feature is its combination of an experimental haunted house attraction with a real psychological science lab and a horror-themed bar.
Description:
Gainesville Fear Garden is an experimental haunted house attraction located in downtown Gainesville, across from Depot Park. It combines a psychological science lab with a horror-themed bar, offering unique experiences like sensory deprivation and AI-themed scares. Visitors can enjoy themed cocktails, private experiments, horror movies, scary story bingo, and table games in a spooky lounge.
Where: Gainesville | More Info: Gainesville Fear Garden
Peanut Patch & Corn Maze Haunted Attractions
What to Expect:
A variety of haunted attractions including a haunted night maze, haunted house, and haunted hayrides.
Description:
Peanut Patch & Corn Maze offers a spooky yet fun-filled experience for all ages. The haunted attractions include a haunted night maze, haunted house, and haunted hayrides. Visitors can also enjoy a kids' play area, campfire, and food booth. The event promises a boo-tacular time with plenty of twists and turns in the haunted corn maze and thrilling encounters in the haunted house.
Where: Gainesville | More Info: Peanut Patch & Corn Maze Haunted Attractions
Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted house experiences with original, twisted nightmares.
Description:
Halloween Horror Nights 2024 at Universal Orlando Resort is a 33-year-old tradition that transforms the park into a nightmarish realm filled with terrifying haunted houses, sinister scare zones, and live shows. This year introduces two horrifying realms of fear: SINIST3R, the overseer of physical pain, and SURR3AL, the overlord of psychological torment. Guests can explore 10 haunted houses, five scare zones, and enjoy spectacular live performances amidst the park's most exciting rides and attractions.
Where: Orlando | More Info: Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Bradenton
2024 BooFest
What to Expect:
A variety of family-friendly activities including trick-or-treating, entertainment, and food vendors.
Description:
Join us for a family-friendly Halloween celebration at BooFest on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. Enjoy entertainment, food and drink vendors, and trick-or-treating with your children. This event is free and open to the public, making it a perfect way to celebrate fall with your community.
Where: Lakewood Ranch | More Info: 2024 BooFest
Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest
What to Expect:
A variety of free and fee-based activities for all ages, including a petting zoo, playground, live music, and a Food Truck Rally.
Description:
The 36th Annual Pumpkin Festival at Fruitville Grove is a family-friendly event happening every weekend in October. Enjoy free admission, a petting zoo, playground, live music, Torres Family Circus, decorated photo spots, and costume contests. Individual rides and activities like pony rides, rock wall, bounce houses, and pumpkin painting are available for a fee ranging from $1 to $10. The festival also features a Food Truck Rally, Craft Show, and various other activities like hayrides and an Enchanted Unicorn Encounter.
Where: Sarasota | More Info: Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest
Goblin Gathering
What to Expect:
A spooktacular outdoor event with a variety of family-friendly activities including bounce houses, face painting, costume contests, and a petting zoo.
Description:
The Goblin Gathering at GT Bray Park is a family-friendly and fun event for all ages. It features local businesses passing out "treats & sweets," bounce houses, face painting, costume contests, a petting zoo, and magic. The event provides a safe alternative for families to trick-or-treat and includes free entry and trick-or-treating. The costume contest sign-up begins after 5 PM, with judging starting at 7 PM.
Where: Bradenton | More Info: Goblin Gathering
SENSORY-FRIENDLY Boo at The Bay
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly Halloween experience with reduced crowds and noises.
Description:
Join SENSORY-FRIENDLY Boo at The Bay for a not-so-spooky Halloween celebration designed for those who prefer a less stimulating environment. Enjoy trick-or-treating, free pumpkin pickings, yard games, and a decorated trail. The event includes sensory-friendly activities and treats provided by Face Autism, along with a showing of Despicable Me 4 at 7 PM. Costumes are encouraged, and delicious food and drinks are available from various food trucks.
Where: Sarasota | More Info: SENSORY-FRIENDLY Boo at The Bay
Halloween at the Market
What to Expect:
Trick-or-treating with the Market Friendors during regular market hours.
Description:
Halloween at the Market is a family-friendly event where children can trick-or-treat with the Market Friendors from 9 am to 2 pm (or while candy lasts). The event also features various activities and performances during regular market hours, making it a fun and festive celebration for all ages.
Where: Bradenton | More Info: Halloween at the Market
Trick or Treat at City Center
What to Expect:
A festive event with kid-friendly Halloween displays and a low-sensory option.
Description:
Join the annual Trick or Treat at City Center, presented by Suncoast Credit Union, on October 25, 2024. This North Port tradition features kid-friendly Halloween displays and plenty of candy at the City Center Front Green. A low-sensory offering is available from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. for those who prefer it.
Where: Sarasota | More Info: Trick or Treat at City Center
Trail of Treats 2024
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with a costume contest and safe trick-or-treating at local businesses.
Description:
The Trail of Treats 2024 is a family-friendly Halloween event hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. It takes place from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM on October 31st, featuring a costume contest for children aged 11 and under, followed by safe trick-or-treating at local businesses. The event also offers an opportunity to engage with local businesses and artisans, supporting the local economy and discovering unique souvenirs.
Where: Anna Maria Island | More Info: Trail of Treats 2024
Haunted Trail Carnival (non-haunted activities)
What to Expect:
A community-driven event offering vendors a unique opportunity to showcase their businesses while providing family-friendly activities.
Description:
The Arlington Park Haunted Trail Carnival is a family-friendly event featuring games, trick-or-treating, and festive activities for local kids and families. The event promises a spooktacular evening with interactive games and activities designed to engage children aged 12 and under, making their Halloween extra special.
Where: Bradenton | More Info: Haunted Trail Carnival (non-haunted activities)
Sea World's Halloween Spooktacular
What to Expect:
Immersive family-friendly Halloween activities in a sea-themed setting.
Description:
SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular is a kid-friendly event that transforms the park into an underwater FantaSea filled with sea-themed Halloween decorations. Activities include trick-or-treating, a Sesame Street Halloween Parade, and a Scarecrow Halloween Dance Party. Guests can also enjoy face painting, Halloween crafts, and meet colorful characters along the decorated trail.
Where: Orlando | More Info: Sea World's Halloween Spooktacular
Spooky Point
What to Expect:
A Halloween-themed light show featuring botanically-inspired decorations and unique light displays in a historic campus setting.
Description:
Join us at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for the third annual 'Lights at Spooky Point' event. This Halloween-themed light show transforms the Historic Spanish Point campus into a magical and spooky setting. Follow an eerily lit path through the wooded campus and encounter fantastically fun creations and botanically-themed decorations. The event is designed for all ages, offering a mix of campy, creepy, and cute elements. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and unique light displays inspired by actual plants.
Where: Osprey | More Info: Spooky Point
Pumpkin Splash
What to Expect:
Participants can select and decorate their favorite pumpkin from a floating pumpkin patch in an instructional pool.
Description:
Join the Sarasota Police Department for a fun-filled day at the Pumpkin Splash event Participants will take a dip in the instructional pool to select their favorite pumpkin from a floating pumpkin patch. Whether you bring your own decorating supplies or use the tools and decorations provided, each participant will have the chance to take their personalized pumpkin home. This family-friendly event is a unique and exciting way to celebrate the fall season.
Where: Sarasota | More Info: Pumpkin Splash
Screamin' Green Hauntoween
What to Expect:
Interactive slime classes and a variety of creative, spooky activities for all ages.
Description:
Screamin' Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience Orlando is a family-friendly Halloween event filled with spooky fun and creative activities. Explore 20+ creative attractions, participate in a themed scavenger hunt, and enjoy spook-tastic crafts and character photo ops. The event also includes trick-or-treating, DJ dance parties, and interactive slime classes. Kids can dress up in costumes, but no masks are allowed. Additional activities include creating slime, glitter tattoos, and glowing light-ups.
Where: Orlando | More Info: Screamin' Green Hauntoween
Bounce Houses at GT Bray 51st ST Park
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with free access to bounce houses and other festive activities.
Description:
The Goblin Gathering at G.T. Bray Park is a family-friendly Halloween event featuring free access to bounce houses, face painting, costume contests, a petting zoo, and magic. Local businesses and community partners will pass out treats and sweets, providing a safe alternative for families to trick-or-treat. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Bradenton | More Info: Bounce Houses at GT Bray 51st ST Park
Mr. Glen's Exploding Pumpkins
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring explosive pumpkin demonstrations.
Description:
Join Mr. Glen for a fun-filled hour of spectacularly spooky science, celebrating all things Halloween. This event is appropriate for all ages and promises an exciting experience with Super Science and Amazing Art.
Where: Bonita Springs | More Info: Mr. Glen's Exploding Pumpkins
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near Bradenton
HalloWine Walk 2024
What to Expect:
A spooky wine tasting event with 21 different wines and festive activities along Main Street in Lakewood Ranch.
Description:
Join us for a spooktacular HalloWine Walk 2024 in Lakewood Ranch. Sample 21 different wines from around the world while strolling through haunted streets. Enjoy festive costumes, small food samplings, and ghoulish delights at seven tasting stations along Main Street. Many restaurants will offer exclusive discounts to Wine Walk attendees.
Where: Lakewood Ranch | More Info: HalloWine Walk 2024
Sarasota Boos & Booze Halloween Bar Crawl
What to Expect:
Enjoy exclusive discounted drink specials and participate in a best-dressed costume contest at multiple bars with DJs.
Description:
Join the first-ever Sarasota Boos & Booze Halloween Bar Crawl on October 26, 2024. Dress up in your Halloween best and get ready to drink, dance, and be scary. Enjoy exclusive discounted drink specials, registration party, and official after party. Participate in a best-dressed costume contest and explore multiple bars with DJs at each spot. This event promises a frightfully fun night with hundreds of spooky crawlers.
Where: Sarasota | More Info: Sarasota Boos & Booze Halloween Bar Crawl
Barrels for Boobies Dinner
What to Expect:
A five-course pairing menu prepared by Chef James Veldhouse, featuring exclusive Barrel-picked Tequilas, Bourbons, and Whiskies.
Description:
Join Barrels for Boobies Dinner for a special evening of community and compassion. This event, in partnership with the Men Wear Pink campaign and the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative, features a five-course pairing menu prepared by Chef James Veldhouse. Enjoy delicious food, great company, and exclusive Barrel-picked Tequilas, Bourbons, and Whiskies while supporting breast cancer awareness. This memorable evening promises to make a meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer.
Where: Sarasota | More Info: Barrels for Boobies Dinner
Other Halloween Activities Near Bradenton
HalloWeeding: Coastal
What to Expect:
A Halloween-themed educational workshop focused on identifying and managing invasive plants in Florida landscapes.
Description:
Join us for an informative and hands-on educational workshop dedicated to tackling the issue of invasive plants in Florida landscapes. This Halloween-themed event will be a fun and educational experience for all participants, focusing on hands-on plant identification.