The spooky season is upon us once again, and events are back in full swing after a year of COVID-19-related delays. Florida is known for going all out for Halloween, hosting events like Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights and Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
For some, travelling to Central Florida for these happy haunts isn’t always feasible, but there are plenty of local events sure to excite even the most timid ghoul or goblin. Whether you’re looking for a bone-chilling thrill or a not-so-scary bash, these spooktacular local events are sure to be fang-tastic.
Broward County
Disney’s Halloween classic: “Hocus Pocus” will be shown on Friday, Oct. 29 from 8-10 p.m. at the ArtsPark Amphitheater. Admission is free, but parking fees will vary. It is advised for you to bring your own blanket or lawn chair. Also, please note that Styrofoam and single-use plastics are prohibited due to a city ordinance. More info can be found here.
The Hollyweird Halloween block party will be held on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. The festival, which will take place in Downtown Hollywood between 19th and 20th ave on Hollywood Blvd., is family-friendly until 9 p.m., when it will then turn into an adults-only affair. Costumes are encouraged and admission is free, but parking fees will vary. Additional information can be found here.
If you’re still wanting to stay socially distant but want to get out and have some Halloween fun, then the Miramar Halloween Drive & Scream is for you. This drive-through event features the walking dead roaming around to give attendees a fright, as well as a haunted pumpkin patch to walk through at the end of the experience. It will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday-Sunday nights throughout October. Additional information and tickets can be found here.
If you’re looking for more ways to get your scream on and explore South Florida at the same time, there are plenty of events happening in our neighboring counties.
Miami-Dade County
Wynwood’s all-ages Hallowyn Block Party will be held from noon on Saturday, Oct. 30 until 3 a.m. on Halloween. The free street party will be taking place at the Wynwood Marketplace, and costumes are encouraged. Additional information and tickets can be found here.
The House of Horror Carnival, hosted at Miami International Mall, is home to four themed haunted experiences, which include a demonic mall, toxic jungle, haunted asylum, and an immersive experience called “Scare-X”. Tickets include unlimited rides and one entrance to each of the haunted houses and start at $25 plus taxes and fees. Additional information can be found here.
Do the time warp again at an interactive showing of the cult-classic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Halloween night hosted by drag queen TP Lords at the North Beach Bandshell. Tickets are $25 each and include a “virgin kit” of props to be used throughout the show. Doors open at 6 p.m., and there will be a costume contest before the movie at 7 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found here.
Palm Beach County
Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds is back for another year of scares, held almost every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 6 p.m. every night throughout October. This year’s house line-up includes twisted fairy tales, mythical creatures, and a dystopian society. Tickets start at $40 and include access to houses and carnival rides. More information can be found here.
The Treehouse Rooftop Bar will host their annual “The 13th Crypt @ Treehouse – Halloween Party” on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6 p.m. until midnight. This free event boasts a DJ, costume contest, and menu special. Tickets and additional information can be found here.
Ivy WPB will host Project Fear, dubbed as “South Florida’s Most Lit Halloween Party” on Thursday, Oct. 28. Doors open at 9 p.m., and tickets start at $10. There are multiple costume contests to enter, with a $2,000 grand prize. Additional information and tickets can be found here.
Additionally, if you are unable to travel to these events, there are plenty of free Halloween-themed events taking place on campus.
On-Campus Events
Ask your resident assistant about the various Halloween-themed events they’re hosting. Each of the residence halls will host their own all-hall events between October 24-29 celebrating fall and Halloween, with movie showings, costume contests, and themed games and activities. The Office of Residential Life will also be holding their own event, the Paint Yo Pumpkin party on Tuesday, Oct. 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Commons courtyard.
