'Tis the season for creepy fun. Here's an ongoing, continuously updated rundown of adult-only and family-friendly Halloween events.
Oct. 28-31
The Asylum Visitors are challenged to escape the asylum, that is, if they're lucky enough to get out of the graveyard, manage to find their way through the pitch-black maze and make it out of the dark woods. See what this loony haunted attraction is all about at Boyd Hill Nature Park Environmental Studies area, 2900 31st St. S. Participants are exposed to darkness, loud noises, bright lights, wooded trails and intense scare zones. Not be suitable for young children. Thurs.-Sat. and Sun., Oct. 28-31. Hours are 7-11 p.m. Thurs.-Sun. and 7 p.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat. Opening night is $5; all other nights are $6 for teens and $8 for adults. Tickets are subject to availability. Call 727-892-5060 for more information.
Guavaween Can you believe it? Tampa’s most loved (and hated) Halloween street bash has been around for a quarter of a century. If you haven’t got a party to attend or scary movie to watch this Saturday, venture out to Seventh Avenue to make history at the 25th Anniversary of Guavaween in Ybor City. Slap on the wacky getup (please, no more giant penises) and do your best zombie walk in the Mama Guava Stumble – the event’s pedestrian-only parade — or, if you’ve got the goods, compete in the Features Costume Contest. Categories include Best Guavaween Spirit, Best Political Commentary, Best Tackiest Entry, Best Lookalike and Most Humorous. Parade begins at 8:30 p.m. Meanwhile, off the main drag, concerts and nightclub parties rock out throughout Ybor. Headliners include Dirty Black Halo, One Eyed Doll, Genitorturers and many others. Don’t forget the kiddies. The free children’s Guavaween daytime festival happens 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kids can decorate pumpkins, make Halloween masks and participate in several other fun activities. Plus, there’ll be family-friendly entertainment on three stages. If you decide to stick around and send the little ones home with a sitter, admission is $17 for the adult portion of the event. For more information, visit cc-events.org.
13 Ugly Men Halloween Freak Show Get in the spooky holiday mood with "bizarre" decorations, "twisted" entertainment and a DJ spinning tunes to dance to. $20, $30 in advance; $30, $40 at the door. VIP tables for $500. 13uglymen.com. Fri., Oct. 29, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, 200 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa.
Asylum and Other Zombie Encounters Asylum is an original play about the undead by by Ian Beck and Jack Holloway performed by Eckerd Theater Company. Features a bonus screening of George Romero's Night of the Living Dead. In the Murray Studio Theater. $15-$22. Oct. 29-30, 7:30 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Bella Swan's Prom: Vampires and Werewolf Fantasy Fest Carnival of Crue, Motley Crue tribute band plays at 7:30 p.m., and Destroyer, a KISS tribute band goes on at 9 p.m. Costume Contest awards $100 to the winner plus a $50 bar tab goes to the scariest and sexiest costumes. $12 in advance online or $16 at the door. bottlesupsportsbar.com/events. For more information, call 813-546-2547. Sat., Oct. 30. Bottles Up Sports Bar and Grill, 873 E Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-935-4815.
Boooobie Ball My Hope Chest, a nonprofit that raises money to provide uninsured breast cancer survivors the opportunity to get reconstruction surgery, puts on a disco costume party at the St. Pete’s Treasure Island Yacht & Tennis Club. The Boogie Wonder Band, a 10-piece act that plays cover songs from the ’70s, performs. 7 p.m.-midnight. Tickets are $50. Call 727- 642-4243. Sat., Oct. 30. Treasure Island Yacht Club, 400 Treasure Lane, Treasure Island.
Casa Tina's Dia De Los Muertos Mexico’s Day of the Dead (Nov. 2) may be festive, colorful and rife with candy and skeletons, but it’s a more reflective holiday than Halloween – it celebrates the dearly departed with private altars of gifts known as ofrendas. See real-life ofrendas and experience a Day of the Dead celebration at the Casa Tina’s Dia De Los Muertos Festival at Pioneer Park in Dunedin. The free outdoor, weekend-long fiesta includes live mariachi music, kids’s crafts, piñatas, 18-foot-tall mojigangas(puppets) and a performance by Ballet Folklorico. Attendees can try Mexican goodies like Casa Tina’s loaded rice and beans and tamales, or browse crafts and candy skulls for sale, visual art on display and see who wins the ofrenda and Frida Kahlo-look-alike competition. Capping it all off are a family parade, community altar and candlelit procession. Plus, Casa Tina restaurant hosts a tequila tasting with snacks for $15 advance, $10 at the door. Bring a picture of a departed loved one (friend, relative or pet) to add to the giant ofrenda at the foot of the main stage in Pioneer Park. Sat., Oct. 30, noon-11 p.m., and Sun., Oct. 31, noon-5 p.m. Click for a schedule here.
Children's Spooktacular and Fall Festival Treasure Island Recreation Department throws a party that includes a costume contest, carnival games, glow golf, moonwalks and interactive games; plus, entertainment, refreshments, a haunted hayride and spooky cemetery. Judging for the costume contest will begin at 6:30 p.m. for the 2-and-under age group. The haunted hayride and cemetery will open at approximately 7 p.m. For more information, call 727-547-4575, ext 237. Fri., Oct. 29, 6-9 p.m. Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis, 10315 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island.
Club Skye Halloween Party Features rapper Strizzo, DJ Christion and other hot acts in the hip-hop/club scene. 813-454-5244. $5. 1509 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor, City. Sun., Oct. 31, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.
Corey Avenue Halloween Bash: Celebrate last Friday around dusk on Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, with a what organizers say is a "hearse-load" of family-oriented things to do. Event includes safe family trick-or-treating at participating stores. Gone To The Dog Pet Boutique hosts a pet costume contest, starting at 7 p.m. The Wine Shop presents a face-painting and/or mask contest throughout the evening. Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce sponsors a carved pumpkin contest: Bring your already-carved pumpkin for a chance to win a $25 Corey gift certificate. There will be raffles, door prizes, refreshments and more. At 7 p.m., Beach Theatre screens the original Vincent Price version of House on Haunted Hill. They will show the film in the miracle of Percepto! The theater says, skeletons will pop out of the screen and a nurse will check your heart in the lobby to see if you can stand the horror. The movie is appropriate for all ages and free for everyone. 5-8 p.m. www.coreyave.com 727-498-8778.
Free Family Fall Festival Candy, games, prizes, food, five moonwalks, hay rides, music and more. Gateway Christian Center, 4355 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-327-0771. Sun., Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
Brandon Family Spooktacular Tons o' fun stuff for kids to do. On Sat. from noon to 5 p.m., kids can decorate their trick-or-treat bag, cookies and participate in a scavenger hunt; plus there'll be costume contests for kids all ages throughout the day. On Sun., 4 p.m.-6 p.m., bring the kids for mall-wide trick- or-treating. Oct. 30-31. Westfield Shoppingtown Brandon, 459 Brandon Town Centre, Brandon. 813-661-5100.
Book signing: David Lapham, Ghost Hunting in Florida Just in time for Halloween, Lapham introduces readers to the scariest spots in the Sunshine State. Thu., Oct. 28, 7 p.m. 216 Armenia Ave. S., Tampa. 813-253-2638.
Gulfport Spooktacular The Gulfport Recreation Center is the place to be for family fun on the cheap. Features carnival games, a "Frightful Haunted House," costume contest, concessions, music and a “Boo Room" for toddlers. The Haunted Snack Shack sells pizza slices for a $1, “eye scream” for a $1, “potion” for 25 cents and popcorn for quarter, too. Costume contest begins at 7:30 p.m. For information, call 727-893-1068. Sat., Oct. 30, 7-9 p.m.
Hall-O-Boo at the Museum of Science and Industry features "not so scary" fright zones inspired by Hollywood classics, trick-or-treat stations and fun science demonstrations, puppet shows, a labyrinth, parade, makeup station and other hands-on activities. 6 -9 p.m. Oct. 28-Oct. 30. 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa; $12, $10 for MOSI members. Call 813-987-6000 or visit www.mosi.org
Halloween Howl Party From costume prizes and live entertainment with Lester Freeman to complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., this event is open to the public and has reduced drink prices all night. The party starts at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $10 per person. There are special room rates starting at $99. Call 727-726-1161 ext 7100 for reservations. Sat., Oct. 30. Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N. Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor.
Haunted Plantation At the John's Pass Boardwalk, Gulf Boulevard, Madeira Beach. Hours are Wed.-Thu. 7-9; p.m.; Fri. 7–p.m., and Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., 3–6 p.m., 7-10 p.m. $3 for children, $7 for adults. Oct. 27-31.
Hub-O-Ween Downtown Tampa's landmark watering hole celebrates Halloween with a costume contest, prize drawings and live DJ. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Sat., Oct. 30. Free. 719 N. Franklin St., Tampa.
Indie Zombie Movie Premiere The indie zombie film Dead Season can be seen at an exclusive pre-release screening for Tampa moviegoers at Muvico Centro Ybor. Members of the film's cast and crew, including producers and the director, will be available for a Q&A session and guests will be able to provide their feedback on the film. Visit deadseasonmovie.com to view the trailer and learn more about the story and characters. To obtain free VIP passes for the pre-screening release, register on the event page http://tinyurl.com/22tx9x7. Thu., Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Javaween Head to Gulfport’s Art Village Courtyard, at Beach Boulevard and 29th Avenue South, for Java Nirvana's free family-friendly Halloween fest. Costume contest for kids at 5:30 p.m.; pets, 6:30, and adults, 8 p.m. Local band Bleu Gravy performs 7-10 p.m. Gulfport’s Industrial Arts Center, also located in the Art Village, stays open for the event and creates glass pumpkins. For more information, call 727-323-5904 or e-mail [email protected] Sat., Oct. 30.
Joll-O-Ween Grown-up bash Sat./family fun Sun. Sat.'s events include music and costume contest. Stick Martin performs on the Pinellas Trail stage from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., followed by a costume contest with a cash prizes for both individuals and couples/groups at 11 p.m., followed by DJ Stick. Bring the family on Sun./Halloween for a show at 6 p.m. by “CreepEasy” (a.k.a. SpeakEasy) and a pumpkin-painting contest. For information, call 727-735-0498. JolliMon’s is at 941 Huntley Ave., downtown Dunedin off the Pinellas Trail. Oct. 30-31.
The Kennedy The popular nightclub has events all weekend for Halloween: Everything But Clothes Costume Party with $1,000 in cash and prizes for top three female costumes; DJs Chris Craze, Gravity and Santana, and special guests AE, Andy Mara and Butch Johnson. Saturday, the club hosts Hallo Freakin' Ween, which features yet another $1K in prizes and cash, this time for the three freakiest costumes; DJ Barry Carew spins inside and Haf and Chang Bang spin on the patio. Free giveaways all night. On Sunday, the Sinners Ball salutes the service industry folk with sexiest devil costume and $500 in cash and prizes; DJ KU inside and DJ Soltrix and Fuentes outside. The Kennedy is at 2408 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Call 813-259-9669.
Mummy, Daddy and Me Halloween Spree Glazer Children's Museum offers a safe and fun alterntive to trick-or-treating. Kids can bob for apples in KidsPort; listen to spooky stories from around the world in My House, Your House; show off costumes in a costume parade; join in Halloween games throughout the museum and receive both candy and non-candy treats. Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza. All children are admitted free; member adults, $8; others, $12. For information, call 813-443-3861. Sun., Oct. 31, 6-7:30 p.m.
Nightmare on 42nd Street Grown-up Halloween bash for the USF community with costume contest, pumpkin-carving contest, DJ, free food, party buses to Club Prana. Prizes include two iPod Nanos; at the Sterling 42nd Street Clubhouse, 4050 Rocky Circle, Tampa. Thu., Oct. 28, 8-11 p.m.
Novaween Movies, dance music Halloween-y style. From 6 to 8 p.m., see the film Immortal Island. At 8 p.m., Life Force Academy dance troupe performs. The dancers, known for their production of The Chocolate Nutcracker appear in the film as the tribal dancers and perform their African dances in full garb. Singer Nicole Sjoberg performs at 9 p.m., followed by the Stick Martin Show and DJ Jasen Perez. Admission is $5 advance, $10 at the door. Order tickets at brownpapertickets.com/producer/9766; $20 tickets provide access to upstairs VIP area and balcony. Fri., Oct. 29, 6 p.m.-3 a.m. Nova 535 Art Lounge, 535 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg.
Peggy O's So Scary Masquerade Cash prizes for the best costumes: first place $250; second place $100, and third place $25. The contest is 21 and up, free and starts at 9 p.m. Music by Mo Debly and alcohol promotions throughout the night. Fri., Oct. 29. Peggy O'Neill's Irish Pub and Eatery, 1026 Florida Ave., Palm Harbor. 727-787-7734. PeggyOneillsIrishPub.com.
Pimp 'n' Ho Skate Party United Skates of America presents its second annual Halloween party; 9 p.m.-midnight. Thu., Oct. 28, at 5121 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. Free admission for those dressed in costume.
Refinery All Hallow's Eve Refinery owners Michelle Baker and hubby (CL Best of the Bay critics and readers choice pick) chef Greg Baker host a stylish spook fest with cool rockers November Foxtrot Whiskey at the critically raved Seminole Heights indoor-outdoor eatery. 8 p.m. Sat., Oct. 30. $17. 5137 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Rock Your Horror 2010 The PBR-sponsored event at Centro Asturiano combines music and visual art. Performing are BoomBox, The Malah, and DJs Craig Heneveld and Labyrinth. Free on-site parking and a cash-prize costume contest. Centro Asturiano’s haunted history was featured in U.C. Tampa Magazine as one of Ybor’s most haunted buildings. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets available at RockYourHorror.com. 18 and older admitted. Sat., Oct. 30, 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Centro Asturiano, 1913 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa. 813-224-9185.
Shepard's Outbreak 2010 Shephard's "toxic" annual two day Halloween party features, on Saturday, music by the Untouchables, DJ Ray, Apt. 9 and VJ Kidd, a costume contest awards cash prizes for scariest, sexiest and funniest costumes. On Sunday, hear music by DJ Ray; $1 drinks all night and another costume contest for prizes.$7 (Florida residents), $10 (out of state residents) Sat.; $10 (general), $3 for hospitality industry folks Sun. Oct. 30-31. Shepard's Beach Resort, 601 S Gulfview Blvd. # 619, Clearwater Beach.
St. Pauli Girl Costume Contest All ladies who wear the iconic German barmaid outfit for Halloween on Oct. 31 at Strokers will be entered into the contest. Judging begins at 11 p.m. St. Pauli Girl Lager is also on special at Stroker’s for $2.50 the entire month of October. Sun., Oct. 31. Strokers Billiards, 11236 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa.
So Don't Go Crying to Your Mummy Dodgeball Tournament Participate, listen to music or purchase food and beverages. Check-in will begin at 9 a.m. $75 per team. Participants must be 18 or older and co-ed teams are welcome. For information, visit LargoSports.com or call 727-366-3910. Sat., Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Largo Central Park, Seminole Boulevard and East Bay Drive, Largo.
Tucc O'Ween This sixth annual event, which raises money for Tampa General Hospital breast cancer research, includes drink specials, door gifts, party supplies, a red carpet/paparazzi entrance, a costume contest, music by DJ Gravity and more! 9 p.m. – 3 a.m., advance tickets are $10/ladies and $15/men, tickets at the door are $15/ladies and $20/men. Sat., Oct. 30. Cheap, 309 S. Howard Ave., Tampa.
Witchstock 2010 Woodstock-meets-Halloween-themed event has activities for all ages. Three musical acts will perform: Terry Premru at 5:30 p.m., The Defendants at 6 p.m., and Rumorhazzitt from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. There will be costume contests with cash prizes for adults. Pet costume contest at 3 p.m., the children’s costume contest at 4:30 p.m., and the adult costume contest will be held at 9 p.m. Psychic readings will be available at Oak Trail Books throughout the affair. A portion of the proceeds raised will support the mission of Old Palm Harbor Main Street, Inc., the caretaker of the Historic Downtown Palm Harbor District. Sat., Oct. 30, 3 p.m. The Witch's Brew, 1219 Florida Ave., Palm Harbor. 727-483-9210.
Ongoing ...
Ghost Tours That big, pink castle on St. Pete Beach, the old-timey Tampa Theatre: Are they also … haunted? Ghost Tours take you on haunted expeditions at landmarks throughout Tampa Bay. Reservations required. Call 717-894-4678.
Halloween Horror Nights On select nights, the theme park is turned into Halloween Horror Nights XX, which this year, is about Fear himself, offering guests eight new houses, new scarezones and live shows. There may be a glimpse of the familiar this year, but HHN XX is not an anniversary event. Hours on select Thursdays and Sundays are from 6:30 p.m. to Midnight or 1 a.m. Hours on Fridays and Saturdays are from 6:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. Oct. 14-17; Oct. 20-24; Oct. 27-31. Universal Studios, 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando. 407-363-8000
Howl-O-Scream The stage is set for the biggest event in Howl-O-Scream history, with live performances by the killer band, My X. This years theme is littered with the revenge of lead singer Sylvie on her ex-boyfriend. There will be a mix of live shows, houses, scarezones, and a 21+ nightclub. Hours are: Thursdays 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Halloween night 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Visit tampa.howl-o-scream.com for ticket info. Oct. 14-16; Oct. 21-23; Oct. 28-31. Busch Gardens, 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa. 813-987-5082. buschgardens.com.
Radley Haunted House St. Pete resident Cody Meacham constructed the donations-only haunted house off of 38th Avenue and 19th Street North. In the last 5 years, some 1,500 customers have visited the spooky dwelling. For information, call 727-420-5593, or visit the house's fan page on Facebook. Wed.-Sun. 7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Oct. 13-31. Radley House, 3900 19th St. N, St. Petersburg.
ScareCo Haunted House Vintage spooky fun with off-the-midway anomalies and old dolls whose eyes creepily follow you. Parents are strongly advised to accompany children under the age of 13. 7-11 p.m. $7. www.scareco.com; 727-437-2DIE. Oct. 15-16; Oct. 22-23; Oct. 29-30. ScareCo, 101 E Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs.
ZooBoo Tampa's largest family Halloween event is back with a cursed Egyptian feel. It gives kids and adults alike a fun, spooky and safe place to celebrate this time of year. It features haunted houses and trails, animal encounters, light displays, music, free rides and more. For ticket prices and additional information, visit lowryparkzoo.com/zooboo/. Oct. 15-17; Oct. 22-24; Oct. 28-31. Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa.
CANCELED: Haunted Heights An elaborate Halloween extravaganza raises money for Dogma, a pet rescue organization. Includes fashion show, $1,200 costume contest, more than 20 performers, scare zones, waterfront patio, live music, four bars, fire breathers, onsite special effects and more. $25-$40. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Oct. 30. The Heights Tampa, 1902 N Highland Ave., Tampa. Event aids animals but no pets are permitted.
Halloween Ghost Ship Raw The American Victory Ship presents its two-night event that offers a stripped-down, bare-to-the-bones night aboard what professional ghost investigators claim to be an authentic haunted ship. In 1952, the AmVic returned from the Korean War carrying 134 deceased soldiers. Many people, including professional ghost investigators, say that they have experienced and paranormal activity on board. There will be no sets and no actors. Guests will be allowed to tour the ship in near darkness to see what they may encounter. A paranormal investigation team will be on board to teach participants the basics of “Ghost Investigation 101,” including the use of a command center, EMF readers, tape recorders and infrared lights. Event takes place Fri. and Sat., Oct. 29-30 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. $10. Purchase them at ticketweb.com, by calling TicketWeb at 866-468-7630, or in person aboard the AmVic located directly behind the Florida Aquarium at 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa.
—Jill Case contributed to this report.
