This crop of CL-approved events highlights Halloween celebrations with food and drink, a massive food truck rally and an multicultural folk festival.
Check out the 41st Annual International Folk Fair in downtown St. Pete at 10 a.m. Saturday and noon Sunday. Throughout Vinoy Park, you'll grab tastes of traditional foods from more than 30 of the represented cultures while watching live performances and celebrating diversity. $6-$10, free for children under 6 years old. 701 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, downtown St. Pete will also host The World's Largest Food Truck Rally 4 at Albert Whitted Park. The event features restaurants-on-wheels from around the country as well as Tampa Bay favorites. Try Lebanese fries from St. Pete's Pitas on the Run, a bite from Arepas Las Gorditas, based in Miami, and more. Don't miss happy hour from 2 to 3 p.m., where you may grab $3 beer and wine. $10, free for children under 14. 480 Bayshore Drive SE, St. Petersburg.
Walking Dead fans will want to get to The Patio in Tampa for a zombie-themed Halloween bash. Drink specials, including $3 zombie shots, will be honored all night, and a donation at the door, benefiting 50 Legs, will land guests two drinks at the bar. Largo's West Bay Public House is also holding its Zombie Prom, and if you're more of a vampire fan, head to Mermaid Tavern in Seminole Heights for a Disco For Vampires. 421 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-873-7846.
Serious holiday partiers should visit Ybor City's The Castle at 10 p.m. Saturday. As three live DJs spin tunes, sip on cocktails and dance the night away. Party poopers will be charged an additional fee if they don't arrive dressed up. A costume contest with a $300 prize serves up even more freaky fun. $20, $30 for VIP. 2004 N. 16th St., Tampa, 813-247-7547.
Those in favor of a tamer Halloween celebration will appreciate Whole Foods Market's Sweet Treats event in Tampa. From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, the grocer will sample classic treats, but with a trick — the sweets will be made with all-natural ingredients. Grab your last minute halloween items, and sample a few bites. 1548 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-348-1200.
This article appears in Oct 29 – Nov 4, 2015.