October & Halloween Events in Tampa Bay

UNDEAD IN THE WATER: THE GATHERING
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Step into the mysterious and haunting world of Undead in the Water — a gathering of the undead on the waters of Tampa Bay. Traverse multiple decks of this historic WWII cargo ship armed only with nerves of steel and a will to survive. Sep 22 – Oct 28

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT
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Enjoy a family-friendly evening with spooky encounters, haunted tales, and magical moments. Watch as ZooTampa transforms into a supernatural wonderland where creatures come to life after dark. Sep 29 – Oct 29

HOWL-O-SCREAM
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Ready for heart-pounding scares? Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay will transform into a nightmarish playground with haunted houses, scare zones, and terrifying creatures lurking around every corner. Sep 8 – Oct 31

SCREAM-A-GEDDON
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Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience of spine-tingling scares and thrills at Scream-A-Geddon. This captivating haunt park, operated by a family with decades of expertise, offers eight terrifying attractions that are sure to make you scream. Sep 8 – Nov 4

SPOOKTACULAR
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Step into a whimsical world full of enchantment with Kandy, a witch-in-training! A costume parade, storytime, and trick or treating are some activities guests will find in this immersive Halloween experience. Busch Gardens’ Spooktacular will cast magical spells at the Festival Walkway from 12 – 4 p.m. Sep 9 – Oct 31

PUMPKIN PATCH
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This cherished annual event transforms the picturesque Village Circle into a pumpkin paradise, offering photo opportunities, family-friendly activities, and the perfect pumpkin from the patch. All proceeds will go towards supporting The Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Oct 4 – 26

SPIRITS OF THE SHALLOWS
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Join the ghostly crew in a haunted tour featuring stories of terror and Tampa’s eerie past! NEW this year, the 50-minute cruise will stop at Captain Patchy’s Pumpkin Barge, where all children aboard the tour will receive a small pumpkin and the opportunity to meet Tampa’s grumpiest tugboat captain, Patchy. Select dates starting Oct. 6

ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER
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This festive fall event features pony rides, train rides, and hayrides, offering plenty of opportunities to connect with goats, sloths, lemurs, and deer. Kids can bounce to their hearts’ content in the lively bounce house, explore the joys of the corn pit, get creative with fall-themed crafts, and engage in spirited games. Oct 7 – 29

A NIGHTMARE ON FRANKLIN STREET
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Tampa’s most historic and haunted movie palace presents its most sinister series, A Nightmare on Franklin Street. The hair-raising historic landmark in late October goes 100% Halloween with classic horror movies, guest stars, spine-chilling stage shows, spooky storytelling, and family-friendly frights. Oct 13 – 31

GHOST TOUR
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Who was the man in seat 308? Where did Robert Lanier tear his final ticket? Why does Fink Finley continue to roam the balcony? And what has led to Tampa Theatre being known as one of the most haunted buildings in town? Learn the Theatre’s secrets and stories with a “balcony to backstage” tour focusing on the historic movie palace’s ghostly guests, preternatural patrons, and eternal employees. Oct 13 – 31

OKTOBERFEST TAMPA
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For three full days, Tampa’s downtown Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will be transformed into the city’s largest waterfront beer garden. Soak in the sprawling downtown views and beautiful sunsets as the park buzzes with live music, dancing, alphorns, dirndls, lederhosen – and, of course, beer. Oct 13 – 15

FALL FEST
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As one of Armature’s biggest events, Fall Fest spans two weekends, featuring live music performances, a food drive benefiting Metropolitan Ministries, and activities for the whole family. This riverfront pumpkin patch and festive autumn treats will give you all the fall feels. Oct 14 – 15 & Oct 21 – 22

VAULT OF SOULS
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Journey through four captivating and interactive performances that will leave you utterly enchanted. From supernatural encounters to immersive tarot readings, these hauntingly entertaining experiences will transport you into a realm where the line between the living and the spectral is delightfully blurred. Oct 26 – 29

TAMPA PIG JIG
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Pig Jig is cooking up something big with an irresistible blend of live music, mouthwatering cuisine, ice-cold brews, and a sizzling barbecue showdown. Located at Julian B. Lane, get ready for a star-studded lineup that includes the talents of Brad Paisley, Riley Green, and The Head And The Heart. Saturday, October 21

HAUNTED WHARF
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Sparkman Wharf will transform into a haunted pirate shipwreck with silly spooks for the kids and scary fun for the adults as the evening progresses. Haunted Wharf is a free community event for all ages that will feature two nights of roaming entertainment, photo-ops and festive food and drinks. Select dates starting Oct 27 & 28

TRICK OR TREAT
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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 MacDill Park. October 28, 4:00 – 7:00 pm

WALKING GHOST TOURS
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Delve into the supernatural history of Ybor City and downtown Tampa Bay on these captivating walking tours. Explore haunted sites, hear ghostly tales, and learn about the spectral residents that still linger. Year-Round

BAY CRAFTED

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Celebrate Oktoberfest Tampa-style through the flavorful journey of the Bay Crafted Pass. Explore hoppy delights, unique local brews, and seasonal creations. Savor the season with a sip of Ulele’s “Dry Fall,” a Tampa-inspired brew just in time of Oktoberfest. As you explore, stop at BarrieHaus to taste their “Oktoberfest Gold” and “Oktoberfest Amber,” embodying autumnal flavors. Florida Avenue Brewing Co.’s “The Lantern” brew is a must-try with seasonal notes for a hint of pumpkin. Raise your stein, toast to tradition, and embrace the taste of fall with the Bay Crafted Pass!

Enjoy October and Halloween in Tampa Bay this year!