Halloween Happenings in Tampa Bay
By Tampa Bay Living Magazine staff
In Tampa Bay, the Halloween season is in full swing. Here are some spooky events worth checking out before Halloween.
Gallagher's, St. Pete's popular pumpkin patch, offers a variety of pumpkins, gourds and fall foliage, along with homemade donuts and apple cider, perfect for enjoying free fall vibes. They are located at 7401 4th St. N. and open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Gallagher’s offers various photo opportunities, including a vintage truck and a petting zoo with llamas, goats and pigs, and welcomes dogs. Photographers and family/bloggers must reserve photo areas this year for photographers/photo shoot sessions. No charge for friends and family, but photographers must confirm bookings.
ZooTampa's Creatures of the Night offers eerie family frights, featuring ghouls and goblins, spooky characters and delicious treats, with ZooTampa Members and Pay For A Day ticket holders receiving free admission. Available on certain weekdays between 4 and 10 p.m. from Sept. 29 through Oct. 29.
On these dates, ZooTampa will transform into a frightening Halloween wonderland with 17 animal encounters, people in costumes and a spooky light show, with a one-to-three pumpkin "Eerie Scale" rating system for haunted attractions.
Credits: ZooTampa at Lowry Park
UNDead in the Water, located at 705 Channelside Drive in Tampa (just south of the Florida Aquarium), heads to Tampa from Oct. 19 through Oct. 21 and Oct. 26 through Oct. 28. According to the event’s website, rumors of The Gathering, a cult that released the American Victory Ship's spirit into the world, were haunting the ship a year ago. Despite the rumors, many citizens considered the ship abandoned. An explorer group climbed aboard to investigate, fearing the remaining members of The Gathering. The Gathering succeeded in bringing the ship's spirit, but a dangerous spirit followed her out.
Founded in 2014, Sir Henry's Haunted Trail is a Central Florida haunted attraction offering interactive horror trails, escape games, laser tag and a haunted hayride. The attraction has a history of storytelling and has been a filming location for WWE, South Ridge Films and Black Dog Filmz. Guests can enjoy free parking and a unique experience with hand-built haunted houses. The attraction also makes donations to various causes and encourages patrons to purchase tickets or stay connected on social media. Sir Henry's Haunted Trail is located in Plant City at 2837 South Frontage Road. The ghoulish event can be experienced on weekends through Nov. 4. Advance ticket purchases are required. The website for Sir Henry's warns that the trail’s frightening content may be too scary for children under the age of 12.
Pied Piper's 3rd Annual Haunted Carnival at Armature Works, located at 1910 N. Ola Ave. in Tampa, features over 300,000 square feet of rides and nostalgic treats. Early arrivals are encouraged, as the event transitions into an elevated, spooky experience after 7 p.m.
Pied Piper Productions has expanded their Haunted Carnival into a four-day event featuring rides, a $10,000 costume contest and other fun activities. Following a night of music and dancing at a festival under the stars, the event offers family-friendly carnival rides and games. The costume contest will be held from Oct. 26 to 29, with specific times and locations. The carnival is family-friendly and open all day; VIP ticket purchases are for attendees age 18 and older.
On October 22 from 4–7 p.m., the Tampa Bay History Center, located at 801 Water St., will host a family-friendly Halloween event, "Night at the Museum," featuring trick-or-treating, a costume contest, photo opportunities, crafts, games and special characters roaming the museum.
Credits: The Tampa Bay History Center
DTSP Ultimate Bar Crawls is hosting its first Halloween-themed bar crawl in St. Pete, titled "Creepy Crawl." Experience the ultimate St. Petersburg Halloween Bar Crawl at prime locations, featuring drink and shot specials, free swap, DJ entertainment, games, a costume contest and transportation. The event is scheduled for Oct. 27 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and is 21+ only.
Creepy Crawl Halloween Bar Crawl schedule:
Park & Rec: 7:30 p.m. (registration zone located at 100 4th St. S, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33701)
The Avenue DTSP: 8 p.m.–9 p.m.
No Vacancy: 9-10 p.m.
Dirty Laundry: 10-11 p.m.
Lost & Found: 11 p.m.–12 a.m.
Park & Rec: 12-1 a.m.