Five Unique Halloween Events Across Tampa Bay and Central Florida (As Seen on 10 Tampa Bay)
Looking to celebrate spooky season with a twist? Here are five unique Halloween events across Tampa Bay and Central Florida that go beyond the typical pumpkin patch!
Credit: Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitor Bureau
Wild ’N’ Wicked Nights at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
You’ve never seen a mermaid show like this before! Wild ‘N’ Wicked Nights at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park features “The Pumpkin King” Underwater Show, two haunted attractions for older kids and adults, and a family-friendly Halloween Town with carnival fun and mermaid photo opportunities.
The event runs October 16-17 and 23-24, 2026. Tickets must be reserved in advance online.
Credit: Starkey Market
Halloween Events at Starkey Market
Starkey Market feels straight out of a Hallmark movie, especially during fall! Visit the Pumpkin Patch daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for festive photos and pumpkin picking.
For adults 21 and up, there's an After Dark Halloween Costume Party on October 23rd from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. The festivities continue October 31st with Halloween in the Barn, featuring a DJ, spooky tunes, and more from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Credit: Strange Petersburg
Strange Petersburg Horror Film Festival in St. Pete
Calling all horror fans! Check out 15 locally produced horror, sci-fi, and experimental short films at the 2026 Strange Petersburg Horror Film Festival on October 30th at ArtsXchange in St. Petersburg.
Explore art installations starting at 7 p.m., followed by the film showcase at 8:30 p.m. Family-friendly selections screen first before things take a scarier turn! Stick around afterward to meet the filmmakers and artists.
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
Liquid to Land: Haunted History Boat Tour
All aboard! Discover the spooky side of St. Petersburg's past on a special Halloween edition of the Liquid to Land boat tour, presented by the St. Petersburg Museum of History and Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center.
Cruise the waterfront from Snell Isle to Coquina Key while hearing tales about the shady side of the Sunshine City.
The tour takes place October 29th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 for museum members and $45 for non-members. Only 40 seats are available!
Credit: The Howey Mansion
The Howey Mansion: After Dark
For an especially glamorous Halloween evening, head to The Howey Mansion in Howey-in-the-Hills, a beautifully restored 1920s estate in Lake County.
On Halloween night, this historic mansion transforms into an elegant celebration filled with masked guests, music, dancing, mystery, and a few secrets waiting to unfold! It's a unique opportunity to experience one of Central Florida's most stunning historic properties.
The event takes place October 31st from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person.
