17 October . 2014
Tampa Bay Halloween Happenings
Halloween is quickly approaching, and Tampa Bay has no shortage of great events! From Busch Gardens to Ybor City, there are quite a few celebrations throughout October. Below are some kid-friendly and adult-only events as you look to finalize your Halloween plans.
Guppyween
On Sunday, October 26, kids can explore the Florida Aquarium in their best Halloween costume. But, look out – you may run into a few ghosts! There’s even a rumor that there is a princess roaming around the aquarium! Trick-or-treat with the company of more than 20,000 sea creatures. The event is free for Florida Aquarium members, price for kids in costume is $5 and adult tickets are $15.
ZooBoo
Considered Tampa Bay’s largest family Halloween event, Lowry Park’s ZooBoo takes place on select nights from September through November. ZooBoo has six haunted houses from “fun for all ages!” to “scary to the extreme!” It offers a spooky fun fair, including a pumpkin patch, t-ball baseball, tiki trek bounce, and food and drink. Children under three get in for free; $18 for the adults and $14 for ages 3-11.
Halloween Spree
The Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa is hosting this safe, indoor trick-or-treating event with games, prizes and candy. Meet Sid the Science Kid, vote for your favorite pumpkin carving and make a monster in the art lab. Make sure you dress up in your Halloween best for the costume contest! This event takes place Oct. 31 at 4:30 p.m. Price: $8 general admission and $6.50 for members.
Tampa Bay Black Chamber of Commerce 6th Annual Halloween Costume Ball
This costume party for a cause will be the Tampa Bay Black Chamber of Commerce’s 6th annual ball. The most creative costume receives a $200 cash prize with the ugliest costume also receiving $100. This event is held at the Straz Center on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. A $50 donation is required and is tax deductible. All money raised goes to a scholarship fund for students pursuing training in culinary arts.
1st Annual Galaween
The 1st Annual Galaween will be at the Cuban Civic Club Friday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. Make sure you dress in your Halloween best! There will be a costume contest and a raffle during the festivities. Tickets include a four hour open-bar and Hor(ror) d’oeuvres. A portion of the proceeds go to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay. Adult tickets (over 21) are $25 and child/teen tickets are $10 (advanced price only).
Howl-O-Scream
It’s back! Busch Gardens of Tampa Bay is at it once again, only this time it’s cursed. This one is not for the kids. With eight haunted houses, this event is guaranteed to make you scream. Explore their dinner show “Fiends” or take a quick thrill ride break on one of their many roller coasters. This event takes place over 18 nights through September and October, so don’t miss out! Prices for this event vary.
Guavaween 2014: Voodoo Carnival
Warning! You must be 21 or older to go to this event. Held in historic Ybor City, Guavaween celebrates the hoodoo heebie-jeebies of Dumaine St. in New Orleans. This event takes place Saturday, Oct. 25. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and ends at 2 a.m. Live music, shows, magic, street festivals and so much more. Price varies from $18 to $100.