Oh oh! Only 13 more days until Halloween. I hear spooky music. The door just closed on its own. Etcetera. It’s October and spook lovers are vibing to the monster mash and looking for festivities. Moms and Pops with the little ones are either throwing home parties or have already found a family-friendly place to gather and collect treats. Churches usually have a pumpkin patch or a trunk-or-treat thing going on. But I’m sure there’s also a bunch of Tampons like me wondering what to do for Halloween. Should we go out there? Can we hide behind a costume and mask and have some fun for once in our boring old lives? Can we get some candy and relive just a bit of those fabulous glory days while we can still carry a plastic pumpkin? I think so. I hope so. I’ve got my costume ready just in case.

I didn’t know there was only 13 days left until Halloween. I’m sure some people were ready two months ago and have moved on to Christmas stuff. But I thought about writing this article for Tampons who have no idea if people still celebrate Halloween, and for Tampons who are last minute spontaneous types but would love to join a gathering to celebrate.

So put on your favorite costumes and read on for my recommendations of parties that sound too good to pass up this Halloween 2025.

Tampa Hot Spots on October 31

1. Busch Gardens “Howl O Scream” — Ok, don’t get mad for this recommendation. You already know about it? No, I won’t be there either, because I’m just like you. It’s too far, too expensive, and too many people. But I still want to put it on the Hot Spots list because it’s still probably the biggest Halloween event in the Tampa Bay area.

2. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City — So if you live in Brandon or Plant City or somewhere around there, you might want to check this out. Probably less “crazy” then a huge crowded party, but still interesting enough to be memorable.

3. Pemberton Haunted Acres —- I really have no idea what this is. Google brought it up and I never heard of it. You’ll have to do your own research.

Clearwater Halloween Parties

1. Spookquarium at The Clearwater Marine Aquarium —- starts at 3 p.m. and sounds like a great time. I love that place, though I’ve never been to any of their Holiday parties. I’d go, but I don’t know if I can afford the entrance tickets.

2. Baycare Boo Bash at Baycare Ballpark —- from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – I think this is catering for the families and folks who don’t go to church regularly or just prefer public outdoor events. Sounds cheap and friendly enough for anybody.

3. Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) in Downtown Clearwater —- starts happening at 6 p.m. — Most of the downtown parties are pretty exciting. I’ve seen some concerts down there and they are loud and exciting. For me, too crowded, but if you like that Times Square kinda feeling for your holidays, this is probably your party.

4. Garden Bros Nuclear Circus at Countryside Mall —- kicks off around 4:30 p.m. — This party actually does sound very interesting to me. I guess I’m just one of those types who is always curious about special events that occur at a local mall. I’ve seen pictures of abandoned malls in some cities and towns, so I think it is a good idea for us to support any major event the mall does to show our support. Halloween Festivity sounds great!

5. Monkey Bar of Clearwater — Halloween with “Dirty Licks” 9:30 p.m. This is a very nice bar with good drinks and good food. It’s not that crowded or expensive and the bands that play there are worth enjoying. They have a small dance area and plenty of tables and seating.

6. Prelude Sports Bar — Halloween Bash at 10 p.m. —- Never been to this bar, but I might go to a bar Halloween party if I can’t think of anything else to do. The smaller crowds appeal to me.

Other Halloween Parties in the Bay and Beaches Area

Saint Petersburg Fall Fest is happening at the St. Pete Pier and “Crackin the Hippie” starts at 7 p.m. at Saltwater Hippie in Madiera Beach.

Glow Party is gearing to go at 7:30 p.m. at the Terranova Nursery in Largo.

“Friends TIL THE END” Halloween Bash has open invitations at the BAR23fifty in Palm Harbor. Their party starts going at 9 p.m.

Well, that’s about all I noticed on my quick google search. Any one of those sounds like it would be fun. My neighborhood doesn’t get any little kids trick-or-treating. I’ve been here since 2021 and I don’t think any kids live around here. Maybe those days are gone. I have a big bowl of candy just in case.

I miss Guavaween. I’m glad I had the chance to do that when I was in my young twenties. I had a great time back then when I could handle lots of loud sound and huge crowds. I’m glad that Busch Gardens “Howl O Scream” is still keeping the Spirit of Halloween and that history of Tampa Bay alive with there yearly thematic event.

Well, I hope I get to see you somewhere this Halloween. If I’m out there, I’ll be dressed as a cowgirl who wants to be Dolly Parton but is too poor to pull off her glam correctly. Happy Halloween, my fellow SpookLovers!