Beloved Halloween-themed bar in downtown Orlando to close after 6 years
Updated: 2:02 PM EDT Mar 11, 2026
After six years of serving as a staple in downtown Orlando’s nightlife, a beloved Halloween-themed bar has announced it will be closing its doors.Cocktails & Screams announced on Wednesday that it will officially close on March 20. In a statement, the bar said the increasing fees and regulatory costs imposed by the city have made it very difficult for independent venues to survive.These fees are associated with the After Midnight Alcohol Sales Permit, which requires bars and businesses to pay a fee to serve alcohol after midnight.The bar started off as a gathering spot for Halloween lovers, but quickly became a staple of downtown Orlando. Many other bars have also been forced to close, including 1UP Orlando, HighT Orlando and most recently, Tanqueray’s.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
After six years of serving as a staple in downtown Orlando’s nightlife, a beloved Halloween-themed bar has announced it will be closing its doors.
Cocktails & Screams announced on Wednesday that it will officially close on March 20.
In a statement, the bar said the increasing fees and regulatory costs imposed by the city have made it very difficult for independent venues to survive.
These fees are associated with the After Midnight Alcohol Sales Permit, which requires bars and businesses to pay a fee to serve alcohol after midnight.
The bar started off as a gathering spot for Halloween lovers, but quickly became a staple of downtown Orlando.
Many other bars have also been forced to close, including 1UP Orlando, HighT Orlando and most recently, Tanqueray’s.