Something wicked — and frighteningly fun — this way comes.
Halloween season has snuck up on us like blade-fingered serial killer Freddy Krueger in your dreams. But don’t be afraid, mapping out your plans for October doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
We’ve conjured up a handy guide for South Florida’s spooky season: Heart-pounding haunted houses that test your deepest fears. Spine-chilling theatrical performances that bring classic movies and novels to the stage. High-energy street festivals and parties that promise prizes for the best costume creations.
We’re throwing them all into the witch’s bubbling cauldron to help you come up with things to “boo” throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties!
Fair warning: These scares are mostly for grown-ups and teenagers. Be sure to check each attraction’s website for information about waivers, age restrictions and other cautions before attending.
Haunted attractions
Fright Nights: The award-winning attraction and its so-called ‘“family of freaks” have three new haunted houses this season, including Route 66 — The Slaughter, Cuckoo’s Nest and Edward Low, at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. On select nights through Oct. 30, gates open at 6 p.m. with carnival rides, music, food and entertainment — giving you an hour to scare up the courage before the haunts open at 7 p.m. Try a macabre menu featuring the Scream Snack (tater tots and fried pickles topped with roasted garlic aioli, sriracha and green onions), Bat Breathe Burger, smoked Walking Dead Leg, Poison Apple Slushie and Black Cat Margarita, among other creepy concoctions. Two scare zones — Vampires: Eternal Love and The Weeping Woods — will have you on edge outdoors. The Thursday BOGO for advance online tickets is back, along with the R.I.P. Experience upgrade with front-of-line access, R.I.P. Lounge access and scare-actor photo opportunities (additional cost), and the Dead Ringers Club with VIP perks. Fright Nights stays open until 11 p.m. Thursdays and midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $48.50. VIP is $150. Visit myfrightnights.com.
Creepy characters with chainsaws lurk in the scare zones throughout Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach. (Fright Nights/Courtesy)
The Haunt: Fever Dream: “Enter at your own risk!” is the warning on the website for this 42,000-square-foot haunted attraction at The Venue Fort Lauderdale, 2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. Four themes include Blood Bath: The Jugular, The Last Vow: La Bruja’s Wedding, Psycho Circus: Delirium, and Florida Man: Toxic Inheritance. The Haunt will open at 6:30 p.m. on select nights from Oct. 20 to 30; closing hours vary. General admission starts at $45. Upgrade to R.I.P. Admission for extra perks. A family-friendly experience will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 24 and 25, starting at $15. Visit tormentedtrails.com.
Sounds of Screams: The Miami-Dade County Fair Expo Center, 10901 SW 24th St., Miami, is home to a 13-acre, Halloween-themed amusement park. Enter the gates from 7 p.m. to midnight on select nights through Nov. 1, if you dare, and experience five immersive haunted houses. Themes are The Infected, Witch Trials of 1692, Mitos y Leyendas (Myths and Legends), Dead End and — for guests 18 and older only — The SOS House. You can also expect a scare zone, a midway with carnival rides and horror-themed treats, street foods, draft beer and signature craft cocktails. General admission starts at $39.99 and includes unlimited access to the haunted houses and carnival rides; free for kids age 9 and younger. Visit soundsofscreams.com.
Clown around with the scare actors at The Horrorland Scream Park in Miami. (The Horrorland Scream Park/Courtesy)
The Horrorland Scream Park: In its seventh year, the attraction has six haunted houses (Honky Tonk, The Orphanage, Seven Sins, Nyctophobia, The Covent, and Dr. Malice: Abomination Project), four immersive scare zones, a Circus of Terror show, fire dancers, music, themed bars, a Monster Parade, the Frankenstein Bar cocktail experience and food spread across 18 acres. The “full sensory nightmare,” as organizers describe it, is now scaring visitors from 7 to 10 p.m. on select nights through Nov. 1 at Miami’s Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail. Tickets start at $39.99. Parking is $20. Visit thehorrorland.com.
House of Horror Haunted Carnival: In its 25th year, this attraction has a new location — Miami’s Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40th St. Thrill-seekers get unlimited entry to four haunted houses, including Hide And Seek: Wardens Game, Camp Dead-End Trails, The Abduction and Isla de las Muñecas. The frightful fun starts at 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1. Along with unlimited carnival rides, the haunts stay open until 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Find freaky foods on the menu, such as Dracula’s Shish Kebab, Monstruosa Burger, Blood Transfer Sorbet and Vampire’s Kiss Frozen Lemonade. Other activities include the House of Little Horrors (a not-so-scary zone) and Club Blood Type (21-and-up club). Tickets are $39.99 for general admission, $19.99 for kids age 6 and younger. Get a Bye-Pass for front-of-line access ($20 on weekdays, $40 on weekends). Daily online deals are also available. Free parking. Visit houseofhorrorcarnival.com.
Nightmare Village at Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale offers frights for Halloween enthusiasts, complete with immersive sets, costumed actors and eerie lighting. (Scott Luxor/Contributor)
Nightmare Village: Xtreme Action Park, 5300 Powerline Road, Fort Lauderdale, transforms into a terrifying experience with three haunts: Patches’ Slaughter, The Collection and Haunting of Dustfield Springs — 6 Years Later. Tours begin at 7 p.m. select nights through Nov. 1 and stay open until 10 p.m. (11 p.m. Saturdays, midnight Oct. 30-31 and 9 p.m. Nov. 1). General admission is $40 until Oct. 18, $45 from Oct. 23 to 25, $55 from Oct. 29 to 31 and $40 on Nov. 1. Visit xtremeactionpark.com.
Nights of Fright Haunted House: Before you brave the haunted house, check out the themed decor, entertainment and DJ on five select nights from Oct. 23 to 30 at the Pine Island Multipurpose Center, 3801 S. Pine Island Road, Davie. The attraction opens from 5 to 6 p.m. with a not-so-scary version and 6 to 10 p.m. for the full-scare experience. Snacks will be available at the concession stand. Shop Halloween-themed merchandise from vendors. Win raffle prizes and bid on a silent auction. Tickets are $35 ($20 for not-so-scary hour). Free parking. Visit nightsoffrighthauntedhouse.com.
Catch “Ghostbusters in Concert,” featuring the 1984 film along with a live performance of the score at Miami’s Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. (Schirmer Theatrical/Adrienne Arsht Center/Courtesy)
Spooky shows
“Ghostbusters in Concert”: Who ya gonna call? The 1984 film will be presented on a large HD cinema screen synced to a live performance of Academy Award-winning composer Elmer Bernstein’s score at 8 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. The audience is encouraged to come in costume. Tickets start at $40.95. Visit arshtcenter.org.
“Journey to Día de Muertos”: A love story spanning the worlds between the living and dead comes to life with this Calpulli Mexican Dance Co. performance at 3 p.m. Nov. 1 at Miami’s Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Enjoy folk songs, classical music and dance. Arrive at 1:30 p.m for a themed interactive Día de Muertos experience with ofrendas, sugar skull decorating and mariachi music. Admission is pay what you can. Visit arshtcenter.org.
“Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein”: Ballet Palm Beach will launch its 25th anniversary season with the world premiere of the gothic masterpiece production at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Shows are set for 7 p.m. Oct. 22 to 24. A matinee is planned for 2 p.m. Oct. 24. Tickets start at $49. Visit kravis.org.
A string quartet played spooky classics during a candlelight concert last October at the First Presbyterian Church of West Palm Beach. (Kari Barnett/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Candlelight experience: Mystery and the supernatural are the inspirations behind these concerts popping up at various locations throughout South Florida. Surrounded by a backdrop of LED candles, listen to string groups performing the “Stranger Things” theme, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the “Funeral March of a Marionette” by Charles Gounod, “Danse Macabre” by Camille Saint-Saëns, and selections from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” among other selections. Visit candlelightexperience.com/halloween-concerts and search for your city.
The Vampire Circus: Organizers describe this production, set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at The Parker, 707 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale, as “a fusion of Tim Burton and Cirque Du Soleil,” showcasing performers’ skills in theater, dance and gymnastics. See acrobatics, contortionists, jugglers and clowns, all set in Bohemia in the 19th century. Tickets start at $53.10. Visit parkerplayhouse.com.
“Young Frankenstein”: The Broadway musical comedy based on Mel Brooks’ film is coming to The Wick Theatre & Museum Club, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, to raise the curtain on its 13th season. Showtimes are 2 and 7:30 p.m. on select days through Nov. 1. Tickets are $119. Visit thewick.org.
The Delray Zombies perform Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance at Coco Market in Delray Beach. Expect them to pop up at various venues throughout October. (Sonder Visuals Studio/Courtesy)
Eerie experiences
Delray Zombies: This slow-moving crew is made up of about 50 “living dead” participants of all ages who perform Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance at various events and venues throughout the season. Founded by Roxana Moretti, catch them at Good Night John Boy in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach Pirate Fest and Biergarten in Boca Raton. For a full schedule, visit Facebook.com.
Historic Miami Ghost Tours: Explore the history of Miami’s Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Ave., while guides share stories of previous inhabitants and paranormal activity. Tours are available from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on select nights in October. Tickets are $45. Visit deeringestate.org.
Take a guided history tour of Woodlawn Cemetery in West Palm Beach and hear tales of murder and mayhem involving city pioneers buried there. (Kari Barnett/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Haunting History: The Historical Society of Palm Beach County invites all to its sixth annual walking tours from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 22 and 23 at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1301 S. Dixie Highway, in West Palm Beach. Learn about the county’s past through tales of murder and mayhem involving pioneers who are laid to rest at the cemetery, as told by docents from the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a flashlight, bug repellent and water. Cost is $40. Visit pbchistory.org/events.
Kari Barnett/South Florida Community News
Commune with the past as the Boca Raton Historical Society leads a cemetery walking tour. (Kari Barnett/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Historic Cemetery Walking Tour: Sitting on Sunset Hill, one of the city’s highest points, the Boca Raton Cemetery & Mausoleum, 451 SW Fourth Ave., is the final resting place of some prominent residents. Learn about them during a guided walking tour by the Boca Raton Historical Society at 6 p.m. Oct. 21. Tickets are $25 for nonmembers. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing and bring water and insect repellent. Visit bocahistory.org.
From left, Jason Marsden, Vinessa Shaw and Omri Katz are coming to South Florida. (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
“It’s Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus: The Ultimate Fan Experience”: Join a Q&A session with the cast from the 1993 film, including Jason Marsden (Binx), Vinessa Shaw (Allison), Omri Katz (Max), Tobias Jelinek (Jay) and Larry Bagby (Ice) at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at The Parker, 707 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale. Hosted by Shannon Carlin, author of “Witches Run Amok: The Oral History of Disney’s Hocus Pocus,” they will discuss behind-the-scenes stories and deleted scenes and show set photos. Additionally, the Sanderson Sisters will take the stage in “Hocus Pocus Live — A Drag Tribute Show.” Guests must be age 18 or older. Tickets start at $44.11. Visit parkerplayhouse.com.
Killer parties
Costumes & Cocktails: Adult trick-or-treating is on tap from 8 p.m. to midnight Oct. 16 at Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., in West Palm Beach. Plus, $500 are up for grabs in the costume contest. Admission is $35 in advance and $40 at the gate and includes a signature cocktail and dancing. For guests age 21 or older. Visit southfloridafair.com.
Fright Night: Starting at 4 p.m Oct. 30, The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, 20 W. Las Olas Blvd., becomes an old-school drive-in theater with a snack-filled concession stand and classic slasher-movie characters lurking all night (Freddy, Jason, Ghostface, Leatherface and more). For guests age 21 or older. Free admission. Visit wharfftl.com.
HalloWYN: Wynwood’s official Halloween block party returns for its 13th year at 7 p.m. Oct. 31 at Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 NW Second Ave., Miami. The celebration will feature DJs, food trucks, a scare zone and costumes. Guests who register in advance get a free drink. Admission is free, with VIP options available. Visit wynwood-marketplace.com.
Hollyweird Festival: With $10,000 in adult costume-contest prize money on the line, revelers take dressing up seriously at this annual Hollywood street party. Starting at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 along Hollywood Boulevard, between 19th and 20th avenues, dance the night away to a variety of music on stages with DJs and bands. Fuel up with food and drinks at nearby restaurants. Free admission. Visit hollyweirdfestival.com.
Hush: A Silent Night: A silent-disco haunted house experience is taking over Fort Lauderdale’s War Memorial Auditorium, 800 NE Eighth St., at 9 p.m. Oct. 31. There’s a high-energy party with Mister Gray and DJ GQ, as well as drink specials and a costume contest. Then, organizers say you can slip on your headphones and step into an atmospheric haunted house. For guests age 21 or older. Tickets are $25. VIP available. Visit ftlwarmemorial.com.
The Nightmare on Pier 6 Halloween Rooftop Party: Dance under the stars from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 31 at Pier 6 Rooftop, 200 N. Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach. DJ Vince1 will provide the evening’s beats. There also will be themed cocktails and a costume contest with prizes. Tickets are $20. Visit pier6rooftop.com/happenings.
‘Til Death Do Us Party: The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, 20 W. Las Olas Blvd., is taking Halloween to the dance floor with a disco party on Oct. 31. The venue will resurrect the Studio 54 era for an otherworldly, glitter-covered party for guests age 21 and older. Hours will be noon to 3 a.m. Free admission. Visit wharfftl.com.
Wicked Manors: “Masquerade of Mayhem” is the theme for this year’s event, which is produced by The Pride Center at Equality Park in collaboration with the City of Wilton Manors. From 6 to 11 p.m. Oct. 31, strut around in your costume along Wilton Drive, from Northeast 21st Court to North Dixie Highway, while enjoying entertainment on two stages and dancing along the way. General admission is $17.71 for guests age 12 or older. Premium and VIP admission are available for those 21 and older. Visit wickedmanors.org.