Downtown Sarasota Ghost Tours

Oct. 12, Oct. 17, Oct. 26, Oct. 31

Take a spooky stroll through downtown Sarasota as a guide shares stories of supernatural shenanigans in our beautiful city. From Sarasota's modern times to the circus days and bootlegging, you are sure to have a bewitching night. The tour is about 1 mile, with stops and starts, and a PG-13 rating. Gather at 7:45 pm on Lemon Avenue entrance of The Gator Club to check in. Tour begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person.

Howl-O-Ween Movie Night Spooktacular

Oct. 14

A family-friendly event presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, the Baltimore Orioles and the Sarasota Film Festival. All ages are invited to Ed Smith Stadium beginning at 5 p.m., where Halloween-themed games and activities will be set up. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes as they will have the opportunity to participate in a costume parade around the bases led by the Orioles mascot at 6:40 p.m. The film Monsters Inc. will play on the outfield video board at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket to enjoy the movie from the outfield or from ballpark seating. Concessions will also be available for purchase. 2700 12th St., Sarasota

Haunted Trails at Oscar Scherer Park

Oct. 20 and 21

A frightfully fun family Halloween experience featuring a haunted trail, a terrifying haunted house, and a trick-or-treat trail with candy and games for the younger or more cautious participants. Carnival games, as well as food and drinks, will be available. This event takes place from 7:30–10 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. 1843 S Tamiami Trail, Osprey

Ghost Tours

Oct. 20 and 28

Learn about the spooky side of Historic Spanish Point’s history as you are led on a ghost tour after dark. Make sure to bring your smartphone and download an app prior to the event that is said to locate paranormal activity. There are three tours each night, starting at 7, 8, and 9 p.m. Cost is $20 per non-member adult and $15 per non-member child; $10 per member adult and $5 per member child. 337 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey

Black Diamond Burlesque's Halloween Show

Oct. 21

Come out to the Cock and Bull Stage as the Black Diamond Burlesque presents the enchantment of all things Halloween. All of the wonderful Diamonds, as well as special guest stars including the amazing fire breathers known as Inferno Inc., will provide the ultimate entertainment for the evening. Come in costume or as you are. This event takes place outdoors and you are welcome to bring your own chairs for comfort. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and showtime begins around 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. You must be 18 years or older to attend this event. 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota

Venice Pop Culture Club Haunted House

Oct. 23–27

State College of Florida, Sarasota-Manatee Venice Pop Culture Club will host its 10th annual haunted house at the Lakeside Pavilion at SCF, Venice. “Frightful Fables” will offer a scary twist on classic childhood fairy tales to anyone who dares to check in. Parents should be aware that even though there is not an age requirement for the haunted house, it may not be appropriate for younger children. The event will take place from 7–10 p.m. on Oct. 23-26 and from 7–11 p.m. on Oct. 27. Tickets will be sold at the door for $3 (cash only). 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice

Hundsader Farms 26th Annual Pumpkin Festival

Oct. 14–15, Oct. 21–22, Oct. 28–29

Come out to Hundsader Farms for the pumpkin festival event of the season. Enjoy food, music, games, crafts, shows and more! Parking is $5 and admission is $10. Children 12 and under are free. The festival will take place from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on each date. 5500 County Road 675, Bradenton

Victorian Funeral

Oct. 27

Enjoy a fun and spooky look into the history of the Victorian Era through a theatrical experience. Chapel seating is limited and reservations are required. A family-appropriate program will be held at 7 p.m. (sold out), with a second tour for the general public at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 per non-member adult and $10 per non-member child; $8 per member adult and $4 per member child. 337 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey

FST Improv Presents: We're Doomed Halloween Special 

Oct. 27 

Florida Studio Theatre kicks off its fall improv season with the never-before-seen improvised horror movie, We're Doomed. This one-night-only fully improvised Halloween special of funny and fright runs in Bowne’s Lab,  at 7:30 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to the performance. Tickets are $15. 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

Theatre In The Field-The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Oct. 27 & 28

For two nights only, join the Players in this outdoor adaptation of Washington Irving's classic story. This is the first ever installment of Theatre in the Field, just in time for Halloween! 5 p.m. VIP reception. Show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 for VIP, $25 for adults, and $12 for children 15 and under.  8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota

5th Annual Doggie and Kittie Halloween Festival: Dogaween

Oct. 28

Dogaween comes to the downtown Sarasota Farmers Market Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The parade begins at the Lemon Avenue and First Street Fountain (across from SurLaTable) and ends at Paul Thorpe Park where judging for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th place cash prizes will be awarded.  Prizes for Best Human and Dog costume and Best Group will also be awarded. Pre-register online here or register Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.  Line up and parade will begin promptly at 10 a.m.

Howl'ween Pet Costume Contest

Oct. 29

The Bradenton Farmers’ Market is hosting Howl’ween, an annual pet costume contest and parade on Old Main Street. Dress your pet in their best Halloween costume and celebrate the fostering, adopting, and loving of animals by participating in a fun-filled parade in Downtown Bradenton. All Howl’ween participants must sign in and line up at the intersection of Third Avenue West and Old Main Street at 10 a.m. The pet parade will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by photo and selfie time at 11 a.m. 400 12th St. W, Bradenton

Spooktacular at Selby Gardens

Oct. 29

Selby Gardens presents a daytime family-friendly event including trick-or-treating and pumpkin decorating. There will also be educational activities such as seed planting and a mad scientist experiment center. Children are encouraged to come dressed in their costumes and to bring a bag to trick-or-treat. Food will be available from Michael's on East as well as the Selby House Cafe. Tickets are free to members, $10 for children ages 4-17, and $20 for adults. This event takes place from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. 811 S Palm Ave, Sarasota

Safe Treats for Kids

Oct. 31

Presented by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, trick-or-treat around the Siesta Key Village with your little ones and look for participating shops displaying black and orange balloons and pumpkin flyers in their windows. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Siesta Breeze Trolley, as it makes several stops between the Village and Turtle Beach. The event takes place from 3–6 p.m. and is free to the public.

Fright Night On St. Armands

Oct. 31

Children will love being able to trick-or-treat around the circle at the various restaurants and retailers who will be participating in this year’s event. Spooky characters will also appear around the circle to get you in the Halloween spirit. A performance of “Thriller” will also take place around 8 p.m., in collaboration with the Sarasota High School Drama Department. This event is free. 300 Madison Drive, #201, Sarasota

1,000 Pieces of Candy

Oct. 31

Presented by Alcover Massage, a family-friendly event featuring 1,000 pieces of candy that will be handed out to the trick-or-treaters over the course of the night. As part of the national Teal Pumpkin Project, gluten- and peanut-free candies will also be available to children with allergies or other dietary restrictions. This event takes place during the Village of the Arts trick-or-treating from 5–9 p.m. 1017 12th Ave. W., Bradenton

Children's Halloween Parade 

Oct. 31 

Come out to the Centennial Park Gazebo in downtown Venice at 4 p.m. to prepare for the Halloween Parade. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. behind Old Betsey the fire truck; afterward, go trick-or-treating at the local businesses on West Venice Avenue and  Miami Avenue. 101 W. Venice Ave.