The Halloween season is in full swing around the Tampa Bay area. But dealing with a pandemic changed many of the holiday’s events around the city. Check out this list of what’s still happening and the safety precautions that are in place for Halloween 2020.
Know about a fall or Halloween event that we should add? Email McKenna.Kelley@tampamagazines.com.
Howl-O-Scream
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
September 25 through November 1
Busch Gardens returns with 18 nights of Halloween thrills. For health and safety precautions, most of the event has been moved to outdoor, open-air scare zones. Space and tickets are limited and must be purchased ahead of time, separate from park admission, starting at $45.
Sesame Street Kids Weekend
Saturdays and Sundays
Noon to 3 p.m.
October 3 through November 1
The theme park also has a kid’s Halloween weekend event throughout this month. In order to maintain health and safety measures, the park offers contact-free trick-or-treating and will be implementing physical distancing throughout the Sesame Street Safari of Fun play area. Event tickets are included and sold with park admission.
Hyde Park Pumpkin Patch
October 1 through October 31
Monday–Friday 12 to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
1602 W. Snow Ave.
Tampa, FL 33606
Hyde Park Village’s Pumpkin Patch is back for the month of October. All proceeds from pumpkins sales will be donated to The Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Social distancing, wearing masks, and paying with a card is strongly encouraged to practice health and safety precautions.
Creatures of The Night
October 2–October 31
4 to 10 p.m.
1101 W. Sligh Ave.
Tampa, FL 33604
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is hosting their annual, family-friendly Creatures of The Night event. This year’s theme will be campfire tales and includes multiple outdoor Halloween scare attractions. Reservations and ticket purchases, starting at $24, must be made in advance to attend the event.
Horse Power Fall Fundraiser
October 3–November 1
Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
8005 Racetrack Road
Tampa, FL 33635
The Horse Power Fall Fundraiser is back for Saturdays and Sundays in October. There will be pony rides, hay rides, farm animals, bonfires, games, playgrounds, live music, and train rides. This is a cash only event with tickets set at $12. All sales benefit the Horsepower for Kids, a non-profit petting zoo that provides the opportunity for everyone to have a safe interaction with animals.
UNdead in the Water
Weekends
7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
American Victory Ship & Museum
705 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
Tampa’s nautical zombie apocalypse event is returning for a third year. Navigate through The SS American Victory Ship’s multiple decks of terror as you try to avoid the undead stowaways. UNdead in the Water is open on weekends throughout October by purchasing a $15-$20 ticket in advance.
Haunted River Tour
Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights in October
6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m. launches
Tampa Convention Center
333 S. Franklin St.
Join the Pirate Water Taxi on the Captain Jack II for a haunting tour around the Hillsborough River. The 45-minute tour will share Tampa’s spookiest ghost stories and most haunting history. Tickets start at $25 and may be purchased in advance for a select day and time.
Halloween Spree
October 24
4 to 7 p.m.
110 W. Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL 33602
On October 24, the Glazer Children’s Museum will be hosting an indoor Halloween Spree. Children are encouraged to dress up in their most creative costumes for some spooky fun, including a costume parade, science experiments, the event’s annual pumpkin competition, and more. A sensory-friendly Halloween Spree will be held on October 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as well.
Riverwalk Halloween Hunt
October 17 to November 1
The Tampa Riverwalk
The Riverwalk in downtown is having a free, family-friendly virtual scavenger hunt through the city. Through riddles, puzzles, and tasks, you can explore the Riverwalk while trying to win a prize. The scavenger hunt will take place through the Mobile Adventures app with the hunt’s QR code (not available to the public until October 17).
An Eerie Evening at the Tampa Bay Hotel
Plant Hall, 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
Oct. 23rd, 24th, and 30th from 6-9:30 p.m.
Are you good at solving murder mysteries? With over 125 years of history, the former Tampa Bay Hotel will host a night of intrigue and scares. Transport yourself back into the 1890’s to solve some of these terrible crimes through clues and evidence scattered throughout the exhibit. Advanced purchase is required and intended for visitors ages 16+, starting at $25. Masks will also be required throughout the event.
Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Saturday, October 31 – 9:30 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Sunday, November 1 – 9:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Join the Florida Aquarium’s celebrations on Halloweekend this year. This is a family fun event, where you can explore your favorite sea creatures while dressed up in your favorite costume. Children (ages 3-11) dressed in a costume will receive a special Halloween treat. Tickets will be sold through the Aquarium’s general admission.
Little Monster’s Pumpkin Patch
Centro Ybor, 1600 E 8th Ave
Saturday, Oct. 24 10am – 2 pm
The annual ‘The Little Monsters Promenade’ has changed its look to ‘The Little Monsters Pumpkin Express’ due to COVID concerns. This year, the ‘Pumpkin Express’ procession through Centro Ybor will be complete with trick or treating, music, pumpkins, characters, contests and lots of additional goodies. This is a free event, with ticket reservations required for a space in the parade.
27839 Saint Joe Rd
Weekdays 7:30pm – 11:00 pm
Weekends 7:30pm – 1:00 am
One of Tampa’s favorite scare parks is open again this Halloween. With 6 different attractions, you chose your fright level experience. Mask wearing throughout the park is required and tickets may be purchased ahead of time, starting at $23. Temperatures will also be taken before entering the property.
