If you’ve been hearing things go bump in the streets at night, it’s not your imagination. The Suncoast has been overtaken with plenty of friendly Halloween spirits, though a few might be a little on the scary side. Regardless, they have set up shop in area neighborhoods, stores and haunted houses.
@BR LabelRed:Manatee
Zombie Fest: The first annual Halloween Zombie Fest will be held Oct. 31 in downtown Bradenton. The schedule begins at 6 p.m. at Classic Ink, 1310 Third Ave. W., where professional horror movie make-up artists will Zombify those without a Zombie costume for $10. Zombie Fest-goers may participate at the Zombification Station or just observe the techniques and watch the professionals transform costume contestants into zombies. At 8 p.m., the Zombie Walk begins and goes from Classic Ink to Mattison’s Riverside. At 9 p.m., the Zombie Costume Contest begins at Mattison’s, where contestants and partygoers can enjoy Zombie appetizers, dinner, and spooky drink specials. Costume contestants must be 21 years or older to participate. From 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., enjoy live music on Old Main Street by three local bands — The Wankers, Spankin’ Fresh and Rancid Polecats.
Monster Ball: Fete Ballroom, Polo Grill, Lakewood Ranch Main Street
It’s going to be a Monster Ball this Halloween in the Fete Ballroom to benefit My Community Makeover, 8-10 p.m. Oct. 31. Costume contest with prizes for best male, female and couple costumes. Event features dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, cash bar and silent auction. Proceeds benefit My Community Makeover. Tickets: $50 a person in advance or $75 a person at the door. Limited availability. Contact Laurie Fox: 730-7635 or Leslie Swart: 350-7606. Information: www.lwrmonsterball.com.
Mattison’s Monster Mash Halloween Bash: Mattison’s hosts a scary Monster Mash Halloween Bash at Mattison’s City Grille, Mattison’s Riverside and Mattison’s Forty-One. Come dressed in costume for a frighteningly fun time with a costume contest on Oct. 31. Dance the night away with live music and enjoy ghoulish drink, appetizer and dinner specials along with festive decorations and more. Information: www.mattisons.com.
Haunted Barn: 1703 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton
Gulf Shore Animal League of Manatee County invites you to the authentic Haunted Barn on Halloween night. Dare to be scared from 7 to 10 p.m. Donations accepted will go toward the care, feeding and medical needs of rescued animals. Information: e-mail Cheryl at freespiritCAH@aol.com or call (941) 538-4976 for details.
Safe Kids Night: Bradenton Municipal Auditorium, 1005 Barcarrota Blvd., Bradenton
Children can enjoy games and treats in a safe environment, 5-11 p.m. Oct. 31. Free. Information: 932-9484 or www.cityofbradenton.com.
@BR LabelRed:Sarasota
The House of Fright!: Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center, 8005 15th St. E., Sarasota
Filled with lost souls, demons and other scary creatures from a pirate massacre long ago, the house will terrify, 7-11:30 p.m. Oct. 29-Nov. 1. Admission: $10 for ages 13 and up and $5 for ages 5-12. Too intense for young children. Information: 355-9161 or www.thehouseoffright.com.
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