Spooky events, fall festivals and ghost tours lurk

Except for the Christmas season, there's probably no other time of year that gives rise to as many events as Halloween.

This year's no exception. In the weeks ahead, the Bradenton area is home to dozens of seasonal shows, events and activities.

Lots of them are suitably spooky, from haunted houses to screenings of classic horror films and some great ghoul-related stage plays. But there are lots of costume events for kids, including several trick-or-treating events in safe environs.

And plenty of the upcoming activities are more related to autumn than to Halloween itself. The biggest is probably the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival, which draws thousands of people for live country music, games and shows.

Here's a rundown of some of the most promising area events for the 2014 Halloween season:

Frightmares Haunted House: Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota

Frightmare's Haunted House returns with two Shockingly Horrific Haunts and over 12,000 square feet of terrifying, chest-pounding scares around every corner 7:30-10:30 p.m. Thursdays, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and Oct. 30, 8-10:30 p.m. Oct. 26 and 7:30-midnight Oct. 31. Visitors can experience the most unique mix of horror and fun with ghastly sights, horrifying sounds, terrifying FX and your worst nightmares brought to life. Tickets: $16, $30 fast pass. Age suitability: teens and up. Information: frightmareshauntedhouse.com.

Inaugural Pumpkin Patch and Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale: St. George Episcopal Church, 912 63rd Ave. W., Bradenton

St. George Episcopal Church will host its inaugural Pumpkin Patch 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays, and 1-6 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 31, and a Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale 8:30 a.m.-noon Oct. 18. All proceeds will benefit the building of a playground for the community. Information: 941-755-3606.

Annual Goblin Gathering: G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton

Bring the whole family out and join the fun at the 12th annual Goblin Gathering in conjunction with National Night Out 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 17 featuring a hay maze, costume contest, bounce houses, hay rides, face painting, inflatable slide and safe "treats and sweets" for participants. Children's activity wristband: $5. Information: 941-742-5923.

The York Drive Project: 3512 York Drive W., Bradenton

This year The York Drive Project presents "Portraits of ... TERROR," 7-10 p.m. Oct. 17-18, 24-25, 31 and Nov. 1 featuring a labyrinth of red doors sending visitors deeper and deeper through dimensions of fear. Donation: $5 per entry. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Safe Children Coalition. Information: facebook.com/theyorkdriveproject.

Tampa Theatre Halloween movie series: Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa

Tampa's most historic, and temporary haunted, movie palace announces the return of popular Halloween movie series, including classic horror films, family-friendly spooky movies, creepy cult favorites, ghastly ghost tours and blood curling special guests in "A Nightmare on Franklin Street" during 15 nights of petrifying programming. The movies are: "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," 9 p.m. Oct. 17, "Psycho," 4:45, 7:30 and 10:15 p.m. Oct. 18, "Little Shop of Horrors" (1960), 3:30 p.m. and "Little Shop of Horrors" (1986), 5:45 p.m. Oct. 19, "The Silence of the Lambs," 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20, "Young Frankenstein," Oct. 21, "A Nightmare on Elm Street," 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22, "Creature from the Black Lagoon 3-D," 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23, "Paranormal Activity," 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24, "Freaks" 5:15 p.m., "Scream" 7:30 p.m., "Eraserhead" 10:15 p.m. Oct. 25, "The Witches" 3:30 p.m., "Frankenweenie" 6:15 p.m. Oct. 26, "Gremlins," 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27, "Shaun of the Dead," 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28, "Child's Play," 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29, "Evil Dead" (1981), 7:30 p.m. and "Evil Dead" (2013), 10 p.m. Oct. 31. A Tampa Theatre Film Camp Saturday Session: SFX Makeup will be 9 a.m. Oct. 18, Balcony-to-Backstage Tours: Ghost Stories" will be 11:30 a.m. Oct. 20 and 25, Lights-Off Paranormal Investigation will be 10 p.m. Oct. 24, and Tampa ghost stories with Deborah Frethem, author of "Haunted Tampa: Spirits of the Bay" will be 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30. For tickets prices and detailed information, call 813-274-8287 or TampaTheatre.org.

Ye Olde Main Street 5K Ghost Run and Poker Walk: Old Main Street, downtown Bradenton

The "Ye Olde Main Street 5K Ghost Run and Poker Walk" will begin with registration at 2 p.m. Oct. 18. The event will feature the Ghost Run at 4 p.m., 5K Ghost Run with doggies at 4:05 p.m., a 1-mile fitness walk and poker walk at 4:10 p.m. and Kids' Ghost Dashes at 3:15, 3:18, 3:25 and 3:30 p.m. An after party will include an Ugly Costume Contest for Kids, goblins, and will feature food from local restaurants. Adult beverages with proper ID will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit Robinson Hearts and Minds Foundation. Registration: $20-$40. Information: 941-358-5100 or active.com.

Halloween Candlelight Tour: Gamble Mansion Historic Park, 3708 Patten Ave., Ellenton

A Halloween Candlelight Tour will be 7-9 p.m. Oct. 18. This family and kid-friendly event is $6 a person, children ages 5 years and younger are admitted free. Information: 941-723-4536.

Halloween Social: Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 515 10th Ave W., Palmetto

Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum will be celebrating Halloween 4-8:30 p.m. Oct. 18 featuring decorated buildings, crafts, games, face painting, a tattoo parlor, fortune telling, trick-or-treating, and lots of other spooky happenings. Visit Charlotte's Web and Alice's Wonderland or participate in a costume contest at 5 p.m. Admission to the event is free, food and beverages will be available for purchase. Information: 941-721-2034 or 723-4991 or manateeclerk.com/historical/palmettopark.

Hunsader Farms 2014 Pumpkin Festival: Hunsader Farms, 5500 County Road 675, Bradenton

The 2014 Hunsader Pumpkin Festival will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 18-19 and 25-26. This family event will feature over 100 craft booths, live music, live shows, pumpkins, charity pumpkin games, pioneer trades village, hay rides, pony rides, chain saw sculptor, corn maze, scarecrow displays, homemade ice cream, farm roasted sweet corn, food and beverage vendors, face painting, rock climbing wall, power jump, petting zoo, barnyard playground, children's train ride, juggler, frog jumping championship, butterfly experience and fresh produce for the entire family. Admission: $10 adults, children ages 12 and younger are admitted free. Corn maze is $2 and there is a small charge for some rides and activities. Information: 941-941) 322-2168 or hunsaderfarms.com.

Marine Corps League Desoto Detachment 588: 5225 26th St. W., Bradenton

Halloween Party Pot Luck Buffet, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25. Guests are encouraged to wear Halloween costume. Cost: $6 donation. All past and present military personnel and their guests are welcome to the Bunker Bar for fellowship, camaraderie, entertainment, and refreshments. Bar hours: 2-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Information: 941-301-4598.

National Theatre Live "Frankenstein": Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

National Theatre Live's "Frankenstein" will be 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 featuring Oscar-winner Danny Boyle and Jonny Lee Miller alternating roles as Victor Frankenstein and his creation. Tickets: $18-$20. Information: 941-359-5700 or ringling.org.

Lakewood Ranch "Boo Fest": Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

Community Activities presents "Boo Fest" 6-9 p.m. Oct. 25 featuring a spooky street filled with fun and scary activities for kids of all ages including a haunted house, cemetery haunt, touchy feely table, dunk tank, face painting, trick or treat, pumpkin patch pictures, photo booth, scarecrow and merchant costume contest and a costume parade at 6:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Visitors are encouraged to wear their best Halloween costume. Admission is free. Information: lakewoodranch.com/mainstreet/events.

Desoween VI: The Return of Desoween: De Soto National Memorial, 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy., Bradenton

Bring the family to "Desoween VI: The Return of Desoween" 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 25 and encounter restless spirits, zombies, night creatures, and the most terrifying monster to encounter in the dark, clowns! This event is free and is suitable for ages 7 and up. For information or if you would like to volunteer to become a member of the Desoween crew, call 941-792-0458.

Spirit and Orb Walk: Bunker Hill Vineyard and Winery, 8905 Bunker Hill Road, Duette

A Spirit and Orb Walk is offered 8 p.m. Oct. 25. Due to the "paranormal" nature of these walks, reservations are required and are limited to a maximum of 25 adults, ages 18 and older. Guests must arrive by 7:30 p.m. for a 30-minute indoctrination and discussion of the walk and activities, followed by the walk which will promptly start at 8 p.m. and will last until 9:30 p.m. Guests are requested to wear good walking shoes, long pants and a jacket. Cost: $10. Reservations and information: 941-776-0418 or bunkerhillvineyard.com.

Florida Railroad Museum "Pumpkin Patch Express": 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish

The Pumpkin Patch Express will depart 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Oct. 25-26. The train ride takes visitors to a patch of pumpkins where children can pick their own pumpkin to take home. The entire family can participate in hay rides, crafts and other activities at no additional charge. Tickets: $14-$28. Some of the tickets are for open-air cars and are first come, first serve at boarding. Information: 941-776-0906 or frrm.org.

Woof-O-Ween Waffle Breakfast Extravaganza: Jeanne's Bistro, 417 12th St. W., Bradenton

Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue presents "Woof-O-Ween Waffle" breakfast extravaganza 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 26 featuring food and fun for the whole family including a pet costume parade at 1 p.m., 50/50 and prize drawings, games, face painting, photo opportunities, dog nail trims, Karma Gourmet ice pops, doggie goodie bags for parade participants and more. Dog parade registration is at 12:30 p.m. and is $4. per dog Admission: $10 adults, $5 children ages 8 and younger. Advance tickets sales and registration at Jeanne's Bistro and at moonraceranimalrescue.com.

Halloween Holiday Roller Figure Skating Show: Astro Roller Figure Skating Club of Bradenton, 3611 Third St. W., Bradenton

The Astro Roller Figure Skating Club of Bradenton will host a Halloween Holiday Roller Figure Skating Show, an open skate and trick or treat party for all ages, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 26. The show, a tribute to Michael Jackson's "Thriller," will be approximately 45 min. long and will be followed by the skate and trick or treat party and features world class competitor and US National Champion, John Birchfield. Attendees are encourage to wear Halloween costumes. Tickets: $8-$15. Information: 941-929-4574 or 813-818-9050.

"The Addams Family": The Players Theatre, 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

The Players Theatre brings that classic macabre family back to life with the area premiere of "The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy" Oct. 29-Nov. 16. This three week run production will feature the original story, and it's every father's nightmare, it's a "scream." Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29-30, Nov. 4-6, 8, 12-13, 15 and 2 p.m. Nov. 2, 8 and 9. Tickets: $12-$30. Information: 941- 365-2494 or theplayers.org.

Mixon's Halloween Spectacular: Mixon's Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton

Mixon's Halloween Concert in the Grove will be 7-10 p.m. Oct. 30 and will feature fun 60's live music with a Halloween flair by the Paisley Craze Band. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in Halloween costume for a costume contest. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Coolers not allowed. Admission: $10. Parking is free. Information: 941-748-5829 or mixon.com.

Dakin Dairy Farms "Halloween Family Fun" Night: 30771 Betts Road, Myakka City

Get lost in a 6-acre and 7-feet tall corn maze during Halloween Family Fun 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 31, speckled with "Buy Fresh, Buy Local" themed word and picture games and receive a free ice cream upon exiting. Kids can ride the cow train on its own path through the maze, participate in karaoke and roast hot dogs and marshmellows over roaring camp fires. The maze is open Saturdays until 9 p.m. through December. Admission: $10, admission if free for children ages 2 and younger. Information: 941-322-2802 or dakindairyfarms.com.

"Bewitched Burlesque": McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota

Combining traditional vaudeville acts with the elegance of classic burlesque, Black Diamond Burlesque will perform their most extreme show "Bewitched Burlesque," 8:30 p.m. Oct. 31 featuring special guest drag king Spikey Van Dykey and a performance by sword swallowing juggler Bill Berry, and tricks and treats. Tickets: $35. For ages 18 and over. Information: 941-925-3869 or mccurdyscomedy.com.

Halloween Trick or Treat in the Village: Village of the Arts, 1113 12th St. W., Bradenton

All little ghosts and goblins are welcome in the Village of the Arts as over 20 of the shops, restaurants and galleries will be giving out goodies at the inaugural Halloween Trick or Treat in the Village 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31. Children can have their face painted, have fun at the sparkle station or enjoy a specially priced Halloween gemstone bucket. Information: 941-807-5353 or 941-993-3281.

Prism Youth Initiative: "Rocky Horror Picture Show": Dancin' on the Suncoast, San Marco Plaza, 8215 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch

The Prism Youth Initiative will host a Halloween party "Rocky Horror Picture Show," 9 p.m. Oct. 31 and 7 p.m. Nov. 1 featuring a costume contest Oct. 31 and the show starting one minute after midnight Oct. 31 and at 8:30 p.m. Nov. 1. Admission is free, party packages are: Transylvanian package, includes audience participation kit: $10; Cult Classic package, includes one drink, one snack and audience participation kit: $20; Time Warp package, includes time warp dance lesson, VIP seating, one drink, two snacks and audience participation kit: $30. Proceeds will benefit Prism Youth Initiative. Seating is limited. Reservations and information: 941-357-0111 or prismyouth.org/events.

Big Cat Habitat "Wild-O-Ween" and Food Bank Drive: 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota

Big Cat Habitat will host "Wild-O-Ween," an annual exciting, without being scary, kid-friendly festival noon-5 p.m. Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Family fun includes visiting with the Habitat's exotic and other animals, petting zoo, music, children's costume contest, games, prizes and photos with a white tiger. Attendees may bring a small pumpkins to toss to the bears (they'll eat them) and the big cats (they play with them). Admission for children ages 12 and younger is free with a non-perishable food item as a donation. Admission: $15 adults, $7 children. Information: 941-371-6377 or bigcathabitat.org.

This story was originally published October 16, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Spooky events, fall festivals and ghost tours lurk ."