Halloween events 2025: Trick-or-treat, parties and more around Manatee County

It’s spooky season, and Bradenton and Sarasota are getting in the Halloween spirit with fun events all October long.

Haunted happenings around Southwest Florida in 2025 include community trick-or-treating, cemetery walks, Halloween festivals, street parties and seasonal shows.

There’s something fun for all ages, including many free and family-friendly events.

Here’s a guide to ghoulish good times near you.

Family friendly Halloween events

Goblin Gathering at G.T. Bray: Manatee County’s 23rd annual Goblin Gathering will bring family-friendly Halloween fun to G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton on Oct. 17. Free admission includes a costume contest and trick-or-treating.

Paid activities will include bounce houses and a petting zoo.

Local businesses and organizations will have exhibit booths set up, and there will be food trucks and spooky photo oppurtunities at the park.

• Details: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17. GT Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. Access G.T. Bray Park via 59th Street West or 51st Street West and park near the Recreation Center. Free admission.
• Info: MyManatee.org.

Lights at Spooky Point: For the fourth year, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will transform its Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey into a Halloween wonderland.

“Visitors to Lights at Spooky Point will journey along a hauntingly lit trail that winds through the wooded grounds and historic landmarks of the campus,” organizers say. “Along the path, guests will encounter whimsical Halloween displays and imaginative light installations at every turn.”

“Returning favorites include the spectral ‘ghost orchids’ that hover above the Pioneer Graveyard, towering ‘Dracula orchids’ draped in eerie Spanish moss, and vibrant ‘spider orchids’ spun into glowing webs high in the trees,” an event preview says. “These stunning decorations are inspired by real-life plants bearing the same names — a playful nod to Selby Gardens’ botanical roots and horticultural mission.”

The event is designed for all ages but includes a few minor jump scares.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

• Details: Admission times at 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. nightly. Oct. 3 to Nov. 1. Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Members: $24. Non-members: $34. Ages 5-17: $19. Ages 4 and under: free. Advanced purchase recommended.
• Info: Selby.org.

Cemetery Scavenger Hunt at Manatee Village Historical Park: Whether you’re looking to get in the Halloween spirit or just learn some local history, a self-guided scavenger hunt at Manatee Village Historical Park makes for a free and fun outing in October.

“Grab a scavenger sheet and head into the 1850 Manatee Burying Ground to see what you can discover!” an event preview says. “Search for the oldest headstone, spot unique symbols carved in stone, and uncover fascinating pieces of Manatee County’s past.”

• Details: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Manatee Village Historical Park. 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Free.
• Info: (941) 749-7165. manateevillage.org/events

‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ at Sarasota Polo Club: The Players Centre in Sarasota is once again teaming up with the Sarasota Polo Club to host their annual live outdoor production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

Bring lawn chairs or blankets and watch Ichabod Crane’s infamous encounter with the Headless Horseman.

Each night of the show includes a costume contest for guests.

• Details: 6 p.m. Oct. 23 to 25. Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. Ages 18 and up: $30 preferred seating; $25 general seating. Ages 17 and under: $20 preferred seating; $15 general seating. Family discounts available.
• Info: ThePlayers.org

Sheriff’s Spooktactical Night: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will host a night of Halloween fun at its operations center that will include vehicles on display, demonstrations, activities for kids, food and trick-or-treating. Free hot dogs and chips will be available while supplies last, and there will also be food trucks.

• Details: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton. Free.
• Info: Facebook.com/ManateeSheriff

BooFest in Lakewood Ranch: Lakewood Ranch will host some Halloween weekend fun with BooFest. The street party event will include trick-or-treating, a costume parade for kids, live entertainment and food and drink vendors on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

• Details: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. 8130 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch. Free admission.
• Info: LakewoodRanch.com

Boo! at The Bazaar: The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime in Sarasota will host a free, indoor trick-or-treating event on Oct. 25. The market and gallery are home to over 40 creators and curators. Costumes are encouraged, and there will be a princess meet and greet for kids.

• Details: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota. Free.
• Info: BazaarOnApricotAndLime.com

Stelliferous: The Magic of Astronomy at The Bishop: A special nighttime museum event will combine magic and science.

“You are cordially invited to a night of witchcraft and wizardry at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature,” an event preview says. “Some of the most famous and infamous members of the magical world are named after real astronomical objects. So, escape your common rooms and join the Astronomy Club President, Hannah, in the school’s observatory for a night of wonder, fun, and, most of all, magic!”

Guests can enjoy butterscotch beer in the lobby before the main event in Bishop’s Planetarium Theater, and wands and robes are encouraged.

• Details: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. $5 per person. Ages 1 and under: free. Register online. Ages 17 and up: $15 ($10 with membership). Ages 16 and under: $5 ($3 with membership).
• Info: BishopScience.org

Trick-or-Treat in Village of the Arts: Bradenton’s most creative community will welcome families for trick-or-treating on Halloween night.

“Kids can dress up in their favorite costumes and stroll our neighborhood, where galleries and neighbors will be handing out candy and welcoming families into the Village,” an event preview says.

“This is one of our favorite nights of the year,” event coordinator Carrie Price said in a news release. “It’s all about family fun, community, and enjoying Halloween together.”

Village boundaries stretch from Ninth Avenue West to 17th Avenue West between Ninth Street West and 14th Street West.

• Details: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Village of the Arts, 110 12th St., Bradenton. Free.
• Info: VillageOfTheArts.com

Halloween on South Lime: A Sarasota cul-de-sac will transform into a family-friendly, haunted walking experience on Halloween night. Local art education company Enlightened Monkey Arts hosts the annual production, which features animatronics, projection mapping, spooky sounds and special effects.

This year’s event is titled “Madam Dementia’s Fairytales for the Underworld,” and it will bring fabled characters to life.

Parking is available on nearby Ringing Boulevard, in the free city parking garage next to Payne Park and at Sarasota Lanes.

• Details: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. 133 S. Lime Ave., Sarasota. Free. Parking available on Ringling Boulevard and South Lime Avenue. Free.
• Info: EnlightenedMonkeyArts.com

Halloween Safe Kids Night: On Halloween night, families are invited to costume up and head to the Manatee County Fairgrounds for the 22nd annual Halloween Safe Kids Night.

Community organizations will be set up at booths with individually wrapped and sealed candy to distribute under the cover of the Mosaic Arena. There will also be games to try, public safety equipment and vehicles to see and a children’s costume contest.

Guests can park along 17th Street West and enter at Gate One across from Palmetto High School or park at the south end of the fairgrounds and enter at Gate Nine, across from Church on the Rock. The event is hosted by CrimeStoppers of Manatee County in partnership with the Manatee County Fair.

• Details: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto. Free.
• Info: Facebook.com/ManateeCrimeStoppers

St. Armand’s Fright Night: For the 17th year, St. Armand’s Circle showcases decorated storefronts and frightening costumed characters walking the streets. Restaurants and businesses will offer candy and games for kids and special promotions for adults.

• Details: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. St. Armand’s Circle shops and restaurants, Sarasota. Free.
• Info: Facebook.com/StArmandsCircleAssociation

Street parties and more in Bradenton, Sarasota

Oscura’s Grave Rave Halloween Ball: This Halloween party at Oscura will feature DJ sets of pop punk and emo music, plus a live performance by North Florida pop punk band Reckless Giants. Event runners will crown a “king and queen” of the ball.

• Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17. Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Tickets: $12 advanced purchase; $15 at the door. All ages; guardian required under age 18.
• Info: Facebook.com/oscuralive

Joyland Boo-Bash: Joyland’s 29th annual Boo Bash promises a Halloween dance party with costume contests, cash prizes and giveaways and a haunted maze experience.

• Details: 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Joyland Live Music Night Club, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. Ages 21 and up: $15. Ages 18 to 20: $30.
• Info: JoylandSarasota.com

Downtown Sarasota Block Party: The Gator Club in downtown Sarasota will host its annual adults-only block party on Halloween night. The party includes indoor and outdoor music, DJs, food vendors and costume contests with prizes.

• Details: 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. The Gator Club, 1490 Main St., Sarasota. Ages 21 and up.
• Info: Facebook.com/TheGatorClubSRQ

Did we miss a local Halloween event? Send an email with details to rballogg@bradenton.com.