October is here, fall weather is in the air, and Halloween is just around the corner. Are you ready for some spooky, festive Halloween fun this year? No matter where you look in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater area, you will find plenty of fun to be had with an impressive list of haunted houses, pumpkin patches, parties, and events. Plan ahead for your fun this year with our list of favorite 2025 Halloween events and activities near me in Tampa, FL created by Brandon Ford.
Things To Do for Halloween 2025 in the Tampa Area
What is your favorite thing to do for the Halloween season? Do you love haunted houses that get your heart pounding? Do you love to put on a costume and take your kids trick or treating? Whatever your favorite part of Halloween is, the Tampa area promises plenty of fun and spooky activities for you and your family to partake in this year — from fun, kid-friendly events to spooky, adults-only parties.
Here is a list of our favorite things to do for Halloween in the Tampa area:
Tampa Riverwalk Trick-or-Treat
WHEN: Saturday, October 2025 at 4 p.m.
WHERE: Cotanchobee Park and Tampa Convention Center
This is the signature Halloween event in the Tampa area and takes place along the picturesque Tampa Riverwalk. This year’s Tampa Riverwalk Trick-or-Treat event will include trick or treating on the Tampa Riverwalk, a costume contest, a Halloween movie at Cotanchobee Park, food trucks, photo opportunities, and much more. Do not miss out on the fun at the annual Tampa Riverwalk Trick-or-Treat!
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens
WHEN: September 5 – November 1
WHERE: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Halloween is all about thrills for many people in the Tampa area and few events will deliver the same thrills as Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens. This annual event combines thrill rides and Halloween haunts in every corner of the park. Highlights of this Halloween event include multiple haunted houses, six scare zones across the park, four horrifying hordes, live dance parties, and Halloween-themed refreshments.
Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa
WHEN: Select Nights in October
WHERE: ZooTampa
Do you or your kids love little creepy crawlies? You may find all you could ask for and much more at the annual Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa. This fun and family-friendly event includes many Halloween-themed activities for every member of the family. Fan favorite attractions include the Carousel de los Muertos, Mesozoic Mayhem, the Dancing Dead disco party, Pirates Paradise, Vampire Ball, Troll Cave, and spooky animal exhibits.
A Nightmare on Franklin Street
WHEN: Select Dates in October
WHERE: Tampa Theatre
Tampa Theatre is the most historic movie theater in the area and by many accounts — the most haunted. Tampa-area families can enjoy everything this haunted theater has to offer this year at A Nightmare on Franklin Street. This event will include ghost tours of the historic Tampa Theatre, screenings of many of your favorite horror movies, spooky stage shows, and other family-friendly attractions.
Pied Piper’s Haunted Carnival
WHEN: October 23 – October 26
WHERE: Armature Works in Tampa
The 4th Annual Pied Piper’s Haunted Carnival promises fun for all ages. Families will be able to enjoy classic carnival rides, midway games, a Kid Zone, and a pair of ferris wheels during the day. When the sun goes down, adults will enjoy an incredible Halloween music festival with top artists. Artists at this year’s event include Steve Aoki, Rick Ross, Irie, Galantis, Nick Hogan, and more.
READ MORE: What’s New for the 2026 Ford Bronco?
Make plans for a fun and festive Halloween with this list of our favorite 2025 Halloween events and activities near Tampa, FL created by the Brandon Ford Team. Apply for credit approval today and get behind the wheel of a brand-new 2025 Ford F-150 in Tampa!