As the days grow shorter and the nights get a bit chillier, it is time for Hallows’ Eve to make its grand entrance. Carve a jack-o’-lantern, watch a horror movie marathon or even better, get in the Halloween spirit by checking out these local events happening all through October.
The Gainesville Fear Garden
When: Friday, Sept. 23 to Monday, Oct. 31
Where: The Gainesville Fear Garden
Cost: Prices vary; visit their website for more information
Join in on the ultimate Halloween party under a white canopy tent, bathed in moonlight, complete with beer, wine, mocktails, games and a projector room. Beware, there is a catch: Entry to this party must be earned by surviving the Dark Story Tent. Guests must find their way through pitch-black darkness guided only by a special tour guide that speaks to them through the headphones provided. Spooky, right?
Peanut Patch and Corn Maze Halloween Festival
When: 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 30 to Oct. 29
Where: Peanut Patch and Corn Maze
Cost: $15 cash only; free for children ages 3 and under
Get into the Hallows Eve spirit with some old-fashioned fun. The Peanut Patch and Corn Maze offers Halloween nostalgia at its best with hayrides, corn mazes, a barrel train, horse shoe pit, cornhole, a haunted house and a campfire.
Paint a Halloween picture at Painting with a Twist
When: Throughout October; visit their website to find specific dates
Cost: Ranges from $28 to $60
Come paint, sip and relax, no artistic talent needed. Students will be guided step by step in painting a Halloween-themed image that can serve as a keepsake for years to come.
Adult Trick or Treating
When: 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21
Where: Swamp Head Brewery
Why should kids get to have all the fun when it comes to trick-or-treating? Swamp Head Brewery invites guests to don a costume and relive their favorite childhood Halloween activity, with a twist. Instead of candy, Swamp Head Brewery will serve candy-inspired in-house beer.
The Haunted Forest Experience — Search for the Skunk Ape
When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22, 28-29
Where: Sow Food Farm GNV
Cost: $20
Feeling adventurous? Participate in this spooky, immersive experience in the Florida wilderness where guests must search for one escaped mythical creature — a skunk ape.
Monster Mash and Trick-or-Treat
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29
Where: Oaks Mall in front of JCPenney
Cost: Free
Kids will love going store to store throughout the mall to trick-or-treat and dancing the night away in their Halloween costume. This event will feature prizes, fun music and more. Do not forget to bring a big bag for trick-or-treating.
Boo at the Zoo
When: 3 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31
Where: Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Cost: One canned good or non-perishable food item per person
All ages are welcome to this fun, family friendly event. The zoo is transformed into a spook-tastic experience, where patrons can visit various themed candy stations for trick-or-treat. The event will also have live entertainment, animal encounters and games for guests to enjoy.
Howl-A-Palooza at Sun Country Sports Center
When: 3 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
Where: Sun Country Sports – West
In-Advance Cost: $25 per child, $10 per adult
At this day of family fun, experience carnival games and prizes, train rides, face painting and even a kiddie haunted house at the Sun Country Sports Center!
By Shelley Akins