OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Enjoy a weekend of horror-filled fun as Halloween approaches. From a spooky-themed date night and haunted trail to a pet-lover convention, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Check out these top pick events in the 352.

Friday, Oct. 16

Date Night at the Discovery Center

  • What: “Attack of the Slime” is coming to the Discovery Center, where couples can enjoy a kid-free evening. Guests will make slime, brave the monster scavenger hunt and check spooky science experiments.
  • When: Friday, Oct. 16 from 6:30-8 p.m.
  • Where: Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala.
  • Cost: $30 per couple.

Learn more here.

Saturday, Oct. 17

Breakfast with the witches

  • What: A buffet-style, Halloween-themed breakfast served by witchy servers. Menu includes Witchy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole, Berry Brew Waffles, Spell Bound Feta Eggs, Bat Wing Bacon & Sausage, Broomstick Cheddar & Black Pepper Biscuits with Smoked Gravy, Black Cat Hash, Cauldron Grits, and Fresh Fruit. Coffee, OJ, soda, and tea are included.
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
  • Where: The Magnolia Room at Miz Kathi’s Cotillion, 101 North Main St., Wildwood.
  • Cost: From $23.40 (tickets via the site; flyer previously listed Children $20/Adults $35). Tickets available through their booking system.

Learn more here.

Fort King Haunted Trail

  • What: Prepare for spooks, thrills and ghostly stories at the Fort King Haunted Trail. Guests are invited to enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere at the fort from 5-8 p.m. Come nightfall from 7-9 p.m., guests can immerse themselves in “Phantoms in the Fort,” where spooky stories will be read by the Marion County Library System. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the entire fort at night and walk through the haunted trail on-site.
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 17 from 5-10 p.m.
  • Where: Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

4th Annual Ocala Pet Palooza

  • What: Pet parents, lovers and enthusiasts are invited to the annual Pet Palooza. Guests and pets will enjoy a pet parade, costume contest, dock diving and more with vendors featuring dedicated items for furry friends. Everything furry, feathered, scaley and beyond are welcome to join the fun.
  • When: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 17-18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Where: WEC Expo Center 2, 1598 NW 87th Ct. Rd., Ocala.
  • Cost: Advance tickets are $10, box office tickets are $12 and children 12 and under are free.

Learn more here.

Wine Your Way Around

  • What: A themed weekend during Brown’s Adventure Farm’s 7 Weekends of Fall. Visitors get access to the farm’s attractions (including the corn maze, barnyard animals, 30+ activities, photo ops, and more) plus a Wine Stroll with tasting stations. This event was previously scheduled for last weekend but was rescheduled for this weekend.
  • When: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 17-18. Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wine Stroll: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. both days
  • Where: Brown’s Adventure Farm, 13940 U.S. HWY 301, Oxford.
  • Cost: General admission: $19.95 per person online (plus fees); $24.95 at the gate (plus fees).

Learn more here.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadowcast

  • What: Lo-Fi Theatre Company presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadowcast”—a live interactive performance in which costumed actors from the troupe act out the cult classic onstage while the original 1975 film plays behind them. Audience participation (callbacks, singing, props) is encouraged. Ages 18 and up only. Tickets include a goodie bag with props and a callback cheat sheet; VIP tickets include additional novelty character bags.
  • When: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 17-18. Times: 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. each night.
  • Where: Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala. (downtown Ocala; presented by the Reilly Arts Center)
  • Cost: $23 to $38 (face value; includes prop bag). VIP seating is at the higher end of that range. Tickets available through the Reilly Arts Center website/box office. Third-party resale prices may be higher.

Learn more here.

This Random Life & Alex Soto present a Jell-O Wrestling Competition

  • What: An adult night of Jell-O wrestling matches (including featured bouts such as Brutha BS & Nasty Boy Jesse Chudeusz vs. 10x Champion Samantha Bender), live performances by Samantha Bender & Trish Sins plus a surprise guest, games, prizes, vendors, and a food truck. 21+ only.
  • When: Saturday, October 17, 2026. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. The show starts at 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Nowhere Bar, 8970 SW 27th Ave., Ocala.
  • Cost: Free entry for spectators. $10 to wrestle.

Learn more here.

For more events happening across Ocala, Marion County and North Central Florida, visit our events page!