NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA (352today.com) – There are so many Halloween-themed events around North Central Florida every year, it’s almost… well, scary.
Here’s our rundown for the entire month. Check back often, as we’ll be adding more events as we find out about them—and if you’re looking for non-Halloween-themed fall events all season long, take a look at our Fall Guide events calendar. Happy Halloween!
Pumpkin Patch at Ocala First UMC, OCT. 1-31: Come and get them gourds. 4-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 4-8 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. 1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
Fear Circus at Ocala Civic Theatre, OCT. 2: A thrilling and chilling multi-modal live production that incorporates circus performances, music, lights and dark storytelling. Under 13 not admitted. 8 p.m. 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
Marion County Parks & Recreation 8th Annual Fall Carnival at Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, OCT. 3: It’s an evening of family-friendly spoopy fun, including hayrides and haunted stalls. 5-9 p.m. 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd., Ocala.
Woof O Ween at Ocala Downtown Market, OCT. 4: Local pet resources, vendors, food, treats and more, but of course everyone is there for the pet costumes, so bring it. Noon-4 p.m., 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
The Gray Family Halloween at Ocala Downtown Market, OCT. 9: It’s another annual tradition, this one adding vendors, food and adult fun to a kid-friendly trick-or-treating environment. 6-10 p.m., 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
Jeeptoberfest at Florida Horse Park, OCT. 9-11: One of the largest “Jeep only” celebrations of the iconic automaker in the Southeast. Multiple days and times. 11851 SW 16th Ave., Ocala.
Marion Oaks Pumpkin Patch at Our Savior Lutheran Church, OCT. 10-11: Friends, family and fall fellowship. 260 Marion Oaks Dr., Ocala.
Boo-tiques, Bites & Beautiful Rides at Silver Springs Shores Community Center, OCT. 10: This cavalcade of vendors, food trucks and cars on display is back for a second year. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 590 Silver Road, Ocala.
Burnyzz Trunk or Treat Car Show, OCT. 10: Burnyzz Speed Shop hosts this free, family-friendly event with stuff for both kids and adults. 4-7 p.m., 1 Aspen Rd., Ocala.
True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show at Ocala Golf Club, OCT. 10: Get your sleuth on—the murderer is hiding in plain sight. 6-9 p.m., 3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
Ghouls Night Out at Ocala Downtown Market, OCT 10: GNO brings the freaky, fright-y fun to the market with their usual inimitable style. 7-10 p.m., 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
Ghost Walking Tour at Historic Ocala Preservation Society, OCT. 10-24: Stroll through town and hear true scary stories of the city’s past. Multiple times on Saturdays. 712 E. Ft. King St., Ocala.
Phantasmagoria XVII: Frankenstein at Ocala Civic Theatre, OCT. 11: The acclaimed Victorian horror troupe gives an atmospheric live interpretation of the Shelley classic and its origins. 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
Lost Souls River Tour at Silver Springs State Park, OCT. 16-31: The spooky, family-friendly river ride returns each weekend through the rest of October. Advance reservations recommended. Multiple dates and times Fri-Sun. 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Shadowcast at Marion Theatre, OCT. 16-31: The classic, best experienced in a rowdy live environment. Multiple dates Fridays and Saturdays the remainder of the month. 50 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala.
Fort King Haunted Trail, OCT. 17: After a five-year hiatus, the beloved Ocala tradition returns with Family Fun in the Fort, Phantoms in the Fort, and of course the trail itself. 5-10 p.m. 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala.
Horse-O-Ween at Ocala Downtown Market, OCT. 23: Bring your costumed stick horse to compete in the games in between browsing equine vendors and food-trucking it. 3:30 p.m. 405 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
8th Annual Howl-o-Ween Pawty at Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, OCT. 23: This tradition, sponsored by Ocala Electric Utility, delivers family-style fun, trunk-or-treating, costume contests and more. Bring your pet! $5 (12 & under free). 5:30-8 p.m. 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd., Ocala.
After Dark in the Park Movie Series feat. “Young Frankenstein” at Fort King, OCT. 23: Revisit the inimitable Mel Brooks comedy classic for free under the stars. (BYO blanket or chair.) 7 p.m. 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala.
Fall O’Ween Citra Community Social Event, OCT. 24: Gather with the neighborhood at the Citra Community Center for networking, nibbling and supporting local vendors. Noon-4 p.m. 2351 E. Hwy 318, Ocala.
Belleview Trunk or Treat, OCT. 24: The annual family-safe tradition expands yet again and relocates to the Belleview Sports Complex to fit in all the fun. 4-7 p.m. 6501 SE 107th St., Belleview.
American Legion Post 27 Ruck or Treat at Ocala-Marion Veterans Memorial Park, OCT. 24: In addition to food and free activities like trick-or-treating for the kids, you can take part in a 2.2-mile “ruck walk” to honor vets and help fight combat-related mental illness. 3-7 p.m. 2601 E. Ft. King St., Ocala.
Spooktacular Halloween & Trunk or Treat at Rainbow Lake Estates Community Center, OCT. 24: It’s a good ol’ family-friendly neighborhood Halloween party, with the added suspense of a “best trunk” contest. 5-8 p.m. 4030 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon.
2026 Hocus Pawcus Pet Costume Contest at WEC, OCT. 24: Yet another Ocala tradition. Go all-out doing your pet up or just come to gawk at what others have come up with. Registering your pets in advance is recommended. 5-7 p.m., WEC Expo Center 2, 1750 NW 8th Ave., Ocala.
Park After Dark feat. “Little Shop of Horrors” at Sholom Park, OCT. 27: Hit this pop-up experience under the stars for $5 per car and enjoy a very special movie about a man-eating plant. 6 p.m., 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala.