Halloween Happenings

LEGOLAND BRICK-OR-TREAT

Through Oct. 29: Experience the spooky, kooky fun at one monster of a kid-friendly party. Trick or treat throughout the park, meet exclusive Halloween characters, indulge in spooktacular goodies and watch an all-new fireworks show. Included with admission. Saturdays and Sundays. 1 LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven. legoland.com

HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS

Through Oct. 31: The evil minds at Universal Studios can be counted on to create the best of the worst experiences money can buy, including 10 haunted houses, five scare zones, outrageous live shows and crypt loads of themed food, beverages and merch. Among this year’s haunted houses: The Last of Us, Stranger Things 4, Chucky—Ultimate Kill Count. Separately ticketed event. 6:30 p.m. 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com

Bubbly Block Party at Leu Gardens during the Happy Frights Halloween event. Photo by Quay Hu

HAPPY FRIGHTS HAUNTING NIGHTS

Through Oct. 31: Leu Gardens is teaming up with the magicians at Creative City Project and Memoir Agency for one of the more elevated Halloween experiences in town. Choose Happy Frights, at 5 p.m., for the youngsters or Haunting Nights, at 7:30 p.m., for those 13 years and up. With live magic shows all evening for both experiences and eight trick-or-treat stations for the kids, there is much to see. Tickets available online only. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. halloweeninthegarden.com

SEAWORLD’S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

Through Oct. 31: Who says trick or treating has to wait for night? This daytime event has all the fun of traditional trick or treating and a pinch of the spooky stuff. Come in costume and visit all the goodie stations, stroll the Pumpkin Garden, meet a mermaid and rock out at a DJ dance party. 11 a.m. Included with admission. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive. 407-545-5550. seaworld.com

Courtesy of SeaWorld

SEAWORLD’S HOWL-O-SCREAM

Through Oct. 31: Horror has surfaced from the depths to terrorize this once-peaceful, kid-friendly theme park. Freak out in five haunted houses, at terrifying shows and through seven scare zones and rides. Separately ticketed night event for mature audiences; this one is not for the kiddies. No costumes. Thursdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. seaworld.com

MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY

Through Nov. 1: Disney’s chillingly heartwarming party gently spooks your little ones on select nights after regular park hours. It’s a costume party, so dress up and sink your teeth into the not-terribly terrifying parades, stage shows, special effects, projections, music, food and beverages and, of course, bewitching fireworks. 7 p.m. Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com

A PETRIFIED FOREST

Through Oct. 28: Voted one of the top haunted houses in Florida, A Petrified Forest is a walk in the park – if you enjoy being frightened half to death. Three new scare trails – Macabre Magic, The Final Bell and The Gore Seasons – and laser tag await the brave. Gates open at 7:30 p.m., rain or shine. 1360 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs. 407-468-6600. apetrifiedforest.com

CLICK, CLACK, BOO! A TRICKY TREAT

Oct. 2-29: Farmer Brown is afraid of Halloween and has forbidden his barnyard crew from throwing the party of the year but Duck, Pig, Cow and Hen use a little trickery to show him that apple-bobbing contests and bottomless bowls of candy are worth a few shivers. Saturdays, Sundays 2 & 5:30 p.m. Orlando Family Stage (formerly Orlando Repertory Theatre), 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407-896-7365. orlandofamilystage.com

PAINTED OAKS ACADEMY PUMPKIN PATCH & CORN MAZE

Oct. 8-Nov. 30: Lake Pickett Road in east Orlando sets the fall mood with events both heartwarming and haunted. The Pumpkin Patch, which runs through Oct. 31, is open daily but the weekends are when Painted Oaks breaks out the pony rides, petting area, moonlight and haunted hay rides, barbecues and vendors. The corn maze and the hay rides begin Nov. 1. Festivities are Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Buy tickets online. Prices vary according to age.15239 and 15100 Lake Pickett Road, Orlando. 407-929-0970. paintedoaksacademy.com and cornmazeorlando.com

ZOO BOO BASH 2023

Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29: Trick or treat at the wildest place in town, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Adults and children alike are invited to wear costumes at the zoo’s annual Halloween celebration, which features not-too-scary activities, decorations and treat stations. Included with admission. $5 for passholders. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford. centralfloridazoo.org

Gatorland’s Popular Gators, Ghosts, and Goblins Halloween Event Returns For the Fifth Year of Family Fun and Fright Done Right!. Courtesy of Gatorland

GATORLAND GATORS, GHOSTS AND GOBLINS

Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29: Mildly scary and family friendly while being fun and educational, too. That’s the mix that works for Gatorland, which hears more than its share of screams for a theme park. Hop on the Cryptid Express and track down elusive and not-at-all mythical beasts such as the Florida Skunk Ape, Moth Man and the Chupacabra. A children’s costume parade, candy stations and animal meet and greets are standout activities for the little ones. Included with park admission. Gatorland, 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando. 407-855-5496. gatorland.com

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW

Oct. 19-20: No Halloween is complete without the interactive version of the cult-favorite castle full of oddballs. The evening starts with a preshow featuring DeLand Pride and the Absent Friends. Audience members are encouraged to follow along with the shadow cast and come in costume, sing along with the songs, dance the dances and present their approved participation props (available in advance for $8.) 18 and up. 8 p.m. Athens Theatre, 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand. 386-736-1500. athensdeland.com

GHOULISH GROOVES

Oct. 20-21: Central Florida Community Arts Big Band has some scary good interpretations of Halloween tunes to which the audience can dance. Hear swingin’ versions of the Ghostbusters, The Addams Family and Thriller themes, among many more. Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 & 7 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

PHANTASMAGORIA XIV—TALES OF THE UNDEAD

Oct. 26-29: Lovers of the macabre have two venues in which to shiver as Victorian horror troupe Phantasmagoria venture out of their crypts to again share their favorite Halloween horror stories. The works of Edgar Allen Poe, H.G. Wells and the nameless masters of the Penny Dreadfuls come to life through evocative storytelling, puppetry, projections, dance and original music. Not for squeamish children of any age. Oct. 26-28 at 8 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org. Oct. 29 at 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Athens Theatre, 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand. 386-736-1500. athensdeland.com

ORLANDO CREEPY CRAWL FUN WALK OR 5K RUN

Oct. 28: The Creepy Crawl, now in its 17th year, lurches past the competition with fun activities for all, including a costume contest for pets and their humans, trick or treating, abundant food, music and prizes. The event supports the mission of the Hemophilia Foundation of Greater Florida. Registration 4 p.m., run/walk 5 p.m. Harbor Park at Baldwin Park, 4990 New Broad St., Orlando. 800-293-6527. bleedingdisordersfl.org

TRICK OR TREAT SAFE ZONE

Oct. 28: Calling all little ghosts and ghouls: It’s time to celebrate the scary while trick or treating throughout the library and history center. Enjoy creepy crafts, games and candy, on the house. Costumes are encouraged. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Orlando Public Library and Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. 407-836-8500. thehistorycenter.org

HALLOWEEN AT CRANES ROOST PARK

Oct. 31: Families trick-or-treat in a safe environment as local businesses hand out candy and trinkets from booths lining the lake. Live entertainment, costume contests, games, food and beverages for sale. 5-9 p.m. 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs. 407-571-8180. altamonte.org

Special Events

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Through Nov.18: Explore the world of culinary treasures on a leisurely tour of marketplaces featuring authentic global foods and beverages while enjoying the sights and sounds at entertainment spots throughout the World Showcase. Dance and dine at the Eat to the Beat concert series. Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com

ALL STAGES, ALL PEOPLE—13^TH ANNIVERSARY BREAKFAST

Oct. 6: This year’s Central Florida Community Arts breakfast centers around CFCA’s commitment to radical accessibility and equity in the performing arts and features heartfelt testimonials and performances. Registration: 7:30 a.m., program: 8 a.m. The Alfond Inn, 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park. 407-937-1800. cfcarts.com

50th ANNUAL WINTER PARK AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL

Oct. 7-8: The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce hosts the only juried fine art festival exclusively featuring Florida artists. Stroll the shaded avenue and explore this community-oriented sidewalk show featuring extraordinary artists, children’s art activities, live music and refreshing beverages in a beer garden. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Park, 251 S. Park Ave., Winter Park. 407-644-8281. winterpark.org

Courtesy of Avalon Park

AVALON PARK OKTOBERFEST

Oct. 13-14: It’s Oktoberfest time, and Central Floridians are invited to spend the evening in the Avalon Park beer garden, sipping Germany’s favorite beverage. Enjoy Alpine dancing, live music and food. Beer Garden Preview is Friday and the festival runs on Saturday. 5-10 p.m. 3651 Avalon Park Blvd. East, Orlando. 407-658-6565. avalonparkorlando.com

CLEARWATER JAZZ HOLIDAY

Oct. 19-22: Experience the Celebration that is The Clearwater Jazz Holiday- a world-class, live, music festival, now in its 44th year. This year’s headliners include The Beach Boys, Gladys Knight, Buddy Guy Damn Right Farewell and the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band. Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland Street, Clearwater. clearwaterjazz.com

COUNTRY THUNDER 2023

Oct. 20-22: Do you hear that? That’s the thundering sound of country greats and their fans gathering for three days of music amid Kissimmee’s ranch lands. Headliners include Cody Johnson, Hardy, Keith Urban, Carly Pearce, Lonestar and more. Noon. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. 321-697-3333. ohpark.com

BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY DAY

Oct. 21: The Florida Native Plant Society and Mead Botanical Garden present a free, family-friendly informational to help residents create biodiverse backyard habitats that support bees and native wildlife. This event features educational hikes, native plant and wildflower seed for sale, kids’ activities, food trucks, live music and environmentally conscious exhibitors. 9 a.m. 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park. tarflower.fnpschapters.org

BANDS OF AMERICA CHAMPIONSHIP

Oct. 21: Watch some of the best high school marching bands from across America at the Orlando Regional Championship. The top 10 scoring bands will perform in the finals. 7 a.m. Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando. 407-440-7900. campingworldstadium.com

COME OUT WITH PRIDE ORLANDO

Oct. 21: It’s time for a day full of love as the Pride Festival unwraps its enormous show of support for Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ communities. Don’t miss the Most Colorful Parade, where more than 100 businesses and groups stroll a mile through downtown beginning at 4 p.m. Three stages of live music with local acts and celebrity headliners will keep the park hopping all day and it closes out at 9:30 p.m. with a spectacular fireworks show over Lake Eola. Come Out With Pride supports the LGBTQ+ community through grants and scholarship programs. Noon-9:30 p.m. Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St., Orlando. comeoutwithpride.org

FEAST ON THE 50

Oct. 26: Florida Citrus Sports presents a tailgating get-together like no other, as it’s on the field and is the main event. Unlimited food and drink as well as spirit for your favorite school, be it UCF, Rollins, FAMU, B-CU or those other ones from the Big Ten, SEC, ACC and Big 12. $40. 5 p.m. Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando. 407-440-7900. campingworldstadium.com