Liza Mitchell
Through Oct HAUNTED TRAILS Take a half-mile walking adventure through Apocalypse Alley, the Voodoo Gardens and the Old Spanish Trails Cemetery. Pass by the haunted house if you dare! Tours are held from 8-11pm every Thursday through Saturday during the month of October. Old Spanish Trail, 13535 W. Beaver Street, 257-9078, thehauntedtrails.net
Thru Oct ZOMBIEFEST is a three-attraction event combining a haunted house with laser tag against live zombies, and a live zombie archery shoot out. Children must be 8 or older to play laser tag. The Haunted Laser Tag is rated PG, and Zombiefest is rated PG-13. Children ages 10 and up may participate. However, parental discretion is advised for children younger than 13. Cost: Haunted Laser Tag is $12 for one round; Zombiefest admission is $20 per ticket for normal standby entrance or $30 for front-of-line tickets. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are valid for entry into the line for a specific 30-minute window. Friday and Saturday nights in October. Rebounderz, Durbin Crossing at 14985 Old St. Augustine Rd, 300-0070, rebounderzjacksonville.com
Oct 1-Nov 1 DUNGEON’S SCREAM PARK Over 30,000 square feet of terrifying fun including Delirium Haunted Attraction, The Freakshow Haunted Attraction, The Rot, The Last Ride 3D Adventure, Scarecrow’s Revenge Haunted Hayride and Zombie Hunt 3D. There will also be hay rides, carnival games and rides for younger children. Main attractions are not advised for children 10 and under, but it is up to the parent’s discretion. The Clay County Fairgrounds, 2493 State Rd 16, Green Cove Springs, 509-2346, thedungeons-ha.com
Oct 2-Nov 1 ZOMBIE KILL ZONE Strap on your paintball gun, and join the fight against a quarantined horde of infected zombies before they attack the city! The specialized fabricated trailers allow 30 people per ride to join the cause to eliminate these creatures using specially designed weapons to deliver a serum that destroys the zombies. Shoot fast or risk becoming one of them every Thursday through Saturday through Nov 1st. 18280 Middleburg Road, Maxville, zombiekillzone.net
Oct 3-Nov 1 HALLOWEEN HAUNT NIGHTS featuring Zombie Attack Laser Tag, 3D Haunted House, four Haunted Houses and more. Tickets are available for one haunt, or combo. Adventure Landing, 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, 246-4386, adventurelanding.com
Oct 4-Nov 2 THE HAUNTING OF SCHOOLHOUSE NO. 4 Presented by Pandemic Haunted Attractions, this terrifying tour is open during select dates and times throughout the month of October. Admission and operating times vary according to date. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Not recommended for kids 7 and under because of the frightening imagery. 773-3382, 11112-28 San Jose Blvd, pandemichauntedattractions.com
Oct 4 – Nov 15 CONNER’S A-MAIZING ACRES Find your way out of this patriotic-inspired corn maze, if you dare! Family friendly and fun for all ages. 19856 County Road 121, Hilliard, 879-5453, conners-a-maize-ing-acres.com
Oct 4 -26 CORN MAZE at SYKES AND COOPER FARMS This award-winning, nine-acre maze is sure to get your family ready for Halloween! Features a Spookley the Square Pumpkin maze for the kids, a nine-acre corn maze, hayrides, a playground, and farm animals to see and meet. Located on SR 207 in Elkton, Sykes-Cooper Farm, 5995 Brough Rd., Elkton, 692-1370, sycofarms.com
Oct 10-12 & 16-18 HALLOWEEN HAUNTED FOREST Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary hosts their annual Halloween Haunted Forest. The event offers crafts and games, the option to stroll through the Haunted Forest, and time to view the animals, all included in the admission price. Catty Shack residents include Siberian tigers, lions, cougars, black spotted leopards, a bobcat, coatimundis, and foxes. Costumes are encouraged but not required. At the end of your visit, all kids get a bag of candy to go home with. Tickets are $10, adults; $5, children 3-11; and 2 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, or at the gate. cattyshack.org
Oct 11-12 NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY IN THE PATCH Southside United Methodist Church hosts a neighborhood Party in the Patch from 6-8pm with music, food trucks, and more. The fall festival will feature free carnival games, rides, and a hot dog dinner. 3120 Hendricks Ave, 396-2676, southsideumc.org
Oct 11 4TH ANNUAL PIRATE PARTY Walk the plank for huge raffle treasures, entertainment by Mr. Natural, pirate grub, 50/50 raffle for Safe Harbor Maritime Academy, door prizes (loot) and a costume contest! Proceeds go to Safe Harbor Maritime Academy. $40 for one pirate, $75 for two. 7pm-midnight. CoRK Arts District, 2689 Rosselle St, propclubjax.com
Oct 11 7th ANNUAL WORLD ZOMBIE DAY Zombies will take over Downtown for a good cause. Admission is 2 or more cans of food for the annual food drive of the Daniel Foundation. Come dressed up or get zombified by students of the Paul Mitchell School doing make-up. The zombies will begin their walk thru Downtown at 4pm and return to Midtown Deli for entertainment and vendors. 2-7pm. Midtown Deli & Cafe, 100 N Laura St
Oct 12 6th ANNUAL YAPPY HOUR HOWL-O-WEEN BASH Don’t let your pooch miss the biggest K-9 Costume Contest, Trick-or-Treating around the Landing, a pet expo, games, prizes, live music, and more. Register by 3pm for the costume contest, as space is limited. The costume contest begins at 3:30pm. Admission is free. Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188, jacksonvillelanding.com
Oct 17-Nov 1 SPOOKTACULAR AT THE ZOO The annual Spooktacular event returns with Charlie Brown’s Pumpkin Patch, bounce houses and a giant inflatable slide, the Enchanted Forest, Pirate’s Cove, DJ, Jack o’lanterns, candy stations throughout the zoo, three scare zones (not recommended for children under 10), and more. Guests are encouraged to dress up in family-friendly and safe costumes. Treat bags are provided for children. Oct 17-19, 24-26, 29-Nov 1, 6:30-9pm but you are encouraged to arrive early as lines will form. Members $8, Non-members $10, Children 2 and under are free but must have a ticket. $1 off coupon available when purchasing tickets online. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Pkwy, 757-4463, Jacksonvillezoo.org
Oct 17 MONSTER MASH DASH This year’s Monster Mash Dash 5K will take place at 6pm at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall. This race features a 1-mile fun run followed by the 5K race, both of which benefit Community PedsCare. The race event also features a restaurant village of food, children’s activities, and entertainment on the main stage. Participants are encouraged to dress to impress. Awards will be given for the best team participation and individual times. The Monster Mash Dash 5K is held in conjunction with the annual Halloween Doors and More event which features a spin on the average trick-or-treating experience. Community Hospice, 886-3883, communityhospice.com
Oct 18 10TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN DOORS AND MORE Join Community Hospice of Northeast Florida for the 10th anniversary of Halloween Doors and More. This event features a spin on the average trick-or-treating experience and features activities and attractions for children and parents alike. Participants are invited to explore the 14-foot fantasy doors which will feature new ventures like It’s a Frozen World and the return of classic favorites. Other features include Fantasy Forest Disco, a spooktacular make-over at the Emerald City Salon, Harry’s Wizarding World, Jaxson de Ville and more. Each door features special games and activities for the children to partake in and food and beverages. All proceeds of Halloween Doors and More will benefit Community PedsCare, a nationally recognized pediatric palliative and hospice program for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. Community Hospice, 886-3883, communityhospice.com
Oct 18-19 ORANGE PARK 32ND ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL The Orange Park Fall Festival is an annual arts, crafts, and music event held at the Orange Park Town Hall grounds. There will be music, food, crafts, vendors, entertainment and more. Opening Ceremonies begin at 10am on Saturday. The Fall Festival is a free, public event. Parking will be available at Moosehaven with a shuttle service running throughout the day. Town of Orange Park, 264-2635, townoforangepark.com
Oct 24-25 CREATURES OF THE NIGHT The St. Augustine Alligator Farm invites families to come dressed in costume for candy, a creepy creature experience, animal trading cards, and more. Kids can wander the wild walkway and encounter costumed animal keepers with spooky animals and treats. There will be an alligator feeding show and a drawing for free annual passes and other prizes. 5:30-7pm. Admission is $8 adults, $6 children for Annual Pass holders; and $9 adults, $7 children for non-pass holders. St. Augustine Alligator Farm, 824-3337, alligatorfarm.com
Oct 24-25 CROOKED CREEPY RIVER From 5-7pm come to the Side Show at the creepy nature center and learn about nature’s acro-bats. From 7:30-10pm, go for a haunted hayride if you dare (parental discretion advised). On Friday there will only be haunted hayrides. On Saturday there will be the creepy nature center and haunted hayrides. $3 per person, $5 parking. Crooked River State Park, St. Mary’s, GA, 912-882-5256, gastateparks.org
Oct 25 PIRATE-THEMED HALLOWEEN CAMP Don your best pirate attire for this overnight camp-in at MOSH which includes a costume contest. Explore the Museum’s traveling exhibit, ODYSSEYS’s Shipwreck! Pirates & Treasure, go to a Planetarium program, embark on a scavenger hunt, and end the night with a movie. Cost is $35 per person (adult required) and includes a late night pizza snack and continental breakfast. Members receive a 20% discount. Register at themosh.org. Museum of Science and History, 396-MOSH, themosh.org
Oct 25 HALLO-WEE PARTY Adventure Landing hosts a Hallo-WEE party for kids. This not-so-scary celebration will include crafts, games, face painting, candy and more. Held at 2 Jacksonville Locations. Visit website for more details. Adventure Landing, adventurelanding.com
Oct 25 SPECIAL NEEDS FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL is an awareness event for all families with special needs. Activities include face painting, balloon artist, magician, train rides, Mrs. Bubbles, family photos, carnival games, Southpaw-the Jacksonville Suns Mascot, music, dunk tank, and more. Lunch will be available for purchase. Parents must supervise their children at all times. Free admission. Please consider donating a new toy to support the UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities toy bank. UF Developmental Pediatric Center, hscj.ufl.edu.
Oct 25 PUMPKIN BOWL Isle of Faith UMC hosts a Pumpkin Bowl, Pet Parade & Pie Bake Off. Activities include a pie baking contest with prizes, costume prizes, field games, pumpkin carving contest, crowning of Pumpkin King and Queen, pet parade, live music and more. Free admission. Held in conjunction with the pumpkin patch. Isle of Faith UMC, 1821 San Pablo Road S, 221-1700, iofumc.org
Oct 25-26 MANDARIN ROAD FARM FESTIVAL Mandarin Road Farm Festival is held on a 6-acre horse farm in the heart of Mandarin. Activities include inflatable bounce houses, slides, interactive games, pony rides, haunted hay rides, old time games, concessions, and more. Mandarin Horse Farm, 210-7077, 14159 Mandarin Rd, mandarinhorsefarm.com
October 25-26 BEACHES OKTOBERFEST Complete with polka bands, a food truck village and beer from around Germany, the 2-day festival has something to offer for all ages. The BEAM foundation and other local organizations will benefit from the proceeds of the event. Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, beachesoktoberfest.com
Oct 25 KIDGITS MALL-O-WEEN AT THE AVENUES MALL from 5-7pm, Kidgits are welcome to come and trick-or-treat in a safe environment indoors at The Avenues. The event will include a costume contest, activities, and giveaways. Visit the mall for information on joining the Kidgits program. Avenues Mall, 363-3054, simon.com
Oct 25 HAUNTED HAYRIDE AND ENCHANTED FOREST Take an old-fashioned hayride down one of the camping loops where you will encounter different spooks and thrills at many of the sites. There will also be a “scare-free” option for the kids where they can walk the Enchanted Forest for a magical experience. Other activities will include music, food for sale, games, and lots of other fun. $10 for Haunted Hayride and Enchanted Forest or $5 for Enchanted Forest only. Anastasia State Park, 461-2033, floridastateparks.org/anastasia.
Oct 26 EVERGREEN PUMPKIN RUN The 10-mile and 5K will start and run together. The course runs through Evergreen Cemetery and along Winona Drive. The entire course will be lined with pumpkins. Entry fees start at $25. A $50 1st Place Sports gift card will be given to the runners wearing the best costume in the following divisions: Scariest Costume, Funniest Costume, and Best Overall Costume. Sign up online. Free food and drink will be served after the race. You may take one pumpkin per person home with you after the 10-mile race has finished. 1st Place Sports, 1stplacesports.com
Oct 26 KIDS FITNESS ZOMBIE CHASE On this one-mile course, kids ages 5-15 will run from start to finish while trying to avoid being “bitten” (stickered) by the zombies that roam the course. Parents and older siblings ages 16 and up, you are the zombies! Entry fees start at $10. Parents can run with his/her child as long as that parent is registered as a zombie or bodyguard. No adult will be allowed on course without a race bib or volunteer bracelet. You don’t have to dress like a zombie, but it is encouraged. All zombies will provide their own costume and make up. 9am. St. Johns Town Center, kidsfitnesszombiechase.com
Oct 26 DOGTOBERFEST Dogtoberfest features a fundraising trick-or-treat walk and costume contest to raise money for vital spay/neuter programs. Rain or shine. The trick-or-treat walk will be open from 11am-1pm. Only VIPs can trick-or-treat, so make sure to get your VIP access. Other activities include Ultimate Air Dogs dock diving and other canine demonstrations, dog costume contest, Doga (yoga with your dog), music, food trucks, vendors, and more. The costume contest is a $5 donation per category for non-VIP registrants. VIP tickets are a $25 donation, and includes trick-or-treating with your dog, goodie bag, VIP area with refreshments, costume contest entry and more. Metropolitan Park, First Coast No More Homeless Pets, fcnmhp.org
Oct 29 FASCINATING RHYTHM ORCHESTRA: SPECIAL HALLOWEEN NIGHT OF CELEBRATION & DANCING The Fascinating Rhythm Orchestra, the only Big Band (17 piece) in NE Florida dedicated to the needs of dancers of all styles, from swing to latin, to waltz, bop and more, is having a special, Halloween-themed dance and celebration. Prizes will be given for the best costumed couple. Singles are welcome. There’s always someone looking for a dance partner. Food and beverage available to buy. $5 cover charge at the door, cash only. Doors open at 6pm, and the band starts at 7pm. Comedy Club of Jacksonville, 11000 Beach Blvd #8, 646-4277, fascinatingrhythm.net
Oct 29 HOWL-A-WEEN DOG PARADE & COSTUME CONTEST In the spirit of this kooky and creative holiday, Slider’s Seafood Grille is calling dogs and dog people to check out the spookiest dog bash on 1st Street. Wow the crowd with your crazy costumes, win a $50 gift card to Slider’s, and help support First Coast No More Homeless Pets. For every Duke’s Brown Ale by Bold City, 50 cents will go towards supporting FCNMHP. 6pm. Slider’s Seafood Grille, 218 1st St, Neptune Beach, slidersseafoodgrille.com
Oct 30 MOCALOCAS Pre-Halloween festivities of sipping seasonal beers and cocktails, tasting foods incorporating the flavors of fall, and decorating your own costume mask. 7-10pm. MOCA Jacksonville, 366-6911, mocajacksonville.org
Oct 31 AMAZING GRACE CROP MAZE HARVEST PARTY Harvest Party at the Amazing Grace Crop Maze on October 31. From 2-6pm, come harvest the candy from the maze. Attractions include Maze or Treat, Duck Races, Corn Crib, Corn Hole, Playground, Mini Hay Bale Maze and pumpkins for sale. There will be no hayrides or cow trains during the Harvest Party. Kids and adults–wear your costume and get $7 admission. There will be a costume contest at 5pm. Amazing Grace Crop Maze, 284-2949, agcropmaze.com
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