halloween in orlando

Celebrate Halloween in Orlando with these top picks for the area's most haunted happenings!


Halloween starts early in Orlando. You can partake in frightful festivities starting as soon as September. Start planning your couples costume, stock up on your favorite Halloween goodies at the store, and do date night at one of these fantastic Halloween events in Orlando.

Also check out these fall date night ideas:

Tampa Events

Here is what you'll find in our Halloween in Orlando Guide:

  • ORLANDO HAUNTED HOUSES AND EXPERIENCES
  • WHERE TO WATCH HALLOWEEN MOVIES
  • HALLOWEEN EVENTS IN ORLANDO

And, here's Where to Sip Spooky Halloween Cocktails at Bars in Orlando

ORLANDO HAUNTED HOUSES AND EXPERIENCES 2023

FEATURED EVENT

Haunting of River Ranch

Open Now till Nov 4th, every Friday & Saturday

Haunting of River Ranch Hayride with themed banner overhead
Haunting of River Ranch Hayride – image by Tim Meyering

 

For a memorable date night that combines adventure and the spirit of Halloween, look no further than Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo's newest event, “The Haunting of River Ranch.” This seasonal extravaganza promises an unforgettable evening for couples.
Begin your thrilling night by hopping onto a haunted hayride that will take you through uncharted territory at the ranch, unveiling a spine-tingling tale that will send shivers down your spine. Hold hands with your partner as you navigate twists, turns, and eerie encounters.
For those seeking even more excitement, dare to enter the haunted house, where bravery becomes a shared experience. Make this Halloween season unforgettable with your special someone at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo's “The Haunting of River Ranch.
It's a date night adventure that will leave you both with lasting memories and a shared love for the spooky season.

Orlando Halloween Events on Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Haunting Nights

Select dates between September 29 and October 31, 2023
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
Creative City Project brings to life an artful, exciting Halloween experience in the forests of Leu Gardens featuring immersive worlds, fun fall-inspired encounters and a few jump scares, plus fantastic seasonal food and drinks.
Guests will be welcomed by a 10’ tall jack-o-lantern, make their way past the bridge troll and into the forest of eyes, walk through a garden of sunflowers, journey through a neon-light maze, climb up a giant hay-pyramid, meet La Catrina in the Dia de Muertos world, and so much more.

Jack O Lantern Walkway at Happy Frights Leu Gardens - image by Dani Meyering
Jack O Lantern Walkway at Happy Frights Leu Gardens – image by Dani Meyering

 

Annual ALOWEEN Slashback to the 80's & Beyond
Friday, September 1 – October 31, 2023
Colorado Fondue Company – Casselberry
Head to Casselberry for a Halloween dining experience you won't find anywhere else in the Orlando area. Colorado Fondue Company has been in business for 30 years. And over the past 10 years, they've created a tradition of a totally decked-out Halloween-themed dining experience.

Reservations are booking fast so plan ahead and book as soon as possible, 407-767-8232

Nosferatu – Orlando’s Own Adult Vampire Experience
Select nights, September 15 – November 5, 2023
Renaissance Theatre Company – 415 E. Princeton Street, Orlando
The audience moves from room to room, not unlike moving through a haunted house, but this is much more than a haunted house. Every patron has a unique experience; the cast of 22 vampires leads the audience into hidden corners of the building, where they play out engaging (and scary, and sexy) scenarios.
Nosferatu is truly for adults 18+ as the show contains nudity, adult scenarios
$50 General Admission
$20 VBar Cover Charge

Pirates Dinner Adventure and Teatro Martini – Halloween Edition
Sept. 19 through Oct. 31, 2023
Pirates Dinner Adventure
“Vampirates: When the Blood Moon Rises”, a Halloween-themed dinner show suitable for ghouls and goblins of all ages.. The attraction’s adult-only, burlesque-inspired show Teatro Martini is also getting spooky this fall.

Outghost – Halloween at the Outpost
Tuesday, October 31, 11am – close
Outpost Kitchen
Kids meals are 50% off all day with a paying adult. Plus kiddos can trick or treat from all of the staff! And it's $1 oyster Tuesday!

Spooky Halloween Roll
Tuesday, October 31, 6:30pm
Blue Jacket Park
Urban/trail roll starting from “Boo” Jacket Park, heading towards downtown to see the creatures of the night with a quick stop at the Ten10 “Boo-ing” company on route. All screaming wheels are welcome!
Roll out by 7pm and route will combine neighborhood streets, sidewalks and trails. Follow the Orlando Urban trail to downtown and check out the costume party. Total mileage will be around 12 miles but with stops and photo ops could take around 3 hours. Feel free to dress up for the occasion in costume if desired.

Halloween Trivia and Costume Content
Tuesday, October 31, 6:30pm – 10pm
A la Carte
Mike G is at it again with his weekly Tuesday night Trivia, but this week is the name of the game!
In addition to two regularly scheduled rounds of trivia fun, Mike G will be hosting a ! So, come dressed to impress for your chance to win even more prizes! AND anyone in costume will enjoy $1 off drafts all night!

Halloween Night at Lake Nona (21+ Only)
Tuesday, October 31 · 6 – 11pm
Boxi Park Lake Nona
Purchase advance tickets in advance for $10 and enjoy live music by DJ Rick GZ & Blonde Ambition Band, spooky entertainment and more!
Tickets are limited, and the price increases to $20 at the door.

NIGHTMARE IN THE SKY: A HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY
Tuesday, October 31, 9pm – 1am
Sky Lounge, Downtown Orlando
Rooftop Bar, costume party
$15 – $30

Halloween at Indie's ft. DJ Ary
Tuesday, October 31, 8:30pm
Lil Indies
This event is 21 and over, costumes encouraged
No cover

Tales of Terror & Nightmares Haunted Attraction
October 20 – 31
Central Florida Fairgrounds
Looking for an elevated scare? Come enjoy TWO TERRIFYING trails, with an optional higher intensity “personalized” experience. No congo lines here, come through and never experience the haunt the exact way twice. Too scared to go through? Come enjoy food trucks, bar, live entertainment, local artists & more. Select dates starting October 20th through Halloween. Additional dates may be added. Gates open at 7:00pm, Haunt opens at 8:00pm.
Tickets start at $20

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO'S HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS

Select nights September 1 – October 31, 2023

Two major announcements:

  • Season 4 of Netflix’s original series “Stranger Things” comes to life in a terrifying all-new haunted house
  • “Last of Us” video game comes to life as a new haunted house

Admission to Halloween Horror Nights is NOT included in theme park admission and must be purchased separately.

Related: For the full lineup and time-saving info, check out our tips for a Halloween Horror Nights Date Night!

Image credit: @thefloridalocal

WHERE TO WATCH HALLOWEEN MOVIES

 

ENZIAN’S 13 FILMS OF HALLOWEEN

October 3 – October 31, 2023

Catch a classic Halloween movie at Enzian Theater and sip on one of the theater’s themed cocktails of Halloween available throughout the month. Also check out Eden Bar's annual Halloween party in October, which is happening on October 28, 2023.

MUST READ: Where to See Halloween Movies in Orlando this October

Eden Bar Annual Halloween Party
Image credit: Enzian Theater / Eden Bar

 

MUST READ: Where to See Halloween Movies in Orlando this October

 

MORE HALLOWEEN EVENTS IN ORLANDO

Dracula, the Musical, By Opera del Sol
Select nights, October 20 – 29, 2023, 8pm
CityArts, downtown Orlando
A modern vision of Frank Wildhorn's musical, Dracula, based on Bram Stoker's masterwork. Audiences will be immersed in the mind of Mina Harker and the madness of R. M. Renfield, orchestrated by master of darkness, Count Dracula.
$35

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Thursday, October 19 and October 26
The Abbey
Live, multi-sensory experience tentatively includes Thriller – Michael Jackson, Stranger Things (Theme) – S U R V I V E, Beetlejuice (Theme) – Danny Elfman, The Addams Family (Theme) – Vic Mizzy, Medley from The Nightmare Before Christmas – Danny Elfman, and much more
Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
$35 – $55

Haunting on Emerald Cut
Friday and Saturday, October 20 and 21, as well as October 27 and 28
5:30pm – 7:30pm
King's Landing
You will launch from King's Landing and paddle upstream for just under a mile. Once the entire group has reached the top, you will float through the haunted Emerald Cut! Bring your own vessel or rent a kayak for a fun spooky time on the water. Encouraging all paddlers to come dressed in your bone chilling or fun paddle attire costumes. The best dressed will receive a free 4 hour kayak rental for two! Once the float is finished, you can stick around for the floating bonfire!
Kayaking experience recommended, and you will get scared.
Rental – $69 per person
Bring your own vessel – $34 per person

an orange kayay on the Guided Tour Emerald Cut Kayaking Kings Landing
Guided Tour Emerald Cut Kayaking Kings Landing – image by Dani Meyering

 

Haunted Tours at the Museum 2023
Thursday, October 26 – Saturday, October 28, 6pm – 10pm
Museum of Seminole County History
Capacity is limited to 15 persons per tour this year. Tours on the hour at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm.
Bring your own ghost hunting equipment, or use the museum's to track the ghosts through the halls and relay the strange phenomena which have taken place within these walls! Your ghostly guide, dressed in appropriate costumed garb, will share with you spine tingling stories of the unexplained things that have happened at the museum.
$7 – $10

Winter Garden Halloween Experience
October 20 – 31, 2023
Why celebrate Halloween on one day when the fun can last over 10 days! Activities include outdoor animated Halloween Light Shows on City Hall as well as live music, shows, and pop-up street performers on Friday/Saturday/Sunday evenings; a hay maze; holiday-themed photo locations; decorations and light displays; merchant themed decorations and food items; fall themed Farmers Market, and more!
All events are FREE admission.

Popcorn Flicks in the ParkHOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL (1959)
Thursday, October 26, 8:00 PM
Presented by Enzian Theater
FREE

Sip & Shop (Halloween edition)
Friday, October 27, 5:30pm
Oviedo Mall
Halloween Sip & Shop event with a spooky twist. Take a food and wine stroll around the mall while enjoying live entertainment, spooky photo ops and much more. Come dressed in your spooky best and receive a special prize (while supplies last)

Phantasmagoria XIV: “Tales of the Undead”
Thursday – Saturday, October 26 -28, 8pm
Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, Dr. Phillips Center
From terrifying Vampires fresh from their graves to Ghastly Revenants and Banshees, along with amusingly bewildered Ghosts to the very terrors of being buried alive – Phantasmagoria will weave their tapestry of “Whimsically Macabre” tales.

Spooky Empire
October 27 – 29, 2023
Check out Florida's premier horror convention just in time for Halloween in Orlando! This annual convention takes place Orlando Orange County Convention Center and includes vendors, a film and tattoo festival, music, celebrity speakers, and more for lovers of the spooky season. Single day passes are $40 – $60, and weekend passes are $80 (when purchased in advance).

Studio du Chocolat: Hands-on Halloween Chocolate Experience
Saturday, October 28 · 1 – 4pm
Caribe Royale Resort
Executive Pastry Chef Joshua Cain, who was recently featured on Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship and Chocolatier Maria Sanchez will guide you through the 3-hour Halloween-themed hair-raising chocolate adventure. You will make a variety of delectable treats and spooky chocolate sculptures.
Minimum age: 13 years old
$125

Halloween Themed Cocktail Line-Up
October 28 – 31, 2023
Citrus City Craft
Join the fun on October 28 for a day full of activities and mouthwatering new Halloween Themed cocktails (available only Saturday through Halloween). There will be a Dog Of The Month Costume Contest, Live DJ, Costume Contest with $500 in Cash and Prizes, and Mr. Biggs Barbecue in the beer garden serving up some amazing food!
FREE

GAYLORD PALMS GOBLINS & GIGGLES WEEKENDS
September 9 – October 28, 2023
This year's Goblins and Giggles Weekends at Gaylord Palms features an escape room, a Monster Mash bash, Jack-o'-Lantern walk and much more.

Couples won't want to miss the Spookeasy bar experience, a haunted hideaway straight out of the prohibition era featuring spine-chilling craft cocktails and a spooky atmosphere. Other themed offerings include a nightly 9pm Halloween light show in the atrium.

A young child poses with 3 characters during Goblins and Giggles Weekends at Gaylord Palms Orlando
Goblins and Giggles Weekends at Gaylord Palms Orlando – Michelle Spitzer

 

Put on your calendar for next year…

A Petrified Forest

Select nights, September 29, 2023 through October 28, 2023.
1360 E. Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs
$34.98 for all three trails,  $49.98 for VIP including three trails and a backstage tour

What separates this haunted house from its counterparts? For starters, this haunted house features outdoor trails in the woods where you never know what will be lurking around the next corner. This year’s theme is Nature's Fury, with each trail incorporating the theme in various disturbing ways.

A Petrified Forest offers backstage tours every night they’re open (the only Central Florida haunted attraction to do so) so you can see what it takes to be part of the attraction.

In addition, they offer special days for various guests. Saturday, October 14 is Kids Day, filled with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and other fun games. Wednesday, October 11 is a private event welcoming everyone with special needs to attend and experience the trails. Patrons are allowed to go at their own pace with help from staff.

Finally, if you’re into absolute terror, October 18 and 25, 2023 are Total Eclipse Nights, nights where you’re only given one glow stick as you journey through the trails with no other source of light. Eek!

TIP: Since this attraction is outdoors, be sure to wear clothing and shoes that aren’t expensive and can get dirty. And make sure to park down the road at Adjectives so you get to ride the Terror Trolley for the full experience.

TIP: Since this attraction is outdoors, be sure to wear clothing and shoes that aren’t expensive and can get dirty.

Image credit: A Petrified Forest

Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts And Goblins
Included With Park Admission Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29

“Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum” returns with an all-new exhibit. Encounter specters, goblins and more as you learn about the origins of everyone’s favorite haunted holiday. Explore new haunt-zones like “The Creepy Creature Carnival,” where famous monsters moonlight as midway attractions and the “Frightful Frontier,” an Old West Town populated with cursed cowboys.

Then hop aboard the Cryptid Express, where you can seek out hidden beasties like the Florida Skunk Ape, Moth Man, Chupacabra and more. All this, plus interactive characters, animal meet-and-greets, and a Children’s Halloween Costume Parade with treat bags for all kids who participate. There are also fun shows, a variety of specialty vendors games, candy giveaways and more.

All this at Gatorland, plus multiple themed areas, interactive characters, animal meet-and-greets, and a Children’s Halloween Costume Parade with treat bags for all kids who participate. Guests can wear costumes, just nothing scary or gory. The Halloween activities are included with regular park admission.

 

Zoo Boo Bash at Central Florida Zoo
Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, 2023
Central Florida Zoo

Zoo Boo Bash is the perfect way for children and families to safely show off those Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat while enjoying the fun of the Zoo. The Zoo will have plenty of not-so-scary decorations and activities, including trick-or-treat stations.

4 adults in disney costumes at Halloween in Orlando Boo Bash Image by Central Florida Zoo
Halloween in Orlando Boo Bash Image by Central Florida Zoo

 

Avalon Park Spooktacular
Saturday, October 28, 2023, 5-9pm
Downtown Avalon Park’s Halloween Event will feature trick or treating, performances, bounce houses, and a number of food trucks. Best of all, admission to this Halloween event in Orlando is totally free.

Trick or Read
Saturday, October 28, 11am – midnight
Gods & Monsters + Vault 5421
Come in costume for treats and receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win special prizes. Halloween Sale of 10% OFF storewide all day, when you mention the sale.
Vault5421, 8pm Halloween party, 21+, Themed drink specials, cosplay bartenders, spooky tunes & videos, cosplay cage-dancing & door prizes for everyone in costume.
Come early and pregame during our Happy Hours, featuring 20% OFF ALL DRINKS at the bar, 3pm until Halloween party begins

Halloween Costume Contest at Wekiva Island
Saturday, October 28, 7pm – 11pm
Wekiva Island
Dress to impress for a chance to win prizes and enjoy live music by The Hindu Cowboys!
21+ only

10th Annual Thornton Park District Halloween Block Party
Saturday, October 28, 8pm – 2am
$10 – $20
Head to the Thornton Park District aka “Downtown for Grown-Ups” for this festive annual street party celebrating Halloween. Festivities include a costume contest with cash prizes ($500 – $1,000). Pre-Sale tickets only $10 & includes one free Tito's Spooky specialty Cocktail. Tickets $20 the day of the event.

 

 

READ MORE: Best Haunted Houses in Central Florida

Sweeney Todd
September 7 – October 1
Theater West End – Sanford
An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife.
$25

Milk Mart Spooky Soirée
Sunday, October 1, 2023, 12pm – 6pm
The Nook on Robinson
Come out and shop for new Halloween decor, costume pieces, and all kinds of unique local goodies from over 125 vendors, artists, and small businesses!
Costumes are welcome and encouraged.

Halloween Trivia Night
Thursday, October 3, 2023, 7:30pm
Crooked Can Brewing Company
Halloween related questions from anything and everything Halloween.

Halloween Trivia Night
Thursday, October 5, 7:30pm
Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company (Flamingo Crossings Town Center, FL)
Halloween related questions from anything and everything Halloween.

Owl Prowl: Here for the Boos – Adults Only
Friday, October 6, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Adults-only evening of owl education and viewing!
$15 per person

Sinful: A Wicked Affair
Saturday, October 7, 8pm – midnight
The Abbey
Indulge in the world of dark fantasies as we bring your wildest dreams to life. Dress up in your most extravagant costumes and immerse yourself in a night of mystery and allure. Whether you're a vampire, witch, werewolf, or any other creature of the night, this event is the perfect opportunity to let your imagination run wild.
Formal attire required
$179 – $299

Lake Nona Pumpkin Carving Workshop
Thursday, October 12, 6pm – 9pm
Dockside Lake Nona
Unleash your creative potential with an instructor led pumpkin carving workshop led by world renowned pumpkin carver, Paul Dever!
$65

Brew and Boo Costume and Pumpkin Contest
Saturday, October 14, 3pm – 9pm
Little Wekiva Brewery
Little Wekiva Brewery is near Winter Springs, Apopka, and Altamonte Springs. This month's market of curated creatives and craft beer includes a costume contest with prizes for most creative, and a pumpkin carving contest!

Adults Only Monster Mash
Friday, October 13, 7pm – 11pm
Island H2O Water Park
Classic Halloween music will be played during the event to get in the spirit, select water slides and attractions will be open, glow foam, and more. Must be 18 or older.
$25

Science Night DEAD
Saturday, October 21, 8pm – 11:30pm
Orlando Science Center
Enjoy a beautiful view of the night sky through the giant telescopes on the FINFROCK Terrace; conduct lab experiments in Dr. Dare’s Laboratory; and delight in food, beer, and wine available for purchase.
Experience Science Night Live at the special evening rate of $19.
21+ only

Ghoulish Grooves
Friday and Saturday, October 20 and 21, 2023
Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater (Dr. Phillips Center)
Join Central Florida Community Arts Big Band for Ghoulish Grooves – a spook-tacular concert filled with not-so-scary thrills and chills fit for the whole family.
$20

Ghoulish Grooves Halloween Concert Orlando
Ghoulish Grooves Halloween Concert Orlando – by Dani Meyering

 

Halloween on the Ave
Friday, October 20, 2023, 8pm
Winter Park Farmers' Market, 200 West New England Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789
Halloween Costume Party with live music, costume contest, lite bites, and drinks
$55 – $90

The Night Market and Zombietoberfest
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 5-10pm
The Audubon Park Garden District's Night Market at Audubon features locally and regionally made crafts, food trucks, vintage, art, photography, DJ, live music, cash bar and fortune tellers. Part of Zombietoberfest, it is Orlando's most original Halloween festival.

 

14th Annual Dia de los Muertos & Monster Party
Thursday, October 19 · 6 – 11pm

This unique art exhibition at CityArts will be paired with an outdoor experience on opening night that will feature food, drinks, entertainment and spooky art vendors. Tickets are $5/person for the event, and $50 for the outdoor dining experience.

 

 

Year-round Halloween haunts…

Prometheus Esoterica
Visit Prometheus Esoterica any time for a super fun and spooky date idea. They have hot coffee and cold specialty non-alcoholic drinks and a few seats where you can sip and take in the spooky views. This shop is so unique and full of interesting, and creepy, treasures.

Open year round, usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Prometheus Esoterica Coffee Shop and Store
Prometheus Esoterica Coffee Shop and Store – Dani Meyering

 

Atomic Horror

Step inside a locally owned shop that is packed with horror film merchandise, figures, and spooky gifts. Atomic Horror is a paradise for anyone who loves spooky movies, TV shows, and creepy characters. There are multiple photo opportunities and lots of fun things to see. It's the perfect touch of Halloween anytime of year.

Open year round, usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

inside Atomic Horror Shop Orlando
Atomic Horror Shop Orlando – image by Dani Meyering

Feature Image credit: ©Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved.