Jacksonville, Florida, is a vibrant hub for Halloween events that promise to enchant and entertain all ages. From spine-tingling thrills to family-friendly activities, the city offers a variety of festivities to celebrate the spooky season. A highlight is the annual Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, where visitors can wear their best costumes and enjoy exciting tricks and tasty treats.
For those in search of scares, the world-renowned 13th Floor Haunted House is a must-visit, providing heart-pounding experiences that live up to its legendary reputation. If you prefer a more whimsical experience, check out the Lantern Lights Halloween Festival at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, which features a lantern parade and a silent disco. Jacksonville’s Halloween events guarantee a ghoulishly good time for everyone!
Pumpkin Patch
Congaree & Penn
September 26 – November 3, 2025
Indulge in an autumn day at Congaree and Penn, featuring a pumpkin patch, live music, wagon rides, and more!
Haunted House
13th Floor
September 13 – November 8
Experience the world-renowned 13th Floor Haunted House, Jacksonville’s iconic Halloween attraction. Halloween finds its home here in these Halloween events.
2023 Review: Of course, I want to start my October off right, so I added this to my Halloween events list. I’m not a total horror fan, but I mustered up the courage and visited The 13th Floor this year. Our group of five walked through, and it took about 25 minutes. We waited an hour to start walking to the event, despite our tickets being for 8 PM. All actors are dedicated to this production, but I was most creeped out by the enclosed spaces with closets and angled floors! I would do this again and rate this a 6.5 out of 10 for scare factor—9/10 for overall experience.
Jacksonville Zoo
Spooktacular
October 4, 10-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-31
5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Purchase a day before and SAVE $5
Sensory-Friendly Night on October 12 – No scares, loud sounds or flashing lights. Tickets $15
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens presents its 38th annual Spooktacular October events! Dress in your finest costume and prepare for a mix of tricks and treats.
2023 Review: Gorillas, giraffes, and Jack-o-lanterns oh my! We entered a spooky and magical world of all things Halloween at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens annual Spooktacular. We were surrounded by the cutest animals in town, decorated Jack-o-lanterns, dazzling colorful lights, and some of the creepiest characters around. While this event primarily caters to a younger audience, some haunted houses and pathways will scare the most levelheaded adults. Enjoy the spooky music, fun decorations, and the animals at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Annual Spooktacular. Add this to your must-do Halloween events.
Theatre
Alhambra Theatre
The Rocky Horror Show LIVE
October 23–25, 30, 31
This is not a typical dinner show. This show does not include a meal.
Sweet Treats
Sweet Pete’s
Craft spooky caramel apples, enjoy story time, and meet Splat the Cat at Sweet Pete’s October events.
2023 Review: The outside and inside are decorated with Halloween kid-friendly decor, which is my favorite part of this store. The owl is spooky, staring at you right when you walk into the main hallway. The decor is old-school and whimsical. I try to stay away from sugar as much as possible, but many of their products are pretty tempting. If your kiddo wants to visit a candy shop with a spark of magic, this stop will be on your list for your Halloween events and pitstops.
Fall Mini Sessions
Russ Bratcher Photography
October–December 2025
In 2025, choose from four mini-sessions in Jacksonville to suit your family’s style! Learn more about the offerings in our mini-sessions.
Other Events in and Around Jacksonville
Oct. 3-31: Mortality & Mourning Candlelight Tours at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Oct. 4: Croctober Brew-at-the-Zoo at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Oct. 4-Nov. 2: The Maze at Sykes Family Farms
Oct. 4: Pink Up the Pace
Oct. 5: Florida Bohemian Festival at the Florida Agricultural Museum
Oct. 10: Fanfare! by First Coast Opera — music and dining event
Oct. 11: Elks Lodge Halloween Bash
Oct. 10-31: Pumpkin patch at Southside Methodist Church – 3120 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Oct. 12: Artisans & Music in the Garden at the Peña-Peck House Garden from 12-4:30 pm
Oct. 24-25: Hastings Fall Festival of Art & Harvest Trail Farm Tour
Oct. 24-26: Creatures of the Night at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Oct. 24-26: St. Benedict Blues Festival at Saint Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, 86 M L King Jr Ave.
Oct. 25: Ancient City Kids Day at Francis Field
Oct. 25: Jail Break Break at the Old Jail & Old Town Trolley Tours — a benefit for Investing in Kids
Oct. 25: Witches Night Out by Pub Crawl STA
Oct. 25: Trick-or-Treating & Harvest Festival at the Ximenez-Fatio House
Oct. 25: Trick-or-Treating on Saint George Street from 1-4 PM
Oct. 29: All Hallows Eve Second Annual Charity Bash
Oct. 30: St. Augustine Concert Band
Oct. 31: Happy Halloween!
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