Jacksonville, Florida, is a hotbed of Halloween events that promise to bewitch and delight all ages. From the spine-tingling to the family-friendly, the city offers various festivities to celebrate the spooky season. The annual Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a highlight, where visitors can don their best costumes and enjoy thrilling tricks and tempting treats. For those seeking scares, the world-famous 13th Floor Haunted House is a must-visit, offering heart-pounding experiences that live up to its legendary status. For a more whimsical approach, there’s the Lantern Lights Halloween Festival at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, featuring a lantern parade and a silent disco. Jacksonville’s Halloween events are a ghoulishly good time for all.
Halloween Events
BOOS & BREWS
October 21, 11 AM – 7 PM
Indulge in an autumn day at Congaree and Penn, featuring a pumpkin patch, live music, wagon rides, and more!
HAUNTED ON THE 13TH FLOOR
Multiple dates through October 31
Experience the world-renowned 13th Floor Haunted House, Jacksonville’s iconic Halloween attraction. Halloween finds its home here in these Halloween events.
13th Floor Review
Of course, I want to start my October off right, so I add 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 the event when our tickets were for 8 PM. All actors are dedicated in 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.
HALLOWEEN LANTERN FESTIVAL
October 27–28, 6:30 PM–9 PM
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens teams up with “Jacksonville Magazine” to bring you an October event full of frights and fun, featuring a lantern parade, silent disco, and more!
SPOOKTACULAR
October 13-15, 19-22, 26-31, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens presents its 36th annual Spooktacular October events! Dress in your finest costume and prepare for a mix of tricks and treats.
Spooktacular 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.
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING
October 13–14, 20–21, 27–28
Alhambra Theatre & Dining offers a unique dining and entertainment experience. Savor a meal that aligns with the theme of the show you’re watching.
SPLAT THE CAT’S HALLOWEEN PARTY
SWEET PETE’S
October 20 & 21
Craft spooky caramel apples, enjoy story time, and meet Splat the Cat at Sweet Pete’s October events.
Sweet Pete’s Review
The outside and inside are decorated with Halloween kid-friendly decor 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 stay away from sugar as much as I can, but a lot of their products are 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.
After These Spooky Halloween Events Get Ready For Christmas Events
Come and capture memorable photos with Santa in Jacksonville, FL. We can’t contain our excitement as we invite you to our cozy studio for an exclusive 15-minute photo session with Santa. This unique experience allows your family to have a personal conversation with Santa, where children can share their thoughts on the naughty and nice list. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to create lasting memories with photos with Santa in Jacksonville, FL.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA IN JACKSONVILLE, FL
RUSS BRATCHER PHOTOGRAPHY
November 11
Meet and greet with Santa Claus, and capture some moments for your family and holiday cards! Photos with Santa in Jacksonville, FL is not an event you want to miss.