Bring out the pumpkins, the monsters, the strobe lights and the masks! There are plenty of spooky goings on this year around Tallahassee and nearby. The Florida State Flying High Circus is practicing its ghoulish production, with skeletons swinging from the trapeze.
Here’s a look at the highlights of what’s happening, culled from websites and press releases:
Flying High Circus Halloween Show Series
The FSU Circus puts on a Halloween themed show each October at the Jack Haskins Circus Complex, 269 Chieftan Way. All students as well as the community are invited to attend this fun and spooky yet family friendly production of zombies breaking into dance and skeletons flying through the air.
Do not miss this thrilling performance. Shows will be 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29-30 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, and Friday, Nov. 5. Tickets range from $18-$6. Visit tickets@fsu.edu.
33rd Annual Dog-O-Ween at Tom Brown Park
Star 98.9 Presents the 33rd Annual “Dog-O-Ween” from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, at Tom Brown Park, 501 Easterwood Drive.
Your dressed-up dog could win up to $100 cash! Registration starts at 11am with celebrity judging at 12 noon. Entries fees are just $10 per dog. Dog’s must have vaccinations up-to-date with paperwork to compete!
There will be entertainment including music, food vendors, door prizes, and more.
Visit facebook.com/events.
Scary good:Tucker Civic Center hosting a drive-thru Trunk or Treat for Halloween fun on Oct. 30
Home and garden:Demon fingers pop up just in time for a Halloween scare | Harrison
Recipe:Harvest your own easy-to-make Pumpkin Patch Cookie Cups
Terror of Tallahassee haunts all month
The annual dark, haunted and ghastly experience that is Terror of Tallahassee is back this year at 1405 Lake Bradford Road. Hours are 7:30-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22-23; 8:30-10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28; 7:30-10:30 p.m. Oct. 29-30 and 7:30-11:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Get tickets, $22 per person, in advance at terroroftallahassee.com.
While still operating as usual this year, some things have been changed in order to ensure your safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Breathing masks are requested while attending, and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from other parties, in order to reduce COVID-19 risk. You must show up at Terror of Tallahassee during the 30 minute time window that you selected when purchasing a ticket. Check out the FAQ on the website for details:
Q: Is it really scary?
A: Afraid so! Ask anyone who has been to the corporate haunts (like Universal) and also ours, and the vast majority will acknowledge we’re far more intense. We emphasize quality of the experience over quantity of the customers, so we don’t push customers through in a continuous line. Our small, intimate groups isolate the customer and prevent them from knowing what to expect around the corner by seeing the reactions of other people ahead in the line… and we have LOTS of corners (and frights behind them)
Spooky Springs Evening Cruise at Wakulla Springs
Get into the spirit of the “Creature from the Black Lagoon” as you float over the dark waters of Wakulla Spring in a glass bottom boat. Catch a Spooky Springs tour on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, 465 Wakulla Springs Park Drive; Visit floridastateparks.org.
Be treated to some of the lesser known stories and legends surrounding the spring and the Lodge. Be immersed in the mystery of “Old Joe’s” assassination. Discover the power of “Haint” blue. Delve into the plausibility of ghost stories associated with the lodge. Park guests may register for these tours at beginning at 10 a.m. on the day of the event. Each tour is limited to 20 guests.
Tours depart at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Make a reservation (850-421-2000) for a spooky lunch buffet in the dining room from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations accepted for the Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park.
Trunk or Treat at the Civic Center
The Tucker Civic Center will host a Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat event at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. This free event will bring Halloween Fun to the Tucker Center Parking lot for kids of all ages. Trick or Treaters will visit the festive lot while collecting candy from vendors who have decorated their area. Come enjoy great costumes, spooky decorations, and lots of candy. This event is sponsored by Fitness Pro.
Attendees are asked to stay in their cars and will enter the parking lot from the North Drive (off of the intersection of Pensacola Street and MLK Blvd).
Businesses or organizations that are interested in being a vendor can visit https://bit.ly/DLTCCHalloween or email dltciviccenter@gmail.com.
Historic Monticello Ghost Tours
Home to Indian Mounds and many historic buildings, Monticello has a reputation for being the most haunted small town in the South. Superstitious tourists, history lovers, and supernatural hobbyists have enjoyed the history and haunts of Monticello. Monticello’s ghostly experiences aren’t limited to the month of October or Halloween, but it’s good time to visit at the Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce‘s hair-raising tours.
Special events include:
Haunted Victorian History Tour, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, 420 W Washington St, 420 W Washington St, Monticello, $20
Moonlight Cemetery Walks, 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, Roseland Cemetery, E. Madison St., Monticello, $20;
Creepy Cornhole Tournament, 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. Monticello, E Dogwood St, Monticello, $40.
Halloweekend: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 29-31 including History Tour, Cemetery Walks, Paranormal Investigation Workshop, Tarot Reading and Macabre Magic Show,
Join Historic Monticello Ghost Tours for a spooky weekend of events at Halloweekend for $50. Space is limited, masks required. For details, visit monticellojeffersonfl.com.
Tiptoe Through the Tombstones in Thomasville
Ever wonder what — or who — lurks below? Join the Thomasville History Center on a tour the oldest public cemeteries in Thomasville, Georgia, and learn about their inhabitants on Tiptoe Through the Tombsones. Bring along your imagination as we wander amongst through these properties.
Tours will include stories about Thomasville’s former citizens and the lives they led. Registration is $10 and space is limited. Tours will be held at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23. Follow us through the Old Cemetery and Flipper Cemetery — if you dare.
To register, visit www.thomasvillehistory.org. For questions, contact the Thomasville History Center at 229-226-7664 or history@rose.net. The cemeteries close at dusk and the gates will be locked so all tours will end promptly at 5:30.
Haunted Garden Walk at Maclay
Expect Spooky Spanish moss and more at the Haunted Garden Walk at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, 3540 Thomasville Road, from 6:45-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29.
Join us for a haunted walk through the formal gardens to see this year’s scarecrow display. A park ranger will point out and discuss some of the haunting sounds of nature: bobcat screams, owl screeches, gator growls and more. Sign-ups are encouraged; call the park at 850-487-4556. Park admission is $6 per vehicle.
Music and art events
The Bark: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23. 507 All Saints St. Halloween is coming up and 2021 is bringing the ultimate, spooky, scary, Halloween Covers Show revival!
621 Gallery: 5-9:30 p.m. Sun, Oct 31, 621 Industrial Drive. The Art of Darkness variety night. “Creeping It Real” Comedy Show: Doors Open at 4:30 pm, $5 to enter, 1ST, 2ND, & 3RD place prizes. Enter the competition 4:30 – 6:45 p.m., Voting at 7 p.m.
Pumpkin patches and celebrations
Tallahassee Heights United Methodist Church: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays in October. 3004 Mahan Drive. Bring the kids and discover all the fun at the Patch. Pony rides, bouncy house, concessions and the best selection of pumpkins in the Big Bend area. Questions, call 850-877-6276.
Faith Presbyterian Church: The Pumpkin Patch is now open daily through Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2200 N. Meridian Road. Spooky Movies in the Patch at 7 p.m. Fridays in October. In an effort to keep the Patch safe, everyone is asked to wear a mask. We have a touchless payment option: cash (no change available), check, or electronic payment via a QR code or Square device. Visit faithpcusa.org.
Greater Bond Halloween in the Park: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, Speed, Spencer, Stevens Park connecting Linear Park on Saxon. With Mayor John Dailey. Pumpkin decorating, costume parade, music, food and drink and trick or treat trail.
Tallahassee Elks Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, Tallahassee Elks Lodge, 276 N. Magnolia Drive. Bring your pumpkin and carving kit. Food and drinks for purchase. Benefits Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services.
Aunt Louise’s Farm: 3 acres of corn and cut it into a maze, there lots and lots of animals to see, pet, and maybe feed, a barrel train, a wagon ride. Pumpkins for sale as well as concessions. Cash and credit cards are accepted. $10, pay at the gate. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 2-6 p.m. Sunday. Oct. 2- Nov. 14. 8101 Waukeenah Highway, Monticello, FL, 32344. 850-251-7708. TheMaze@AuntLouisesFarm.com.
All Hallow’s Eve: Church events
Advent Episcopal Church: Celebrating Halloween with a family-friendly service on campus at 815 Piedmont Drive at 5 p.m. Oct. 31. Exploring the Christian meaning of the day, they will start with a visit to their memorial garden, then go into the church for spooky organ music and Bible stories which will remind us of God’s triumph over evil. After the service, they’ll host a “trunk-or-treat” in the parking lot by the Day School building. The whole event should be over by 6, to leave plenty of time for trick-or-treating. Everyone is welcome, and costumes are encouraged.
North Florida Baptist Church: Trunk or treat family-friendly event with bounce houses, hayrides, free food, and trunks full of candy for your kids. 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct 23, 3000 N Meridian Road.
Canopy Roads Baptist Church: Trunk or Treat with candy, activities, and fun for the whole family. Canopy Roads Baptist Church, 925 Bannerman Road. 4:30-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, 925 Bannerman Road.
Got more scary stuff? Send us your Halloween event. Email news@tallahassee.com.
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