Orlando’s Halloween programming begins Wednesday, Oct. 28, with events ranging from family trick-or-treating to concerts, screenings and themed nightlife. The schedule continues through Sunday, Nov. 1, with options across Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Lake Nona and Apopka.
Families can find free events on Wednesday, including IKEA Orlando’s registered trick-or-treat scavenger hunt for children 12 and under from 5 to 7 p.m. Downtown Apopka will also host the police-organized Halloween Highway from 4 to 6 p.m. Enzian Theater in Maitland plans a free outdoor secret screening at 8 p.m.; blankets are welcome, though outside food and drinks are not permitted.
For adults, Zymarium Meadery’s month-long Dark Ritual pop-up continues Wednesday with themed mead pours and spooky decor. Conduit in Winter Park hosts the free Inferno party at 9 p.m., while Stardust Video & Coffee’s Fear Fest Halloween Rock Show runs from 7 to 11 p.m. with a $7.65 admission.
Boxi Park in Lake Nona starts its four-day Boo Bash on Thursday, Oct. 29. The event continues through Nov. 1 and includes a run club and DJ on Thursday, a glow party Friday, Halloween-night music and an adult costume contest, plus a kid-focused Sunday with bounce houses, face painting and crafts.
Horror fans can head to the Hyatt Regency Orlando on International Drive for Spooky Empire, which opens Friday, Oct. 30. The three-day convention is scheduled to feature vendors, guests and horror culture, with tickets listed from $40 to $80. Other Friday events include Ginger Minj’s Big Gay Halloween Cabaret at Anthem Orlando, Namicon at Dezerland Park Orlando, and a Southern Gothic-themed after-dark program at the Orlando Museum of Art.
Some events require advance registration or ticket purchases, while others list free entry or no admission charge. Visitors should note that the calendar includes age restrictions for select nightlife events and that several programs run on more than one date.
