Tampa Bay’s Halloween season is moving into full swing this weekend, with family activities, costumes, food and after-dark programming planned from Madeira Beach to downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg.
The 45th annual Johns Pass Seafood Festival returns to historic John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach from Friday through Sunday. The free event includes Gulf seafood, live music on two stages, arts and crafts vendors, and family activities. Children can trick-or-treat Friday night, while an adult Halloween costume contest is scheduled for Saturday. Festival hours are noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
In downtown Tampa, the Tampa Bay History Center will host its 15th annual A Night at the Museum on Saturday from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Families can collect candy, meet costumed characters and explore the museum, with timed entry available through 5 p.m. Tickets cost $20, with a 15% discount for members.
St. Petersburg’s Halloween on Central is set for Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Nearly 2 miles of Central Avenue, between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and 31st streets, will be closed to cars for costumes, candy, music, performances, more than 100 vendors, dog costume contests and wienerdog races. SunRunner buses will offer free rides along Central during the event.
ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night runs Friday through Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m. The family-oriented Halloween event features spooky characters, animal encounters, live entertainment, scavenger hunts and treats. Zoo admission is $34.95 Friday and Sunday and $39.95 Saturday.
For a quieter Sunday option, Conworlds Emporium at 9 Safford Ave. in Tarpon Springs will hold a puzzle swap from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Participants can bring gently used completed jigsaw puzzles to trade; organizers ask guests to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
