As fall sweeps into Tampa Bay it's time to embrace the excitement of the season with some fantastic Halloween and autumn-themed events. Tampa has everything from haunted houses and ghost tours to pumpkin patches and family-friendly festivals. Whether you’re looking for thrills, a cozy autumn experience, or family fun, here are some of the top things to do in Tampa this Halloween and fall season.

1. Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens

   If you’re a thrill-seeker, you won’t want to miss Busch Gardens’ annual Howl-O-Scream, where haunted houses, creepy scare zones, and spooky shows bring Tampa’s favorite theme park to life with scares and chills. This event is perfect for adults and teens looking for an adrenaline-filled Halloween experience.

   Location: Busch Gardens, 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL  

   Dates: Select nights from late September through Halloween  

   Website: Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens 

2. ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night

   For a family-friendly Halloween event, Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa is a great choice. During this event, ZooTampa is transformed into a spooky (but not too scary) adventure, featuring animal encounters, themed zones, and Halloween fun for kids of all ages. Don't forget to wear your costumes!

   Location: ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL  

   Dates: Select nights in October  

   Website: ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night

 3. Tampa Riverwalk Fall Festival

   For a picturesque autumn experience, stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk Fall Festival. This event features local vendors, fall-themed food and drink, pumpkin carving stations, live music, and more. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the cool weather and beautiful waterfront views.

   Location: Tampa Riverwalk, Downtown Tampa, FL  

   Dates: Mid-October  

   Website: Tampa Riverwalk

4. Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park

   Just outside Tampa in Dade City, Scream-A-Geddon is one of Florida’s most intense Halloween attractions. This massive outdoor haunted attraction features terrifying haunted houses, interactive scare zones, and the infamous Monster Midway. Not for the faint of heart!

   Location: 27839 Saint Joe Rd, Dade City, FL  

   Dates: September through early November  

   Website: Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park

 5. Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch

   Nothing says fall quite like a pumpkin patch, and the Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch is a charming spot to pick out your perfect pumpkin. This is a great destination for families looking to enjoy fall photo ops, pick out decorations, and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere.

   Location: Hyde Park Village, 1602 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL  

   Dates: October  

   Website: Hyde Park Village

 6. Ghost Tour of Tampa

   Discover the eerie side of Tampa with a Ghost Tour of Tampa! This guided tour takes you through the historic streets of Ybor City, where you'll hear spooky stories about Tampa’s haunted past. This is a fun, unique way to experience Tampa’s rich history – if you dare.

   Location: Ybor City, Tampa, FL  

   Dates: Year-round, with increased availability during Halloween season  

   Website: Ghost Tour of Tampa

 7. Sweetfields Farm Corn Maze and Fall Festival

   Head out to Sweetfields Farm for a classic fall festival experience, complete with a challenging corn maze, sunflower fields, and pumpkin patches. The farm also hosts hayrides, farm animals, and plenty of fun games and activities for kids. Bring the whole family for a day of fall fun!

   Location: 17250 Benes Roush Rd, Masaryktown, FL  

   Dates: September through early November  

   Website: Sweetfields Farm

 8. Armature Works Fall Fest

   Armature Works is known for its fantastic community events, and their Fall Fest is no exception. Enjoy pumpkin patches, local food vendors, live music, craft beer, and much more. It’s a great spot to celebrate fall with friends and family in a beautiful riverside setting.

   Location: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL  

   Dates: Late October  

   Website: Armature Works

 9. Halloween Lighted Boat Parade

   Join the festivities with the Halloween Lighted Boat Parade along the Hillsborough River. This unique Tampa tradition features boats decked out with spooky decorations, all lit up for Halloween. Enjoy watching the boats or participating with your own vessel!

   Location: Hillsborough River, Downtown Tampa, FL  

   Dates: Late October  

   Website: Friends of the Riverwalk

 10. Glazer Children's Museum Halloween Spree

   Perfect for little ones, the Halloween Spree at the Glazer Children's Museum offers a safe and entertaining way to celebrate Halloween. Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, costume contests, and engaging Halloween-themed activities throughout the museum.

   Location: Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL  

   Dates: October  

   Website: Glazer Children's Museum

Enjoy Fall and Halloween in Tampa!

Whether you’re in search of spine-chilling scares, family-friendly fall activities, or just a place to pick out a pumpkin, Tampa has something for everyone this Halloween and autumn season. Make sure to mark your calendar and enjoy the best that fall has to offer in the heart of Tampa Bay!