Halloween guide: Top 10 events in South Florida

MIAMI – There are dozens of options to celebrate Halloween this year in South Florida. 

Here is a list of our top 10:

Dark CarnEvil

Top 10: The extravagant charity event aims to help local families in need

Guests of the sexy #NotBMiami party benefiting the Little Lighthouse Foundation can expect a complex of tents with an elaborate set up and dancers. The open bars will be serving Tito’s Vodka, Notorious Pink Rosé, Camarena Tequila, Atlantico Rum, Jagermeister and Coppertail Beer, Soto Saki.

Event information: The party is from 9 p.m., Oct. 27 to 2 a.m., Oct. 28, at Lummus Park,1130 Ocean Dr. in Miami Beach. Tickets are $175. 

 

Vizcaya's 31st annual party

Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Top 10: The national historic landmark serves as a romantic setting for the elegant party 

The "Mystery, Myth and Fantasy" party will have three stages and performances by Patrick & The Swayzees, The State of and Tamboka. The event benefits Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. 

Event information: The party is from 8 p.m. to midnight, Oct. 28 at 3251 S. Miami Ave. General admission is $170.  There is a hotel rooms' discount for party guests. 

 

Halloween at The Biltmore

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Top 10: The guests of this party are more likely to run into ghosts at the creepy hotel built in 1926

The adults-only party at the hotel's country club ballroom includes a buffet dinner, open bar and entertainment. There is a costume contest that includes categories for most creative, spookiest and best couple. 

Event information: The party is from 8 p.m. to midnight at 1200 Anastasia Ave., in Coral Gables. Tickets are $130. 

 

Spooky Symphony 

Photo by David McNew/Getty Images

Top 10: The free event held at an iconic venue exposes children to orchestra music 

The Greater Miami Youth Symphony and the Alhambra Orchestra will perform two concerts. The event requires first-access passes that are available online. The hosts will provided four tickets per household. 

Event information: Shows at 1 and 4 p.m., Oct. 29, at The Adrienne Arscht Center's John S. James L. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd.

 

Zoo Miami's Boo

Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

Top 10: There is no better time to go stare at scary snakes and spiders

Children will have a map with the locations of 11 events that include watching tigers dig into Dracula's Crypt and African elephants bob for pumpkins. The Actors' Playhouse will present three shows including songs and dances from Broadway Musicals. 

Event information: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 at Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St., in Southwest Miami-Dade. Admission tickets are about $23 for adults and teenagers and about $19 for children ages 3 to 12. 

 

House of Horror Carnival

Photo by Rob Stothard/Getty Images

Top 10: The carnival includes four horrific experiences 

The brave can walk through the halls of The 1455 Asylum, a psychiatric hospital where murders happen regularly. The Gates of Phobia is a 3D anxiety experience. The Hellzapoppin is a circus freak show. The Freak emporium is a gallery exhibit that inludes the remains of the feared Chupacabra. 

Event information: The carnival is from 6 to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5:30 to Midnight Friday and Saturday, and 5:30 to 11 p.m. Sunday at 1455 NW 10 Ave., in Doral. Tickets are $15 on weekdays and $29 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

 

Howl-O-WeenPin

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Top 10: The animal lovers' charity event at the creepy garden welcomes dogs

The event will have a fun zone for dogs, pumpkin patch portraits, contests, live entertainment and other activities. For every ticket sold, event organizers will donate $1 to Paws 4 You, an organization helping homeless pets. 

Event information: Noon to 5 p.m., Oct. 29, at Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Road. Tickets are $5. 

 

Yappy Hour Barktoberfest

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Top 10: Charity event includes a dog costume contest 

There will be free doggie treats, a photo booth and pumpkin painting. This dog-friendly event's organizers will be accepting donations of dog food, toys, beds and cages for local shelters.  

Event information: Street party is from 4 to 7 p.m., Oct. 31 at 2911 Grand Ave., behind Mayfair in Coconut Grove. The event is free. 

 

Lincoln Road on Halloween

Photo by Kena Betancur/Getty Images

Top 10: Out-door seating makes this the best spot for people watching

The mall's restaurants and bars attract a fun crowd on Halloween. Mr. Jones at 320 Lincoln road will be hosting a mandatory costume party with tickets ranging from  $20 to $100. 

Event information: The mall is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free. 

On The Mile 

Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Top 10: Story time at Books & Books will feature spooky stories for children

Store will be ready for trick-or-treating by 4 p.m.. Coral Gables will be hosting a 5 p.m. contest at the Actor's Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile, and a 6 p.m. doggie costume contest at the Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Ave. 

Event information: Trick or treating is from 4 p.m. to 7 pm. Valet parking is $5. 

 


About the Author:

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.