From Pumpkin Patches to Masquerades: Halloween in Miami for Kids, Families and Grown-Ups
Some Halloween plans revolve around candy, costumes, and getting everyone home before bedtime. Others call for a masquerade mask and dancing well past midnight.
This October, Miami and nearby South Florida offer plenty of ways to celebrate, whether you’re planning a day with the kids, gathering the whole family or organizing a grown-up night out. From pumpkin photos in Coconut Grove to Halloween parties after dark, here’s where to find your kind of festive fun.
Family Fun
Daytime outings and early-evening celebrations for children and their grown-ups
Pumpkin Photos and Fall Fun in Coconut Grove
A tiny pumpkin, an oversized costume and a camera roll full of fall photos: sometimes, that’s the perfect Halloween outing. Coconut Grove Harvest brings a seasonal celebration to Downtown Coconut Grove from October 23 through November 1, with a pumpkin patch on Fuller Street throughout the celebration. CocoWalk’s fall photo installation adds another stop for family snapshots from October 30 through November 1.
On Saturday, October 31, Books & Books Coconut Grove hosts storytelling at 6 p.m., with trick-or-treating, a live DJ and the Grove Stamp Scavenger Hunt from 6–8 p.m. Fantasy Theatre Factory presents Little Monsters Tales on Fuller Street from 6:30–7:30 p.m., and a costume contest starts at 7:30 p.m.
Photo Credit: Coconut Grove Business Improvement District
A Sweet Start at Coral Square
Give those carefully chosen costumes an early debut at the Coral Square Mall Trunk-or-Treat. Taking place on Saturday, October 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event features decorated vehicles hosted by local businesses and mall retailers. Kids can collect treats and admire the creative trunks during a daytime celebration that leaves the evening open for more Halloween adventures or an early night after all that excitement.
Spooky Science at Frost Science
For families with curious kids, Halloween comes with chemistry reactions and eerie experiments at the 10th Annual Spooky Science Monster Mash presented by Miami DDA. The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science hosts the celebration on Saturday, October 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Expect hands-on science and experiments in the Mad Science Lab, along with opportunities to meet scientists from local universities and professional organizations celebrating National Chemistry Week. The special programming is included with paid museum admission, making it an easy addition to a family museum day.
Costumes, Contests and Trunk-or-Treat at Unseen Creatures
Bring the family’s most creative costumes to the Halloween Kids Costume Contest and Party at Unseen Creatures Brewing & Blending. Scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from noon to 5 p.m., the afternoon includes children’s costume contests with categories for best, funniest and scariest looks, plus a Michael Jackson “Thriller” costume contest. Trunk-or-treating, kid-friendly vendors, music, games and prizes round out the festivities.
It’s a chance to make an afternoon of dressing up, with plenty happening beyond the candy collection.
A Halloween Stroll on Lincoln Road
On Halloween, people-watching becomes part of the entertainment at the Lincoln Road Halloween Block Party. The October 31 celebration runs from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., beginning with family programming that includes children’s trick-or-treating, crafts and costumed characters, while supplies last. As the evening progresses, elaborate costumes, live performers, a band, and DJs bring more energy to the promenade.
Families with younger children can enjoy the early festivities, while groups with older kids may appreciate the costume spectacle and street entertainment. Plan your visit around the atmosphere you want: Lincoln Road’s family gathering gradually becomes a party after dark.
After Dark
For grown-up nights out; admission requirements vary, with 18+ and 21+ events noted below
Red, Black and a Little Mystery at The Crimson Mask
Photo Credit: Imperial Key Events
Start Halloween weekend with a more dressed-up affair at The Crimson Mask – Red & Black Halloween Masquerade.
Held in Coral Gables on Friday, October 30, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., the 21-and-older celebration invites guests to wear elegant red-and-black attire with a masquerade mask. A live DJ, complimentary bites, raffles, a costume contest and a cash bar set the scene for an evening of music and mingling.
Sponsorship proceeds and a portion of event proceeds benefit the Creating Abilities Foundation, which supports children and adults with autism.
One Last Halloween at Sunset Tavern
Photo credit: Sunset Tavern
For a night of live music, spooky cocktails, and friendly costume competition, head to Deli Lane & Sunset Tavern in South Miami for the Sunset Tavern Halloween Bash. On Saturday, October 31, Drako starts the music at 7:30 p.m., followed by a crowd-voted costume contest at 9 p.m. First and second place receive $50 and $30 gift cards, respectively.
Halloween drink specials include witches' blood sangria, midnight Moscow mules, boo breezes, and Jell-O syringe shots. Admission is free, and the celebration marks the venue’s last Halloween at its current location. It’s a fitting reason to give your costume one more flourish.
Salsa, Bachata and Costumes at DanceArts Miami
Choose a costume you can dance in for Salsaholics: “Halloween in Miami” at DanceArts Miami. The party runs Saturday, October 31, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., beginning with an On2 salsa workshop led by Angie Zumaran. Separate salsa and bachata rooms keep the evening moving, with DJ music and live percussion adding to the atmosphere.
A costume contest rewards the top three looks, so consider how your outfit will handle both the spotlight and a spin across the floor.
Keep Halloween Going at The Underworld
For night owls, The Underworld Halloween Night brings the celebration to Julia & Henry’s in Downtown Miami. Running from 10 p.m. on October 31 until 5 a.m. on November 1, the 18-and-older event features multiple DJs, dancing across three floors and a crowd encouraged to arrive in costume.
If your ideal Halloween ends closer to sunrise than bedtime, this is one to put on your calendar.
Check each event’s linked listing for tickets, admission requirements and schedule updates before heading out.