Halloween Events in the Florida Keys
Looking for the perfect place for the thrill and chill of Halloween this October? Comprised of more than 1,700 picturesque islands about 15 miles south of Miami, the Florida Keys boast dozens of breezy, tree-lined beaches, excellent restaurants, and vibrant nightclubs. Plus, each year they host a wide range of family-friendly events that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning Halloween reveller. Whether your idea of a memorable Halloween celebration includes spooky boat rides, underwater pumpkin carving, or exciting costume contests, the Keys offer something for people of all ages to enjoy. Below is a roundup of the must-see happenings in the Florida Keys this October, as well as Florida Keys hotels not far from the action.
Key Largo: If you’re an avid scuba diver, you’ll certainly feel right at home in the Florida Keys, a prime destination for diving and snorkeling whose barrier reef is the third largest in the world. The annual Key Largo Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest, scheduled for Sunday, October 24 at 8:30 am at Mile Marker (MM) 104.5, is open to all certified divers. Using nothing more than diving knives and boundless creativity, each team will attempt to turn a hollowed-out gourd into a gourd while submerged approximately 30 feet underwater. Contest entry is free: entrants only need to pay an $80 dive boat fee. Notable Key Largo hotels include Ocean Pointe Suites in Key Largo; If time permits, recharge with a breakfast at the waterfront cafe or take a walk along the property’s private boardwalk and marina before hitting the road.
Islamorada: Those who prefer to stay dry but still close to the water should look no further than Haunted Robbie’s at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada (MM 77.5), which is scheduled to run Thursday, October 28 through Friday, October 29. they can take free canal boat tours, play games, participate in costume contests, enjoy food and win lots of prizes. A children’s corner will surely keep the little ones happy. Note that activities are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Nearby properties include Holiday Isle Resort and Marina, known for its Tiki Bar.
Key West: If you’re headed to Key West this year for Halloween, don’t miss the annual Haunting of Fort Zachary Taylor, a Civil War-era fort on the island’s Atlantic Ocean shoreline. The event is scheduled for October 22-25 and October 29-31 from 8-11pm (hours extend to midnight on Halloween). Admission is $13 for adults, $8 for children and $10 for members of the military. Visitors can don their ghoulish costumes for the fort’s Vampire’s Ball on Saturday, October 23 from 8-11 p.m. -7 pm Visitors can conveniently access the fort from an entrance on Southard Street. For lodging, we recommend properties like The Westin Key West Resort and Marina, which has earned a Four Diamond rating every year since 1999; The Inn at Key West, featuring newly renovated rooms; and Sheraton Suites Key West, an all-suite hotel that offers complimentary shuttle service to Duval Street.
Marathon: Located at MM 50.5 Bayside in Marathon, the 63-acre Crane Point Museum and Nature Center will host its annual Haunted Hammock on Friday, October 29 from 6-9 p.m. Pirates, ghouls, and ghosts will send chills down the spines of visitors, haunted carriage rides and much more. The terrifying haunted houses and trails will also make for a night of spooky fun. The cost of admission is $5, and children 6 and under are free. Located just minutes away is the newly built Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Marathon, a welcoming pet-friendly hotel featuring a spacious outdoor pool and fitness center.