Floridians appreciate any excuse to be festive—and who can blame them with their year-round vacation lifestyle? Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations prove to be no exception to the rule. Our guide focuses on family- and Fido-friendly events, so everyone can join the fun. Get your costume ready for these picks.
The City Bootiful
Known as the City Beautiful, Coral Gables transforms into the City “Bootiful” on October 30. Its annual, all-day Spooktacular Halloween on the Mile welcome families and pups to don costumes and enjoy live performances, games, crafts, haunted selfie stations and treats. Fairchild Garden also hosts a costumed dog stroll and Bootanical bash on October 31.
experiencecoralgables.com | fairchildgarden.org
From Mediterranean-Revival architecture to the iconic Biltmore Hotel to lush greenery, the historic Coral Gables neighborhood has so much to offer. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Florida Day of the Dead
Who knew Fort Lauderdale claims one of America’s largest celebrations honoring the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos? Its November 2 festivities pack in ofrendas (altars of remembrance) and artworks at History Fort Lauderdale; sugar skull painting, music and dancing at Huizenga Plaza, and a grand processional with towering skeleton puppets to a party.
dayofthedeadflorida.com
Fort Lauderdale, the Venice of America, is a boater’s and beachgoer’s paradise. But it’s also home to a burgeoning art scene that spills over into community events like Day of the Dead. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Costumed Cars & Corn Maze
While other cities parade pooches and puppets, Vero Beach’s annual Halloween parade on October 30 calls for decorated vehicles from golf carts to VW Beetles. Costumed cars, riders and watchers finish with winners’ prizes and kids’ goody bags. Charge your smartphone for Countryside Family Farms’ giant corn maze, too, on Flashlight Nights from October 29-30.
covb.org | countrysidecitrus.com
Vero Beach has blossomed beyond the beach and golf course. Its vibrant lifestyle beckons with fitness, family-friendly events, hip breweries and more. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Spooky Symphony
Locals and visitors alike are thrilled that New World Symphony’s in-person events are happening again. Its ticketed children’s classical music series kicks off with “Concerts for Kids: Tricks and Treats” on October 31. Come in costume for arts and crafts, a drum circle and photo booth at 10 a.m., followed by the show at noon.
covb.org | nws.edu
New World Symphony is just the beginning. Miami Beach has evolved into a major global cultural destination with Art Basel fair, the Bass museum, Miami City Ballet and more. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Outdoor Options
North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area’s haunted hike on October 29 has grown so popular, there’s a waiting list. Families can opt for Jupiter Skate Park’s Halloween Skate & Scooter Contest with costumes and prizes on October 30 instead. Guanabanas’ Night of the Dead Grateful Dead tribute on October 30 will be a fun show, too.
discover.pbcgov.org | jupiter.fl.us | guanabanas.com
