Ready to enjoy all of the Orlando Halloween events this year?
Pumpkin spice, horrors at Universal, wild nights at Busch Gardens, and trick-or-treating with Mickey are some things we love about fall in central Florida.
That’s why today I’ll go through the best things to do in Orlando for October!
A couple of days ago I was riding in the car and for once I was able to have my windows down. There was a briskness in the Florida air that’s always welcomed and desired in this state.
This change inspired me to create this guide and answer all of your questions about the Orlando Halloween events.
One of the first questions you may have is, Where can I go for Halloween in Orlando and what is there to do in Orlando for October?
I will get into ALL of that today!
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO. Thank you!
Why Visit Orlando in October
This time of year happens to be one of our favorites with the opportunity to enjoy the parks in the fall with fewer amounts of people (sometimes…).
We come out of our summer hibernation in Florida and bask in the fall décor both autumn and spooky in nature as it kicks off the holiday season.
For those reasons, we’ll go through:
- Why fall is the best in Florida
- Things to do in Orlando for October
- Orlando Halloween events you can do besides theme parks
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13 Best Things to Do in Orlando for October
During this time, I don’t really ride too many attractions because I enjoy being outdoors exploring all of the nooks and crannies, doors and shadows of the parks.
The milder weather also allows me to Beat the Florida Theme Park Heat. It’s the time that I personally go the most and I also get to see other frequent theme park goers at the parks.
- Halloween Décor
- Fall-inspired Treats
- Halloween Horror Nights
- Howl-O-Scream
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Fall-inspired Drinks
- Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
- Halloween Merchandise
- Quiet Moments at the Parks
- A Chance to Play Your Favorite Disney Spooky Music
- Pumpkin-Spiced EVERYTHING
- Watching the BEST Disney Halloween Movies
- Riding the Haunted Mansion on Halloween
Orlando Halloween Events: 23 Things to Do in Orlando for October 2023
In case you need something to do, here are a few Halloween and fun fall events happening around the Orlando area for October.
1. Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
You can enjoy trick-or-treating the LEGOLAND way with some unique activities at this year’s event.
What to Expect from Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND:
- Brick-or-Treat Trail – here you’ll be able to pick up your Brick-or-Treat bag for all the delicious candy you’ll collect on the trail
- LEGO Halloween Characters – this is LEGOLAND’s character meet-and-greet that features Lord Vampyre, Rockin’ Frankenstein, and more!
- Brick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt – this fun activity will have you searching for LEGO Candy Corn throughout the park
- Fireworks Spectacular – during each Brick-or-Treat night, you’ll get to enjoy the spectacular fireworks show above Lake Eloise to cap off your evening
Dates LEGOLAND Halloween Event: Saturdays and Sundays from September 16th through October 29th!
Learn more about Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort here!
2. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort
Do you dare to venture out to this year’s Halloween Horror Nights? If so, you are in for a real treat.
Halloween Horror Nights is an event takes place annually from September until November at Universal Studios Florida.
It’s a premiere event with new levels of fear and terrifying haunted houses along with outrageous entertainment. Making it one of the best Orlando Halloween Events.
2023 Halloween Horror Nights Houses
- Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count
- The Last of Us
- Stranger Things
- The Exorcist: Believer
- Universal Monsters: Unmasked
- Dr. Oddfellow: Twisted Origins
- Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate
- YETI: Campground Kills
- The Darkest Deal
- Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings
2023 Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zones
- Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror
- Dark Zodiac
- Jungle of Doom: Expedition Horror
- Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood
- Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged
Dates: On select dates now through November 4th of 2023
Learn more about Halloween Horror Nights here!
3. Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa
Are you ready to be paralyzed with terror? Do you have what it takes to venture out to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream?
This is Tampa’s premiere Halloween event that’s about an hour drive from Walt Disney World.
For this year’s Busch Gardens Halloween event, there are 5 houses, 8 scare zones, and the Fiends stage show for this year.
Read Next: SMACKDOWN: 7 Best Halloween Horror Nights Icons EVER!!!
2023 Howl-O-Scream Houses
- D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear (Replaces Deathwater Bayou)
- Stranglewood Estate
- The Residence: Home For The Holidays
- The Forgotten
- Witch of the Woods
2023 Howl-O-Scream Scare Zones
- Big Ed’s Demolition Derby (NEW!)
- Sin City Zombies (NEW!)
- The Junkyard
- Beyond the Veil
- The Shortcut
- Ravens Mill
If this event is too scary for your little ones, you can enjoy Busch Gardens Halloween Spooktacular that offers fun Halloween activities such as trick-or-treating.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Dates: Select dates, now through October 31, 2022
Learn more about Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream here!
4. SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
You don’t have to only visit Universal Orlando Resort or Walt Disney World Resort for an amazing Halloween experience in central Florida.
Halloween at SeaWorld Spooktacular is another fall event that you’ll come to love while visiting Orlando.
SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Activities
- Candy Walk
- Sesame Street Halloween Show
- Special SeaWorld Spooktacular Halloween Character Meet-and-Greets
- Pets Ahoy Halloween Show
The SeaWorld Halloween Dates: September 16th through October 31st of 2023.
Learn more about SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular here!
5. Howl-O-Scream Orlando (SeaWorld)
For the first time ever, you can enjoy Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando!
Similar to its haunted counterpart at Busch Gardens Tampa, you’ll experience horror in the most intense way as SeaWorld puts its own aquatic spin on classic terrors.
SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream Halloween Details
- Dates: September 8th through October 31st 2023
- Cost: Tickets start at $44.99
Get up to 63% off of your SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream tickets TODAY with Groupon!
6. Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
The Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back this year and better than ever!
This After Hours event allows you to wear your best spooky costume, go trick-or-treating, enjoy captivating Halloween shows, and say hello to some of your favorite spooky Disney characters.
Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party Details
- Dates: Select Dates now to November 1st 2023
- Cost: Tickets at the time of updating this post start at $189 per adult
7. Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
You may be thinking, is October a good time to visit Disney World? Absolutely because it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Nope not Christmas, but close enough. The annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival is where food and theme park aficionados’ rendezvous to satisfy their daring epicurean desires.
My must try dish of the year is located in The Alps Marketplace. There you’ll enjoy a fresh sample of Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Baby Potatoes and Pickles!
Definitely the highlight for me this year at Epcot Food and Wine Festival!
Dates for The Epcot Food and Wine Festival: July 27th through November 18th of 2023.
Find your perfect vacation home rental near Disney World by Clicking HERE!
More Things to Do in Orlando for October Besides Theme Parks
Now that we have some of the major events out of the way, you’re probably wondering what is there to do in Orlando Besides theme parks?
You’ll be able to enjoy some local haunts and even some other fall ventures that you don’t have to be at a theme park to partake in.
Recommended: 35 Scary and Fun Things to Do in Florida for Halloween
8. Winter Park Autumn Art Festival
Each year, the historic downtown area of Winter Park puts on an Autumn Art Festival.
Here you’ll enjoy local crafts, artwork, entertainment, and food. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Orlando in October.
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Dates: October 7th and 8th 2023 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: Central Park in Winter Park
- Cost: Admission is free
9. Zombietoberfest Orlando Halloween Event
This annual festival takes place during the month of October in the Audubon Park Garden District. The Night Market at Audubon features:
- A DJ
- Artwork
- Cash bar
- Crafts
- Food trucks
- Live music
- Photography
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Date: October 21, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the annual Night Market with Zombietoberfest (final details pending)
- Location: Audubon Park Garden District
Recommended: Top 10 Ways to Find Cheap Halloween Horror Nights Tickets
10. Face the Fear House – Longwood
This organization produces award-winning haunted houses each year.
This year’s house, called The Mummer Memorial Manor AND Sasquatch Park, takes you inside a gardens of mummers and a nightmarish park where you’ll come face-to-face with the terrorizing legends in Winter Springs, Florida.
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Dates: October 20, 21, 27 & 28 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Cost: Single Attraction: $20 per person ($12 for children 10 and under) and “Double Trouble” Ticket (both attractions): $30 per person ($20 for children 10 and under)
- Location: The campus of The Church @ 434 at 817 E. State Road 434 Winter Springs, FL 32708
11. Petrified Forest – Altamonte Springs
The Petrified Forest in Altamonte Springs was voted one of “Top “Must-See” Haunted Houses in Florida.”
Here you’ll experience multiple mazes, a terror trolley and so much more!
At this year’s event, you’ll be welcomed into the demented world of Mr. Snickersnee as he takes you on a terrifying journey through story with “Storytime Slayhouse!”
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Dates: Select nights September 29th through October 28th 2023 (get all the dates here)
- Cost: Tickets start at $34.98
- Location: 1360 E Altamonte Dr. Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Get your discounted HHN Tickets on Groupon TODAY!
12. Oviedo Halloween Events (Orlando in October)
The city of Oviedo hosts multiple Halloween events in the Orlando area during October. Let’s go through the activities for this year.
Oviedo, Florida Halloween Events
- Halloween Spooktacular Kids Night Out Party at Mad Science Laboratory
- Special Movie Nights at Oviedo Mall featuring spooky films
- Trunk or Treat at First United Methodist Church of Oviedo
- Halloween Craft at Green Acres Farm Oviedo at Green Acres Farm of Oviedo, Florida
- Spooky Tuesday Art Class at Calliope Street
- Mall-O-Ween is the annual Kid Crew Mall-O-Ween Trick or Treat Event at the Oviedo Mall
13. Mortem Manor – Old Town, Kissimmee
In this year-round haunted house, you’ll be able to go through two floors an old Victorian estate.
Some of the best features of this ghostly adventure is that it includes live actors, animatronics and special effects.
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Dates: Open year-round
- Cost: $18 per person + tax
- Location: 5770 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway Kissimmee, FL 34746
Get your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets TODAY!
14. Cassadaga Haunted Attractions
Located in one of the spookiest hotels in Florida is the Cassadaga Haunted Attractions.
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
This sleepy town houses one of the spookiest places in America and this year you’ll go deep into the depths of the terrifying Brothers Grimm stories.
- Cost: Starts at $20
- Dates: October 20th to 22nd and October 26th through 31st from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Location: Hotel Cassadaga 355 Cassadaga Rd Lake Helen, FL 32744
Recommended: 19 Essentials You MUST HAVE for Your Convention Packing List (What to Bring to a Convention)
15. Orlando’s Magical Dining Month
One of the best things to do in Orlando besides theme parks is to partake in the culinary adventures of Magical Dining Month.
You’ll be able to enjoy three-course, prix-fixe dinners at more than 120 of the top Orlando area restaurants for just $40 to $60 per person.
What to Know Before You Go
- Dates: August 18th through October 1st of 2023
- Location: Various locations (view locations and dining options here)
Recommended: Top 25 Best Restaurants in Orlando You MUST Try
16. The Haunted Road: A Drive-Thru Orlando Halloween Experience
This is another drive-thru haunted attraction that you can partake in if you dare!
According to the owners of this roadside experience, after launching in 2020, the cast and crew quickly realized everything was not as it seemed. Rumor spread that tortured souls who died on the land materialize when the sun sets, resulting in paranormal phenomena and eerie occurrences.
After the 25-minute drive through the haunted trail, you can venture out of your car into the Human Slaughterhouse Haunted House.
Later you can “live” it up in the The Haunted Road Afterlife Party! Here you can also enjoy:
- Music
- Pop-up Performers
- Bar with Themed Cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks
- The Haunt Market
So if you’re ready to to join them on The Haunted Road, then grab your tickets today!
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Select Dates: 2023 details pending
- Cost: Starts at $19.99 per person (final details pending)
- Address: 15239 Lake Pickett Rd Orlando, FL 32822
17. Scream-A-Geddon Orlando Halloween Event
This top-notch central Florida haunted attraction was Voted #1 USA’s BEST Haunted Houses with six houses available to terrorize you such as:
- Breach (NEW- Replaced Blackpool Prison)
- Bloodwater Bayou
- Ravenhill Asylum
- Rage 3D
- Demon’s Revenge
- Zombie Paintball Assault
Other Features:
- Monster Midway: offering food, games and beer
- Bonzon’s Beer Garden
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Dates: Now through November 4, 2023 opening at 7 p.m.
- Cost: Tickets start at $28.95
- Address: 27839 Saint Joe Rd Dade City, FL 33525
18. Halloween Happy Hour at ICEBAR Orlando
One of my favorite places to visit in Orlando (outside of theme parks) is the ICEBAR!
I’m so happy to know that they will be having a one of the longest Happy Hours on I-Drive for Halloween. Great cocktails are sure to heat you up at this chilly location.
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Dates: October 31, 2023 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
- Price: Varies (must be 21 years old or older)
- Address: 8967 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819
Recommended: Day Trips from Orlando: 34 Incredible Places to Visit Less than 3 Hours Away!
19. Avalon Park Spooktacular
If you’re in the mood for a more family-friendly event, then you’ll want to make your way over to Avalon Park.
I love this quaint suburb of Orlando and the nice small town vibe I get from it and you will too!
So, while you’re out there, be sure to partake in the trick-or-treat festivities, live performances, food trucks, bounce houses and more!
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Date: October 28th 2023 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Cost: Admission is free
- Location: Downtown Avalon Town Park
Check out my latest theme park adventures on Instagram TODAY!
20. Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts And Goblins, Spooky Fun
The “Alligator Capital of the World™” will be bringing back its Gators, Ghosts and Goblins, Spooky Fun for you to enjoy!
This is another lighthearted way to do Halloween in Orlando as you come dressed in your best costume to enjoy:
- Character meet-and-greets
- Photo opportunities
- Children’s Halloween Costume Parade
- Explore new haunt-zones like “The Creepy Creature Carnival”
- Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum
- Cryptid Express and more!
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Dates: October 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost: Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins is included with your regular park admission
- Address: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, Florida 32837
21. Gaylord Palms Goblins and Giggles
This exquisite Orlando resort will be hosting 13 different Halloween themed events for you to enjoy this year with some being free!
Below are the Gaylord Palms Goblins and Giggles Halloween offerings:
- Pirate’s Treasure Escape Room: Tickets are $120 (minimum group size of four)
- Jack-O’-Lantern Walk: Admission is free
- Trick-or-Treat Expedition
- Monster Mash Bash Dance Party and Costume Contest: $16.99 per person
- Phantom of the Atrium Light Show: Admission is free
- Dive-In Movie: Spookley the Square Pumpkin and more!
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Dates: Select days in October
- Cost: Varies based on activity
- Location: 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, Florida
Book Your Discounted Gaylord Palms Resort Room here!
22. Enzians 13 Films of Halloween
If you’re a horror film fanatic, then you’ll be happy to do this Orlando Halloween event! Each October, the Enzian theater features a different scary movies for you to re-watch!
They’re also offer 13 specialty cocktails for the season along with a Halloween Party at their Eden’s Bar.
I will definitely being heading out to the Enzian Theater this year to enjoy a spooky movie with a stiff cocktail!
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Cost: Regular Ticket Pricing $12.50, Student/Senior/Military (with ID) $11, Matinees $11, and Film Society Members $10
- Address: 1300 South Orlando Avenue Maitland, FL 32751
23. Halloween at Old Town
Old Town in Kissimmee is known for hosting some of the most fun holiday events in Orlando and Halloween is no different!
For this year’s spooky season you’ll be able to enjoy:
- Free trick-or-treating is from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with candy stations throughout Old Town
- Thriller Dancers performing in front of the Old Town Stage
- Costume Contest starting at 7:00 p.m
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Date: October 31st 2023 starting at 5 p.m.
- Address: 5770 W. IRLO BRONSON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
24. Tales of Terror Haunted Attraction
On select nights this October and November, you’ll be able to face some of your biggest fears on a horrifying trail, a zombie gelly ball, lots of food vendors and a spooky market!
This is no doubt, one of the most scariest events to do in Orlando for Halloween! You can find it all at Tales of Terror Haunted Attraction.
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Cost: Starts at $20
- Dates: October 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 31 of 2023
- Location: Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808
25. Scream n’ Stream Drive-Thru Haunt
Scream n’ Stream is a contactless haunted drive-thru that the whole family can enjoy! It’s great for first-timers all the way to long-time horror enthusiasts.
How Does Scream n’ Stream Drive-Thru Haunt Work?
You will drive through seven unique horror movies, while scaractors, fog, lighting, and more surround your car and scare the crap out of you!
Something fun this year is “The Lobby” where you’ll be able to get out of your car to check-in, shop for exclusive merchandise, eat spooky snacks, get photos with scareactors and more!
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Cost: Starts at $74.24 per car (up to 8 passengers get admitted on one ticket, everyone needs their own seatbelt…2023 details pending)
- Dates: Select nights from October 1st through October 31st (2023 details pending)
- Location: Florida Mall 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809
Get your FREE Universal Halloween Horror Nights Vacation Package quote TODAY!
26. Dare 2 Escape
The Dare 2 Escape attraction is THE scariest Escape Game Room in Orlando!
It has nine different terrifying rooms with The Seventh Room being the most intense.
Dare 2 Escape is not for you if you’re timid; however, if you want to have one of the most memorable times with friends, then you MUST do this for the spooky season!
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Dates: Open yearround
- Location: 5041 W. Irlo Bronson Mem Hwy Kissimmee, Florida 34746
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
27. Cocktails and Screams
This unique lounge is a Halloween themed bar, filled with spirits, tricks and treats!
They are opened year round but you know the eerie shenanigans get better in the haunted season here in Orlando.
They have amazing events on a regular basis so be sure to view them here and book your experience ASAP as they are known to sell out.
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Cost: Varies
- Dates: Open year round (Tuesday – Saturday 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. with Brunch on Sundays)
- Location: 39 West Pine Street, Orlando, FL, 32801
28. Atomic Horror Store
Dubbed as the horror shop of your dreams, the Atomic Horror is one place you must visit on your Orlando halloween adventures.
They offer everything from custom haunted creations to your favorite monsters on everyday houseware.
Anything you want, you’ll find it all here. Even if you just want to browse, it’s a fun place to get into the Halloween spirit.
What to Know Before You Go To This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
- Address: 4805 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32803
Join the Conversation on the Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Community on Facebook!
29. The Hollow Pumpkin Store
Get ready to get all of your Halloween needs taken care of in this new shop here in Central Florida called The Hollow Pumpkin.
What started as just a virtual shop in December of 2021 turned into a storefront for a variety of goods inspired by horror icons old and new.
What to Know Before You Go:
As of 2023, The Hollow Pumpkin has returned to its virtual roots. Visiting their online shop is a great way to support a small central Florida business!
Be sure to give this shop a visit during your Florida haunt season.
30. Phantasmagoria XIV
This Victorian Horror Troupe is touring all over Central Florida with their newest series: PHANTASMAGORIA XIV: Tales of the Undead.
This amazing troupe will take you through the tales and poetry of Edgar Allan Poe through their fantastic storytelling, puppetry, dance ensembles, original music and more!
You’ll enjoy a twisted spin on works from Edgar Allan Poe, H.G. Wells, Penny Dreadfuls and other folklore.
You truly don’t want to miss this whimsical production this Halloween season!
What to Know Before You Go to This Orlando Halloween Event:
- Cost: Varies
- Location: Multiple locations throughout Central Florida
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31. Scott’s Maze Adventures at Great Scott Farms
With hundreds of 4+ star reviews, Great Scott Farms is one of the best farms in Orlando to enjoy for Halloween!
Here you’ll enjoy their fun-filled hayrides, twisty 6.5 acre corn mazes, a giant jumping pillow, pumpkin patch and delicious fall food in the brisk Florida weather!
What to Know Before You Go This Orlando Fall Event:
- Starts: September 30th of 2023
- Prices: Vary based on experience
- Address: 26216 County Road 448A Mount Dora, Florida 32757
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My Final Thoughts on Your Orlando Halloween Events
As you can see, there are so many things to in Orlando for October.
From haunted voyages to culinary adventures, you’ll be able to find something to celebrate during autumn in Florida.
Now you know why I love fall in Orlando so much and why you must add Central Florida to your haunt season itinerary!
What’s you favorite thing to do in Orlando for the fall? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these Orlando Halloween Guides:
- Halloween Horror Nights vs. Howl-O-Scream: What’s the Difference?
- 10 Expert Tips for Halloween Horror Nights
- 15+ Weird Haunted Mansion Secrets
- Why Fall is the BEST Season for Theme Park Fans
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Date October 25, 2016/Updated September 22, 2023)
I really like the dessert at the parks during this time of year
Me too! They really get creative 🙂