When summer transitions to fall in South Florida, the leaves don’t change color, the temperature doesn’t drop significantly… in fact, nothing much changes. Despite the seeming constancy in our seasons, fall can still be a festive, memorable time. Check out our selections for local autumn and Halloween festivities.
“Howl-O-Ween” at Pinecrest Gardens
Finally, an excuse to dress your best friend (your four-legged best friend, that is) in a cheesy Halloween costume. “Howl-O-Ween” is an ideal event for dog owners and families and includes costume contests, live entertainment, food, vendors and even a parade of adoptable dogs from the rescue organization Paws 4 You. All proceeds from the event benefit Paws 4 You.
Oct. 30, 12-5 p.m.
Pinecrest Gardens (11000 S. Red Road, Pinecrest, FL 33156)
Admission: $5, children under 2 and Pinecrest Gardens members get in free
Xtreme Scare Park at Xtreme Action Park
With its three themed houses (“Nightmares: The Awakening,” “Asylum of the Damned” and “Catacombs: Ancient Evil Unleashed”), Xtreme Scare Park offers a truly terrifying experience. The haunted houses are situated in the 20,000-square-foot Action Park, bringing the premise of Universal’s “Halloween Horror Nights” to South Florida on a smaller scale.
Oct. 21-23, 26-31; Nov. 2-6, 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Xtreme Action Park (5300 S. Powerline Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309)
Admission: $32.50 (general admission); additional $20 for fast pass
Flamingo Road Nursery
During the autumn season, Flamingo Road Nursery expands its typical farmers market and plant nursery to include an expansive pumpkin patch. With a wide variety of reasonably-priced pumpkins, fall decorations for sale and food options (including barbecue), the nursery offers entertainment for an afternoon of pumpkin-decorating and lunch with friends.
Through the month of October
1655 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33325
Admission: Free
Hollyweird Halloween Block Party
The 10-acre Artspark transforms into a Halloween “block party” open to the public complete with live music and a wide variety of activities suitable for a family or group of friends. Activities include candy stations and a costume contest with prizes.
Oct. 29, 6 p.m.
Artspark (One N. Young Circle, Hollywood, FL 33020)
Admission: Free