HOLIDAY

Halloween and other haunts

Northwest Florida to get spooky with events

Savannah Evanoff
sevanoff@nwfdailynews.com
The Witches of South Walton will host the 16th Annual Witch Ride on Oct. 31 to support the mission of local nonprofit, the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

Get haunted this Halloween at these Northwest Florida events.

BAKER

Baker Corn Maze and Haunted Trail

Hallows Hill Amusement will offer haunted and non-haunted attractions. It will include the Flashlight Corn Maze, the Baker Corn Maze, Hallows Hill Haunted Hayrides and Nightmare on the Old Spanish Trail. Hours of operation are 7-11 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m-11 p.m. Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Sundays and 7-11 p.m. Halloween all through Nov. 2. The location is 5899 Buck Ward Road, Baker. For prices and more details, visit GumCreekEntertainment.com or Facebook.com/HallowsHillAmusement.

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS

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Fright Nights on Main Street

Fright Nights on Main Street is sheer terror brought to life — a Halloween event like no other, according to its Facebook page. Experience it if you have the guts. Warning: This is an intense experience available 7-11 p.m. Oct. 18-19 and 25-26 at 826 Baldwin Ave. in downtown DeFuniak Springs. All are welcome, but ages 13 and older is strongly recommended. Learn more at Facebook.com/FrightNightsOnMainStreet.

DESTIN

Halloween Horror

Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park has adopted the slogan “Fright done right” — at least for weekends in October. The Destin water park has drained its pools and gone dark for its first haunted experience, Halloween Horror. It will feature three scares zones — Headless Hollow, Voodoo on the Bayou and Pirate Point; two haunted attractions, Prison Outbreak and Carn-Evil; the Cyclone and Skycoaster operating in the dark; and Club Blood, a food truck offering spooky food and drink items. The event is 5:30-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30-10 p.m. Sundays through October at 1007 U.S. Highway 98, Destin. Thrill Rides and mini golf open at 5:30 p.m., Haunted attractions open at dusk. General admission is $24.99 and free to Big Kahuna’s season pass holders.

Halloween Haunt 2019

It’s going to be a frightfully fun time for the family 6-8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Destin Commons, 4100 Legendary Drive, Destin. This free and eerie event features kid’s creepy crafts, fantasy face-painting, trick-or-treating, and a costume contest with prizes. Bring the kids and dogs dressed in their bewitching best. After the contest, kids can go trick-or-treating in a safe, friendly environment at participating stores.

McGuire’s Destin Halloween Run

Join McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin’s 23rd Annual Halloween 5K Run/Walk 10K Run at 9 a.m. Oct. 26. Enjoy a free pre-race breakfast followed by a post-race party with live entertainment, Irish fare, Irish Wakes and Irish ale. Early registration is $30 online until Oct. 25 at runsignup.com.

BooLu’s at LuLu’s

Enjoy a day of free Halloween festivities and a kid’s costume contest at LuLu’s Destin Annual BooLu’s Halloween event 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 26. BooLu’s will have pumpkin decorating, kid’s crafts, inflatable play area and live music. Trunk-or-Treat will feature trick-or-treating on the LuLu’s grounds during BooLu’s with various businesses and nonprofits handing out treats. Registration and judging for the costume contest, by age category, will take place onsite with prizes for the winners. LuLu’s is in Destin near the Mid-Bay Bridge next to Legendary Marina. For more information, call 850-751-LULU (5858). To sign up your trunk for the Trunk-or-Treat, visit https://lulubuffett.com/destin/boolus-october-26/.

Fall Festival

The City of Destin’s 19th annual Fall Festival is 5-8 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Ave., Destin. Bring one non-perishable food item for admission. There will be booths with games and activities, a cakewalk, a costume contest, a spacewalk/slide, a jack-o-lantern contest and food for sale. Tickets for games and food will cost four for $1 or 20 for $5, with most games requiring one ticket. Registration for the costume contest is 5-6 p.m. Carved pumpkins must be dropped off before 3 p.m.; judging is promptly at 5 p.m. Call 850-654-5184.

Pumpkinpalooza

Join HarborWalk Village for three days of Halloween-themed festivities Oct. 25-27 at Pumpkinpalooza. Donations from the weekend will go to Hurricane Michael Relief. Parking is free.

• Friday Night Frights: Join HarborWalk for a showing of the Halloween classic “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 on the HarborWalk Main Stage.

• Booze & Boos Bingo Pub Crawl: Enjoy a bingo-style pub crawl featuring craft cocktails and food from Village restaurants, live music by Tyler Livingston and an adult costume contest at Coyote Ugly. Starting at 7 p.m Oct. 26., 300 free Pub Crawl Bingo Cards will be given to the first ghouls and goblins to arrive. Complete a Bingo Row and turn your completed card in at the HarborWalk Village stage by 9:30 p.m. for a chance to win raffle prizes. Registration for the costume contest begins at 10 p.m.

•Spook Street: This family-friendly event kicks off at 5 p.m. Oct. 27 with a scavenger hunt and free kid’s activities. The first 200 to arrive will receive scavenger hunt cards. Village merchants will provide goodies. Visit each shop and restaurant for a treat. Costume contest registration begins at 6 p.m. Contest begins at 6:30 p.m. Categories include Kids 0-4, 5-9, 10-12, as well as pets and families. The evening ends with a boo-ming fireworks display over the harbor at 8:30 p.m.

Cuddlers & Toddlers Book-or-Treat

Go trick-or-treating at the library at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 30. Parents and children ages 4 and younger are invited to a morning of stories and treats at the Destin Library. Wear your favorite costume and parade through the shelves, stopping to pick up goodies along the way. There won’t be any tricks. Head to the children’s area for a special storytime. Registration is required for this event. To register, call the library at 850-837-8572. This is a popular event, and carpooling is encouraged. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early.

Horror Movie Trivia

On the eve of Halloween, World of Beer will host a Horror Movie Trivia Contest at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at 4287 Legendary Drive, Destin. Grab your fellow fright fanatics and join in on a chance to win cash prizes. The most special prize of all will be given to the winner of the costume contest. Stay tuned for details at Facebook.com/WOBDestin.

FORT WALTON BEACH

11th Annual Zombie Walk and Can Food Drive

The 11th Annual Zombie Walk and Can Food Drive will take place 4-8 p.m. Oct. 12 in downtown Fort Walton Beach. In support of the local food bank, Sharing and Caring, bring four can goods per person or zombie. Pick up game cards from 4 to 6 p.m. Turn them in by 6:30 p.m. for prize drawings. Walk the path downtown lurching like a zombie. Return to the Landing at 7 p.m. to flash mob dance to "Thriller." Family and pet friendly. Come fully in costume or get makeup done at the event. For kids there will be trick or treating, a costume contest, and lots of fun games. Fort Walton Beach Landing Park is at 139 Brooks St. SE. Visit the event page on Facebook for more details.

FWB Fall Carnival

The City of Fort Walton Beach’s Annual Fall Carnival will include a “Trick or Treat Trail” at the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center’s athletic complex, 132 Jet Dr. N. The carnival is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 18.

'Nightmare on First Street II'

The Arts and Design Society invites the public to a “scary” evening of Halloween fundraising fun, “Nightmare on First Street II,” beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 26. The night will include a costume contest, Halloween food contest, and a dance contest. There will also be live music by Nik Flagstar, playing solo, and a cash bar. Tickets are $20 each, which includes everything but the cash bar, and may be purchased at the ADSO Gallery, Tuesday-Friday, noon-4 p.m., 17 First Street SE, Fort Walton Beach. Call 850-244-1271.

GulfScarium

Splash or treat at GulfScarium. Scream in delight, not fright at this family friendly Halloween celebration. Friends and Family are invited to visit Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park for exclusive Halloween fun full of marine life and lots of candy. Halloween festivities are from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Children in costume, ages 12 and younger, receive free admission (limit of two free kids per adult). Trick-or-treat for candy around the park, jump in the bounce house, locate the skeletons in the annual skeleton scavenger hunt and more.

You don’t want to miss the fun as it continues Oct. 31 with an after-hours experience from 4-6 p.m. During this time, all adults are free. Children in costume, 12 and younger, will receive admission into the park for only $5. Trick-or-treat around the park and join the Gulfarium for a special evening as it celebrates GulfScarium with an evening dolphin show and sea lion show. Visit gulfarium.com/halloween to see the event schedules.

Halloween bash with Bye Felicia

Enjoy live music from Bye Felicia at 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at Green Door Music Hall, 158 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Suite C, Fort Walton Beach.

GULF BREEZE

Boo at the Zoo

Boo at the Zoo offers six days of scare-free, daytime fun for children and their families Oct. 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27 at Gulf Breeze Zoo, 5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze. Join the safe zoo neighborhood of Halloween entertainment, with kid-friendly fun. This includes a  trick-or-treat trail with candy, treats and toys, bounce houses, face-painting, balloon animals, a critter touch zone and the entire Zoo. For pricing and more information, visit GulfBreezeZoo.org.

MILTON

Ghost Walk

Meet local ghosties, tour historic Milton and learn about Milton’s past at the annual Ghost Walk Downtown Milton on Oct. 25-26. Tours will begin at the Imogene Theatre, 6866 Caroline St., at 6 p.m., leaving every 15 minutes until 9 p.m. For details, visit SantaRosaHistoricalSociety.com.

Milton Pumpkin Fest

The City of Milton and local businesses will join to present a free family event, the “Milton Pumpkin Fest,” from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19.

Halloween Murder Mystery: Monster Mash

Check out this interactive Halloween themed Murder Mystery where you solve the murder at 7 p.m. Oct. 31 at The Imogene Theatre, 6866 Caroline St., Milton. You are attending Frankenstein’s 201st Birthday Party. Meet and mingle with some of the most iconic monsters on earth. Don’t be scared though, Frankenstein has arranged that none of you will be harmed, or bitten, but when one of these legendary monsters is murdered, it will be up to you and the detective to solve this bizarre twist of events. Tickets are $45 and include dinner and a show. The Imogene Theatre’s in-house caterer, CookingwithCarrie.com will serve dinner. There will also be a Halloween Costume Contest.

MIRAMAR BEACH

Barktoberfest

Dress your four-legged friends in their Halloween finest and enjoy a free canine-only trick-or-treating event and doggie social benefiting Dog-Harmony 5-7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Grand Boulevard. Judging for the best “Pet & Parent Matching Costume” contest will take place during the event with the prize-winning duo announced at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy light bites, libations, a raffle drawing and lawn games.

Halloween on the BOOlevard

Families and kids are invited to trick or treat throughout Grand Boulevard’s Town Center at “Halloween on the BOOlevard.” The event is 4-6 p.m. Oct. 31 at 495 Grand Boulevard. It is free and open to the public.

Trick or Treat Street

Calling all ghouls, ghosts and goblins to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for a spooktacular extravaganza. From 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31, trick or treat through the Village streets and visit merchants for treats at 9100 Baytowne Boulevard. The DJ will play frighteningly good tunes on the main stage, and kids can enjoy balloon animals and crafts. End the night with a spooky fireworks display at 8 p.m.

NAVARRE

Science Spooktacular by the Sea

From creeps of the deep, an endangered species cemetery to science that glows in the dark, amazing sea creatures await you at the annual Science Spooktacular: Haunted Beachwalk Fundraiser at 5 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station, 8638 Blue Heron Court, Navarre. Explore sea-themed stations and experience science by some of your favorite teachers. From gooey slime and dissections by Dr. Spookfish to a haunted beach walk, this kid-friendly event is one of a kind. Come dressed to impress as your favorite animal from the sea. The event is $5 a person and free for ages 2 and younger. All proceeds will support programs at the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station.

Halloween at the Y

Come out to the Y for some family fun at the Pullum Family YMCA for the Halloween at the Y event 2-4 p.m. Oct. 26. There will be trick-or-treating, crafts, costume contests, dance party and more. Bring friends to this event that is open to the public. Candy donations and volunteers to hand out candy and decorate tables are needed. There will be a prize for best decorated table. Email csmith@ymcanwfl.org if your interested. The Pullum Family YMCA is at 2379 Pawnee Drive, Navarre.

SOUTH WALTON

Eden Gardens Fall Films

Bring blankets, lawn chairs and coolers, and get ready to watch a spooky movie under the live oaks at Eden Gardens State Park, 181 Eden Gardens Road, Santa Rosa Beach. “The Princess Bride” is Oct. 10. “Goonies” is Oct. 17. “Frogs” is Oct. 24. All films are family-friendly and begin at 6:30 p.m. Films are free with paid park admission ($4 per vehicle). Concessions such as popcorn, candy, soda, water and beer are available for a donation. For more information, visit FriendsOfEdenGardens.com.

Howl-O-Ween

Bring your four-legged friends to the Amphitheatre at Alys Beach for the annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade & Pumpkin Drop benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge 4-6 p.m. Oct. 18. A prize will be awarded for Best Owner Dog Duo, and a giant pumpkin filled with sweet treats will be dropped for the kids. There is a $5 entry fee per dog to participate in the Parade.

Kid’s Movie Night on the Jumbotron

The Hub 30A will project children’s movies at 6 p.m. Tuesdays in October at 7100 E. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. Movies are “Hotel Transylvania” on Oct. 22 and “Casper” on Oct. 29.

Witch Ride

The Witches of South Walton will host the 16th Annual Witch Ride Oct. 31 to support the mission of local nonprofit, the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. Those participating can bring their own bikes or rent one. All participants should be at the Gulf Place Amphitheater by 6 a.m. the day of the ride. The Witches will leave at 7 a.m. sharp, heading west along Scenic Highway 30A for about 1.5 miles before looping back for the Gathering Brunch shortly after 8 a.m. Participants will have the opportunity to win raffle and silent auction items and compete in the Best Dress, Most Witchy Cackle & Best Broom (bike) decor contests. Admittance is limited to the first 350 to register. Advanced registration is open for $50. A T-shirt and early raffle tickets are also available for purchase. Visit WitchRide.com or to learn more, visit WitchesOfSouthWalton.com, Facebook or Instagram.