It’s the season of pumpkin spice, skeletons and all things spooky in the Middle Keys. For a tiny string of islands, Marathon isn’t short on events to celebrate Halloween – quite honestly, it’s easy to lose track. So don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Back for another year, here is Keys Weekly’s roundup of options in the heart of the Florida Keys, most of which are suitable for all ages.
What: Halloween Art in the Park
When: Oct. 13, 20 and 27, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Oceanfront Park (behind City Hall)
Details: Join Annalise from Marathon Parks and Recreation for Adult Halloween Art in the Park. It’s time to start decorating for Halloween, and what better way than to make your own decorations and art? From lighted pumpkin centerpieces to spiders and spooky ghost art, the moon’s the limit. Different projects are scheduled for each Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Oceanfront Park (behind City Hall) between 98th and 99th Street. A registration fee is required to help cover the cost of materials used. Email rosetea@ci.marathon.fl.us and scan the QR code to register:
QR LINK: https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1122836
What: Witches in the Hammock
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Crane Point Museum & Nature Center
Details: Join Crane Point for its annual Witches in the Hammock event. Take a lantern walk through the hammock to a haunted house and watch the witches who live there dance around the fire pit. Have some witches’ brew and ride back to the Crane Point courtyard for all kinds of spooky games. Casper’s house will also be open for a visit with the friendly ghost. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children.
What: Stanley Switlik’s Spooktacular Halloween Carnival
When: Sunday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Stanley Switlik Elementary School
Details: Head over to Switlik for the school’s annual Halloween carnival. Feel free to wear a costume and join the parade at 12:30 p.m. The day includes candy, games, food, crafts, music, a bounce house, the famed cake walk, a silent auction and more. Donors and volunteers can contact ptoswitlik@gmail.com.
What: Double Feature Movie Night at the Park
When: Saturday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Where: Marathon Community Park
Details: Join the city of Marathon for a Halloween double feature movie event for all to enjoy – “Hocus Pocus” and “Hocus Pocus 2.” The movies begin at dark, with the second movie immediately following the first. Bring chairs and blankets, snacks and friends to enjoy the rare double feature.
What: Halloween Kids Costume Run
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.
Where: 1155 Bulevar de Palmas, Marathon
Details: HapynKeys Running’s annual Halloween costume run is back. The 1-mile run will take participants around a local neighborhood loop, and the event will include refreshments, snacks and best-costume and top-runner prizes.
What: Trick or Treat at Aquarium Encounters
When: Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m.
Where: Aquarium Encounters, 11710 Overseas Hwy.
Details: Kids in costume will receive free admission to Aquarium Encounters and candy with a paying adult or member. Trick or treat and play games at the exhibits at the aquarium. While supplies last.
What: Trick or Treat at the Beach
When: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Sombrero Beach
Details: The city of Marathon will transition its usual Trunk or Treat to a Trick or Treat at the Beach. Come in costume to collect goodies from local groups and businesses who put up displays along the park path. Registration is only required for groups who wish to put up a display or tent. Spaces are limited to a 10- x 10-foot area. Email parksandrecreation@ci.marathon.fl.us to reserve a spot and for additional display rules.
What: Boo Bash Costume Contest
When: Friday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. (costume contest 7 p.m.)
Where: Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant, 401 E Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach
Details: Cool prizes and bragging rights are up for grabs at the 2025 Boo Bash Costume Contest. Come in your best costume and prepare for a night of spooky fun as you fight for top marks on the judges’ score cards. All ages welcome. Proceeds go to benefit Presents in Paradise, which helps local working families provide Christmas for their kids. Live music, a 50/50 raffle, celebrity judges and scary drink specials will combine to guarantee a frighteningly fun evening.
What: 16th annual City of Marathon Employee Costume Contest
When: Friday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: City Hall, 9805 Overseas Hwy.
Details: Come see all the employee costumes and cast your votes. Cost is $1 per vote. All proceeds will be donated to a local charity to be announced.
What: Sinister Speakeasy Halloween Party
When: Friday, Oct. 31, 4-11 p.m. (Happy Hour 4-6)
Where: The Palm Deck at Grassy Flats Resort
Details: The Palm Deck is reopening for the season soon, and coincidentally it happens on Halloween. On Oct. 31, bring your best costume and your best Halloween spirit to enjoy the festivities, complete with a brand new menu and cocktails. Happy hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m. with live music starting at 6 p.m.
What: Gulfside Village Trick or Treat
When: Friday, Oct. 31, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gulfside Village, 5800 Overseas Hwy.
Details: Annual Trick or Treat Halloween party at Gulfside Village. Come enjoy the fun in the fresh outdoors. Candy donations are appreciated and can be dropped off at Flowers By J&J. Any business or organization that would like to set up a table or donate candy may contact Flowers By J&J to reserve a spot. Call 305-743-5459 or email danielle@keysflowers.com.
What: Grassy Key Halloween
When: Friday, Oct. 31, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Grassy Key on Goodley, Gibson, Bailey and the west end of Morton Street.
Details: Please join the Grassy Key community in passing out candy for trick-or-treaters. All are welcome. Neighbors from outside the listed streets are welcome to set up trick or treat tables at Sunset Park on Morton Street.
What: Trick or Treating Behind the Airport
When: Friday, Oct. 31, starting at dark
Where: Neighborhood off Aviation Boulevard between Dolphin Drive and Harbor Drive.
Details: Come join the fun for Marathon’s traditional behind-the-airport trick-or-treating. MCSO deputies will be controlling traffic in the area from 6 to 11 p.m. A one-way traffic pattern will be established according to the map shown here. Parking is prohibited on Aviation Boulevard, but ample parking is available on Gulfstream Boulevard.
