Dare to explore a haunted lagoon in Key Largo or a spooky forest in Islamorada? The Upper Keys in October has some horrifyingly awesome events in store. Ahead of the year’s most frighteningly fun weekends, Keys Weekly offers this roundup of options in town, most of which are suitable for costume aficionados young and old.
Treasure Treat Night at the Museum
The History of Diving Museum in Islamorada will hold its fourth annual Treasure Treat Night on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This event includes trick-or-treating through the museum’s haunted exhibits as costumed staff dole out candy, toys, activities, stickers and fun historic facts. A costume contest with prizes for three winners will take place at 6:15 p.m. A raffle will be held for additional prizes. This event is free to the public, with a $5 suggested donation.
Owl-O-Ween
On Friday, Oct. 24, The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center will host a night of tricks and treats during the annual Owl-O-Ween at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, 93600 Overseas Highway from 4 to 8 p.m. Providing fun for the whole family, the evening will feature trick-or-treating, festive games, drinks and snacks, arts and crafts and a conservation village. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated. Be there if you dare!
Mystery Dinner at Baker’s Cay
Visit the beachside of Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo for an unforgettable murder mystery dinner on Friday, Oct. 24. Presented by the nationally-acclaimed Murder Mystery Co. — as featured on “Shark Tank” — the evening will include live music by JP Zabala, setting the perfect mood for a night of secrets and suspense.
As the sun dips below the bay, immerse yourself in a live-action whodunit where every guest is part of the plot. Sift craft cocktails, savor coastal-inspired dishes and uncover clues in a story filled with intrigue, humor and tropical twists. The happenings begin at 6 p.m. Dress to impress — or deceive — and get ready for a night where no one is above suspicion.
MarineLab’s Haunted Lagoon
Snorkelers beware: Monsters may be lurking in the depths at the Key Largo Undersea Park. MarineLab’s annual Haunted Lagoon returns on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the undersea park, located at 51 Shoreland Dr. (at the end of Transylvania Avenue). With free admission, attendees can enjoy spooky science, ghoulish games and terrifying treats for the whole family. In the water, MarineLab’s staff will guide snorkelers through the lagoon’s invaders in zombie mermaids and pirates. Those who don’t wish to snorkel can experience the Haunted Tunnel and land activities for kids of all ages. More information is at MarineLab’s Haunted Lagoon on Facebook.
Trunk or Treat and Haunted Trail
One of Islamorada’s favorite Halloween family traditions returns with the seventh annual Trunk or Treat Halloween Party and Haunted Trail on Saturday, Oct. 25. Vehicle trunks decorated to various themes will dish out treats to kids in costumes.
The evening will also feature an inflatable course and bounce house, snow cones, donuts and food trucks. A contest will judge the best costumes in various categories, including best superhero, scariest, best group, best fairytale and most creative.
Haunted rides through the Plantation Hammock Preserve are also being revived. Riders will encounter all things spooky on this fun, fright-filled journey.
Halloween at Pennkamp
The Friends of John Pennekamp State Park are hosting the fifth annual Halloween at Pennekamp on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This family-friendly event features a trunk or treat, indoor A-scare-ium, outdoor spooky trail and a mermaid meet-and-greet. Captain Coral will also be performing. There will be music and food trucks for the first time this year. Halloween at Pennekamp is a Teal Pumpkin event so food and non-food treats will be available for trick-or-treaters.
Admission to the event is free but donations to benefit The Friends of John Pennekamp State Park are encouraged. First State Bank of the Florida Keys is the signature sponsor of Halloween at Pennekamp. More information is available on the Friends Facebook page and website.
Fall Fest at Burton Memorial
Burton Memorial Methodist Church is hosting its annual Fall Festival on Sunday Oct. 26, from 3 to 7 p.m. Admission to this event is free and open to the public and will feature food, music, games and activities for the whole family. The festival will also host the live judging and presenting of awards for the pumpkin carving and pumpkin pie contest, with professional artists and chefs as judges. Costumes welcomed but not required.
The festival will take place at the church, located at 93001 Overseas Highway, with free parking available on site. For more information visit the church’s website at bmumc.net or stop by the church on afternoons through Oct. 25 to buy your pumpkin and sign up for the pumpkin carving and pumpkin pie baking contests.
