Searching for some scary-good Halloween parties? 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.
FIFTH ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT
Founders Park, Islamorada
Saturday, Oct. 21 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
This sweet and superbly-scary event is fun for all ages and families. With free admission, children will have the chance to fill their buckets with treats from the many decorated trunks. An inflatable croc slide and Frankenstein bounce house will also have kids swarming to enjoy. Attendees can also try their hand at carving a pumpkin. Shaved ice, donuts, sweet and savory crepes and soft drinks will be available for purchase. The evening will also bring a DJ and some dancing, face painting, a costume parade and contest and a haunted hayride through Plantation Hammock Preserve, located next to Founders, from 6-9 p.m. Trunk registration has passed. Call the park office at 305-853-1685 for more information.
KEY LARGO WITCHES RIDE
The Catch & Caribbean Club, Key Largo
Saturday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m.
Witches and warlocks can ride through Key Largo to raise money for local scholarships. The ride begins at the Catch and ends at the Caribbean Club. Registration is $25. There will be prizes for costume and decorated bikes, as well as drinks, a buffet, raffles and a silent auction. Live music will be provided by Abstract Radio.
OWL-O-WEEN
Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, Tavernier
Friday, Oct. 27 from 4-8 p.m.
Presented by the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, Owl-o-ween is a Halloween fall festival that will bring more thrills than ever before. Attendees can enjoy some tricks and treats, a dunk tank, festival games, a fortune teller, a haunted photo booth and a plethora of other activities. Local nonprofits will be located at a small conservation village. Each nonprofit has the opportunity to contribute one silent-auction item to support their cause and festival-goers will be able to vote on which nonprofit booth is the spookiest. The winning nonprofit will receive a sponsored monetary prize as a donation to their organization. Admission is free but a donation is encouraged. Visit the Owl-O-Ween event Facebook page to learn more.
UNDERWATER CRITTER COSTUME PARTY
Florida Keys Brewing Co., Islamorada
Saturday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.
If you’re an ocean lover, then I.CARE and Florida Keys Brewing Co.’s annual costume party is the event for you. The night will bring music, raffles, prizes, drinks and games. Attendees must be dressed as a sea critter such as SpongeBob, a whale, a mermaid and other marine-related costumes. First-place costume will receive a free trip to Cabo, Mexico.
MARINELAB’S HAUNTED LAGOON
Key Largo Undersea Park, 51 Shoreland Dr., Key Largo
Saturday, Oct. 28 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Dare to snorkel MarineLab’s Haunted Lagoon? Well, here’s your chance. Enjoy spooky science, ghoulish games and treats with the family. Admission is free to this terrifying event. Visit marinelab.org/haunted-lagoon to learn more.
