News Summary
As Halloween approaches, Tampa Bay is gearing up for a range of community events suitable for all ages. Families can look forward to activities like trunk-or-treats, pumpkin carves, and family-friendly parties that promote local shopping. The events are designed to bring the community together while ensuring a fun and safe experience for children. Local businesses are also preparing for an increase in Halloween shopping, anticipating significant spending from residents and visitors alike.
Tampa Bay, FL – As Halloween approaches, the Tampa Bay area is readying itself for a season filled with spooky activities and community events. Families can look forward to a variety of events designed for all ages, featuring candy distribution, costume contests, and more. The weather forecast for October 10, 2025, indicates cloudy skies early in the day with partial clearing. A slight chance of rain showers is expected, with temperatures reaching a high of 81°F and cooling down to an overnight low of 69°F. Winds will be from the north-northeast at 10 to 20 mph.
Upcoming Halloween Events
Residents can participate in numerous Halloween-themed events scheduled throughout mid-October. Events include:
- North Greenwood Community Trunk-or-Treat: Scheduled for October 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the North Greenwood Library in Clearwater. This free event allows families to enjoy candy, costumes, and Halloween fun.
- Pumpkins and Pals: Taking place on October 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Long Center in Clearwater. Activities include pumpkin carving, bounce houses, and a free dinner. Admission is $10 per family, which includes one pumpkin, with an additional cost of $5 for each extra pumpkin.
- Trunk or Treat: Happening on October 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Northdale Park & Recreation Center in Tampa. This free event encourages costumes and offers free candy.
- Library Halloween Bash: On October 18 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Oldsmar Library, featuring balloon sculptures, caricature artists, crafts, and cash raffles.
- Dillard’s Halloween Party: Scheduled for October 18 from noon to 6 p.m. at Dillard’s at Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, offering family-friendly activities including games and treats.
- Midtown Family Trunk or Treat: This event will be on October 18 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Midtown Tampa, with decorated trunks filled with candy and surprises.
- SPFR Haunted Fire House: Occurring on October 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Fire Station No. 10 in St. Petersburg, featuring a family-friendly haunted attraction; free admission with optional $10 Fast Passes.
- Movie on the Lawn Double Feature: Scheduled for October 22 at 7 p.m. at Armature Works in Tampa. This free outdoor screening of ‘Halloweentown’ and ‘Scream’ will have food trucks available on site.
- Pied Piper’s Haunted Carnival: Running from October 23 to 26 from 4 p.m. to midnight at Armature Works, featuring carnival attractions, games, and a music festival with artists and DJs.
- Trunk or Treat at Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center: Scheduled for October 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., offering free admission and candy.
- Halloween Ju-Boo-Lee: Occurring on October 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Morningside Recreation Center in Clearwater, with an entry fee of $3 per person.
- Field of Screams: Taking place on October 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Seminole Recreation Center, featuring costume contests and activities available for $7.
Community Engagement and Local Economy
Local retailers are also promoting Halloween shopping this year. The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts that Americans will spend approximately $13.1 billion on Halloween in 2025. Additionally, a survey reveals that 49 percent of Americans are beginning their Halloween shopping earlier than before. The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) encourages residents to buy their Halloween supplies from local businesses.
Safety and Enjoyment
This year’s Halloween festivities emphasize family-friendly costumes and engagement. There are numerous free events designed to strengthen community bonds and encourage local shopping. Parents are reminded to accompany their children during the events to ensure their safety and enjoyment throughout the spooky season.
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Additional Resources
- TBN Weekly: Halloween Events in Tampa Bay
- Wikipedia: Halloween
- Florida Politics: Halloween Spending
- Google Search: Halloween 2025 Events
- Fox 13 News: Popular Halloween Candy by State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
- Cleveland.com: Cedar Point’s Halloweekends
- Google News: Halloween Events 2025

Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.


