Halloween events and fall festivals in Polk County, Florida

The summer has passed and the temperatures are cooler. It’s time to feel the chills of Florida’s Polk County with a ghostly lineup of Central Florida Halloween events.  

There is a wealth of fun events with a spooky twist for kids of all ages as well as charming fall festivals.

Check out the best happenings in Central Florida this fall.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort Brick-or-Treat Presents Monster Party

Oct. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 & 28-29.

During select weekends in September and October, experience the spooky, kooky fun of one of the most popular Halloween Events in Central Florida. LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers neighborhood-style trick-or-treating, plus seasonal shows. Additionally, Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party weekends include creepy-cool LEGO characters in a captivating Halloween celebration. Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party is included with regular day admission.

Fall Festival at the Welcome Center

Oct. 21, 2023

Start your trick or treating at the Central Florida Welcome Center‘s annual Fall Festival. This free family-friendly fall festival includes trick-or-treating, BOGO Bok Tower Gardens tickets, face painting, and local seasonal vendors. Food and gifts will be available for purchase from local vendors. Plus, vendors will be passing out candy for the kids. Costumes are welcome.

The Haunting of River Ranch

Fridays & Saturdays until Nov. 4

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is bringing back a thrilling event this Halloween season. Experience a creepy hayride twisting and turning, through a haunted house. Then, visit a family-friendly county fair in and pick out your favorite gourds. Book an accommodations package to receive discounted tickets and daily food & beverage credit.

Polk State College Annual FallFest

Oct. 14, 2023 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Around 100 locals, businesses, and college clubs will set up booths throughout the Winter Haven Campus offering seasonal homemade arts, crafts, and products. The event will also feature family-friendly activities such as games, haunted houses, bounce houses, shows, and presentations from local law enforcement and EMS. Polk State College clubs and athletics programs will also participate in the event to raise money for their organizations by hosting different activities and food sales.

Harvest Holler Corn Maze

Weekends until Nov. 19, 2023

Harvest Holler Corn Maze is fun for the whole family. This event features a corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, a pumpkin patch, and more! Located in Polk City near Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Auburndale.

Silver Moon Drive-In Howl at the Moon 2023

Enjoy a series of Halloween events at Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland.

October 14 at 11 p.m. Rocky Horror Live

Featuring Hell on Hells Shadow Cast

Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Halloween Movie Marathon

Featuring Megan, Black Phone, Belko Experiment, Split, The Hunt OR Dracula, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, Wolf-Man, Wolf-Man Meet Frankenstein
Tickets will be $25 per car per event or $60 for all 3 events.

The SUN ‘n FUN Spooktacular

Saturday, Oct. 28

Normally home to spectacular air shows and flying aces, every Halloween SUN ‘n FUN opens up for the spirits and the ghoulies at the SUN ‘n FUN Spooktacular. Take a camper for the weekend or just head over in the car on Saturday afternoon from 4-9 p.m. The woods will be decorated and there will be plenty of spooky fun, including Ms. Pat’s Traveling Emporium of Horror, Camper-Treating festivities, and s’mores at the fire pit.

Fall into the Gardens

Visit Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales and let your imagination take flight. The Central Florida attraction is offering a new season of educational programs, workshops, and special events. Explore our connection to bees, butterflies, and birds. View all upcoming fall events here

Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing (Visit Central Florida) is the official destination marketing organization for Polk County, Florida Click here for the Visit Central Florida website.