Fear Not: Halloween Costume Ideas for Spooky Time in Sarasota

Halloween in Sarasota is not just about candy and jack-o'-lantern – it's a celebration of creativity and community spirit. With many spooktacular, family-fun events happening throughout the region, it's the perfect time to go all out and let your inner ghoul or goblin shine. 

Lights at Spooky Point: Ghostly Gardener

At the Lights at Spooky Point event at Selby's Historic Spanish Point, immerse yourself in the historic gardens which becomes transformed with thousands of Halloween lights and boo-tanically themed decorations. Consider a ghostly gardener costume, complete with tattered clothing and a spooky lantern to blend seamlessly with the eerie environment and ambiance of the event. This walk-through show is fun for all ages and takes place on Friday, October 13th - October 31st, with two entry times nightly (6:30pm and 7:45pm). Tickets are available for purchase online and range for children and adults. 

Pumpkin Plunge: Underwater Creature

For more harvest fun, hit up the Pumpkin Plunge at North Port Aquatic Center and consider a seaside twist on a Halloween costume. Dive into the fun as an underwater creature or Florida native sea life. From a mermaid or merman to a cute manatee and scuba diver, you'll be the life of the aquatic party at this floating pumpkin patch (or shall we say, splash?!). The event takes place on Saturday, October 21st, 9am-11am. Fee is $9/child with a complimentary supervising adult.

Boo! at The Bay: Ghostbuster or Monster

The Bay Park is back with its 2nd annual Boo! at The Bay – a not-so-scary evening filled with trick-or-treating, free pumpkin pickings, yard games and a double-feature movie night. This year's showings are Monsters, Inc. (7pm-8:30pm), followed by Ghostbusters (8:45pm-10:30pm). What better costume idea than to dress up as someone from one of these classic films? From big, blue and furry "Sulley" to "Marshmallow Man" and "Slimer," have a blast reiterating these beloved characters! This event is free to the public and takes place Friday, October 20th, 6pm-10:30pm. 

BooMobile Tour: Vintage Ghost

Hop on the BooMobile with Discover Sarasota Tours and take a haunted history tour of the city. Blend in with the spirits by dressing as a vintage ghost, complete with a flowing white gown and a faded Victorian-era hat. Prizes are given for the Best Costume on every BooMobile tour! Nightly tours take place from October 19th - October 30th and ticket prices range for children/adults. 

Haunted Trails at Oscar Scherer: Nature Spirit

At the Haunted Trails event at Oscar Scherer State Park, blend in with the surroundings by becoming a natural spirit. Adorn yourself with leaves, twigs and floral elements to camouflage with the haunting forestry. Carry a lantern and let the wilderness guide your way through the spooky, dark trails. This year's event takes place on Friday, October 20th and Saturday, October 21st, 9pm-10pm. Ticket sales are now open online and range for adults/children.

Farmers Market Dog-a-ween: Movie Star Pup

This one's for the doggo! Dress your furry friend for success at the Sarasota Farmers Market annual Dog-a-ween Halloween Contest in Downtown Sarasota. Dress your four-legged companion for success with a movie star look, like "Dogtor Strange" or "Bark Panther" to steal the spotlight. Don't forget a dazzling collar and a tiny pair of sunglasses for extra glamor. This event is free to the public and takes place on Saturday, October 28th, 9am-11am.

Venice Halloween Parade: Classic Monster Mashup

For the Venice Kids Halloween Parade, go classic with a twist. Located in downtown's Centennial Park annually, enjoy free admission for the whole family. Whether for the parents or the kids, go the extra mile in costuming this year by combining the features of iconic monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula and the Mummy to create your very own "Monster Mashup" costume. It's a playful take on Halloween's most famous creatures that'll give that extra edge in the parade!

BooFest at LWR: Superhero with a Twist

Head to Lakewood Ranch Downtown for BooFest to unleash your inner superhero (or villain!), but with a Halloween twist. How about a "Vampire Vigilante" or a "Witchy Warrior"? Mix your favorite superhero elements with spooky accessories for a unique look to trick-or-treat down Main Street in with friends or the family. This event is free to the public and takes place Friday, October 27th, 6pm-9pm.

No matter which event you end up at or costume you create, Sarasota's Halloween celebrations are all about having fun and showcasing your fun and creativity. So get ready to join the costume parade and make this Halloween season in Sarasota truly spooktacular!

Remember to put safety first by ensuring your costumes are comfortable and easy to move in, especially if you plan to participate in events with lots of activities. Don't forget to incorporate some reflective elements or carry a flashlight for added visibility in the darker hours.