There Is A Celebrity-Filled Horror Convention Coming To Tampa This Weekend

Spooky Season is officially here and there is a celebrity-filled horror convention coming to Tampa, Florida this weekend.

As soon as October 1st hits, we're full speed ahead into Halloween mode. I have some friends that look forward to this season all year. As soon as November 1st hits, they already start thinking about their costumes for next year and hit the stores for some of that clearance decor. I even have a friend who keeps spooky decor up year-round saying that one month for Halloween just isn't enough. I myself am a big fan of all the fall-themed events from haunted houses to corn mazes. And we can't forget about those apple donuts from the pumpkin patch!

If you're a fan of all things Halloween, particularly horror, this weekend, the Florida State Fairgrounds is where you'll want to be. Spookala kicks off this Friday and the list of celebrities that will be in attendance is massive. Matthew Lillard, Kevin Smith, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Fiona Dourif, Jamie Kennedy, Tom Arnold, Jason Mewes, Joey Lauren Adams and more. Musicians Scott Ian of Anthrax and Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills will be there. As will be influencer Lauren the Mortician, Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango of Ghost Hunters, wrestlers Shotzi and Riley Osborne and more.

At the convention, not only can you meet these celebs, but there will be photo ops, live entertainment, vendors for shopping and more. Spookala runs this Friday 10/6-10/8.

Fall is officially here and the stores are full of Halloween costumes, candy and décor. It's a fun time of year. Do you like to dress up, like a good scare? Perhaps you just like to get out and enjoy some good old fashioned pumpkin carving. It is all possible in the coming weeks. To help you navigate, we've put together a list of the best Halloween events in Southwest Florida. Whether you live in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte or anywhere in between, there is something in close proximity.

Many activities, parties and celebrations were canceled last year due to such widespread damage from Hurricane Ian. Party goers are ready to make up for lost time and it appears there are lots of places and events to accommodate. Halloween is not just for the little kids. There are lots of things for the big kids to do too. Here you will find everything from hayrides to concerts. In addition, trivia nights, boat cruises, wine tastings, and everything in between.

Some events have costume contests. Stay tuned for a separate rundown specifically for costume events. In the meantime, take not. Events are both inside and outside. Some could be affected by the weather. It is always a good idea to call ahead or check social media sites for updates if you have any doubts. Dress up. Get out. Halloween in Southwest Florida is going to be a lot of fun this year. Check out these events.

This is a classic Halloween activity. The campy, interactive movie is playing several places during the month of October. One is at Arts Bonita. Here, the move is outdoors. The screening is Monday October 30th at 7pm. $15 includes prop bag

Also attend a screening at Lee County Alliance For The Arts on October 14th at dusk, gates open at 6pm. This movie is also outside on the lawn. Bring your own chairs and blankets but no coolers. $25 included prop bag.

Farmer Mike's annual Fall Festival and Corn Maze is back for its 7th season. There is a more kid friendly Amazing Honeybee Corn Maze as well. Festivities include zombie paintball, bounce houses, pumpkin patch and all kinds of fun. Events are every Friday through November 5th. However, the haunted corn maze is Friday and Saturday nights from October 6th to 28th. Prices vary. Farmer Mike’s is in Bonita Springs. More info here.

Halloween Notte – Port Charlotte Pumpkin Festival Scare Park opens October 13th at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds. There are crazy, scary haunted houses but also some less scary events and fun for kids of all ages. Halloween Notte is only held on the weekends through October 31st. Prices vary. More info here.

Halloween has returned to Gator Mikes. This year it is Frightmare on 78: Back from the dead. Muster your courage to take the haunted hike through Gator Mike's wooded area. You never know what you will encounter along the way. Be prepared to scream. The event takes place every weekend through October 28. Tickets start at $20. Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park is on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral. Click here for more.

At the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium this is a decades long tradition. Take a 30 minute walk on an elevated boardwalk,  through the wooded, sometimes swampy areas of the nature center. You never know what is lurking in the darkness. The event runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through Halloween. More info here. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

A fun event for kids at the Naples Zoo. Dress up and walk the Trick-or-treat trail. Games, contests, prizes and lots more. the fun is October 13-16 from 9am-1pm each day. Free admission for kids in costume. More info here. 

Put on by the City of Bonita Springs, this outdoor movie screening features “Casper.” Bring your chairs and blankets. Besides the movie there will be pumpkin decorating trick-or-treating, photo, food, entertainment and more. The park will be filled with spooky lights and fog too. the event is in and around Riverside Park on Saturday, October 21st from  5:30-9 p.m. More info here.

This adult part is a l Hallowine Wine Walk through Mercato in Naples. Your screams will be of delight, not fear, sampling food and wine. There is a costume contest and lots more. It's Wednesday, October 25, from 6-9p.m. Enjoy a commemorative wine glass too. Advance tickets $65, 4 for $220. $80 at the door. More info here.

This fun Halloween event is at Wonder Garden's in Bonita Springs. Events run Thursdays and Saturdays from 5-8 pm. In addition, there are family events October 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 26 and 28 that include games, activities, photos, animal enrichment and more. Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs. More here.

Nothing is cuter than dogs in Halloween costumes. This animal-friendly Halloween event benefits Love is Fur Ever Dog Rescue. Bring donations of  dry food, dog treats, toys, pee pads and similar accessories. The fun is in the courtyard at Gulf Coast Town Center in Estero. Friday October 13th from 6-8 p.m.  More info here.

Springtime Farms is in North Fort Myers and their Fall Festival runs through October 29th. Here you will enjoy a pumpkin patch, hay rides, a petting zoo, and more. There is also a Haunted Maze, Haunted Trail, and Bird Aviary.

Love a good horror movie? Check this out. Friday the 13th, Millennial Brewing a big party is scheduled featuring Horror Movie Trivia. The event begins at 6. Millennial Brewing is downtown Fort Myers. More info here.

This night of music is presented by Gulf Coast Symphony at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. It's not just about music. The lobby will be filled with entertainers and all kinds of magic before the show. October 29th, 1:00. More info here.

The Spooky Fun Halloween Science Show takes place on a boat with Pure Florida. Set sale October 21st at 10am. While on board enjoy slimy, spooky experiments and demos while enjoying the great outdoors. Boat departs from Tin City Docks. Kids $23, Adults $46. More info here.