Halloween is creeping up on us, and there are many ways to celebrate in Orlando.
In addition to fan-favorite theme park events like Halloween Horror Nights, the area hosts a slew of lesser-known, but equally bewitching, events. Each provides a great chance to do Orlando like a local while having some frightful fun.
Here are seven unique things to do in the City Boo-tiful this Halloween.
1. Have a Monstrously Good Time at Zombietoberfest
Head to Orlando’s scenic Audubon Park Garden District for a fun night among the living dead.
Zombietoberfest is the neighborhood’s biggest event of the year. As a local DJ spins your favorite tunes, sip a craft beer and explore a local craft market. When you’re done shopping, travel in time with a performance by steampunk theater troupe Phantasmagoria.
This free, pet-friendly Halloween festival also has costume contests for humans and dogs, so make sure you and fido both dress to impress.
2. Take a Haunted Hike at A Petrified Forest
During 11 months of the year, Altamonte Springs is a quiet Orlando suburb.
But every October, things take a turn for the terrifying. From September 30 to October 29, 2022, explore three twisted trails through A Petrified Forest. This isn’t your typical walk in the woods: terrifying monsters are lurking among the trees. This annual attraction is recommended for guests 13 and older.
A Petrified Forest is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, plus during these events:
- On Sunday, October 9, A Petrified Forest will be open to celebrate the night’s blood moon.
- While A Petrified Forest is always wheelchair accessible, extra accommodations are available on Special Needs Night, Wednesday, October 12.
- There will be a kid-friendly daytime event on Saturday, October 15, before the regularly scheduled scares. Proceeds support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- Wednesday, October 19 and 26, are for guests seeking extra frights. You’ll explore A Petrified Forest in pitch darkness, with only a glowstick and your courage to get you out of the woods. Watch your back — these are the only two nights when the scare actors are allowed to touch guests.
Between trails, recuperate in the front yard while enjoying local food trucks and art vendors. Tickets for A Petrified Forest will go on sale soon on the attraction’s website.
3. Drive into the Darkness at Scream N Stream
If you prefer to take in the terror through the safety of your car, drive to the Florida Mall for the third-annual Scream N Stream event.
Cruise through a haunted house where monsters lurk in the night. Along the way, explore seven thrilling themed areas that feature devious dolls and a frightening fog queen. Scream N Stream will take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and select weeknights in October 2022. The spooky spectacular lasts about 20 minutes and starts at $74 per car.
Scream N Stream will donate a portion of its proceeds to Second Harvest Food Bank.
4. Watch a Freaky Film at the Enzian Theater
Enjoy some eerie entertainment on the big screen at Orlando’s only indie movie house.
The Enzian Theater is in Maitland, north of downtown Orlando. Every October, they host a 13 Films of Halloween Series. Catch festive films all month, including must-see horror movies and cult classics.
The theater’s patio bar serves 13 corresponding cocktails.
In 2021, guests could drink a “Donnie Dark N Stormy” while watching Donnie Darko or sip “All 13 Spirits” while catching Thir13en Ghosts. At last year’s The Nightmare Before Christmas screening, guests of all ages could order a sweet mocktail called “What’s This.”
If you still need convincing, you may be interested to know that the Enzian is allegedly haunted.
5. Have a Devilish Drink at Cocktails & Screams
If horror movies aren’t your thing, there’s another way to enjoy a boo-zy beverage in Orlando — any time of year.
Cocktails & Screams is a year-round, Halloween-themed bar in downtown Orlando. Enjoy a ghostly glass of beer or creepy cocktail as you take in the spooky scenery. Even the restroom sinks are shaped like skulls. Choose from drinks like the “Frank’s Stein,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” or a “Children of the Corn” shot.
Or share a “Drunken Pumpkin” with a friend — this fall-flavored cocktail comes in a huge trick-or-treating pail.
6. Get Creepy and Creative at Screamin’ Green Hauntoween
If your kids are feeling drawn to all things Halloween, Screamin’ Green Hauntoween is a must-do.
The event runs from September 24-October 31, 2022, at the Crayola Experience in the Florida Mall. Rotate between spooky stations to create different parts of a witchy diorama. Discover otherworldly colors during a scavenger hunt. For an additional fee, you can make goblin-green slime or paint your own pumpkin.
While at Screamin’ Green Hauntoween, you’ll also enjoy Crayola Experience’s year-round attractions, including an indoor playground, digital art stations, and Model Magic sculpting.
7. Do the Time Warp Again at Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (RHPS) has been a Halloween tradition since the 1970s.
The film follows a young couple who enter the twisted world of Dr. Frank N. Furter after their car breaks down. On Saturday, October 29, 2022, the Plaza Live will screen the cult classic. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. As RHPS plays, actors from the Rich Weirdoes shadow cast will reenact the film live.
Tickets for the Rocky Horror Picture Show start at $25.
Guests who upgrade to a $40 VIP ticket receive front-of-house seats and a complimentary cocktail. Audience participation is encouraged at Rocky Horror. For $5, you can purchase a prop bag full of things like rice to throw during RHPS’s wedding scene.
Stay Close to the Halloween Haunts at Rosen Inn International
If you’re planning to spend Halloween in Orlando, make Rosen Inn International your home base.
While your October may be full of frights, you’ll rest easy in one of our deluxe guestrooms and enjoy amenities like two swimming pools, a fitness center, and free parking and Wi-Fi.
