St. Augustine, Florida, known as the nation’s oldest city, is preparing for a month-long series of Halloween-themed events throughout October. The city’s historic setting—featuring centuries-old cemeteries, a Spanish fortress, and stories of supernatural encounters—serves as the backdrop for various tours and festivities aimed at visitors interested in the paranormal.
Several ghost tours will be available each night in October. Among them, Night Watchman Ghost Tours shares tales from the perspective of former night watchmen who once patrolled St. Augustine’s streets. The Ghosts & Gravestones tour invites participants aboard the Trolley of Doom to visit haunted sites in the downtown area. Other options include St. Augustine Dark History Tour, Ghost Tours of St. Augustine, Old Jail After Dark, Nightly Spirits Ghost Tours, A Ghostly Encounter, GhoSt Augustine, and After Dark Investigations.
Florida Water Tours offers Moonlit Mysteries: Haunted History Boat Tour on select nights each week. The Beetlejuice Pub Crawl with Tasting Tours features guided trips to haunted venues with themed cocktails every Friday and Saturday. From October 30 to November 2, St. Augustine Haunted in Pink provides tours via pink carts with ghost stories along the way.
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum presents “Mortality & Mourning: Women in Black” every weekend in October to explore how women coped with loss during the 19th century. The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum hosts Dark of the Moon Ghost Experience each weekend evening; guests can climb the lighthouse after dark while listening to local legends.
On October 18, Old St. Johns County Jail will offer a special event titled A Haunting Experience at its historic facility. From October 24-26, EstuSCARY Haunted Trail at GTM Research Reserve gives visitors access to an eerie trail with scares and surprises.
Additional events include Castillo by Candlelight: Sharks in the Moat on October 25 at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Sykes Family Farms Crop Maze open weekends through early November featuring family activities such as hayrides and sunflower picking.
Adults can attend CROCtoberfest – Brew at the ZOO! for nighttime beer sampling among zoo exhibits or join improv comedy nights at Third Space Improv starting mid-October.
“Dark and Stormy Night” storytelling occurs at Limelight Theatre on October 22 while fitness enthusiasts may participate in Jail Break 5K followed by a Halloween party on October 25.
Horror fans are expected at Scream City Con 2025 from October 25-26 which includes panels, autograph sessions, cosplay contests, interactive experiences and a vendor marketplace.
The annual Headless Bangers Costume Ball takes place on October 25 featuring live music and costume contests; poetry readings and art workshops round out other offerings toward late October.
Children have opportunities for trick-or-treating during Creatures of the Night at St. Alligator Farm Zoological Park from October 24-26 or daytime candy collection during Harvest Festival at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum on October 25.
Community events also include Tricks and Treats hosted by St. Augustine Beach Police Department on October 24 plus Hastings Trunk or Treat & Movie in the Park on October 25; meanwhile stores along St. George Street participate in their annual treat giveaway for costumed children.
Florida’s Historic Coast comprises not only historic St. Augustine but also Ponte Vedra Beach known for golf resorts as well as smaller communities like Hastings and Elkton along more than forty miles of Atlantic shoreline between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville (https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/). Visitor information centers are located throughout these areas for those seeking travel advice or assistance ahead of their trip (https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/visitor-info/visitor-centers/).
For additional details about these events or visitor services contact Barbara Golden at BGolden@FloridasHistoricCoast.com.
