As Halloween quickly approaches, costumes are the main concern for most. But where should you go to toil and trouble (hopefully only a little) on All Hallows Eve and the weekend prior?
There will certainly be frat parties and bars serving black witches’ brew and neon orange cocktails galore. The Grove will certainly host its annual lively and rambunctious Halloween festivities that typically bring more than 50,000 costumed celebrators to celebrate.
Yet many Miami residents also trek to Orlando for Halloween Horror Nights. The annual event changes the theme park from tame to treacherous with ghastly goblins, skeletons and ghouls, chasing the brave through spooky haunted houses.
But Miami has much more to offer than those typical treats.
House of Horrors at Miami International Mall
For a chilling amusement park closer to home, House of Horrors fits the bill. Although smaller than Horror Nights, vampires, Greek goddesses and nearly any other characters in costume are welcome; just don’t wear masks or face paint. The park features carnival rides and musical acts, and admission costs half that of Universal. The carnival opens at 6 p.m., but the Haunted House opens at sundown.
Now until Wednesday
$23 every night
6 p.m. to midnight
Miami International Mall (East parking lot)
1455 NW 107th Ave., Doral
Houseofhorrorpark.com
Halloween at Deering Estate
If you’re in the spirit for a ghost tour, visit Deering Estate for a paranormal experience. Each tour will discuss the spooky evidence and spine-chilling occurrences that were found by investigators on the estate.
“Spookover” is another great option. Visitors can investigate the estate’s many supernatural events. You’re welcome to discover and record the paranormal presences.
“Be Your Own Investigator” Ghost Tour
Thursday
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
$25
“Spookover”
Friday
11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
$65
16701 SW 72nd Ave., Miami
305-235-1668
deeringestate.org
Trick-or-Treating on Miracle Mile
Embrace your inner kid for the night and trick-or-treat along Miracle Mile. If you’re looking for something to do before you get your party on, or simply do something without being carded, you can walk or drive over to the Mile.
Get dressed in your most tasteful costume and go from shop to shop for free candy. The festivities will also feature kid-scary storytelling, music and other surprises. Bring Fido for a doggie costume contest or grab a few friends to remember the night in the photo booths.
Wednesday
Free
Coral Way (between Douglas Road and LeJeune Road)
Halloween “Sundowner” at Vizcaya
Celebrate Halloween at the historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. From the manicured gardens to the yacht dock, any princess or vampire will find themselves perfectly at home. The 21+ event only has one requirement: costumed guests. Drinks, music, dancing and a costume contest will set the night. All proceeds go to the Vizcayans, a nonprofit that funds the preservation, renovation, advancement and avocation of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
Saturday
8 p.m. to midnight
3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami
305-856-4866
halloweenatvizcaya.com