October Events
Back to Top of ListNightmare Village
Xtreme Action Park is usually full of laughs, but things have taken a turn for the dark with Nightmare Village. Two new haunted houses are filled with creepy creatures at every corner: killer clowns, zombies, and other unwelcome beasts. The village welcomes you from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31. Kid-friendly experiences for children six and older are also available.
The Haunt
If you dare leave the safety of your home, head to Davie’s Tree Top Parks for a night of horror at four themed tormented trails: Florida Man, Psycho Path, Camp Carnage, and La Bruja’s Graveyard. Each night also includes live bands, DJs, performers, a full bar, and food. The spooky trails are open Oct. 13 to 31.
Pumpkins & Palm Trees
The beach comes alive with autumnal spirit with the third annual fete featuring an inflatable corn maze, a pumpkin house, fall and Halloween photo stations, a pumpkin patch, and plenty of live music, food and drink, and local vendors. Plus, the “Best Pie in Greater Fort Lauderdale” contest with creations by county public school culinary programs and foodies. Taking place at Las Olas Oceanside Parks (The LOOP) on Fort Lauderdale beach from Oct. 20 to 22.
“Chehantamo: How Are You?”
In anticipation of Native American Heritage History Month in November, History Fort Lauderdale has partnered with the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum for “Chehantamo: How Are You?” The fine art exhibit showcases contemporary works in a range of media by Seminole artists — Nicholas DiCarlo, Danielle Nelson, Victoria Osceola, Samuel Tommie, Corinne Zepeda, and the late Elizabeth Buster. The exhibit opens Oct. 22 and runs through Jan. 6, 2024.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
The premier marine event in Greater Fort Lauderdale, the boat show draws more than 100,000 visitors to scope out 1,300 boats from over 1,000 brands ranging from center consoles to megayachts. Experiences include live “aquabatics” at the AquaZone, seminars from industry leaders, the Fox Sports Best of Show competition, and a superyacht village at Pier Sixty-Six South. The village also hosts the Fort Lauderdale Concours, where roadsters and sea vessels come together. The event takes place throughout various locations in Fort Lauderdale from Oct. 25 to 29.
Headless Horseman Halloween
Things are getting spooky at Gulfstream Park when the Headless Horseman gallops through the park in this family-friendly event. Dress up in your scariest (or cutest!) threads as the village is transformed into a Halloween extravaganza with more than 2,000 pounds of candy being distributed from themed candy stations. Roaming “carn-evil performers” will also be lurking, from zombies, mummies, and vampires to characters from “Stranger Things” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Plus, the park is also welcoming a Spirit Halloween pop-up store, where you’re sure to find a ghoulish costume for the holiday. The party takes place Oct. 28.
Wicked Manors
For the 10th year, Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors is transformed into a Halloween carnival — this year, the theme is “Little Drive of Horrors.” Expect stages with performers, bars, and restaurants joining in on the fun and plenty of costumes. The event on Oct. 31 benefits The Pride Center.
November Events
Back to Top of ListLight Up Lauderdale
Downtown Fort Lauderdale welcomes the arrival of the holiday season on Nov. 9 with the first holiday lighting ceremony, transforming the New River into a Winter Wonderland. Esplanade Park ushers in the fun with musical performances, Santa Claus, and children’s crafts.
Light Up the Beach
Olas, the friendly sand-man returns to Fort Lauderdale beach on Nov. 10 with Light Up the Beach. The sandy shores of Fort Lauderdale will be lit by more than 50,000 lights, illuminating the 20-foot-tall beach snowman. Also at Las Olas Oceanside Park will be music from the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds, a kids’ zone with Santa, pony rides, slides, inflatables, and more.
Christmas on Las Olas
In its 61st year, snow returns to Fort Lauderdale! Scheduled for Nov. 28, Las Olas Boulevard is shut down for children's choirs, endless local vendors with delicious food and creative wares, an “ice” skating rink, a “snow” pile, and other holiday fun.
Light Up the Galt
Galt Mile is also getting in on the fun with a tree lighting ceremony on the evening of Nov. 30, as more than a dozen restaurants and bars offer special deals as well as live music, food, and family-friendly activities.