Like the rest of the country, Miami is always down for a great Halloween celebration. But, unlike the rest of the country, South Floridians determine their costume based on if they’ll sweat to death in it or not. Here are some of our favorite things to do for the spooky holiday, with the festivities continuing into the weekend for Day of the Dead.
Spooky Zoo Nights
You know the drill. Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! One of Miami’s favorite zoos will be revamped into a creepy, crawly adventure for the holidays, with the annual return of Dr. Wilde’s Creepy House, with creepy ghouls at every twist and turn (make your friends go first in line!). Plus, a tram ride through the scary zoo, carousel rides, and storytelling...if you can handle these haunted tales.
7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 31 at Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 153nd St., Miami, 305.251.0400
Halloween Costume Parade
Every year, the Lincoln Road mall becomes a boisterous and flamboyant celebration of Halloween and the revelry that comes with it. Head out in full costume join in the fun with the thousands of people attending at sunset, parading up and down the mall. Plus, with all those restaurants and bars, there’s never been a better time to hit the strip!
Sunset Oct. 31, along Lincoln Road in Miami Beach
Helleven
Known for being open literally 24/7, E11even nightclub (featuring strippers and Cirque du Soleil-style acts) is going wild for two days straight. Halloween night will feature a performance by rapper Lil’ Jon, who has had us booty dancing for more than a decade, most recently with his collaboration with DJ Snake, “Turn Down For What.” Then, Nov. 1 bring out Miami DJ, Borgeous, who has spun at major gigs like Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival and Electric Zoo.
Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, E11EVEN Miami, 29 NE 11th St., Miami, 305.829.2911
Wicked Manors “Freak Show”
Wicked Manors is a freak show on Wilton Drive, with the entire street blocked off for the highly anticipated annual Halloween party thrown by the Pride Center. Think stages with live music, bars offering up drink specials, drag queens, flash mobs (this year, a freak show theme) and costumed revelers everywhere. Proceeds will benefit the Pride Center.
Oct. 31 from 7 p.m. to midnight, Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, 954.463.9005
Nightmare on the Beach
The annual Halloween party and fundraiser returns, this time to the shores of South Beach. Turning the shoreline into an outdoor nightclub, the spooky event will feature Halloween pavilions and tents, a life-sized Space Invaders game, open bar, food from Miami area restaurants, a futuristic photo booth, music from LEE KALT and other activities. Benefitting The Little Lighthouse Foundation, the nonprofit helps children and their families struggling with educational, financial and medical hardships.
Oct. 31 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Lummus Park, Ninth Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305.417.8553
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
The festivities don’t have to stop with the end of Halloween. In Mexican culture, the day after is known as Day of the Dead, with tributes paid to their deceased ancestors. Of course, it’s with flair! Along the ocean, Cantina Beach will be alive with dancers and music, along with salsas and tequilas to try. Margaritas will be a flowin’ and tacos on full demand, as well as the Mexican treat, tacos al pastor.
Nov. 1 from 7 to 10 p.m., Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, 455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne, 305.365.4500
Day of the Dead Florida
The celebration and remembrance of the dead goes for not one, but two days in Fort Lauderdale with its annual fest. Follow the skeleton parade leaving the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale for family friendly activities and as the sun sets, the Boneyard Bandstand kicks into full gear with booze, ofrendas, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and more. Don’t forget your sugar skulls!
Nov. 1 and 2 throughout Fort Lauderdale
Feast of the Imaginarium at Baoli
As an exclusive “My Boyfriend is Out of Town” party event, Baoli hosts a night of unbelievable thrills. Happening this Wednesday, the 29th, this Feast of the Imaginarium celebrates the wonder, mysticism and enchantment of the world of imagination. Baoli creates the perfect reflection of the works of Salvador Dali on this magical evening full of entertainment. Tickets can be purchased here.
Baoli, 1906 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, 305.674.8822