Are You Prepared to Explore Haunted Sarasota?

As a child, Halloween seemed simple: pick a costume, collect candy, and that was it. Our family didn’t decorate extensively, making trick-or-treating feel fairly ordinary compared to other holidays like Christmas and Easter. Now, with kids grown, I find myself overwhelmed by Halloween decorations, reflecting a shift in my view of the holiday. In 2023, Americans spent a staggering $12.2 billion on Halloween, predominantly on decorations, according to Capital One Shopping Research. The joy of displaying skeletons, pumpkins, and ghostly decor has turned October into a festive time.

Today’s trick-or-treating often happens in large gatherings, like trunk-or-treat events or organized neighborhood festivities. This modernization brings a lively atmosphere to October 31^st. Shopping for the perfect costume—whether store-bought or homemade—is an exhilarating part of the experience. For those wanting to get creative, this list of 71 DIY Halloween costumes can inspire both kids and adults. Many continue to celebrate their creativity into adulthood at costume parties, reveling in the spirit of Halloween.

If you’re drawn to the thrill and excitement Halloween brings, consider taking a haunted tour of some eerie locations in Sarasota with Discover Sarasota Tours. Throughout October, the anticipation builds with costume contests. This 12+ tour lasts 75 minutes and offers air-conditioning along with complimentary beer and wine for those 21+. Here’s a bit more about the tour:

“Haunted Sarasota Tour runs nightly in October. Prizes for best costumes, so come dressed to kill! This is not a scary or paranormal tour. It is a fun, historical ghost tour of haunted buildings in Sarasota! The tour includes complimentary beer or wine for guests 21+ at the Trolley Cottage Tiki Bar before boarding. ALL guests must be 12+. Every guest must have a paid ticket to board. FREE Parking! PLEASE NOTE: Video, audio, and film recording of any performance by patrons is prohibited.”

For younger ghosts and goblins in your life, Discover Sarasota Tours also offers The BooMobile, designed for children ages 2-11, with adults welcome too. This tour embarks on a magical mission to find a missing pumpkin in Sarasota. As described:

“Hop on board for a fun, family-friendly Halloween party on the trolley! Children and parents join us for a 45-minute magical tour as WitchyPOO goes on a delightfully musical hunt for her dear missing Pumpkin all around downtown Sarasota’s historic landmarks. Don’t forget to dress up for a chance to win a prize! Includes complimentary soft drinks before the tour. Tour ticket includes FREE Parking! This show is intended for Children (2-11) and Adults (12+). Every guest must have a paid ticket in order to board the Trolley.”

Photos courtesy of DiscoverSarasotatours.com