Top 7 Ways to Celebrate the Spooky Season

Nights are getting longer,  sweaters are being pulled out of drawers and pumpkin spice-flavored everything is well, everywhere – yep, Halloween is almost here. And while everyone loves treats, throughout the Biscayne Corridor there will be tricks and amusement both spooky and entertaining for the whole family, too. From pumpkin patches and a haunted circus to pirate parties and an “Avatar”-themed trip, October is filled with fun!

The Greatest Show on Earth

One thing the pandemic taught us these past two years is the importance of family. Halloween is one of those holidays where there are events explicitly targeted toward children or events for adults; rarely could you find a single experience for both until Haunted Circus Miami came to town, which opened in September and runs through Oct. 31.

This is not your average family carnival, and the mystery of the missing acrobat-lady will keep you on your toes. It takes place in expansive Tropical Park at 7900 SW 40th St. and features knife thrower Bill, fire-eaters, aerial acrobats and contortionists that provide guests with a spellbinding performance. Adding to the ambiance of the immersive spooky circus, there are tarot readings, a petting zoo, pumpkin carving and local food trucks.

"Our event is not to scare people; it is our form of quest which is well known in Europe, similar to an escape room. We want to provide an immersive experience for our guests of all ages,” said Kristina Drobach, Haunted Circus Miami founder.

Tickets start at $37; there’s also a VIP option where guests can skip the line and have a photographer take their photos throughout their visit. Admission includes access to everything in the circus except the food trucks. Guests who book advance presale tickets will enjoy a 35% discount on general admission tickets. HauntedCircusMiami.com

Cocktails & Contortionists

“‘Le Cirque’ and ‘Le Plume’ were created to bring a whole new experience to Miami, something that reflects more of what you would see in Paris, Moscow or London. The concept of dinner and a show is trendy in Europe. Bringing spectacular acts all while having a delicious dinner makes for a fun and delicious evening.” said Keva Doyle, co-owner of Balans. BalansBrickell.com; 305.809.8587

Open-Air Fun

Care to bring the gang together for a good time on the historic Miami River? The Wharf Miami at 114 SW North River Dr. might be your spot. The 30,000-square-foot open-air event space will kick off its Halloween celebrations Oct. 22 with “Hogwharf,” a weekend full of magical drinks and live entertainment leading to “Pirates on the Wharf” Sat., Oct. 30, followed by “Wharf Horror Story” on Oct. 31. Don’t forget your costume! Children and leashed dogs are welcome with a parent or guardian before 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., the venue is strictly 21+. Tickets will be available on Eventbrite with admission charged after 7 p.m. The price was not posted at press time. WharfMiami.com; 305.906.4000

Spooky Edutainment

Museums are cool and so is the Spooky Science Monster Mash at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science at 1101 Biscayne Blvd. Experience a unique spin on Halloween with curated programs offering experiments and treats that are sure to be sweet. Don’t forget your face mask, and If you come in costume you’ll receive a complimentary collectible Halloween mini-button for getting into the spirit. Costume guidelines include a family-friendly focus. This event takes place on Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission ranges from $21.95-$29.95. FrostScience.org; 305.434.9600

Ride & Die (of Fright!)

If being really spooked thrills you, “The Horrorland” in Aventura is back throughout the month of October 7-11 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, and 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. It’s a spine-tingling drive-through experience on the corner of Country Club and Abigail roads, across from Aventura Mall. You’ll be sure to enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes from getting chased as you cruise through this attraction that boasts not just one, but eight haunted houses to satisfy the needs of all horror fans. It’s recommended for ages 10 and up and masks should be worn inside the vehicle if guests plan to put down their windows (but we wouldn’t!). Tickets are $58.99 and up per vehicle and must be purchased in advance. TheHorrorland.com

A Parade of Thrills

Take the kids out Oct. 31 for “No Tricks, Just Treats” on Lincoln Road from 5-8 p.m., then leave them at home with a babysitter and hit South Beach yourself! The area is known for its nighttime Halloween celebrations marked by spontaneous parades with creative and outrageous costumes on display. The city usually opens up the roads for revelers to catwalk in their costumes as proud as can be. Strut your stuff all night long along Lincoln Road from Alton Road through Washington Avenue. Best of all, it’s free, unless you choose to go clubbing or get a drink!

Otherworldly Delights

We can’t forget about Wynwood hot spot Le Chick, which will welcome guests to a unique Halloween party known as the “Pandora Escape.” The restaurant at 310 NW 24th St. will transform its Le CoqTail Lounge into the fictional exoplanetary moon Pandora from Disney’s “Avatar.” The themed celebration is filled with lush, magical décor and fun crafted cocktails, and it’s happening Saturday, Oct. 30, from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. Staff will be dressed in costume and guests are encouraged to do the same. Presale tickets will be available on Eventbrite for $45 and include two drinks per guest; a $60 cover will be charged at the door. LeChickMiami.com; 786.216.7086