St. Petersburg - Halloween on Central - The Unofficial Guide

A Horror Fan’s Deep Dive to Family-Friendly Fun

A wide shot of the Halloween on Central festival grounds, showing the scale of the event.

Welcome, horror fans and Halloween aficionados, to the most comprehensive guide to St. Petersburg’s largest and most anticipated Halloween event: Halloween on Central. While other guides might give you the basics, we at Horrorscene.com are here to provide the “unofficial official” guide, a deep dive into the heart of the festival from a true horror enthusiast’s perspective.

We’ll take you beyond the surface-level details to uncover the best-kept secrets, insider tips, and can’t-miss experiences that will make your Halloween on Central adventure unforgettable. With over 100,000 people descending on 22 blocks of Central Avenue, you’ll need a plan to conquer this epic celebration of all things spooky and spectacular. This is your ultimate guide to navigating the chaos and soaking in every last drop of Halloween horror and fun.

Mark Your Calendars: Sunday, October 26th is the Day!

Halloween on Central 2024 takes place on Sunday, October 26th, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Central Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, transforming 22 blocks into St. Pete’s ultimate Halloween playground. Don’t be the zombie who shows up on the wrong day!

What Makes This Guide Different?

We’ve scoured the web, analyzed the existing coverage, and we’ve noticed a glaring gap: no one is talking to the true horror fans. The existing guides are great for families and casual attendees, but they miss the darker, spookier, and more thrilling aspects of the event.

This guide is different. We’ll give you the insider tips on where to find the best costumes, the spookiest photo ops, and the most horror-themed attractions. We’ll also provide a detailed breakdown of the event by district, so you can plan your attack and make the most of your time.

Getting There: Your Battle Plan for Conquering the 22 Blocks

Transportation Options

Free Parking at Tropicana Field: The Tampa Bay Rays are offering completely free parking in Tropicana Field lots 5, 6, and 7. This is your best bet for hassle-free parking with thousands of spots available. From there, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the festival area.

SunRunner BRT: The SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit will be fare-free all day on October 26th, making multiple stops along the festival route. This is perfect for hopping between districts without the walking fatigue. The SunRunner runs along 1st Avenue North and 1st Avenue South between downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach.

Alternative Parking: Street parking is available in surrounding neighborhoods, but arrive early as spots fill up fast. Be courteous to residents and don’t block driveways or fire hydrants.

Bike Valet: There’s a free bike valet service at the parking lot at Central Avenue and 18th Street, perfect for those who want to cycle to the event.

A District-by-District Guide

Central Avenue transforms into a 22-block pedestrian-only playground, stretching from Dr. MLK Jr. (9th) Street to 31st Street. The festival is divided into two main districts, each with its own distinct personality and attractions.

The EDGE District (MLK to 16th Street): Where the Party Gets Wild

The EDGE District is St. Pete’s entertainment powerhouse, and during Halloween on Central, it becomes the epicenter of high-energy chaos. This is where you’ll find the “Kooky Spooky” celebration in full swing, with DJs spinning everything from monster mash classics to modern dance hits.

The Bar Scene: The EDGE District is home to some of St. Pete’s most beloved watering holes. Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill becomes a Halloween headquarters with their famous haunted pirate ship attraction. The legendary sports bar transforms into a spooky spectacle that’s perfect for horror fans looking for that extra thrill.

What to Expect: Dance contests, costume competitions, sidewalk chalk activities, and RadioStPete broadcasting live from the event. The energy here is infectious, and the costumes tend to be more daring and creative.

The Grand Central District (16th to 31st Street): The Heart of Halloween Entertainment

While the EDGE District brings the party energy, the Grand Central District is the true entertainment section of Halloween on Central. This is where the festival’s most diverse and engaging activities come to life, making it the must-visit area for anyone wanting the full Halloween on Central experience.

The Bar District Experience: The Grand Central area features an incredible concentration of bars and nightlife spots that become Halloween central command during the festival. Saigon Blonde transforms into a tropical Halloween paradise, while $5 Drinkery lives up to its name with budget-friendly libations perfect for a long day of festival hopping. Ruby’s Elixir brings craft cocktail sophistication to the spooky proceedings, creating Instagram-worthy Halloween cocktails that are almost too beautiful to drink.

Why Grand Central Dominates: This district hosts the massive Voodoo Vendor Village (16th to 20th Street) with over 150 vendors, making it a shopping and entertainment destination unto itself. The FrankenPride celebration (28th to 30th Street) brings theatrical performances and interactive art that you won’t find anywhere else in the festival.

District	Location	Vibe & Highlights
EDGE District	Dr. MLK Jr. St. to 16th St.	High-Energy Party Zone: DJs, dance contests, Ferg’s haunted pirate ship, and the most energetic crowd. Perfect for those who want to dance the day away.
Grand Central District	16th St. to 31st St.	Entertainment Central: The main attraction hub with Voodoo Vendor Village, FrankenPride, the bar district (Saigon Blonde, $5 Drinkery, Ruby’s), and the most diverse activities.

Can’t-Miss Attractions & Activities

Here are some of the must-see attractions and activities scattered throughout the festival:

• Voodoo Vendor Village: (16th St. to 20th St.) Over 150 local vendors and food trucks, offering everything from spooky art to delicious treats. •  FrankenPride: (28th St. to 30th St.) Hosted by St. Pete Pride, this area features a trick-or-treat station, performances by local entertainers, and interactive art. •  Howl-o-ween at The Dog Bar: (2300 Central Ave) For the four-legged horror hounds, this is the spot for wiener dog races and a dog costume parade. • Imagine Museum: (1901 Central Ave) Indoor and outdoor activities, including face painting, a scavenger hunt, and a trunk-or-treat-themed car show. • “Thriller” Dance Performance:  Beach Town Yoga will be hosting yoga classes on the street and performing a choreographed “Thriller” dance.

Insider Tips for the Ultimate Halloween on Central Experience

Master the Timing: Arrive at Tropicana Field by 11:00 AM to secure the best free parking spots. The festival officially starts at noon, but smart attendees use the 11:00-12:00 window to grab food, scout locations, and get those perfect pre-crowd photos. The streets close to traffic at 6:00 AM, so early birds can even walk the empty route for unique photo opportunities.

Transportation Strategy: Use the free SunRunner to hop between districts rather than walking the full 22 blocks. The buses run every 15 minutes during peak times and stop right at the action. Pro tip: grab a SunRunner from Tropicana Field to the Grand Central District first, then work your way back toward EDGE as the day progresses.

Bar District Navigation: Start your bar crawl at the Grand Central District with Ruby’s Elixir for craft cocktails, then hit Saigon Blonde for the tropical vibes, and end at $5 Drinkery for budget-friendly drinks. Save Ferg’s in the EDGE District for later in the day when you want that haunted pirate ship experience.

Costume Strategy: This is not the time to be shy. The costumes at Halloween on Central are legendary, so go all out! However, remember you’ll be walking and potentially bar-hopping, so make sure your costume is both epic and practical. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable – you’ll be on your feet for 5+ hours.

Weather and Comfort: It’s Florida in late October, which means it could be 85°F and sunny or 65°F and breezy. Layer your costume and bring a small backpack with water, phone charger, and cash. Many bars don’t accept cards for small purchases, and food trucks often prefer cash.

Crowd Flow Mastery: The Grand Central District gets packed between 2:00-4:00 PM when the Voodoo Vendor Village is at its busiest. Hit this area early (12:00-1:30 PM) or late (4:30-5:00 PM) for the best experience. The EDGE District maintains high energy throughout but peaks around 3:00 PM.

For the True Horror Fan: Your Guide to the Spookiest Spots

A person in a spooky mummy costume at Halloween on Central.

• Best Costume-Watching Spots:  The costume contest stages are the obvious choice, but for a more candid and up-close look at the most creative and terrifying costumes, find a spot along the main thoroughfare in the EDGE District. The energy is high, and the costumes are top-notch.

• Spookiest Photo Ops:  The Voodoo Vendor Village is a great place to find unique and spooky backdrops for your photos. Also, keep an eye out for the strolling performers and the “Thriller” dance performance for some great action shots.

• Horror-Themed Attractions:  While the entire event is Halloween-themed, some attractions lean more into the horror genre than others. The haunted pirate ship at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill is a must-see, and the Voodoo Vendor Village is sure to have some spooky and macabre treasures.

Beyond the Blocks: Other Halloween Haunts in the Area

If you’re looking to extend your Halloween celebrations beyond Halloween on Central, the Tampa Bay area has plenty to offer. Here are a few other attractions to check out:

• Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens:  For a more intense and terrifying experience, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens in Tampa is a must-visit. With multiple haunted houses, scare zones, and thrilling rides, it’s a full night of horror.

• Scream-A-Geddon: Located in Dade City, Scream-A-Geddon is another popular horror-themed attraction with multiple haunted houses and a monster midway.

• Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail:  For a more rustic and outdoorsy scare, Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City offers a terrifying trek through the woods.

Get in on the Action: Hashtag Your Haunts

Want to get caught in the social media slipstream of Halloween on Central? Make sure to use the official hashtags when you post your photos and videos. The primary hashtags for the event are #HalloweenOnCentral, #HOC24, and #HalloweenonCentral24.

Also, be sure to tag the event organizers and the districts you’re in. This is a great way to share your experience with a wider audience and see what others are posting.

The Final Scare

Halloween on Central is more than just a street festival; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and all things Halloween. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a fun and festive way to spend a Sunday afternoon, this event has something for everyone.

If you're still searching for a festive or freightening costume, we have you covered there, too. Check out our 2025 Halloween costume guide while planning your scare-tastic night out!

So, get your costume ready, gather your friends, and get ready to experience the biggest and best Halloween party in St. Petersburg. We’ll see you there!