Put on your costume and get ready for a haunting Halloween Downtown! Whether it’s walking with the dead, camping out, solving a murder, or trick or treating on the street, there’s something worth biting into Downtown for Halloween. Choose an event wisely… it may be your last.
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1. Smashing Pumpkin Candy Class
Sept. 16 – Oct. 30 | Every Monday and Friday at 4 p.m.
Each guest will enjoy a tempering demonstration and make a three dimensional chocolate jack o lantern. Guest will choose from Sweet Pete’s signature candies to fill the Jack O Lanterns. Smash the pumpkins at home to enjoy the chocolates and the treats!
This class is appropriate for ages five and up. Children under thirteen must be accompanied by a paid adult. No unpaid participants will be allowed into classroom. Various times and dates available. View our calendar to book a class.
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2. Haunted Halloween Party
Oct. 23 | 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Check out the best Halloween costume contest! Male and female prizes and drink and cigar specials with music by DJ Guru. The contest is judged by selected Downtown Cigar Lounge members.
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3. Halloween Camp-In
Oct. 24 | 6 p.m. – 7 a.m.
$35 per person
Witches, goblins and ghosts oh my! Beware of this overnight camp-in at MOSH! Campers will have the opportunity to explore the Museum’s newest traveling exhibit, Nature Unleashed. Have a howling time at a Wild Science Show. Take an eerie flashlight tour of Currents of Time. There will also be a costume contest, spooky crafts and games, and end the evening with a creepy movie! Attendance includes late night snacks!
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4. Jacksonville Symphony: Symphonic Spooktacular
Oct. 25 |3 p.m. – 12 a.m., Pre-concert activities at 2 p.m.
There’s dreadful news from the Symphony Hall – the composer is dead! Where exactly were the violins on the night in question? Did anyone see the harp? Join the orchestra as we perform this musical mystery, The Composer is Dead by Lemony Snicket, and other Halloween favorite tunes. Come early and in your favorite costume for fun Halloween surprises.
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5. MOSH After Dark Presents The Woodley Special Effects: Horror Make-up 101
Oct. 29 | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Cost is $15 | $12 for MOSH members
Want to take your Halloween costume up a notch this year? MOSH is hosting The Woodley Special Effects: Horror Make-Up 101. Learn some tricks of the trade from local expert Jay Woodley as he showcases and teaches a variety of horror makeup effects, practical effects, and the history of Jacksonville’s prominent role in horror history. Along with the show, Jay will show you how some of Hollywood’s best creature effects were brought to life.
Jay Woodley is a Jacksonville native and the Owner/Lead Designer of Woodley Special Effects. Jay has worked on haunted attractions, indie film, museum exhibits, themed attractions, theme park attractions, costumes, props, sets, and is also a special effects expert consultant to the military. Jay has built a cult following in North Florida for his speed, expert execution, being one of the youngest special effects artists to specialize in classic 1930s effects, as well as his attention to the smallest of details when working on a project. As of recently Jay has even gained the attention of industry names Tim Lawrence and Lew Temple for his unique style and passion for his craft. Woodley Special Effects Facebook Page.
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6. Trick or Treat on the Street
Oct. 30 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Halloween is on a Saturday this year and you can celebrate a day early with Downtown employees wearing their best costumes for Downtown Vision’s 3rd annual Trick or Treat on the Street during lunch time on Friday, Oct. 30 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., participating businesses and restaurants will be set up either inside or outside their storefronts handing out candy, coupons and other promotional goodies. Grab a costume, a friend and be sure to partake in this sweet treat!
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7. Pictures in the Park: Ghostbusters
Oct. 30 | 6 – 9 p.m.
This family-friendly program is free and open to the public. Movie goers are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and/or snacks. Movies will begin at dusk. Popcorn, beer, wine and food truck fare will be available for purchase. On-street parking is free after 6 p.m. Restrictions include non-permitted alcohol, glass, and animals (except qualified service animals).
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8. Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Oct. 31 | 6:15 – 9:30 p.m.
Bring your best costumes out – The Dinner Detective is playing Halloween night at the Omni Hotel! America’s largest murder mystery dinner show is set in the present day and based off of real cold cases. Unlike other murder mystery dinner shows, here you will find no cheesy costumes, no recited campy dialogue and no hokey song and dance. The performers are dressed just like everyone else, leaving all of the guests to suspect who is a part of the show and who is not. In many instances, guests are seated with the performers and don’t even realize it until they die….the performers, that is! The Detectives proceed to interrogate everyone and find clues as more people die. At the end of the night, prizes are awarded to the Top Sleuth who solves the crime.
Reservations are required and can be made via www.DinnerDetective.com or at (855) 633-0080.
Each ticket includes a reception with appetizers, salad, choice of entree and dessert, our award winning interactive Murder Mystery show, prizes and so much more.
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9. Halloween in The Elbow
Dos Gatos – Sci-Fi Halloween Freaks from Outer Space Party with DJ Nick Fresh. Come dressed as your favorite sci-fi freak.
Downtown Cigar Lounge – Haunted Lounge
Hourglass Pub – Haunted Halloween House Party. 10am – 2am featuring DJs all day, costume contest and giveaways.
The Volstead – Mad Science Halloween Party. Saturday night enjoy cocktails that flame, smoke, and bubble. Decorations, themed music, and a costume contest ending at midnight.
Click here for more information on The Elbow.