Looking for something fun and exciting to do this weekend? Here are a few events taking place in the Orlando and Tampa Bay areas:
Orlando area
Scary Stories by Storyteller “Country Joe”
Storyteller “Country Joe” Rosier hosts an evening of spooky ghost stories at Seminole State College Planetarium at 100 Weldon Boulevard in Sanford. A performance for all ages takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, followed by a performance for ages 14 and up at 9 p.m.
Orlando Ballet: Dracula
Just in time for Halloween, Dracula pays Central Florida a frightening visit. The Orlando Ballet presents “Dracula” at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 445 S Magnolia Avenue in Orlando. There are three performances this weekend: Friday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
Trick or Treat Safe Zone
This family-friendly event features trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt and games. There is also a special Halloween show presented by Phantasmagoria Orlando. The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Orlando Public Library at 101 E. Central Boulevard from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. The event is free.
Tampa Area
John’s Pass Seafood Festival
Start your Halloween weekend with this free event (food and drink additional) featuring a costume contest, fishing tournament, block party and perhaps most importantly, an attempt at a world record for largest Bloody Mary toast. The festival starts Friday at 10 a.m. and runs through Sunday. The event benefits Pinellas County schools, area small businesses and the Fisherman Lost at Sea memorial. For more information, visit johnspassseafoodfestival.com.
MegaCon Tampa Bay
Central Florida’s signature pop culture fan event now has a Bay area counterpart, which takes over the Tampa Convention Center all weekend long. Holiday shop for the Star Wars/Star Trek/anime/superhero fan in your life on the 100,000 square feet of shopping space promised. Take the opportunity to meet celebrities like Star Trek’s LeVar Burton and Brent Spiner, Doctor Who’s David Tennant and Billie Piper, plus lots of comic book writers and artists. Or just walk the floor and take pictures of or with all the cosplay enthusiasts. Admission ranges from $25-$45. For more information, visit megacontampabay.com. 333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa.
Guavaween
Returning to Ybor City after a five-year hiatus, Guavaween has undergone a few changes to avoid problems that plagued the popular Halloween event in the past. The event will take over 7th Avenue and 14th Street in Ybor on Saturday, the 29th. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume, and experience the new “March of the Pumpkin King” parade as well as enjoy live music and food. For more information, check our story here.