OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Enjoy a spooky weekend of exciting seasonal celebrations. From balls to fairs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy before, during and after Halloween. Here are the weekend top picks in the 352.
FRIDAY OCT. 30
Dreamland Amusements Fair
- What: The fair is back this weekend with plenty of family-friendly entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Guests can enjoy a cirque show, carnival rides, games and plenty of food trucks on-site for a full weekend of fun.
- When: Wednesday-Sunday, Oct. 28-Nov. 1 from 4-10 p.m. on Thursday, 4-11 p.m. on Friday, noon-11 p.m. on Saturday and noon-10 p.m. on Sunday.
- Where: I-75 Flea Market, 4121 NW 44th Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: $5 for admission, $35 for a single wristband, $55 for 50 tickets and $115 for four wristbands.
Learn more here.
Lost Souls River Tour at Silver Springs State Park
- What: A family-friendly 45-minute glass-bottom boat tour along the Silver River featuring spooky stories, mysterious legends, local lore, and Halloween surprises shared by a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain. Guests can look through the glass bottom for whatever might be lurking below. The 2026 version includes new stories and surprises.
- When: Friday, Oct. 30, with departures at 11 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 1:20 p.m., 2:50 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. (Also available Oct. 31 and earlier October weekends.) Arrive at least 30 minutes early; boats leave promptly.
- Where: Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs.
- Cost: Tour tickets (generally starting around $20+) plus a $2 per-person state park admission fee paid at the ticket booth. Reservations highly recommended due to limited availability.
Learn more here.
Spellbound Silver
- What: Enjoy an evening fantasy ball with food, specialty drinks, music, dancing, games and a reason to wear that one dress. The ball is for ages 21 and up, featuring educational booths, the Ocala Drum Circle for music and photo ops with guests encouraged to dress in gowns and costumes.
- When: Friday, Oct. 30 from 6:30-10:30 p.m.
- Where: Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs.
- Cost: $10 per person.
Learn more here.
Tales of Terror Halloween Specialty Night
- What: Join the final weekend of the 18+ high-intensity haunted attraction for a specialty night featuring two haunted trails, a mini show and Jell-O wrestling by This Random Life, a bar, food, vendors, an after-party, and more.
- When: Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, from 8-10:30 p.m.
- Where: 14200 Corkwood Lane, Astatula, FL 34705.
- Cost: Tickets generally start around $20; check the site for current pricing and any specialty packages or membership passes.
Learn more here.
SATURDAY, OCT. 31
Haunted Walk and Carnival
- What: Enjoy a family-friendly haunted walk and carnival on Halloween night. Guests can enjoy carnival games, candy, a fog machine for an eerie atmosphere and more spooky surprises.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Where: St. John Baptist Catholic Church, 7525 S. U.S. HWY 41.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
Halloween Party at The Black Sheep
- What: A Halloween party with a DJ, specialty drinks including $3 Jello shots, $6 grape soda and orange soda shots, and $25 all-you-can-drink call drinks and draft beers. The night also features a best costume contest with a cash prize.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6 p.m. to midnight. Costume contest at 10 p.m.
- Where: The Black Sheep, 128 SW Broadway St., Ocala.
- Cost: No cover listed. Drink specials include $3 Jell-O shots, $6 grape and orange soda shots, and $25 all-you-can-drink call drinks and draft beers.
Learn more here.
SUNDAY, NOV. 1
Micanopy Fall Festival
- What: A celebration of autumn in the little Florida town that time forgot. Crafts, food, live music and more.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31 & Sunday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Where: Historic Downtown Micanopy.
- Cost: Free/Money for Stuff
Learn more here.
