AI image - Fun things to do on the days leading up to Halloween.
We’re almost halfway through October and Pasco County is ready to embrace the season of thrills, chills, and Halloween fun. From elaborately decorated neighborhoods glowing with lights to historic haunts and eccentric landmarks, there’s plenty of spooky adventure waiting right in our backyard (and just beyond). Whether you’re a local looking for family-friendly frights or someone seeking a little extra mystery, here are five standout ways to get into the Halloween spirit leading up to Halloween this month.
Cruise or Stroll Through Master-Planned Communities for Spooky Decor and Light Shows
Nothing says October like neighborhoods transformed into Halloween wonderlands. Hop in the car or lace up your walking shoes and explore Pasco’s master-planned communities, where residents go all out with creative decorations, eerie displays, and dazzling light shows.
Top spots include Bexley, the Epperson/Mirada area, and Starkey Ranch. These communities often feature elaborate yard setups, glowing pumpkins, fog machines, and coordinated light displays that turn quiet streets into festive nighttime spectacles. It’s the perfect low-key (or high-energy) way to soak up the season’s atmosphere while enjoying the beautiful planned surroundings that make Pasco special.
Visit a Haunting Place
Pasco and nearby areas are rich with historic homes and venues that lean into their mysterious side during Spooky Season.
Start at The Hacienda Hotel in New Port Richey, where October brings a little extra mystery. Throughout the month, guests can experience special ghost tours and spooky programming—including select experiences with exclusive access to areas not typically open to the public, advanced equipment, and a few unexpected surprises.
In Dade City, check out the Spencer-Dayton Home (now operated by the Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum). Local ghost lore surrounds the property, including its notorious “death room,” where the original owner and subsequent residents are said to have passed away. The stories alone make it a compelling stop for anyone curious about Pasco’s haunted history.
Just outside Pasco in Brooksville, the May-Stringer House (run by the Hernando Historical Museum Association) offers its own share of eerie atmosphere. This historic home has long been associated with ghostly tales and residual energy tied to its past residents, making guided or seasonal visits a classic way to experience old Florida haunted heritage.
Explore the Warlock House in Wesley Chapel
Nestled in the Quail Hollow area of Wesley Chapel sits one of Pasco’s most unique and eccentric landmarks: The Warlock House. Originally built in 1973 by the late surrealist sculptor, painter, and animator Lewis VanDercar—who affectionately called himself the “Warlock of Wesley Chapel”—this 8-acre property features an ivy-covered, dome-shaped bunker residence surrounded by an extensive, whimsical sculpture garden.
Stone gargoyles, mythical creatures, and giant concrete faces create an otherworldly landscape that feels tailor-made for Halloween. In October, Statuary Night Tours are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., offering guided twilight walks through the art and gardens for $10 per person. These are historical and art-focused tours—not a traditional haunted house—giving visitors a chance to experience the property’s creative legacy under the evening sky.
Experience Halloween Fun at the Grand Concourse Railroad
The Grand Concourse Railroad is a miniature 501(c)(3) non-profit railroad located at The Concourse in Shady Hills, Florida, near the Spring Hill area. Operating on a 2.2-mile miniature track through wooded acreage, the railroad runs trains powered by four member-maintained locomotives that accommodate up to 45 guests for 10-to-15-minute rides. In addition to regular public operations, the organization hosts major seasonal events, including their current October 2026 Halloween schedule featuring family-friendly night rides alongside separate, actor-filled scary trails. Located at 11919 Alric Pottberg Rd in Shady Hills, the facility provides free parking and acts as a central community attraction, offering affordable individual and combination ticketing for its seasonal runs.
Get Your Scream On at Nearby Amusement Parks
For bigger thrills, head to the region’s major Halloween attractions. Screamageddon delivers intense haunted experiences and seasonal scares designed for those who love a good fright.
A short drive into Tampa brings you to Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream, one of the area’s premier Halloween events. Expect haunted houses, scare zones, themed shows, and a park transformed into a nighttime scream fest. It’s an easy add-on for Pasco residents looking to ramp up the intensity.
From decorated neighborhoods and local legends to quirky landmarks and full-scale scream parks, Pasco County (and its nearby neighbors) offers a full menu of October fun leading up to Halloween. Grab your friends or family, pick your preferred level of spookiness, and make the most of this hauntingly good season.
