Every October, Venice, Florida, transforms into a wonderland for ghouls, superheroes, and tiny princesses. For families, this means a calendar packed with treats, laughter, and creative costumes. This year’s line-up is bursting with fun—so grab your pumpkin pails and mark your calendars for the best Halloween kids’ events and trick-or-treat trails in sunny Venice!
Downtown Venice Halloween Strut: Costumes, Candy, and Community Spirit
If your little goblins love to show off their costumes, the Downtown Venice Halloween Strut is the must-visit event! On October 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., families flood downtown Venice for an energetic evening of trick-or-treating. Kids pick up sweets at participating businesses along West Venice Avenue, Tampa Avenue West, Miami Avenue West, and Nokomis Avenue. Expect plenty of pumpkins, friendly faces, and music for extra Halloween joy. There’s even a DJ spinning kid-friendly tunes and a trunk-or-treat in the Merchants of Venice building parking lot, making it easy for everyone to join the fun without leaving the heart of the city.
Venice Nights Market & Music – Sunset Halloween Bash: Gulf Vibes and Candy Trails
Ever wondered what Halloween looks like with a sunset over the Gulf? Find out at the Sunset Halloween Bash at Venice Nights Market on October 25, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Maxine Barritt Park. Dress the kids (and even your pets) for the pet costume contest and trick-or-treat through a sea of artisan stalls. There’s live music, food trucks, and photo ops with those magical Florida sunsets in the backdrop. Be sure to stick around for the inflatable costume dance-off, perfect for high-energy kids and grown-ups with a sense of humor!
Wellen Park Spooktacular Halloween: Treat Trails and Dog Costume Contests
Families looking to maximize their treat haul should head to Wellen Park on October 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Spooktacular Halloween celebration is packed with trick-or-treating throughout the shops and local businesses in Downtown Wellen Park. Don’t leave Fido at home—there’s a dog costume contest with fun prizes, and a DJ keeps the spooky spirit alive with lively music. This event is built for families, blending safe trick-or-treating with high-energy fun for every member of your crew (four-legged members included). Bring your most creative costumes and snap plenty of photos!
Trunk-or-Treat at Grace on the Island: Cars, Costumes, and Candy
If your kids love creative car trunks and loads of treats, plan for the Trunk-or-Treat at Grace on the Island. Set for October 19 from 5 to 7 p.m., this event turns the parking lot into a festive candy alley. Community members deck out their cars with spooky decorations and hand out sweets in a safe, welcoming environment. This is the place for younger children who want an early start to their Halloween adventures—with plenty of photo ops and excited volunteers cheering them on.
Venice Halloween Parade at Centennial Park: Show Off Your Costume
For families who love a classic Halloween parade, Centennial Park hosts the Venice Halloween Parade on October 25. Kids can strut their stuff in the costume parade, win a prize, and scoop up treats along the route. Admission and parking are free, making this a budget-friendly way to get in the Halloween spirit.
Monster Mash: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Costume Party
Older kids and their families should check out Monster Mash at the Venice Community Center on October 25 from 6 to 10 p.m.. This party is famous for its creative costumes, live music, and generous prizes—there’s even a costume contest for anyone feeling extra bold. With food, dancing, and good spirits, it’s a lively way to keep the Halloween hype going all night!
Easy Tips for the Best Halloween Night in Venice
- Bring glow sticks or light-up accessories to keep everyone visible and safe on trick-or-treat trails.
- Pack reusable bags or pumpkin buckets for all that candy—you’ll need them!
- Arrive early for the most treats and best costume contest spots, especially for popular events downtown.
- Make it a group event: Gather neighbors and friends for a festive parade or market stroll. Costumes are more fun together!
- Check event dates and times to plan your Halloween week without missing any of the main events.
Venice’s Halloween: Unforgettable Memories for Kids and Families
From candy trails and dog costume contests to sunset markets and parades that light up downtown, Halloween in Venice delivers a treat for every family. This October, let the kids fill their buckets, enjoy safe and welcoming events, and create memories they’ll be talking about until next Halloween. See you out there—and don’t forget your costume!
Sources: eventbrite.com, sarasotamagazine.com, wellenpark.com, visitvenicefl.org, allevents.in, mustdo.com, bradenton.macaronikid.com, fun4manasotakids.com, visitsarasota.com
Header Image Source: Olga Simonova on Unsplash
