Looking for Halloween fun? Here are 10 events around Bay County you don't want to miss

Ebonee Burrell, The News Herald
·4 min read
Here's a look at 10 events in Bay County for the Halloween season, starting Oct. 21.
Here's a look at 10 events in Bay County for the Halloween season, starting Oct. 21.

BAY COUNTY — It’s time to grab the witch hats and set out those jack-o-lanterns; Halloween is just around the corner, and Bay County is filled with fun and activities.

With the weather getting cooler, the community is embracing the fall season as it reaches its peak. Halloween events and festivities are lined up throughout the rest of the month.

From parades to carnivals, here’s a list of area Halloween events to follow:

Friday, Oct. 21

Halloween fun for all ages can be found across Bay County.
Halloween fun for all ages can be found across Bay County.

Local news: FSU Panama City program that teaches middle, high school kids tech skills gets $135,000

Hay Fever: Gulf Coast State College brings historical comedy 'Hay Fever' to stage

Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat

The Student Government Association at Gulf Coast State College will host a family-friendly fall festival and Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Student Union East parking lot.

Wear your costume and join the festivities while enjoying popcorn, cotton candy, games and candy. This event is free and open to the public.

Gulf Coast State College: 5230 W. U.S 98, Panama City

Halloween Social Party

Dance Life Studio is holding a Halloween Social Party featuring spooky games and a costume contest. The party starts at 7 p.m. with a tango group class and continues through the night with social dancing and food. For more information, visit pcdancelife.com.

Dance Life Studio, 525 Harrison Ave., Panama City 

Saturday, Oct. 22

Hall-o-weenie Party

Bring your furry friends out to Dogs and Drinks for a Hall-o-weenie Party from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will feature costume contests for both dogs and dog owners, bobbing for apples, spooky cocktails and a Frankenweenie showing.

While dog owners are admitted for free, dog entry is $10. All pet owners must be 18 or older, and non-members must provide vaccines, be fixed if older than seven months and be friendly.

Dogs and Drinks, 1108 Harrison Ave., Panama City 

Sunday, Oct. 23

Jack-o-lantern Pumpkin Carving 

The annual jack-o-lantern pumpkin carving, hosted by No Name Lounge, takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. It is family friendly, open to the public and carving will be free while supplies last. Join the festivities to enjoy snow cones, Halloween treats and live music from Zack Miller and Kevin Johnson.

No Name Lounge: 5555 W. U.S. 98, Panama City

Thursday, Oct. 27

Halloween Cove Cart Parade 

Residents of The Cove neighborhood in Panama City are welcome to participate in the 2022 Halloween Cove Cart Parade. The parade will operate through the neighborhood on golf carts, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, tractors, etc. Everyone is encouraged to dress in a costume and be ready to catch candy. The parade will start at 6 p.m. at the cove center and will head east on Cherry Street. It can be seen from Cherry Street School and Lannie Rowe Park.

Friday, Oct. 28

Trunk or Treat and Chili Cook-off 

From 6 to 9 p.m., join Beachy Beach Real Estate for food, fun, games and chili tastings at the annual Truck or Treat and Chili Cook-off. There will be more than $4,000 in prizes, two-for-$5 raffles, and more. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.

Beachy Beach Real Estate: 2461 State 77, Panama City

Saturday, Oct. 29

Ghost by the Bay

Join the Market at St. Andrews in a community celebration for Halloween at Oaks by the Bay Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children can trick-or-treat between vendors and participate in a costume contest. And there will be a pumpkin giveaway.

Oaks by the Bay: 2715 W. 15th Street, Panama City

Fall Festival - Downtown Panama City

The Witches Ride at Bay Point in Panama City Beach in October 2021.
The Witches Ride at Bay Point in Panama City Beach in October 2021.

The fall festival is an all-day event in downtown Panama City. It’s family friendly with games, candy, and spooky surprises for everyone. Guests are encouraged to come in costumes.

The festivities are held all day at McKenzie Park, starting with the Fall Farmer’s Market and closing with a trunk or treat. Here’s a look at the schedule:

  • 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Fall Farmer's Market

  • 1 to  4 p.m. — Fall Bash

  • 4 to 7 p.m. — Trunk or Treat

Halloween Bash and Costume Contest 

Finn’s at Little Village will host its annual Halloween Bash and Costume Contest with the 4th Street Band performing from 6 to 9 p.m. Costume contestants must be signed up by 7:30 p.m. with prizes of $200, $100 and $50 gift cards to Finn’s at Little Village and Barista.

Finn’s at Little Village, 2808 W. 12th Street, Panama City

Monday, Oct. 31

Lynn Haven Halloween Carnival

The city of Lynn Haven will host its annual Halloween Carnival event on Halloween from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sharon Sheffield Park. Everyone is invited out to enjoy a night of fun and spooky festivities with food, games, music, face-painting, trunk-or-treating, food trucks and more. Members of the community are welcome to register their vehicles to set up at booths through cityoflynnhaven.com.

Sharon Sheffield Park: 901 Ohio Ave., Lynn Haven

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Halloween events in Bay County, Florida: Ten things to do this season