Halloween Events Abound in Bradenton

It's time to dress up and get your heart racing or if you prefer, gather a few treats and just have some fun without the fright.

Halloween is quickly approaching and there is something for everyone.

Zombies will gather downtown Saturday night for the third annual Zombiefest. Participants (otherwise known as the undead) can come fully dressed and made-up or you can come as you are and hit the zombification station at beginning at 1 p.m.

Zombies will begin gathering at 6 p.m. for a night of festivites that end at midnight. Just avoid all those people out there who have read the zombie handbook and are in great cardio shape and know to double tap and avoid public restrooms.

If Zombies aren't your thing, or even if they are, can get you warmed up (or cooled down for the Zombies out there) with a walk through the trails of Desoween. The free family-friendly event takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and offers a little education to go along with those tricks and treats.

Desoween features De Soto's Triangle Haunted Trail Hike, where a mysterious fog has settled over De Soto National Memorial. Odd sounds and lights have been coming from the trail. Lost souls from the past wander the area looking to for a way home. Walking through the dark trails you might encounter Cowboys and Conquistadores, or Pirates and Confederates and many more of Tampa Bay's lost souls. They are eager to tell their woeful tales and take any stragglers back with them! Will you escape De Soto's Triangle or will you be its next victim lost in time forever? 

DeSoto National Memorial is at 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, at the northern end of 75^th street West.

If you dare to enter a haunted building The Hanbury Haunted Barn promises full on Halloween entertainment and perhaps a fright or two. The zombies, skeletons, monsters and vampires are all out to do more than give you a fright. They are also helping to raise money for the Gulf Shore Animal League.

All of the proceeds from the $5 admission to the Hanbury Haunted Barn benefit the Gulf Shore Animal League.

The barn is at 1703 Palma Sola Blvd. and the haunting will take place Sunday and Monday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Speaking of events to benefit the animals, participants can bring their dogs to dogtoberfest downtown Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in conjuntion with the .

The event includes a raffle, pet costume contest, owner pet look alike contest and more. Downtown merchants will also offer safe trick-or-treating for children during that time.

The Manatee Players plan to bring some real theatrics to Halloween when they host The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The Manatee Players will have three special showings of the 1975 cult movie classic on Friday and Saturday at 11 p.m. and Monday at 7:30 p.m. The movie will be shown at the, 102 Old Main Street.  ‘Props’ will be available for purchase at the theater. Costumes and participation are encouraged.

Admission is $8 and tickets are available online at www.manateeplayers.com or at the box office by calling 941-748-5875. 

Even though they're in post season, the Bradenton Marauders wouldn't miss out on all the Halloween fun. The Marauders are hosting the second annual ‘Trunk or Treat’ event for families on Saturday and it's free.

Families and kids are invited to come out to from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for a safe trick-or-treating environment.  The evening features arts and crafts, cookie decorating, an inflatable bounce-house and speed pitch, hay rides around the field and contests. Awards will be given to those with the best costumes and best decorated car trunks. Costume judging is set for 5:30pm.

Last year’s event drew about 1,500 people.  Concessions will also be available for sale. For more information visit BradentonMarauders.com.

If you prefer a real fright in the great outdoors, then you shouldn't miss the Twisted Woods dubbed as 1/3 of a mile of sheer terror. It all happens out near Myakka City.

The trail is open Friday and Saturday until midnight and Sunday and Monday until 10 p.m. at Hunsaders Rockin Ranch, 23810 53rd Avenue East. Admission is $13 for one night or you can buy a $20 pass if you plan on returning. Organizers warn that the haunt is rated PG-13. "We are not gory, but we are very scary."