Break out your broomsticks and bags of candy: October 31 is just around the corner. If the only thing frightening about Halloween is how empty your social calendar looks, we’re here to help!
Like any Saturday night in Florence, there’s much to choose from this October 31, but landing in this list called for certain prerequisites! We’ve filtered through the weekend feste to bring you the best events featuring traditional ‘fright night’ favorites—jack-o-lanterns, costumes, scary stories, sweet treats and so forth.
Treasure Hunt in Spooky Secret Florence
Grab your significant other or your favorite Halloween-loving cohort for this photo scavenger hunt through hidden Florence. Organized by A Daydream in Florence, the hunt sends couples through secret locations throughout the city, where chilling historic facts and favorite local legends will be unveiled. The first duo to discover all of the hidden spots can choose from a variety of prizes, from a romantic aperitif to a traditional Florentine dinner for two. A minimum of 10 couples (romantic or platonic) must register for the event to take place, and a participation fee of 10 euro is required (or 20 euro if you’re flying solo). Sign up (mandatory) here.
Family Fun
Rain or shine, the whole family can head to Fosso Bandito at 4.30pm for a ‘little monsters’ party with face painting, pillow fights and a happy hour for the parents. Mini ghouls, goblins and witches will try their hands at terrifying the crowd, and the most ‘monstrous’ little one will get a special prize. For further information, visit the Fosso Bandito website or call 055/365500. Florence’s Children’s Lending Library, located on the grounds of St. James’, will host its annual Halloween party from 4–6pm, complete with a witch’s lair, crafts and a costume parade. The event is open to both members and non-members, but has limited space. More details are available here.
Florence Inferno Halloween Tour 2015
Don a costume and join other thrill seekers in this super tour organized by the folks at Florence Inferno – their Halloween Tour will take you through Florence’s historical centre in the search of medieval ghosts and mysterious alleys. See the creepier parts of Palazzo Vecchio by night and visit locations mentioned in Dan Brown’s Inferno, discovering little known secrets around town. Costumes are encouraged and you can win a great prize if you go all out! The 2.5 hour tour costs 30 euro (early bird fee) and begins at 8pm.
Aperitivi and Music
Indulge in some tasty orange tapas at Carmen, an organic eatery on the corner of piazza della Passera and via dello Sprone. Sit back and take in some spooky live tunes, too: the fun starts at 9pm. Further down Florence’s Left Bank, San Niccolo’s neighborhood bar Il Rifrullo (via San Niccolo 55r) is hosting a Halloween-themed aperitivo beginning at 7pm; call 055/2342621 to book your spot at the freaky festivities.Music buffs and David Lynch devotees can make their way to GLUE (viale Manfredo Fanti) for La Loggia Nera Halloween party, where the dress code is Twin Peaks-style: the David Lynch series is the night’s theme. Take some inspiration from this supernatural classic when crafting your costume, and dance to tunes spun by TF’s music editor Michelle Davis. The party starts at 10.30pm with heavy metal from Bachi da Pietra. The night is open to members only (a membership card, valid through August 31, costs 10 euro) or non-members who book a one-day pass by writing to info@gluefirenze.com.