Pumpkins pop up for October antics as Halloween is celebrated through costumed runs and themed festivities all over Florence. While not as widely celebrated as across the seas, you’ll still find plenty of ghoulish affairs to satisfy those seeking spookiness.
Halloween Run in Cascine park
Don the creepiest costume of your choice and take part in the themed 4km run. With prizes for best attire, get set, ghoul from 8pm on October 31 with registration required by October 25, costing 10 euro per adult, 7 euro for children under 10.
Themed parties
Come in your most terrifying fancy dress for Halloween night at Tenax (via Pratese 46). With music from 10.30pm, mark the witching hour while dancing to DJ sets by Danny Krivit, Joe Claussell and François K. Those seeking music that’s a little more muted will enjoy James Taylor and his all-star band from 9pm at Teatro Verdi, while metal fans get their fix at the Viper Theatre with the second edition of Firenze Metal. The Halloween party at Red Garter is another great way to mark the occasion. The Hard Rock Cafè hosts ‘Highway to Hell’, with an AC/DC tribute from 8pm, and scary dress code, with other events in the days preceding to set the spooky scene. Celebrate Samhain, the Celtic New Year, with Clover Danze Irlandesi in the Murate Art District from 9.30pm on October 30, with music by The Hidden Note and Irish dancing.
Ghost tours
Historic Villa di Artimino a short distance from Florence is transformed into a Villa Stregata (Haunted house), bringing the brave through a themed itinerary organized by I Viaggitori del Tempo lasting an hour and a half that’s suitable for all the family. Costs 17 euro per person (minimum age 6, so little ghouls don’t get too spooked!) Discover the dark side of Florence with a ‘Murder, Mystery and Wine tour’ bookable through Destination Florence, taking you through the sordid secrets of Florence in a private walking tour where you’ll learn about the black art of poisoning and the many bloody feuds that haunt the streets of the city.
Chillifying activities for children
The Children’s Lending Library gathers little monsters for an afternoon of Halloween fun from 4-6pm on October 29. With crafts, a haunted house, face painting, a costume parade and more, little ones come in their scariest ensemble to trick or treat together. The fundraising party will be held in the undercroft or garden of St. James church (via Rucellai 9), with reservations recommended (childrenslendinglibrary@gmail.com). Entrance is 3 euro for 1 child, and 5 euro for families with more than one (kids must be accompanied). Friends invited by members pay 3 euro per child. Memberships can be taken at the door, with a contribution of 15 euro per family for a whole year of book lending and entrance to parties and events organized by the library.
Mercato Centrale host ‘8 storie di Paura’ for children, with two events at 7 and 8pm on October 31 in piazza del Mercato. 8 scary stories will be told in 8 different locations among the labyrinthine market, led by the mysterious sorceress Madame Zara. The free festivities (max 10 kids per event) can be booked by emailing info.firenze@mercatocentrale.it.
Celebrate the scariest weekend of the year with Labsitters at Fattoria di Maiano. From October 30 to November 1, games, workshops and Halloween themed games will be hosted in the picturesque farm, with activities for all ages.
