The scary season in Florence is here and it’s time to trick-or-treat in the centre and surroundings. Here’s how the city celebrates the most frightful night of the year.
Hard Rock Cafe Florence
Set in piazza della Repubblica, Hard Rock Cafe Florence hosts a series of spooky and surprising events this season, from Lady Gaga to magic and more. Start off the day with a spooktacular morning of magic and surprises for the whole family, from 9.30am on October 31. Performances, entertainment and activities for kids transform the venue into an enchanted space in which to enjoy a lavish themed breakfast buffet featuring a variety of sweet and savoury treats and beverages. In the evening, a spectacular live Lady Gaga Tribute Ball brings the best hits to the stage while you enjoy a themed standing dinner featuring Hard Rock signature specialties (with drinks and long drinks included). There’s even a Halloween makeup station with a professional artist from Rock and Painting to enhance your look and immersive Halloween decor to add to the occasion. The all-inclusive menu is 40 euro for adults, while the menu for teenagers under 18 is 25 euro. Taking place from 8.30pm on October 31, the dress code is Halloween Glam, so the bolder the better!
Knights in the Night
From 6.30-10pm on October 31, Museo Stibbert hosts its famous Knights in the Night trick-or-treat experience. In collaboration with the Accidia Cosplay Association, the family-friendly activity sees little ones and their grown-ups make their way through the museum in search of the exit, where they will receive a special coin from the ghosts’ treasure. Be prepared for a Halloween-themed display and encounters with frightening characters throughout the museum‘s halls, only for the brave! Once you’ve made your way out, explore the spookified Stibbert Garden, open until 11pm. Booking required. T: 055 486049. Full price 14 euro, reduced (children aged 4-12) 6 euro.
Halloween al Parco d’Arte
A Halloween party at Parco d’Arte Pazzagli sees a dinner followed by magic, from 8pm on October 31. The fun continues on November 1 with magic and bubbles at 4pm. Come dressed to scare and take part in the competition for the the most frightful outfit. Entrance 6 euro per person. Booking required by messaging +3477335332.
La Festa della Zucca
The third edition of the Festa della Zucca returns to Vignamaggio from October 31 to November 1 for two days of autumnal flavours, pumpkin-carving workshops and fun for all the family. Outdoor games take place among the hills of Chianti, with highlights including the Saturday Autumn Brunch, a special edition of ‘Panellina,’ delicious treats from Casa Caffè and roasted chestnuts served both evenings from 5-7pm. There’ll even be two cooking classes where you can learn to make chestnut tagliatelle and pumpkin gnocchi as well as the chance to join in a ‘Pumpkin Hunt.’
L’Orto delle Zucche
Pumpkin theme park L’Orto delle Zucche brings all the vibes of fall to the Valdarno countryside on weekends until November 1. Make your way to L’Orto di Vaggio farm shop in Matassino, a 40-minute drive from Florence, choose a pumpkin and pose for selfies in front of striking set designs. From a bright red barn cutout to a witch’s hut and cute cottage filled with surprises, this is American-style family fun in a bona fide pumpkin patch. Kids can take part in pumpkin carving and painting workshops, while parents indulge in a piece of pumpkin pie and a pumpkin spice latte before popping into the Zucca shop for a memento.
