Halloween on Central’s first two years were a massive success with over 100,000 in attendance last year, quickly becoming one of the largest annual events in St. Pete. The open-air festival is set to return for its third year on Sunday, October 29th!

This year, Halloween on Central is being put on by Grow Financial Federal Credit Union and in partnership with the Grand Central District, EDGE District, the City of St. Pete, LocalShops1, and St. Pete Pride.

Like last year, the free event will span nearly two miles of Central Avenue, from Dr. MLK Jr. Street (9th Street) to 31st Street, through the EDGE District and Grand Central District of downtown St. Pete. Halloween on Central will run from noon to 5PM.

“This event has gone from surprise to sensational in only 2 years. Last year’s event drew over 100,000 attendees,” said Roger Curlin, Executive Director of the EDGE Business District Association. “Now in its third year, this event allows kids to be kids and adults to feel like kids again. We know visitors and residents from all over the county will enjoy St. Pete’s biggest Halloween celebration.”

Festival planners are expecting this year’s event to be its largest yet with 125,000 expected attendees.

The third Halloween on Central will feature a new Voodoo Village, put on by LocalShops1, which will feature over 125 vendors. The festival will also feature strolling performers, family-friendly games, trick-or-treating, a food truck hub, wiener dog races, and more.

Attendees will be able to walk and bike along Central Avenue, however those looking to move along the route at a faster pace can opt to take the SunRunner, PSTA’s new bus rapid transit line, which runs along 1st Avenue North and South between downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. 

“Besides a massive thank-you to our title sponsor, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, whose financial support was key to producing this event, we also wanted to recognize our Platinum sponsors, the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership and the Pinellas County Transit Authority (PSTA), whose commitment to this event and the community was instrumental in Halloween on Central returning in 2023,” said Chris Arnold, Executive Director of the Grand Central District Association. 

Halloween on Central in 2023 is taking place on October 29th from 12 PM to 5 PM. The event is free. Halloween on Central is also still looking for additional sponsors and vendors.

For more information on vendors, street performers, and events taking place at Halloween on Central, stay tuned to the event’s website.