How to Make the Most of October in Indian River County: 8 Spooky Adventures Await!

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October hits different in Indian River County. The sun dips out a bit sooner, the air feels crisp, and you can sense a spark of excitement everywhere you go. This is when the place transforms—between haunted happenings, local festivals, and those quiet, golden moments by the water, fall really shows off here.

Ready to dive in? Here’s a list of the top 8 things that’ll get you in the October spirit and show you why Indian River County is so much fun when autumn rolls around.

For the thrill-seekers and festival fans:

1. The Haunted Barn cranks up the scares every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night all month long. If you want a good jolt—creepy hallways, live actors, the works—this is where you’ll find it. It’s a local favorite for a reason.

2. Sebastian Scream 5K and Haunted Rail Trail lands on Saturday, October 25th. Come in costume, run the 5K, then brave the haunted trail. You get your adrenaline fix, join a community tradition, and support local causes—all in one cool, crisp night.

3. Downtown Friday: Main Street Monster Mash is set for Halloween right on Main Street in Vero Beach. Think live bands, costumes, food trucks, and games for every age. It’s basically a block party with a Halloween twist and the best way to end the month in downtown style.

Bringing the whole family? There’s plenty for you, too:

4. A Night at the Patch is your ticket to all things fall. Grab a pumpkin, kick back with live music, let the kids run wild with lawn games, and catch a showing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” under the stars. It’s cozy, easy, and everything you want from a fall night.

Into arts, history, or maybe a bit of both? October’s got something for you as well:

5. Riverside Theatre is putting on “Little Shop of Horrors” from October 16 to November 9—quirky characters, catchy songs, and a few laughs with your scares. Over at The Vero Beach Theatre Guild, catch “Young Frankenstein” (starring Tourism Director Ben Earman!) from October 17 to November 2. Both shows are a great excuse to dress up and enjoy a night out with a Halloween twist.

6. Indian River Hauntings Tours peel back the curtain on the county’s spookier side. Walk with guides through local hot spots, hear real ghost stories and hidden legends, and maybe—just maybe—catch something unexplainable on camera. It’s a fun way to get your history fix with a chill down your spine.

7. Want more? Take a historic walk or ghost tour at spots like the Vero Theatre or Archie Smith Wholesale Fish Company in Sebastian. Snap a photo, soak up the stories, and let your imagination run wild. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, these places make for a memorable night out.

8. And finally, don’t miss the simple stuff—October sunrises and sunsets here are unreal. The sky glows gold and lavender, the beaches go quiet, and suddenly, you remember why you love this season so much. Head to Ampersands Beach Park, Golden Sands Park, or Humiston Park, and just take it all in.

That’s October in Indian River County. Whether you’re chasing chills, hunting for pumpkins, or just looking to slow down and watch the sky, there’s something here for you.

To learn more about Indian River County, go to VisitIndianRiverCounty.com