10/29

Haunted Halloween at the Hilltop
For those that want to embrace the Halloween spirit, while also supporting a good cause, the 2nd annual Haunted Halloween at the Hilltop Restaurant may be the perfect event for you. With entertainment like costume contests, live music and DJs, and raffle prizes, your hard-earned dollar will be worth the cost, especially with funds supporting the Veterans Village, an organization that gives back to veterans and supports the homeless. Come out with a pal, enjoy the hors d’oeuvres and even embark on a scavenger hunt. Tickets. 7-11 p.m. The Hilltop Restaurant: 2030 Wells Rd, Orange Park, FL;  hilltop-club.com/ // @thehilltoprestaurant

Pitstop Halloween Pawty
To recognize Jacksonville’s newest canine activity center, All Fur Pets, and celebrate the Halloween spirit, all pups and their owners are invited to the free Pitstop Halloween Pawty. If you want to see your pet have a fun day, this party will be bringing the doggy activities, such as a short maze, tricks and treats, leashed fun, a dog costume contest, and more! “The atmosphere is a clean, sanitary, controlled environment, intended to set you and your dog up for a lifetime of success! We are the only indoor facility in Jacksonville that offers ONLY positive reinforcement. For the Halloween Party, we are collaborating with Pitstop Pitbull Rescue, an organization near and dear to my heart! This event is all about supporting them! Anything monetary or tangible goes to the Pitbull Rescue. One of the things on my to-do list was to have a really, awesome PAWTY for the dogs! One thing that I always say, I named it ‘All Fur Pets’ because I do it all for them!” says Chrissy Dullano, All Fur Pets Owner. Treat your fur baby to a spooktacular evening. 5-7 p.m. All Fur Pets Canine Activity Center: 6849 St. Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL; allfurpetsjax.com // @allfurpetsjax

Howl-O-Ween
Anyone interested in a free pet adoption? October 26 – 31 Animal Care and Protective Services is hosting a free adoption event in Jacksonville for all the dogs and cats with orange or black fur, as a toast to the Halloween spirit! When the event started, there were 158 dogs and 45 cats in need of homes. You may also foster care for a pet, if you aren’t sure about permanently owning a fur baby yet. Come on out from 12-7 p.m. on October 29 and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, if you are curious. Animal Care and Protective Services Shelter: 2020 Forest St. Jacksonville, FL; coj.net // @cityofjax

10/30

Jax Craft Beer Halloween Party
Jax Craft Beer is having their 2nd annual Halloween Party. Not only will it include beer specials, specialty beer cocktails, and candy pairings, but they are also super excited about their hot dog roller, so come fired up. There will be cupcakes and other delicious desserts, too. Come ready to party at 6pm, with the costume contest starting at 7 p.m. Winners will receive credit at Jax Craft Beer, so bring your competitive spirit if you want some free drinks. 6-11 p.m. Jax Craft Beer: 9825 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL; jaxcraftbeer.com/event-calendar // @jaxcraftbeer

Party & Paint Halloween Party
All guests are encouraged to wear a costume, bring a bottle, and enjoy the night while you paint with the Party & Paint crew! You must be 21 to enter because this event is advertised as grown, sexy, and fun! From 7:30-10 pm, enjoy the latest hip hop and R&B music from DJ Bird while you stimulate your creativity on a 16”x20” canvas! This event is only $25 per person and a great opportunity to do something a little unique for Halloween. 7:30-10 p.m. Majestic Event Complex: 5870 Norwood Ave, Jacksonville, FL; eventbrite.com/e/party-paint-halloween-party-tickets-167672144899?aff=ebdiayyoutube // @Party&Paint

4th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl
Yes, that’s right — there is a $1,000 grand prize for the winner with the best costume throughout this bar crawl. Now that you are most likely considering coming out for the Bar Crawl, let me give you some details. The beachside bar crawl starts at Sneakers Sports Grille and goes through Flask & Cannon, Gingers, and Salt Jax Beach. Check in starts around 4pm, and there will also be an afterparty from 10pm-2am at Graffiti Junktion. This bar crawl is super popular every year, so come try it out if it peaks your interest. 4 p.m – 12 a.m. Sneakers Sports Grille: 111 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL; crawlwith.us/costumecontest/halloween // @crawlwithus

There you have it: an extensive list of pre-Halloween events before you hand out candy to the kids on Sunday. Though Halloween is not a public holiday, it could arguably be one of the best in Jacksonville.