Harvest season is back and it’s time to get into the festive “spirit” as Halloween lurks around the corner. For October, we have a grand curation of the spookiest to family-friendly pumpkin patches and Halloween extravaganzas. Pitbull, Demi Lovato, and other international acts will be performing live in concert at the Hard Rock. Plus, there are two great musicals to treat the kiddos to.

This month, you also get to choose from two great cultural extravaganzas – Hispanic Heritage Month & the Brazilian Festival. The iconic Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show also will be dropping anchor to entertain maritime lovers. FALL in for these and more events in our complete list of Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale for October 2022:

October 2022: In-Person Events in Fort Lauderdale

Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale – October 2022 Events at a Glance

• Special: Fall & Halloween 2022 Events

Festivals & Expos

• Hispanic Heritage Month: October 1-15
• 11th Annual Brazilian Festival: October 8-9
• Carnaval de Carousel: October 14
• Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2022: October 26-30

Art Events

• Colored Pencil Drawing & Painting Workshop: October 8
• Beginner’s & Intermediate Watercolor Workshop: October 11 & 18
• Hispanic Heritage - Narratives in Latin-American Art Exhibit: October 13 - December 30
• Fruition - Tropical Botanical Art Exhibition: October 13 - January 04

Galas & Fundraisers

• Red Meat Lover's Club & Black Point Funding Present Big BEEF for Pinkball: October 13
• “Eat Your Heart Out,” A Feast Benefitting Heart Gallery of Broward County: October 13
• Annual Shaka Soul Surfers Halloween Fundraiser: October 16
• Annual Black Dresses and Blueprints Gala Celebrating ‘Women in Construction’: October 19
• Pink Friday - Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit Experience: October 21 & 22
• Jack & Jill Center’s 80th Anniversary Gala: October 22
• Storybook Science Gala at MODS: October 22

Music & Concerts

• Sunday Jazz Brunch: October 2
• Najwa Karam at Gulfstream Park: October 28
• Pitbull & Demi Lovato at the Seminole Hard Rock: October 19-20 & 30

Theater & Movie Screenings

• Classical & Neoclassical Ballets by Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: October 15 & 16
• Daniel Howell - We're All Doomed: October 27

Fitness & Yoga

• Oceanside Yoga & Animal Flow: October 15 & 16
• Restorative Yoga and Sound Bath Immersion: October 16

Things to do for Kids

• Disney In Concert - Tim Burton's ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’: October 28
• Matilda The Musical: October 28-29

Pet Events & Adoptions

• Pups & Pints Happy Hour: October 6
• Fast & Fur-ious II - An Exotic Car & Animal Adoption Spectacular: October 22
  
  

Special: Fall & Halloween 2022 Events in Fort Lauderdale

It’s time to get your spook on as Pumpkin Patches and Halloween events take over Fort Lauderdale. Here’s a quick look at what’s taking place this month:

• Pumpkin Patch Kickoff & Halloween Specials at The Wharf FTL, Oct. 13-31. Kickstarting their fall celebrations on the 13th, The Wharf Fort Lauderdale has a grand lineup of events this October. There will be a Potter-style HogWharf celebration from the 14th-16th, a dog-friendly Howl O Ween party on the 22nd, a Monster Mash Bash on the 28th, an immersive Stranger Wharf experience on the 29th, pre-Halloween Spooky Scary Skeletons fun on the 30th, and an adventurous Pirates of The Wharf Halloween Night on the 31st.
• 2022 Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival, Oct. 15 & 16. Look no further for a wonderFALL weekend getaway the entire family can enjoy. There will be a collection of 2,500 pumpkins, carnival rides, an inflatable cornstalk maze, tons of beautiful Autumn photo ops, and much more for a gala time.
• Fall Festival Market & Pet Adoption at Society Las Olas, Oct. 15. Support local vendors as you shop and drink at this dog-friendly, fall-themed market, complete with free yoga, live music, psychic readings, for-sale pumpkins, and a pet adoption corner.
• Harvest Festival, Oct. 21. This great community event will feature it all, including hayrides, a live cooking demo, a petting zoo, farmers, a pumpkin patch, face painting for kids, and so much more.
• Slashback to the 80’s Halloween Extravaganza, Oct. 22. Step into the Pompano Beach Cultural Center to step back in time when horror films reigned supreme. There will be 80s-style costumed revelry, free-flowing spirits, multiple horror movie sets for photo ops, dancing, and more.
• Fort LauderBOO, Oct. 22, 28 & 29. Top parks in Fort Lauderdale transform into a world of folklore with multiple drive-thru Halloween events. Check out the complete list here.
• Pumpkins & Palm Trees at The LOOP, Oct. 23. This free, annual fall fest is back with heartwarming fall flavors, live music, contests, Florida-style fall activities, themed photo stations, and more.
• Hotel of Horror, Oct. 27-31. Test your guts as you pace through this 20-minute haunted house experience. There will be four themes under one roof, food, drinks, and free candy.
• Hollyweird Halloween Block Party, Oct. 29. This family-friendly block party will take over Downtown Hollywood with tons of candy, children's activities, costume contests, live music, artisan vendors, and more.
• Sleepy Hollow Halloween at Gulfstream Park, Oct. 29. This thrilling evil costume party will come complete with a headless horseman, zombies, vampires, a freak flash mob, laser light show, candy stations, food trucks, and more.
• Spooktacular Science Tricks and Treats Weekend, Oct. 29 & 30. Get the little ones to the Museum of Discovery and Science for a spooktacular show of science, haunted house, and creepy crawly experience.
• Halloween Glow in the Dark Paint Party, Oct. 29 & 30. Take the kids along for this glow-in-the-dark paint party, complete with costume contests, prizes, Halloween-themed games, and plenty of Halloween treats and drinks.
• Halloween Yoga & Mimosas, Oct. 30. Get to the rooftop at Pier 6 Rooftop, in costume, to enjoy a very spooky yoga and mimosas session with cool ocean breeze, with half the proceeds supporting a local pet rescue.
  
  

Fort Lauderdale October 2022 Festivals & Expos

Hispanic Heritage Month: October 1-15

Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach

Celebrating the richness and beauty of Hispanic heritage, the Pompano Beach Cultural Center will be hosting multiple events:

• Eglise Gutiérrez - Bell'Arte Concert Series, Oct. 15. Catch the renowned Cuban American coloratura soprano Eglise Gutiérrez performing live at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center. There will also be a champagne and dessert reception with the artist after the concert.
• Baila Pompano, Oct. 21. Pop in for the center’s famous Sabado de Salsa dance series to show off your moves and learn some new ones with a live DJ and performers for company.
• Virtual Reading Festival - Honoring Hispanic Heritage, Oct. 1-15. Let your kids nurture a love for reading and learn more about Hispanic heritage as they tune into this virtual reading series.

11th Annual Brazilian Festival: October 8-9

Snyder Park, 3299 SW 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale

Come on over to enjoy one of South Florida’s most traditional, longest-living community festivals at Snyder Park. With the theme “A Love Letter to the Amazon Forest and the many Cultures of Brazil,” this year’s festival will feature music concerts, samba dancers, carnival rides, plus more than 100 exhibitors and food vendors. 

Carnaval de Carousel: October 14

Carousel Club, 901 S Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach

It’s the biggest fiesta in Aventura & Hallandale Beach! RSVP to enjoy live music performances, Carnaval-themed entertainment, and major Latin vibes. Perfect for date night or a fun night out with friends, there will also be samba dancers, stilt-walkers, specialty cocktails, eats by Los Altos Taqueria & Spris Artisan Pizza, and more fun.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2022: October 26-30

Multiple marinas in Fort Lauderdale

Dropping anchor across seven marinas in Fort Lauderdale, the largest in-water boat show in the world will be back this October. Nautical fans can expect to treat their senses to larger-than-life yachts, luxury yacht debuts, yacht gizmos and toys, demos, culinary experiences, an awards ceremony, and much more at this 5-day event.

Fort Lauderdale October 2022 Art Events

Colored Pencil Drawing & Painting Workshop: October 8

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale

Learn the fine art of pencil drawing and painting from artist, Galal Ramadan who has also exhibited in solo national and international events. This workshop promises to skip you years of hard work using special techniques.

Beginner’s & Intermediate Watercolor Workshop: October 11 & 18

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale

If you love watercolors, this is an excellent opportunity to hone your craft. Join the workshop to learn watercolor theories and techniques that are applicable to other painting mediums too. The beginner’s session starts on the 11th, while the intermediate classes begin on the 18th.

Hispanic Heritage - Narratives in Latin-American Art Exhibit: October 13 - December 30

ArtServe, 1350 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

With a grand opening night reception on the 13th, this two-month-long exhibit will feature works by Latin and Hispanic artists from 12 different countries. It’s a great opportunity to dive into the art, cultural influences, and sensibilities of these multi-national artists for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Fruition - Tropical Botanical Art Exhibition: October 13 - January 04

Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach

Love botanical art? Drop by to enjoy this vibrant exhibit featuring the best of South Florida’s plant subjects, ranging from weeds and wildflowers to decorative shrubs and majestic trees.

Fort Lauderdale October 2022 Galas & Fundraisers

Red Meat Lover's Club & Black Point Funding Present Big BEEF for Pinkball: October 13

Hagerty Garage + Social, 777 South Congress Avenue, Delray Beach 

Get together for a night of classic cars, big beef steaks, and cocktails for a good cause. The evening feast and auction will be in support of Pinkball – a charity dedicated to providing no-cost mammograms to women in need. All dinner guests will get a swag bag at the end of the evening.

“Eat Your Heart Out,” A Feast Benefitting Heart Gallery of Broward County: October 13

The Galleria, 2414 East Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

Calling all foodies for a cause! “Eat your heart out” at this culinary feast and raffles evening, featuring bites from the likes of Andy’s Live Fire Grill & Bar, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Funky Buddha, Season’s 52, Sicilian Oven, Sweeter Days Bake Shop, The Capital Grille, Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila Bar, and Wilton Creamery. Proceeds benefit Heart Gallery – a charity dedicated to finding loving families for the greatly in need foster children.

Annual Shaka Soul Surfers Halloween Fundraiser: October 16

Deerfield Beach Pier, 462 NE 21st Ave, Deerfield Beach 

This Halloween fundraiser encourages you to surf in your favorite costume until the sun sets! For teens and adults, there will be food, music, surfboards, and a whole lot of fun even if you don’t know how to surf.

Annual Black Dresses and Blueprints Gala Celebrating ‘Women in Construction’: October 19

Lauderdale Yacht Club, 1725 SE 12th St, Fort Lauderdale

Help recognize and celebrate the outstanding women in the construction industry by attending this evening's awards night gala. The black dress event will support Rebuilding Together Broward County - a nonprofit organization committed to improving the homes and lives of low-income homeowners.

Pink Friday - Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit Experience: October 21 & 22

Le Terrace Rooftop Lounge, 2755 West Atlantic Blvd, #Suite 201, Pompano Beach

Party with a purpose! Join this inaugural Pink Friday event, complete with a buffet brunch, bottomless mimosas, live band, and a chance to donate to the South Florida Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

Jack & Jill Center’s 80th Anniversary Gala: October 22

Coral Ridge Yacht Club, 2800 Yacht Club Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

Join the 80th-anniversary celebrations of the longest-running, nonprofit provider of early childhood education in Broward County. This 80’s-inspired event will feature themed décor, delicious drinks, great food, dancing, plus a live performance by the Marcia Mitchell Band.

Storybook Science Gala at MODS: October 22

Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale

This elegant storybook-themed evening will be in support of the Museum’s mission of connecting people to inspiring science and raising necessary funds for their community outreach programs. A high-energy cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, dinner, and dancing will round up the evening.

Fort Lauderdale October 2022 Music & Concerts

Sunday Jazz Brunch: October 2

Multiple Stages on Fort Lauderdale’s Riverfront 

Catch the best local jazz artists at this free, live outdoor concert series every month. This October, gather your friends and family to move and picnic to the tunes of Horizons Jazz Orchestra at Esplanade Stage, the Didier Labossiere Band at Connie Hoffmann Stage, and Tommy Nehls Trio at the Peck Courtyard Stage.

Najwa Karam at Gulfstream Park: October 28

Gulfstream Park Casino, 901 S Federal Hwy Hallandale Beach 

Catch the exotic tunes and heart-melting voice of Lebanese singer Najwa Karam in person at Gulfstream Park. The legendary diva is known as a fashion icon, songwriter, plus producer and is one of the bestselling recording artists in the Middle East.

Pitbull & Demi Lovato at the Seminole Hard Rock: October 19-20 & 30

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood

There’s always an explosion of star-studded concerts and performances at the Seminole Hard Rock! This month, two iconic Grammy Award winners will be geared to rock the stage:

• Pitbull - Can't Stop Us Now on October 19 & 20
• Demi Lovato with special guest Dead Sara on October 30

For more concerts and information, go here.

Fort Lauderdale October 2022 Theater & Movie Screenings

Classical & Neoclassical Ballets by Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: October 15 & 16

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St, Aventura

Catch an inspiring set of ballet performances scheduled over two special evenings. The best performers will be dancing to Rachmaninoff’s most popular compositions, including Issaev’s Shostakovich Suites and Mahler’s Symphony 5 Adagio.

Daniel Howell - We're All Doomed: October 27

Au-Rene Theater, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale

He’s stressed and depressed and ready to deliver another rib-tickling performance. Join the satirist for a light-hearted evening that’ll make you laugh like it was the end of the world.

Fort Lauderdale October 2022 Fitness & Yoga Events

Oceanside Yoga & Animal Flow: October 15 & 16

The LOOP - Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

Enjoy two great yoga sessions at the Las Olas Oceanside Park this October. The 60-minute yoga flow by the ocean on the 15th will focus on postures, breathing, and meditation with cool musical beats.

The Animal Flow session on the 16th will be an intro-level class, focusing on breaking down each movement and helping you work your way up naturally.

Restorative Yoga and Sound Bath Immersion: October 16

Las Olas Yoga, 1263 E. Las Olas Blvd, Suite 204, Fort Lauderdale

Feel the stress melt away with this immensely calming reset for your nervous system. Join yogi Keegan Mills, as she guides you through this deep relaxation session featuring calming breathwork, meditation, supported poses, and a sound healing experience.

The center will also be hosting a special Halloween Glow Flow class on the 28th.

Fort Lauderdale October 2022 Things To Do For Kids

Disney In Concert - Tim Burton's ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’: October 28

Au-Rene Theater, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale

This special Disney concert will take you on a magical ride through Tim Burton’s interpretation of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’ Get into the holiday mood early as you treat the kids to this haunting holiday classic at the Au-Rene Theater.

Matilda The Musical: October 28-29

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St, Aventura

Get your holiday quality time in early this year. Follow Matilda on her “magical” journey of courage and cleverness that could end up saving her schoolmates! A musical for all ages, this Roald Dahl-inspired musical has won 47 international awards and a Tony Award.

Fort Lauderdale October 2022 Pet Adoptions & Events

Pups & Pints Happy Hour: October 6

Gulf Stream Brewing Company, 1105 NE 13th St, Fort Lauderdale 

Walk in for happy hour specials with more than 15 rotating craft beers on tap and maybe take home an adorable pup. The Taproom here hosts adoptable pups from the Abandoned Pet Rescue every first Thursday of the month.

Fast & Fur-ious II - An Exotic Car & Animal Adoption Spectacular: October 22

Bailey Contemporary Arts, 41 Northeast 1st St, Pompano Beach

Take mom and dad for a fun exotic car show and probably tempt them to take home a fuzzy cat or dog. This free Saturday event will feature hot rides, animals for adoption, food, and lots of other fun activities.

Which of these Fall or Halloween events will you be stepping out for? Did we miss a highlight? Drop us a comment - we’d love to hear about it on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.

Cover photo: Carousel Club