Howl-O-Scream: Busch Gardens' 300 acres of haunted houses, scare zones, roller coasters in the dark and spooky live shows go into full swing next week, but get in on the action early with Freaky Previews on Friday and Saturday for less: $45, $35 for passholders. (813) 987-5600.
ZooBoo: For the younger lot, Lowry Park Zoo has haunted houses, costumed characters, lights and rides in the dark. It opens Friday and Saturday for a "Shriek Peek" preview with discounted prices ($12, $10 passholders) and runs weekends through Halloween. (813) 935-8552.
Museums' free day: If museums (or good deals) are your thing, Saturday is your day. Because of the Smithsonian's Museum Day Live and St. Petersburg's Arts Alive, most local museums are offering free admission. For locations, see tampabay.com/things-to-do, smithsonianmag.com and stpete.org.
DATE NIGHT
Movies on the Patio: We all know the first rule about Fight Club, but we had to talk about it since you can see it for free Tuesday outside the Dalí Museum, with games and food trucks on site. (727) 823-3767.
Luke Bryan: The king of bro country will Play It Again, Play It Again on back-to-back nights at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, with different openers, Thursday and Friday. $29.50-$59.75.
Reggae Rise Up Festival: Jam with Rebelution, Steel Pulse, Collie Buddz, Zion I and a whole lot more Saturday at Raymond James Stadium, with local flair (cuisine, brews and artists) on the side. $35-$100.
Oktoberfest: There are Oktoberfests just about everywhere over the next several weeks, including a big one Friday and Saturday at the German American Society of Pinellas in Pinellas Park with live oompah music, folk dancers, a variety of imported beers and homemade cuisine. $6 entry; children 12 and under free. (727) 541-6782.
KIDS AND FAMILY
Super Boat National Championship and Festival: The annual event goes zooming past at 180 mph this weekend, with activities Friday through Sunday in Clearwater Beach and in downtown Clearwater. Free, and up $75. (727) 593-5536.
Taste of Midtown: Sample treats from restaurants, listen to music by Lakewood High and John Hopkins Middle students and take in art by students in Through Our Eyes: Midtown and Beyond on Tuesday at St. Petersburg's Studio@620. Free. (727) 895-6620.
more to explore
Check out hot new shows in our Fall TV Preview and print a customized schedule at tampabay.com/things-to-do.