Autumn has arrived and is a great time to visit Florida’s Suncoast!

The season ushers in the month of October and one of my favorite holidays-Halloween!

With trick or treating in mind, plan to explore The St. Petersburg Pier!  Nestled between Vinoy Park and Demens Landing, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and museums, in downtown St. Petersburg (FL), The Pier offers visitors and residents alike the opportunity to shop and sightsee, and to simply relax.  The Pier is open 365 days a year.  The family-friendly venue offers daytime and nighttime fun for all ages!

If you are considering trick or treating this year dressed as a rabbit, you’ll be “hoppy” to know that The Pier is a short hop, skip, and jump from the South Gulf Beaches!  A ten-minute car ride from any of the beaches communities (Bacopa Bay, Isla del Sol, St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille, or Tierra Verde, to name a few) and you’re there!

The Pier, home to the Columbia Restaurant and The Pier Aquarium,  has a number of events planned in celebration of the season and, of course, in honor of Halloween!  I’ve included a partial list below.

Be sure to have a Boo-tiful and Happy Halloween . . . in Paradise Found!

Thrill the World St. Pete
Thrill the World is a simultaneous worldwide attempt to break the World Record for the largest simultaneous dance with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Thousands of people in cities around the world will learn the “Thriller” dance and perform it together on the day that Thrill the World take place.  All ages are welcome to participate in the local St. Petersburg, Florida event. Dancers need to sign up, learn the dance (anyone can do it), and show up on Saturday, October 24th, at The Pier.  The dance will take place at 8:30 p.m., but dancers are encouraged to show up two hours earlier to practice on the third floor of The Pier.

Dance training is available online and at local studios.  Sign up (it’s free) to make sure you’re part of Thrill the World and Thrill the World St. Pete.  Sponsored by Studio 620, The Pier, St. Pete Shuffle, and more!  Following the event, visit Captain Al’s Waterfront Grill and Bar for more “Thriller” and MJ music until 12:30 a.m.

Free Caricatures & Face Painting
Lars-Erik Robinson, of Fritzy Bros. One Man Circus, will entertain your entire family with free caricatures on the first and third Sunday of each month. There is also free face painting Saturdays from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Salsa Every Friday at Captain Al’s Restaurant
Captain Al’s Waterfront Restaurant offers Salsa music and dancing every Friday night from 9:00 p.m. to midnight. Free introduction to Salsa dance lessons from 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. by Greg Richardson from B.A.I.L.E. (which stands for Bay Area International Latin Events).  Enjoy a beverage or dinner as you take in Tampa Bay’s wide water views and dance the night away.

Gallery Walk at Crystal Mirage Gallery
The Downtown St. Petersburg Arts Association has twenty-five galleries open to the public from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.  The Crystal Mirage Gallery, located on the first floor at The Pier, is one of the galleries and shouldn’t be missed on your stops around the downtown.

Oldies but Goodies Dances
The Pier comes alive with the sound of big band and dance music on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month! The dance floor is yours to enjoy! Come alone or with friends!  It’s a great way to meet new people! The “Oldies but Goodies” Dance is free and open to all.  The Downtowners perform on the second Wednesday with big band sounds. The Ron Berringer Trio performs on the fourth Wednesday with dance favorites, including the Electric Slide and tunes from the 50′s and 60′s.

Movies on the Waterfront
Family flicks at the St. Petersburg Pier on the third Saturday of each month.  Join the fun in the Waterside Courtyard at The Pier for “Movies on the Waterfront.” Bring a blanket and pillow. Pajamas are allowed, but no coolers.  The event is sponsored by Parent Guide Magazine and KIDS FIRST®.  Movies begin at dusk.  In the event of rain will be moved inside to the Activity Room.  The movie for October will have a Halloween theme.  Moviegoers are encouraged to come in costume!

About The St. Petersburg Pier
The Pier is open 365 days a year, rain or shine, Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Attractions and restaurant hours vary. FREE Pier Trolley service from the Dolphin and Pelican Parking Lots runs from 7:00 a.m. until 1/2 hour after the last restaurant closes.

PHOTO CREDITS:
Photos of The St. Petersburg Pier courtesy of The City of St. Petersburg.
Photos of the Jack-o-latern and Tierra Verde trick-or-treaters courtesy of yours truly.