Seasonal · West Palm Beach / Palm Beach / Jupiter
October in the Palm Beaches: art, shows & Halloween
A lighthouse climb, a musical, and Halloween by the water: give October a few dates of its own.
October brings more than pumpkin-flavored everything. In the Palm Beaches, fall can mean a gallery night, an evening above the inlet, or a costume detail worn to a waterfront concert. Start with a date on the calendar, then pick the kind of night you want.
Make Friday an art date
At the Norton’s October 16 Art After Dark, pair gallery time with the evening’s music or open studio. Try a simple game: each find a work you would hang at home, then explain the choice.
Climb into the evening light
The Jupiter Lighthouse Sunset Tour on October 21 turns a familiar coastline into a new view. Book the evening program separately from daytime admission; the stair climb is part of the experience.
Wear something playful to the waterfront
Clematis by FRIGHT on October 29 combines live music and community Halloween fun. Add a costume accessory, choose a treat budget, and enjoy the crowd. This is a family-friendly celebration.
Choose an adults-only party or a full scare night
Costumes & Cocktails at Yesteryear Village on October 16 is a 21+ party with dancing and a costume contest. For haunted houses and scare zones, the October 22 Fright Nights listing offers a more intense outing. Read the suitability notes together before choosing.
Put a musical on the calendar
Dirty Dancing: The Musical comes to Kravis October 28–November 1. Make an evening of it with dinner before curtain, or choose a matinee and let an early meal follow the show.
Create a fall ritual of your own
Bring home an unfamiliar market ingredient, cook a seasonal recipe, or build a Halloween film double feature. These self-directed dates work on the nights between the big outings—and when the forecast calls for staying home.
The dates to know
Published 2026 dates, checked October 13. Confirm programs and availability with the organizer.
Art After Dark: Art, Open Studio & Live Music
· 5–10 p.m. ET
Start the weekend with galleries, a drop-in art session and music from Bianca Rosarrio and the Smooth Operators.
Norton Museum of Art
Good to know
Adult admission lists $10. The music is scheduled in the garden, so check weather and the final program. Parking is separate.
Jupiter Lighthouse Sunset Tour
· 6:15–7:15 p.m. ET
Climb 105 steps for history, waterfront views, and the evening light.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Good to know
$25 per person; $20 for members. Arrive 15 minutes early. Weather dependent; tickets are nonrefundable, with rain rescheduling stated by the organizer.
Dirty Dancing: The Musical
· Multiple afternoon and evening performances
A nostalgic theater date built around the stage adaptation of the film.
Kravis Center, Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall
Good to know
Choose your performance before booking dinner. Seat prices and start times vary; use the official ticket link.
Clematis by FRIGHT
· 6–9 p.m. ET
Waterfront live music from Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream and a playful community Halloween celebration.
Centennial Square & Great Lawn
Good to know
Free admission. This is a family-oriented outdoor event, with children's activities; expect an energetic atmosphere.
Costumes & Cocktails
· 8 p.m.–midnight ET
Pick a playful costume together and make a grown-up Halloween night of dancing, trick-or-treating, and a costume contest.
Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds
Good to know
Ages 21+. The organizer lists $35 advance or $40 at the gate, including one signature cocktail. Enter via Sansbury’s Way, Gate 3, then the Archway Gate.
Fright Nights: Thursday Scare Date
· 6–11 p.m. ET; haunted houses open at 7 p.m.
For couples who love a good scare, swap the usual evening out for haunted houses, scare zones, and midway fun.
South Florida Fairgrounds, Kubota AGZone
Good to know
General admission is listed at $48.50 with 40 Fright Credits; parking is $10. Expect sudden loud noises, strobes, and graphic scenes. Read the organizer’s suitability guidance before booking.
Turn the idea into a plan.
Good to know
Are these events confirmed for 2026?
Each dated card links to a current organizer listing. Tickets, weather arrangements and programs can still change.
Is Clematis by FRIGHT adults-only?
No. Clematis by FRIGHT is family-oriented; choose it for a lively community atmosphere.
Sources & editorial notes
Official venue, operator and local destination pages support the practical details. The combinations and personal touches are our editorial suggestions, not claimed firsthand reviews or bookable packages. These sources were reviewed for this edition October 11–13, 2026; current terms can change.
- Norton Museum of Art ↗ (opens a new tab)
- Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum ↗ (opens a new tab)
- Kravis Center ↗ (opens a new tab)
- Art After Dark: Art, Open Studio & Live Music ↗ (opens a new tab)
- Jupiter Lighthouse Sunset Tour ↗ (opens a new tab)
- Dirty Dancing: The Musical ↗ (opens a new tab)
- Clematis by FRIGHT ↗ (opens a new tab)
- Costumes & Cocktails ↗ (opens a new tab)
- Fright Nights: Thursday Scare Date ↗ (opens a new tab)
For full admission, accessibility, dietary, weather and cancellation requirements, check directly before booking. No paid placements or affiliate booking links are included.
