From trunk-or-treating and fall festivals to spooky 5K races, here are five local events to add to your Halloween weekend calendar.

Halloween is right around the corner, and families across South Lake County have plenty of opportunities to celebrate! Whether you're looking for a family-friendly evening filled with candy, a fall festival with local vendors, or a spooky nighttime adventure, Clermont, Groveland, and Minneola have several events planned for Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31.

Here's your guide to the Halloween festivities happening throughout the area this year.

Time: 4:30–7 p.m.
Location: Cherry Lake Park, Groveland

Kick off Halloween weekend with Groveland's Trunk or Treat at Cherry Lake Park. This community event offers families a chance to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy an evening of trick-or-treating in a festive setting.

It's a great option for parents looking to get a head start on Halloween celebrations before the big day on Saturday.

Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: Lake County Sheriff's Office District Office, 15855 SR 50, Clermont

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is bringing some Halloween fun to Clermont with its Spooky Skele-bration! This free, family-friendly event welcomes attendees to come dressed in their favorite costumes and enjoy an evening filled with Halloween festivities and plenty of candy.

With costumes encouraged and no admission fee, it's another great option for families looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween close to home.

Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: 752 W. Montrose Street, Clermont

Start your Halloween Saturday with a full day of fall festivities at the Harvest Festival in Clermont.

The festival will feature more than 100 vendors, live music, food trucks, and a dedicated kids' zone, making it a great stop for families and anyone looking to enjoy the fall atmosphere. Attendees can browse local vendors, grab something to eat, and spend the day enjoying the community celebration.

A costume contest will also be part of the festivities, giving visitors another reason to dress up for the occasion.

With so much happening throughout the day, the Harvest Festival is a great opportunity to support local vendors and enjoy a fall outing before the evening's Halloween activities begin.

Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: Lake Minneola High School, Minneola

Families in Minneola can celebrate Halloween at the city's Kids' Safe Night Out, an evening packed with activities for children and families.

The event will feature a live DJ, candy, animal interactions, food, games, and more. With a variety of activities planned, it's an option for families looking to enjoy Halloween in a lively, community-focused environment.

Whether you're coming for the candy, the entertainment, or the activities, Kids' Safe Night Out offers plenty of ways for children to enjoy Halloween evening.

Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Victory Pointe, Clermont

For those looking to add a little exercise and extra fright to Halloween night, Nightmare on the Clermont Trails offers a spooky twist on the traditional 5K.

This nighttime run and walk will feature several interactive spooky zones along the course, creating a Halloween-themed experience for participants as they make their way through the event.

Costumes are encouraged, so runners and walkers can get creative with their Halloween attire. Cash and prizes will be awarded in several categories, adding a competitive element to the festivities.

Whether you're a regular runner or simply looking for a unique way to spend Halloween evening, this event offers a chance to get active while enjoying some Halloween thrills.

With events spread across Clermont, Groveland, and Minneola, South Lake County residents have several ways to celebrate Halloween this year. From Friday afternoon's Trunk or Treat in Groveland to Saturday's Harvest Festival, family activities in Minneola, and a spooky 5K at Victory Pointe, there's something for a variety of ages and interests.

Planning tip: If you're hoping to attend more than one event, be sure to account for travel time and overlapping schedules. The Friday events overlap between 6 and 7 p.m., while Saturday's evening activities overlap as well, so you'll want to choose your stops in advance.

As always, check with event organizers for any last-minute updates, parking information, and additional details before heading out.

Happy Halloween, South Lake County!