4 Halloween Festivals Taking Place in Paradise

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 4:30 PM ET, Wed October 19, 2016

Shoulder season is in full swing and that means travel deals around every corner. And with Halloween on the horizon, countless festivals are set to kick off all around the world.

For those travelers looking to celebrate Halloween in paradise this fall, here are four festivals worth experiencing.

Fantasy Fest

Where: Key West, Florida

When: Oct. 21 through Oct. 31

Best described as a party in paradise for grown-ups, Fantasy Fest began in Key West back in 1979 and has been drawing visitors from all over ever since. This year's theme is political voodoo and ballot box barbarians to commemorate the 2016 Election.

Highlights will include a parade, costume competitions, drag queen contests and body painting, among other fun events.

Since recent Fantasy Fests have attracted more than 100,000 people, you'll want to hurry up and make plans. Travelers would be wise to book a stay at NYAH Key West. Whether traveling solo or with a group, the hotel is ideal for any kind of stay and is located just blocks from Duval Street.

Wynwood Fear Factory

Where: Miami, Florida

When: Oct. 29 and Oct. 30

If you're looking for a haunted experience in South Beach, head to the Wynwood Fear Factory this upcoming Halloween weekend. The two-day celebration in Miami will feature haunted attractions, art displays and immense food and beverage offerings.

Renowned DJs including Flosstradamus and Benny Benassi will headline this year's festival.

[READMORE] READ MORE: 4 Music Festivals to Experience this Halloween [/READMORE]

For festival goers who want to stay close by, the four-star Marriott Stanton South Beach is an excellent option. The hotel's suites have recently been revamped and the property is just a brief walk from dining, nightlife and shopping along Ocean Drive.

Dia de Muertos' Kite Festival

Where: Sumpango, Guatemala

When: Nov. 1

Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Guatemala on Nov. 1 at the Dia de Muertos' Kite Festival. During this one-day event, locals from the town of Sumpango bring out a slew of impressive kites, some of which take months to design and construct.

[READMORE] READ MORE: 4 Fall Attractions You Must Visit in 2016[/READMORE]

Book a stay at Casa Palopo on Lake Atitlan. Starting at $523 per night, guests can book the "All Saints Day" package that includes accommodations, a boat tour around Lake Atitlan and an excursion to the Kite Festival in Sumpango.

Dia de Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta

Where: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

When: Oct. 28 through Nov. 2

Another popular Day of the Dead festival, Puerto Vallarta's Dia de Los Muertos is a six-day festival kicking off Oct. 28. This year's edition will feature a folklore ballet show and eye-popping art galleries showcasing traditional altars and flower carpets.

Enhance your time in paradise with a stay at the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, one of only a few resorts in the world to boast its own brand of tequila.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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