The spirit of Halloween has arrived in Dunedin.

From Brenda’s on the Causeway—the diner nestled in North Dunedin near Honeymoon Island—to The Honu Tiki Bar and Restaurant tucked into a cozy corner of downtown Main Street, decorations are proudly on display, ushering in the holiday season.

Because Halloween 2026 falls on a Saturday night, the lineup of local costume parties is already stacking up.

October is a prime month for locals. The snowbirds haven’t arrived yet, light cold fronts are beginning to push out the humidity, beach traffic is light, and the sunsets are painting the skies in beautiful fall colors. Spooky season is officially here. This year, several local restaurants are featuring special events ranging from costume contests to live performers. And while there are no downtown street closures scheduled this year, that isn’t stopping the celebrations from lasting through Day of the Dead.

Día de los Muertos at Casa Tina

Tina Avila, co-owner of Casa Tina Mexican Restaurant, announced that this year’s traditional Día de los Muertos festival will be celebrated exclusively inside the restaurant, rather than hosting the usual full entertainment lineup at Pioneer Park.

Following a recent health scare, Tina is taking a much-needed, long-awaited vacation. However, she has still arranged plenty of ways for the community to celebrate this heartwarming Mexican holiday.

Here is the upcoming lineup:

• Wednesdays & Thursdays (Starting Oct. 14) | Ofrenda & A Toast: From 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, bring a photo of a deceased loved one to place on the ofrenda (altar) and receive a free shot on the house.
• Friday, Oct. 30 | Trick-or-Treating: Capture photos with live Catrinas. Kids who come by trick-or-treating will receive traditional Mexican candy.
• Sunday, Nov. 1 | Noche de los Inocentes: Enjoy special cirque performers and dances by the Mahetzi Ballet Folklórico. Guests will also receive mini pan de muerto and Mexican hot chocolate with their dinner purchase.
• Monday, Nov. 2 | Día de los Muertos: Take photos with live Catrinas. Guests who arrive dressed in traditional Día de los Muertos attire will receive a free Tina Rita with their dinner purchase.

It promises to be a colorful, festive environment full of tradition—inside a restaurant that already feels like a celebration year-round.

A Personal Note

October in Dunedin is a gift. The crowds thin out, the air softens, and the town leans into the season with decorations, costumes, and traditions that honor both the spooky and the sacred. Whether you are hitting the town on Saturday night or honoring ancestral roots during Día de los Muertos, there is a place for you here.

I will see you out there—camera in hand, capturing it all.

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