The start of the Dia de los Muertos procession on Pine Street. — Photo courtesy of CityArts Factory

CityArts Dia de los Muertos & Monster Factory Exhibit

October 18th marks opening night for the third annual installation of this downtown “danse macabre,” a beautiful exhibition featuring local artists whose works are themed on the beloved Mexican holiday and/or the monsters of Halloween. Streets will close for live music, face painting, a Dia de los Muertos procession and a host of other entertainment, culminating in a zombie flash mob led by local troupe, Yow Dance (check out their Facebook page, learn the moves ahead of time and join the undead fray). The party’s one-night only, but the exhibit will run at CityArts Factory through November 9. A $5 admission helps foot the bill for this arts-driven event.

The dead rise (and dance) at the Orlando Ballet Vampire's Ball. — Photo courtesy of Michael Cairns

Orlando Ballet Vampire's Ball

If you like your vampires with more high-brow flair than pop-culture sparkle, buy a ticket for the Vampire's Ball, head to the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center and kick off the 2012-13 ballet season with a fierce bite that’s equal parts dance and theater. This series of stories – vampire lore from spooky to campy to erotic – is set to a diverse musical palette and is sure to ignite your bloodlust for the Orlando Halloween season. Vampire's Ball runs from October 18-21. Ticket prices start at $15.

Hit downtown's best "haunts" with American Ghost Adventures. — Photo courtesy of Shaunessey Smith

Ghosts of Orlando

Like any city, Orlando has its share of ghosts and the folks at American Ghost Adventures are expert guides in the pursuit of the paranormal. AGA will be running its “Last Call” Haunted Pub Tour every Friday in October, leading participants (21 and over, please) on a trek to several downtown haunts for spooky stories to accompany their favorite “spirits.” On Halloween night, join them for their traditional Investigative Ghost Tour (also downtown) and feel free to wear a costume, as your hosts will be wearing theirs, as well.