The City of Vero Beach’s 65th Annual Halloween Parade and Costume Contest begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25., at the Vero Beach Women’s Club, 1534 21st St. and travels up 14th Avenue to the Vero Beach Community Center. Lineup starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Women’s Club parking lot, so participants are encouraged to arrive early with their decorated cars, floats and costumes, ready to impress. Prizes will be awarded for the best-decorated vehicles and floats, and children under 17 will receive free goody bags. After the parade, the Costume Contest takes place inside the Community Center. Free. Call 772-978-4500 or visit COVB.org and then click onto the Vero Beach Recreation Department.
The annual Sebastian Scream 5K Run and Haunted Rail Trail begins at 5 p.m. at the North County Aquatic Center, 9450 County Road 512, Sebastian. In addition, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” will be shown on the big screen at 4 p.m. Trunk-or-Treat runs 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the Haunted Rail Trail begins at 6:30 p.m. The race entry costs $35 to $40 and includes one ticket to the Haunted Rail Trail. The Haunted Trail alone costs $10 and is not recommended for young children. Participants are reminded that no masks, bags, or props are allowed on the trail. Packet pickup takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Runner’s Depot, 436 21st St., Vero Beach. Funds raised help Indian River County’s first responders. For registration, visit RunSignUp.com.
The Ultimate Country Jam Fest starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th St. It features country singer-songwriters Heidi Merrill and RJ Preston. The event will also have food trucks and line dancing. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit VeroBeachPerformingArts.com.
The Vero Beach Museum of Art unveils its new exhibition, Double Portraits, which runs Saturday, Oct. 25, through Jan. 11, 2026. This exhibit features 47 photographs by 34 artists exploring human connection and identity across the American South. A special lecture will be given by Richard P. Townsend, president of Townsend Art Advisory, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. Townsend will discuss Picasso’s artistic dialogue with Masters such as Titian, Cranach and Goya, as well as present new research on Picasso’s lover and fellow artist Dora Maar. The Vero Beach Museum of Art is at 3001 Riverside Park Dr. For more information, call 772-231-0707 or visit VBMuseum.org.
The Heritage Center the Treasure Coast Girls Coalition will hold a Family Fun Fall Fest from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. The festival promises games, activities, community booths and a costume contest with prizes, including a two-night stay and cruise tickets from Captain Hiram’s for first place, a $100 gift card for second place, and four tickets to “Alice in Wonderland” at Riverside Theatre for third. Costumes should be non-scary, and winners must be present to claim prizes. The event is free and open to all. The Heritage Center is at 2140 14th Ave., Vero Beach. For more information, visit GirlsCoalition.org or call 772-758-3497.
The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra presents “Classic Broadway and Elvis” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Emerson Center, 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. Under the direction of Aaron Collins, the orchestra will perform beloved Broadway hits along with timeless Elvis Presley favorites like “My Way” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” Vocalist Jack Smink stars as the King himself, bringing Elvis’ signature style and energy to life. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door, and concertgoers 18 and under or with a college ID are admitted free. Visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call 855-252-7276 for tickets and information.
