Lincoln Road's annual Halloween Block Party returns Oct. 31 with free candy, live music and a costume catwalk stretching across the South Beach promenade.

Trick-or-treating for children runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with candy stations, crafts and costumed characters spread across the eight-block pedestrian mall, according to the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District. Supplies are first-come, first-served.

At 8 p.m. the promenade shifts gears. Live music from the Wonderama Band, DJs and roaming performers take over as the walkway becomes a costume catwalk running until 1:30 a.m. The Lincoln Road BID says the party draws thousands of costumed participants each year.

More than 17 restaurants, bars and cafes along the road will offer drink specials and outdoor seating with views of the costume parade, as first reported by The Soul of Miami.

Admission is free. Parking is $1 per hour at meters throughout Miami Beach on Oct. 31.

Lyle Stern, president of the Lincoln Road BID, said in June that the district is "experiencing one of the most exciting periods of growth and reinvestment in its recent history." The promenade attracts more than 10.8 million visitors a year, according to Community Newspapers.

The block party caps a week of Halloween programming on Lincoln Road. A free Pumpkin Decorating Workshop takes place Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. under the Euclid Folly at 660 Lincoln Road. The first 300 children receive a free mini pumpkin to decorate and take home. Face painting will also be available.

The City of Miami Beach hosts a separate Halloween Happenings event Oct. 25 from 5 to 8 p.m., with carnival games, rides and a Treats for Tots area for young children. Entry is free. Families can claim unlimited ride wristbands by pre-registering on the city's event page starting Oct. 12. Shuttle parking is available from the Miami Beach Senior High School lot.

Upcoming Halloween events on and around Lincoln Road:

  • Oct. 24, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. — Pumpkin Decorating Workshop, Euclid Folly, 660 Lincoln Road (free; first 300 kids get a pumpkin)
  • Oct. 25, 5–8 p.m. — Halloween Happenings, City of Miami Beach (free; pre-register for ride wristbands on the city's event page starting Oct. 12)
  • Oct. 31, 5:30–7:30 p.m. — Trick-or-treating on Lincoln Road (free; while supplies last)
  • Oct. 31, 8 p.m.–1:30 a.m. — Halloween Block Party costume catwalk, Lincoln Road (free; $1/hour parking citywide)