The Tampa Bay History Center will celebrate the 15th annual A Night at the Museum on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with a special Halloween event for children and families.

Guests will enter through timed tickets beginning at 2 p.m., with entry windows scheduled at 15-minute intervals and the final ticketed entry at 5 p.m. The event concludes at 6:30 p.m., allowing families to continue their evening along the Tampa Riverwalk for the 7 p.m. movie.

For 15 years, A Night at the Museum has brought the community together for a family-friendly Halloween celebration while supporting the Tampa Bay History Center and its educational programs, exhibitions and outreach.

What to expect

Children and families are invited to spend the afternoon inside the air-conditioned Tampa Bay History Center, dressed as their favorite Halloween characters and enjoying trick-or-treating, candy, crafts, games, entertainment and costumed characters.

Guests can collect treats at 15 trick-or-treat stations throughout the museum, take photos with favorite characters, participate in the costume contest and enjoy hands-on activities designed for children and families. The event will also participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, with allergy-friendly and non-food treat options available for guests with food allergies or other dietary considerations.

From princesses and superheroes to pirates, villains and characters from children’s favorite shows, stories and movies, costumed characters will be part of the experience throughout the afternoon.

With timed ticketed entry and activities taking place throughout the museum, families can move through the event at their own pace, stopping for candy, photos, games, crafts and entertainment while spending Halloween together.

Volunteers needed for A Night at the Museum

The Tampa Bay History Center is seeking costumed character volunteers to help bring the event to life.

“We are looking for volunteers who are whimsical, creative and love working with kids,” said Amanda Hoffman, Director of Education. “I’m especially excited to work with new volunteers for our 15th anniversary. Each year, our community comes out to support the History Center and truly bring Halloween to life. We are grateful for the people who give their time and creativity to support this event and our cause.”

Volunteers selected for the event will serve as a costumed character. Whether appearing as a princess, superhero, pirate, villain or another recognizable character, volunteers will help create the interactions and photo opportunities that children and families look forward to throughout the event.

All costumes must be appropriate for an all-ages audience. Selected applicants will be contacted for a brief follow-up interview. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance as an event volunteer.

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER

Program calendar

Get tickets or volunteer

Make plans now to join us for the 15th annual A Night at the Museum. Families can reserve tickets online for timed entry beginning at 2 p.m. If you would like to take part behind the scenes, apply to volunteer as a costumed character and help create the Halloween experience for the children and families who attend. 

Whether you join us as a guest or give your time as a volunteer, your participation helps support the Tampa Bay History Center’s exhibitions, educational programs and community outreach.