Tampa Bay History Center presents: A Night at the Museum

Historical Halloween: Dress up as the figures who shaped Tampa Bay

Dress the part this Halloween with iconic looks from Tampa’s past. Meet the legends, explore their stories, and bring local history to life at the Tampa Bay History Center’s annual Halloween event, A Night at the Museum. 

A Night at the Museum in 2025 offers fresh ways to explore the past after dark. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating with a candy passport at 15 stations throughout the museum, each featuring two costumed characters. From Disney princesses and superheroes to pirates, villains, and Ghostbusters, every corner of the History Center becomes an immersive Halloween scene.

Timed tickets

Hands-on fun continues at the craft station, while the TECO Learning Center offers family activities, including coloring sheets, witch’s cauldron games, and a ring toss. Guests can also participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project for allergy-friendly treats. The atrium will feature photo opportunities with costumed characters and themed backdrops, plus a costume contest for attendees. Volunteers from the Pfizer Foundation and Buffalo Soldiers will also be on site to help bring the evening to life.

This family-friendly celebration offers a novel way to experience the season, blending the spirit of Halloween with the backdrop of Tampa’s rich history. In October, the riverfront takes on a crisp, lit-up energy, boats drifting past the glass walls, downtown music carrying on the breeze. Inside, gallery lights reflect off maritime maps and Seminole artifacts as costumed guests wander the stairwells and exhibit halls.

The Tampa Bay History Center invites you to A Night at the Museum on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Guests will enjoy timed entry beginning at 3 p.m. in 15-minute intervals, with the final entry at 5 p.m. The evening concludes at 6:30 p.m.

Designed for children, families, and community members of all ages, this festive event offers limited capacity for each session. We encourage you to reserve your tickets in advance online to secure your spot.

Event details:

What: A Night at the Museum
Where: Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water Street
When: Sunday, Oct. 19 | 3–6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20.00 per person
Who: Kids, families, and anyone who loves a good costume (history buff or not!)
Special Guests: 501st Legion, The Scarlett Fortuna, Costumers with a Cause

Dress in Tampa’s past: Historic figures that bring the night to life

Whether you arrive dressed as your favorite historical figure or as your favorite superhero, A Night at the Museum offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating through the museum galleries, participate in a costume contest, and engage in crafts, games, and interactive photo opportunities. 

This family-focused event is an annual tradition for many looking for a meaningful Water Street experience. Whether your look is an exact reproduction or a creative twist, a costume tied to local history makes the night feel richer, part pride, part playful nod to the past.

Here are a few of our historical costume recommendations:

Henry B. Plant: Henry B. Plant (1819–1899) was a railroad and steamship magnate who transformed Tampa into a major transportation hub by extending the South Florida Railroad to Port Tampa. His railand steamship network connected Florida’s west coast to northern markets and Havana, and his Tampa Bay Hotel became a symbol of the city’s Gilded Age growth.

Madame Fortune Taylor: Born into slavery in 1825, Madame Fortune Taylor became a landowner, citrus farmer, and respected entrepreneur in Tampa after emancipation. The Fortune Street Bridge, later renamed the Fortune Taylor Bridge, honors her contributions to the city’s growth and community.

Vicente Martinez-Ybor: Vicente Martinez-Ybor (1818–1896) was a Spanish cigar manufacturer who relocated his operations to Tampa in 1886, founding Ybor City and transforming it into a thriving center for Cuban and Spanish immigrant workers. His investments in housing, infrastructure, and industry helped modernize Tampa and expand its port.

Clara C. Frye: Clara C. Frye (1872–1936) was a pioneering African American nurse who founded a hospital in Tampa to serve Black patients regardless of their ability to pay. Her dedication to healthcare access led to the creation of the Clara Frye Memorial Hospital.

Stephen M. Sparkman: Stephen M. Sparkman (1849–1929) was the first U.S. Congressman from South Florida and secured millions in federal funds to improve Tampa’s port. His efforts deepened shipping channels and expanded the harbor, paving the way for Tampa’s growth as a major maritime center.

Consider dressing as a railroad tycoon, a life-saving nurse, or even a cigar factory worker from Ybor City. Whether your costume is historically accurate or creatively adapted, showing up as a figure from Tampa’s past adds a unique touch to the experience.

Uncover what’s new at the History Center

On exhibit now in the Wayne Thomas Gallery, The Lure of Florida Fishing explores the state’s rich angling history. The exhibit will be open through Jan. 11, 2026.

Celebrating the partners and people who make this happen

The Tampa Bay History Center is proud to present A Night at the Museum with the support of three incredible costuming organizations, each bringing a different layer to our event.

The 501st Legion is an international STAR WARS™ costuming organization renowned for its screen-accurate recreations of beloved characters. Known around the world for their volunteer appearances and charity work, the Legion brings a fan-favorite, cinematic dimension to the event, captivating guests of all ages.

Joining them is the Scarlett Fortuna, a Tampa-based crew of privateers and performers who combine artistry, storytelling, and immersive costuming to bring maritime history and pirate lore to life. Their presence ties directly into the History Center’s connection to the waters of Tampa Bay, offering an unforgettable interactive experience.

We also welcome Costumers with a Cause, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to use costuming as a way to support local charities and spread joy. From superheroes to storybook characters, their volunteers are dedicated to making a positive impact in the community while inspiring the imaginations of both young and old.

Together, these groups help transform A Night at the Museum into an extraordinary evening where history, fantasy, and philanthropy meet. Proceeds from the event support the History Center’s exhibitions, outreach, and educational programs, while the contributions of our community partners extend the impact far beyond our walls.

Plan your visit: Join us for A Night at the Museum

Bring your costume, bring your curiosity, and bring the whole family. This annual event has become one of the History Center’s most beloved fall traditions. Tickets are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot and make this Halloween one to remember.