Halloween at the Promenade at Sunset Walk, part of the Margaritaville Resort Orlando, is always quite the festive celebration.

The event is free and open to the public, drawing a lively crowd for an evening of music, outrageous costumes, and Halloween mischief.

Even the car show got into the spirit, with an impressive lineup of vehicles along the promenade. A few had skeletons behind the wheel, including one sporting a cowboy hat. Apparently, some folks will go to great lengths to keep their classic cars on the road. Even death isn’t an excuse to miss a car show!

With crowds like these, arriving early is highly recommended if you hope to snag a parking space in the adjoining lot. Otherwise, you might find yourself walking farther than some of the living dead.

Palm trees lining the promenade glowed in brilliant colors, their trunks wrapped in strands of lights.

The band Stitch played fabulous ’80s music, and the dance floor stayed active.

The promenade was packed with people dancing, mingling, relaxing at outdoor tables, and photographing an endless parade of costumed characters.

I met Marilyn Monroe, looking glamorous in a stunning pink satin gown. Naturally, she struck a pose worthy of a Hollywood starlet. Some women just know how to make an entrance!

And then there was Slash from Guns N’ Roses. 🎸

Same top hat. Same wild hair. Same rock-star attitude.

But instead of a bottle of Jack Daniel’s, he was carrying bottled water.

This was Slash 2.0 — less whiskey, more hydration.

Alan Jackson showed up in cowboy boots, his signature white hat, and a glittery blazer that could probably be seen from Nashville. Even country music legends appreciate a little Halloween bling!

Marilyn Monroe, Slash, and Alan Jackson. All in one evening.

Who knew Sunset Walk was such a celebrity hotspot?!

Hollywood, Nashville, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. All without leaving the promenade.

Then there was Ronald McDonald, who apparently had abandoned the Happy Meals for a career as a slasher. Not exactly the clown you’d want showing up at your birthday party.

A personal favorite was a pumpkin-headed cowboy riding a fabric bull, partnered with a scarecrow.

Every time the rider leaned forward, the bull kicked up its hind legs.

Whoever dreamed up that costume deserves a prize. I’ve seen mechanical bulls with less attitude.

A cowgirl danced with her dog in her arms. The human was having a wonderful time. The dog? Not so much. Judging by its expression, it was desperately hoping someone would call an Uber.

Illuminated circus performers wandered through the crowds, including a towering pair on stilts posing for photographs.

The atmosphere was electric. Everywhere you looked, something outrageous was entering the scene.

Nearby, an impressive display of creatively carved pumpkins showed off serious artistic talent. Meanwhile, high overhead, screaming riders bounced through the night sky on a bungee attraction illuminated in green and blue.

Judging by the screams, some were having the time of their lives. Others may have been reconsidering their decision to get on the ride.

And just when I thought the evening couldn’t get any better, El Jefe Tequilas started handing out complimentary drink tickets. Tequila! Now that’s the ultimate adult Halloween treat!” 🍹🎃

There were aliens, outrageous costumes, men in dresses who clearly embraced the occasion, and at least one creature I still can’t identify.

It was furry, walked on two legs, flashed colorful lights, and appeared to have no head.

I stared. I photographed it. I studied the evidence.

I’m still stumped.

But that’s the beauty of Halloween. Some things are better left unexplained. And frankly, I’m not sure I want to know!

Part of the Holidays Series