Pumpkins & Pythons at FloridaRAMA, one of the best Halloween events St Pete has to offer!

Pumpkins & Pythons: Florida’s Spooky Snake History Comes to Life at FloridaRAMA

Florida is famous for its sunshine, beaches and wild natural landscapes. But in recent decades, one creature has slithered into the spotlight: the Burmese python. These massive snakes have become infamous in the Everglades, inspiring everything from documentaries to state-sponsored hunts. Now, their story takes on a playful, spooky twist with Pumpkins & Pythons, the new Halloween experience at FloridaRAMA in St. Petersburg. Looking for St Pete Halloween events that are indoors, air-conditioned, and gloriously weird? You’re in the right burrow.

The History of the Python Hunt in Florida

From Pets to Predators

Burmese pythons are not native to Florida. Originally brought here through the exotic pet trade, many were released (or escaped) into the wild. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew destroyed a breeding facility near Miami, releasing snakes into the Everglades. Over time, these pythons established a thriving population, one that has wreaked havoc on Florida’s fragile ecosystem.

Over the years, a mix of pet releases, storm damage, and habitat suitability let these snakes take hold in South Florida. While most exotic-pet owners act responsibly, even a small number of releases can tip the balance in a warm, swampy ecosystem like the Everglades.

Ecological Impact

These snakes, which can grow longer than 18 feet, feed on raccoons, rabbits, deer and even alligators. In some areas of the Everglades, small mammal populations have dropped by more than 90% since the python invasion began. Scientists agree: completely eradicating the species is nearly impossible, but every removal helps native wildlife. Our exhibit nods to the real science while keeping the tone playful and family-friendly.

Biologists describe the python effect as a “trophic cascade,” where a top predator reshapes the whole food web. Fewer small mammals mean fewer prey for native predators, which can ripple outward for years. The takeaway for guests: invasive species aren’t just unusual, they’re powerful players in the story of Florida’s wild places.

The Florida Python Challenge

To fight back, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) launched the Florida Python Challenge in 2013. This 10-day hunting competition draws hundreds of participants from across the world, offering prizes for the most and largest snakes captured.

The Challenge serves two purposes: reducing python numbers and raising awareness about the dangers of invasive species. In 2025, more than 900 participants joined the hunt, removing nearly 300 snakes from the Everglades.

Launched by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the event pairs public education with sanctioned removals. Participants learn identification, safety basics, and reporting so that removals are documented and lawful. The Challenge is ultimately about stewardship, reducing harm to native species while raising awareness. We tip our glow-in-the-dark hat to the Challenge with a puzzle-hunt of our own, no real snakes, only sneaky clues and very good vibes.

Pumpkins & Pythons: Halloween at FloridaRAMA

This fall, St. Petersburg’s FloridaRAMA brings the spirit of the Python Challenge to life in a quirky, art-driven way. From September 25 through November 3, guests can explore Pumpkins & Pythons, a Halloween takeover that blends spooky fun with Florida’s one-of-a-kind natural history.

What Guests Will Discover

• Python Alley: giant snakes slither through immersive art installations, weaving around surreal Florida scenes. Expect oversized, surreal snakes winding through vivid installations, built for exploration and photos, not fright.

• The FloridaRAMA Python Challenge: a Halloween scavenger hunt where guests search for hidden snakes, solve puzzles and unlock eerie clues. Follow clues, spot hidden snakes, and solve bite-sized puzzles woven through the art, fun for teams, couples, and families.

• Pumpkins, Ghost Orchids & More: glowing gourds, disco skeletons, palmetto bugs, and Florida’s strangest critters fill the space with playful weirdness. It’s Florida weirdness turned up to 11, glowing gourds, playful critters, and nods to native flora, minus the gore.

• Date-Night & Group Packages: whether it’s a spooky date, a birthday party, or a corporate outing, FloridaRAMA has themed experiences for every visitor.

Why Pythons Make Perfect Halloween Stars

Halloween is all about things that creep, crawl and slither, and in Florida, nothing embodies that better than the Burmese python. By weaving real ecological history into an imaginative, art-forward experience, Pumpkins & Pythons makes invasive species awareness fun, interactive, and unforgettable. Expect glowing habitats, tongue-in-cheek facts, and plenty of places to strike your “I just saw a giant snake” selfie.

Snakes may be spooky but here are some common python misconceptions:

The Myth: “They’re venomous.”

The Truth: Burmese pythons are non-venomous constrictors.

The Myth: “They only live in water.”

The Truth: They’re strong swimmers but thrive in wetlands, hammocks, and edges where prey is common.

The Myth: “Invasive = evil.”

The Truth: Animals aren’t “bad,” but moving species outside their native range can cause real ecological harm.

The Myth: “One removal doesn’t matter.”

The Truth: Responsible, lawful removals and prevention education both help native wildlife.

Why Pumpkins & Pythons belongs on the “best Halloween events St Pete” list

• Immersive, larger-than-life python installations..

• Interactive puzzle elements inspired by Florida’s python history (no live animals).

• Playful Halloween atmosphere that stays family-friendly without gore.

• Easy to enjoy at your own pace, come for the art, stay for the spooky details.

• Indoors and air-conditioned, Halloween fun without the Florida heat.

• Art-first design: immersive sets, bold color, and tons of playful photo moments.

• Family-friendly tone (not a haunted house) with interactive elements you can enjoy at your own pace.

• Easy access in the Warehouse Arts District, close to other arts destinations for make-a-day plans.

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Plan Your Visit

🎃 Pumpkins & Pythons runs September 25 – November 3, 2025

📍 FloridaRAMA, 2606 Fairfield Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL

🎟 Tickets: https://www.floridarama.art/tickets

Final Word

From the swamps of the Everglades to the colorful art halls of St. Pete, the story of Florida’s pythons is both wild and wonderful. This Halloween, step into the world of Pumpkins & Pythons at FloridaRAMA, where nature’s strangest invaders meet spooky season magic. Among St Pete Halloween events, this one is glow-bright, indoors, and delightfully over the top. See you in Python Alley!