Downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk turns into a long Halloween route next Saturday, giving families a free way to trick-or-treat without knocking on neighborhood doors.

Riverwalk Trick-or-Treat returns Saturday, October 24, at Cotanchobee Park and along the Tampa Riverwalk, with the official event running from 4 to 9 p.m.

The celebration is free and open to the public.

Organizers say more than 50 treat stations will be set up along the route, giving kids plenty of opportunities to fill a candy bag while families move through the downtown waterfront area.

The schedule also includes several timed attractions that make this more than a simple candy stop.

A Thriller flash mob is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., followed by costume contests at 5 p.m.

The evening ends with Movie in the Park at 7:15 p.m., featuring Ghostbusters.

Families are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for the movie portion of the night.

That gives the event an easy rhythm: arrive early for trick-or-treating, stay for the costume activity, then settle in for the movie after dark.

Parents who arrive without a candy bag may be able to find extras at participating sponsor tents.

Organizers also say Kids Wish Network will have some costumes and accessories available for children who need them.

The biggest planning issue is transportation.

Multiple events are scheduled in downtown Tampa that day, so the Riverwalk organization is warning visitors to expect heavier-than-normal parking demand.

One recommended strategy is to park in Ybor City and ride the TECO Line Streetcar downtown.

The Palm and Centro garages are listed at $2 per hour, with a daily maximum of $14, making that route potentially cheaper and less stressful than searching around the waterfront.

Several downtown garages and lots will also offer event rates, but pricing and availability vary by location and time.

Arriving before the late-afternoon rush is probably the easiest way to avoid spending too much of the night in traffic.

Rideshare is another practical choice, especially for families who do not want to deal with garage exits after the movie.

Cotanchobee Park sits beside the Riverwalk at 601 Water Street, near Amalie Arena and the Tampa Convention Center.

That location makes it easy to combine the event with dinner or an earlier downtown stop if your family wants to make a full afternoon of it.

The best part of Riverwalk Trick-or-Treat is that it gives families a lot of flexibility.

You can stay for an hour and collect candy or make it a full evening with the flash mob, costume contest and movie.

For parents looking for a free Halloween event in Tampa, this is one of the most practical choices of the October 24 weekend.

Just plan the parking before you go, bring something comfortable for the movie and expect plenty of costumes along the waterfront.

Official information: Friends of the Riverwalk and the City of Tampa event listing.