10th Annual Headless Bangers Costume Ball

St. Augustine's Decade-Long Halloween Tradition Takes Over Renaissance

The 10th Annual Headless Bangers Costume Ball returns to RENAISSANCE on Saturday, October 24th at 8:00 PM, marking a full decade of St. Augustine's most anticipated Halloween celebration. This milestone year promises the same creative costume competition and late-night energy that's made the event a fixture on the local calendar. The three-and-a-half-hour event wraps at 11:30 PM, giving revelers plenty of time to show off their Halloween best without bleeding into the early morning hours.

What to Expect:
RENAISSANCE on South Legacy Trail transforms into costume central for this all-ages Halloween bash. The venue's setup accommodates both serious costume competitors and casual participants, while the October timing catches peak Halloween fever without the actual holiday crowds. Ten years in, the event has found its rhythm—expect a mix of elaborate getups, themed music, and that particular energy that comes when people commit to their characters for the night.

Insider Tips:
- Arrive closer to 8:30 PM once the initial rush settles but early enough to scope out the scene before it peaks
- Plan costume logistics around comfort—three-plus hours in an elaborate outfit requires strategic design choices
- The Slammer & Squire Parking sits just 110 meters from the venue, making it the obvious choice for avoiding a long walk in costume
- All-ages means families mix with adult groups, so the vibe shifts throughout the night as younger attendees head out earlier
- Check whether costume ball tickets for St. Augustine sell out in advance or if door sales are available
- Bring cash for any vendors or special activities beyond the main event

Getting There:
RENAISSANCE sits at 500 South Legacy Trail in the World Golf Village area, accessible via International Golf Parkway from I-95. The Slammer & Squire Parking lot provides the closest parking option, literally a one-minute walk from the venue entrance. From downtown St. Augustine, the drive takes about 15-20 minutes heading north on US-1 before connecting to the World Golf Village area. Legacy Trail itself runs through the development, making the venue easy to spot once you're in the neighborhood. The surrounding World Golf Village keeps the area well-lit and navigable, even for evening events.

Local Scene:
The World Golf Village area surrounding RENAISSANCE offers several dining options within easy walking distance. Villagio Italian Grille sits just 365 meters away, perfect for pre-event dinner if Italian fits the plan. Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant brings the golf-themed dining experience 338 meters from the venue, offering a casual spot to fuel up before the costume ball. Legends Grille and Fairways Cafe both sit within a few hundred meters, providing additional options for those arriving early. Post-event choices thin out given the 11:30 PM end time and the area's golf resort focus, though Cino's Pizza about a kilometer away might catch the late-night crowd. The location trades downtown St. Augustine's historic bar scene for convenience and parking ease, making it more about the event itself than the surrounding nightlife.