Jeeperz Creeperz: Trunk or Treat

Jeeps, Costumes, and Candy Converge at Universal Plaza

Jeeperz Creeperz brings its signature trunk-or-treat experience to New Port Richey on Saturday, October 17th at 6:00 PM, transforming the Universal Plaza parking lot into a Halloween haven. This four-hour event combines the classic trunk-or-treat tradition with the Jeep community's enthusiasm for creative vehicle displays, creating a family-friendly atmosphere where decorated rides double as candy stations. The 6:00 PM start time catches the perfect Halloween sweet spot—early enough for younger trick-or-treaters, late enough for that proper October darkness.

What to Expect:

Universal Plaza becomes a showcase of elaborately decorated Jeeps and other vehicles, each one manned by owners ready to hand out treats and show off their Halloween handiwork. The all-ages format means everyone from toddlers in their first costumes to teenagers still clinging to candy-collecting glory can participate. Trunk-or-treat events like this one offer the controlled environment parents appreciate while maintaining the fun of traditional trick-or-treating, with the added bonus of seeing what the local Jeep community creates when given a Halloween theme.

Insider Tips:

- Show up closer to 6:00 PM rather than fashionably late—the best candy selections disappear within the first hour
- Bring a flashlight or glow sticks for kids to carry, making them more visible as darkness settles over the parking lot
- Costumes work best when they're comfortable for walking on pavement; save the elaborate footwear for photo ops
- Pack a small bag for trading candy later—kids inevitably want to swap their haul
- Check weather forecasts and dress in layers; October evenings in Florida can swing between warm and surprisingly cool
- Parking fills quickly, so arriving 15-20 minutes early secures a closer spot

Getting There:

Universal Plaza sits along US Highway 19, the main commercial corridor running through New Port Richey and neighboring Holiday. The venue's location makes it accessible from both directions on 19, with State Road 54 providing an alternative route from the east. While specific parking lot names aren't designated for this event, the plaza itself offers ample surface parking that fills on a first-come basis. The area lacks direct public transit connections, making personal vehicles the practical choice for most attendees. Moog Road intersects nearby, providing another access point for those coming from the residential areas to the west.

Local Scene:

The stretch of US Highway 19 near Universal Plaza delivers typical Florida commercial corridor dining, heavy on quick options that work for families with excited kids in costume. Burger King sits just minutes away for those wanting a fast pre-event meal that won't slow down the candy mission. White Duck Espresso offers a coffee stop for parents who need caffeine reinforcement before four hours of Halloween festivities. Post-event, Frankie's Raw Bar on State Road 54 provides a more substantial option for families ready to decompress over seafood after the sugar rush subsides. Thunder Tavern caters to adults looking to unwind once the kids are home and sorting their candy haul. The area's dining scene reflects its suburban character—practical, accessible, and built around the car culture that makes an event like Jeeperz Creeperz feel right at home.