With cooler temperatures and fun-filled seasonal festivals, fall is one of the best seasons to be in Florida. While the weather is ideal, you can explore the outdoors at one of these top fall events in Florida leading up to the holiday season. From corn mazes to haunted houses and food festivals, you’re spoiled for choice with fun fall events in the Sunshine State.
Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, Orlando
Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival is one of the best food festivals in Florida. Locals and visitors alike eagerly await the six weeks that Epcot has its annual festival, and with more than 30 unique global marketplaces to sip and nosh on delicacies from around the world. Serious foodies will also enjoy participating in the culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, and beverage boot camps offered by Disney. Another notable fall event at Disney is Magic Kingdom Park’s After Hours Boo Bash, which is perfect for the little ones.
Official Website
Dates: July 27th to November 18th, 2023
Sweet Season Farm, Milton
In Florida’s Panhandle, you’ll find the epicenter of authentic fall fun at the Sweet Season Farm. With an abundant amount of activities, this place is sure to please the entire family. In addition to their exciting lineup of fall-related activities that include a massive corn maze, pumpkin patch, and hayride, they also offer unique family-friendly attractions such as a tube slide, corn cannon, cow train, and sunflower speedway.
Official Website
Dates: Select Dates September 30th – November 5th, 2023
Scott’s Maze Adventures, Mount Dora
Located at Great Scott Farms in Mount Dora, you’ll find an impressive themed maze on a vast 7-acre cornfield. Truly an authentic country atmosphere, the entire family will enjoy the hayrides pulled by a tractor around the farm. Adults can stock up on fresh veggies and homemade jams at their country food market while the kids slide down the 60-foot slide, jumping on the huge 40 X 67-foot pillow, and go fishing in the nearby pond.
Official Website
Dates: Scott’s Country Market Opens for Fall on September 14th, 2023
Fall Corn Maze on Weekends September 30th – November 26th, 2023
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, Orlando
From September to November, the streets of Universal Studios become a scary place, coming alive with terrifying monsters and maniacs. This top Halloween event in Florida is the place to be for horror fans. Universal creates an annual Halloween theme where the park is filled with authentically scary haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows that are sure to make the hair on your neck stand up. Experience thrills on their gripping rides as you make your way through the park and try not to lose your cool!
Official Website
Dates: Select Nights September 1st – November 4th, 2023
Fantasy Fest, Key West
World-famous for being a paradise event for adults, Fantasy Fest is a wild 10-day party held annually in Key West in October. What began in 1979 by a small group of locals has evolved into a massive celebration filled with high-energy revelers from around the world. Creativity and imagination are encouraged, and you’ll see hundreds of over-the-top costumes that only match the funky personality of Key West. The festival includes parades, street fares, masquerade parties, burlesque parties, and plenty of libations to keep you entertained.
Official Website
Dates: October 20th-29th, 2023
Pensacola Interstate Fair, Pensacola
What started in 1935 has blossomed into a treasured annual event for families that now boasts over 60 rides, top-name entertainers, and a long list of exhibits and food vendors. Stuff your face with red velvet funnel cakes, take a breezy ride on the slow-moving carousel, win a stuffed animal with your shooting skills, and explore one of the largest events held on the Gulf Coast in October.
Official Website
Dates: October 19th-29th, 2023
Destin Seafood Festival, Destin
A waterside event held in October on the lively Destin Harbor Boardwalk, the Destin Seafood Festival boasts three stages with live music and fun activities for the whole family in addition to an abundance of fresh seafood served by food vendors and local restaurants. An Emerald Coast favorite, the annual event is kicked off by a beautiful fireworks display, then followed up with fun-filled festival activities and a dedicated Kid Zone to keep the kids entertained.
Official Website
Dates: October 6th-8th, 2023
Mount Dora Craft Fair, Mount Dora
Just northeast of Orlando, you’ll find one of the largest and most popular fall events in Florida at the beloved small town of Mount Dora. In October, this historic town holds a popular fair that showcases more than 400 craft vendors; where the streets are filled with crafters, artists, and visitors who appreciate the authentic craftsmanship of local artists, perfect for those looking for unique gifts for their holiday list. Add food, entertainment, and ideal Florida weather, and you have the perfect recipe for a fall family getaway.
Official Website
Dates: October 28th & 29th, 2023
Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach
If you like to get your thrills on two wheels, Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach is a must. Bike enthusiasts will be in heaven on this October weekend event filled with live music, motorcycle racing, and beach drives at this historical haven for motorcyclists since 1937. Even if you’re not into the bike scene, you can enjoy the lively revelry of the locals and gawk at the thousands of bikes that take over the city of Daytona.
Official Website
Dates: October 19th-22nd, 2023
Manatee Viewing, Multiple Locations
Fall in Florida marks the beginning of the prime season to see some of Florida’s most treasured gentle giants up close and personal. These 2,000-pound creatures retreat in Florida’s 70-degree waters during winter, making it a perfect time to introduce yourself to one of the most lovable endangered species in the Sunshine State. From November to March you can see manatees in their natural habitat at a handful of destinations around Florida, including the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center, Blue Springs State Park, and Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River.
Dates: November – March
