Discover The Best Autumn Celebrations Across The Sunshine State

Fall in Florida offers an exciting mix of culinary delights and cultural festivities that draw visitors from all over. From the world-renowned Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World, where you can indulge in global flavors and live music, Florida’s fall events are as diverse as they are unforgettable.

To help you make the most of autumn 2026, we’ve curated a list of top fall events across Florida, organized by theme and location.

Culinary Delights and Food Events

Fall in Florida is a season of rich culinary experiences, where festivals celebrate everything from local flavors to seafood and craft beer. These events highlight the state’s diverse culinary scene and agricultural heritage, drawing food lovers nationwide.

Savor the Local Flavor

Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
Dates: August 27 – November 21, 2026
Attendees: Approximately 1 million
Theme: Global Cuisine & Culinary Arts

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World is a culinary extravaganza that attracts food enthusiasts and celebrity chefs from around the world. Running from late August through mid-November 2026, this festival features over 30 global marketplaces, each offering signature dishes from countries such as France, Japan, and Brazil. You can look forward to cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs who share their culinary expertise with eager foodies. The festival showcases gourmet offerings like the Canadian cheddar cheese soup from the Canada Pavilion and Brazilian cheese bread at the Brazil Marketplace, with innovative flavors at favorites like The Cheese Studio and Flavors from Fire booths.

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series is a major highlight, bringing popular musical acts from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s to perform nightly shows, all included with park admission. For those looking to hone their culinary skills, the festival offers cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs and hands-on workshops that teach everything from cake decorating to cocktail mixing. Planning a lakeside getaway to Central Florida? Check out vacation rentals near Orlando’s lakes for easy access to both theme parks and natural waterways.

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining

Location: Various Restaurants, Orlando, FL
Dates: August – September 2026 (dates TBA)
Attendees: Approximately 200,000
Theme: Fine Dining & Prix Fixe Menus

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is a highlight of the city’s culinary calendar, where over 150 of Orlando’s top restaurants offer special three-course prix fixe menus for a limited time. Participating establishments include renowned spots like The Ravenous Pig, Capa at Four Seasons Orlando, and Morimoto Asia. This event not only offers exceptional dining experiences but also supports a charitable cause, with a portion of each meal’s proceeds donated to local nonprofits. You can savor dishes crafted by award-winning chefs while enjoying Orlando’s vibrant culinary scene.

Micanopy Fall Festival

Location: Micanopy, FL
Dates: November 1-2, 2026
Attendees: Approximately 12,000
Theme: Small-Town Charm & Local Cuisine

For those seeking a taste of old Florida, the Micanopy Fall Festival is a must-visit. This quaint event, held in the historic town of Micanopy, features local food vendors offering Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes and barbecue from Pearl’s Country Store. The festival also showcases arts and crafts from local artisans, with live music from regional bands such as The Weeds of Eden, adding to the festive atmosphere. This charming event is perfect for families and anyone looking to experience Florida’s small-town character.

Seafood Celebrations in Pensacola and Apalachicola

Pensacola Seafood Festival

Location: Seville Square, Pensacola, FL
Dates: September 25-27, 2026
Attendees: Approximately 100,000
Theme: Gulf Seafood & Coastal Culture

The Pensacola Seafood Festival is a celebration of the Gulf Coast’s rich fishing heritage, offering you a chance to indulge in fresh seafood from local waters. Held in downtown Pensacola’s Seville Square, the event features cooking contests where top chefs from restaurants like The Fish House and Jackson’s Steakhouse compete to create the best seafood dishes. Live entertainment from bands keeps the crowd lively, while the festival’s market area showcases local crafts and artisanal products. This festival is a true testament to Pensacola’s vibrant coastal culture.

The Gulf to Table section features local restaurants and caterers serving tapas-sized portions of their signature dishes. Past participants have included Flounder’s Chowder House, Chet’s Seafood, Grayton Seafood Co., and Fisherman’s Corner. With more than 150 artisans and craftsmen traveling from around the country to participate, this is one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in northwest Florida.

Florida Seafood Festival

Location: Apalachicola, FL
Dates: November 1-2, 2026
Attendees: Approximately 30,000
Theme: Oysters & Coastal Heritage

In Apalachicola, the Florida Seafood Festival is the state’s oldest maritime festival, celebrating its 62nd year in 2026. The festival’s famous oyster eating and shucking contests are a highlight, with past champions returning to defend their titles. You can savor the region’s renowned oysters prepared in a variety of ways, from raw to Rockefeller, with dishes crafted by local chefs from Up the Creek Raw Bar and The Owl Café. The festival also features a grand parade, live music, and a lively marketplace, all set against the backdrop of Apalachicola’s charming historic district.

Craft Beer and Oktoberfest Revelries

Oktoberfest Tampa

Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa, FL
Dates: October 10-11, 2026 (estimated)
Attendees: Approximately 10,000
Theme: Bavarian Culture & Beer

Oktoberfest Tampa transforms Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park into a Bavarian wonderland, complete with traditional German food, music, and beer. You can enjoy brews from local favorites like Coppertail Brewing Co. and Hidden Springs Ale Works, as well as German imports. Highlights include stein-holding contests, keg-tossing competitions, and lively polka performances by DeLeon’s Music & Entertainment. The festive atmosphere, coupled with the scenic views of Tampa’s waterfront, makes this Oktoberfest a must-visit for those seeking a taste of Germany in Florida. After the festival, explore waterfront properties on Tampa Bay for your next visit.

Jacksonville Oktoberfest

Location: Riverside Arts Market, Jacksonville, FL
Date: October 3, 2026 (estimated)
Attendees: Approximately 5,000
Theme: German Traditions & Local Brews

Jacksonville Oktoberfest at the Riverside Arts Market offers a unique blend of traditional German festivities and local flair. The event features a selection of local breweries, including Intuition Ale Works and Bold City Brewery, serving up seasonal beers. You can indulge in authentic German fare like bratwurst and pretzels from German Schnitzel Haus, while enjoying live music from polka bands like The Swinging Bavarians. With its riverside location and community atmosphere, Jacksonville Oktoberfest is a lively celebration of German culture with a Floridian twist.

Orlando’s Autumn Offerings

Orlando transforms into a fall wonderland with festive events and seasonal attractions that offer a mix of culinary delights and excitement.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL
Dates: August 27 – November 21, 2026
Attendees: Over 1 million
Theme: Global Cuisine & Culinary Arts

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is one of Walt Disney World Resort’s most beloved events, running from late August to mid-November 2026. This festival features more than 30 global marketplaces where you can sample an array of international dishes. Favorites include the Canadian cheddar cheese soup from the Canada Pavilion and the Brazilian cheese bread at the Brazil Marketplace. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy special tastings and seminars led by experts who explore the art of food and wine pairings.

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series is another highlight, featuring popular musical acts performing nightly shows, all included with park admission. For those looking to hone their culinary skills, the festival offers cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs alongside hands-on workshops that teach everything from cake decorating to cocktail mixing.

Orlando Fall Festivals

Locations: Various venues across Orlando
Dates: September – November 2026
Theme: Harvest Fun & Community Celebrations

Orlando hosts numerous fall festivals throughout the season, including the Central Florida Veg Fest (October 24), Downtown Clermont Harvest Festival (October 24), and various Oktoberfest celebrations. These events feature local food vendors, craft beer tastings, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Harvest Celebrations and Agricultural Fairs

Florida’s fall festivals showcase the state’s agricultural bounty and rural charm, offering family-friendly activities and a taste of country life.

Great Scott Farms Fall Festival

Location: Mount Dora, FL
Dates: September 30 – November 26, 2026 (weekends)
Attendees: Approximately 15,000
Theme: Farm Fun & Family Activities

Great Scott Farms Fall Festival in Mount Dora is a popular autumn attraction, open on weekends from late September through November 2026. The festival offers a host of activities, including a giant corn maze, jumping pillow (socks required), and hayrides through the pumpkin patch. You can also explore photo ops, vintage trucks and tractors, gem mining, and tasty food and drinks. The festival features beer, wine, night mazes, and a local farm market, making it a perfect outing for families looking to embrace the harvest season.

Mount Dora sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Dora, and the town’s lakeside setting adds to its charm during fall festival season. Consider exploring Lake Dora vacation rentals to make a weekend of it.

Sweetfields Farm and Other Pumpkin Patches

Location: Brooksville and various locations, FL
Dates: Late September – Early November 2026
Attendees: Varies by location
Theme: Classic Autumn Experience

At Sweetfields Farm in Brooksville, you can wander through an intricately designed corn maze that changes annually to keep the experience fresh. The farm also offers a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and farm-fresh treats like roasted corn and homemade kettle corn. The festival is open on weekends from late September through early November 2026, providing an ideal setting for a classic autumn experience.

Other popular pumpkin patches across Florida include:

Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival (Bradenton) – October 10-11, 17-18, 2026
Flamingo Gardens Harvest Festival (Davie) – October weekends
Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival (Sarasota) – October 10-11, 17-18, 2026
Dakin Dairy Farms Harvest Festival (Myakka City) – October weekends
Brown’s Adventure Farm Fall Fest (Oxford) – October weekends

Mount Dora’s Craft Fair Charm

Location: Mount Dora, FL
Dates: October 24-25, 2026
Attendees: Over 100,000
Theme: Art & Craftsmanship

The Mount Dora Craft Fair transforms this quaint lakeside town into an art lover’s paradise each October. Ranked the #1 all-time favorite craft fair in America by Sunshine Artists Magazine, the event draws over 300 artisans from across the country, offering a wide range of handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and unique home décor.

Local restaurants, such as 1921 Mount Dora and Pisces Rising, offer special menus featuring seasonal ingredients. The fair’s streets come alive with live music in Donnelly Park and street performers, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for exploring the town’s antique shops and charming cafes between browsing craft booths.

Wine tasting and great festival food are available both days, and beer, wine, and cocktails can be purchased at kiosks or local restaurants and carried around the event area. Well-behaved pets are allowed at the event, though organizers strongly encourage leaving them at home due to crowds.

Live Entertainment and Music Events

Florida’s fall festivals are rich with musical performances, offering something for every music lover, from lively bluegrass to eclectic concert series.

III Points Music Festival

Location: Wynwood, Miami, FL
Dates: October 24-25, 2026 (estimated)
Attendees: Approximately 40,000
Theme: Eclectic Music & Art

III Points Music Festival in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood has become a must-attend event for music lovers. The festival offers an eclectic lineup that spans genres, appealing to a broad range of music fans. The festival also features immersive art installations and food from local Miami eateries, making it a cultural highlight of the fall season.

Bluegrass and Americana Events

Locations: Various venues across Florida
Dates: Throughout fall 2026
Theme: Bluegrass & Americana

Florida hosts several bluegrass and Americana music events throughout the fall season. These festivals feature performances by top bluegrass bands across multiple stages, along with arts and crafts vendors, classic car shows, and an array of food options that highlight local flavors. It’s a celebration of Americana that draws both music enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy vibrant community events.

Family-Friendly Activities and Adventures

Florida’s fall festivals offer a wide range of activities for families, from pumpkin patches to wildlife encounters, ensuring something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Maze Excitement

Locations: Multiple locations statewide
Dates: October – November 2026
Attendees: Varies by location
Theme: Autumn Fun & Harvest Traditions

Fall festivals across Florida bring autumn fun with pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and hayrides. Notable events include:

Raprager Family Farm’s Fall Pumpkin Festival (Odessa) – Multiple weekends in October
Bedner’s Fall Festival (Boynton Beach) – October weekends
Mayhem Ranch Fall Festival (Morriston) – October weekends
Fall Festival at Amber Brooke Farms (Williston) – October weekends

These festivals feature farmers markets where you can purchase fresh produce and seasonal treats like apple cider donuts. Families can enjoy a full day of activities, including photo ops with fall-themed backdrops and live entertainment.

Wildlife Encounters and Eco-Education

Locations: Various nature preserves and farms
Dates: October – November 2026
Attendees: Varies by location
Theme: Nature & Conservation

Several Florida preserves and farms offer unique fall adventures for nature-loving families. From October to November 2026, you can explore rich ecosystems through guided eco-tours, bird-watching opportunities, and nature workshops. These fall events focus on wildlife conservation and education, giving children the chance to learn about native Florida animals such as alligators, turtles, and birds of prey up close.

Artistic Expressions and Cultural Festivities

Florida’s fall season brings a vibrant array of art festivals and cultural events, showcasing local talent and providing unique experiences for visitors and residents alike.

St. Augustine’s Pirate Heritage

Location: St. Augustine, FL
Dates: November 1-4, 2026
Attendees: Approximately 15,000
Theme: Pirate History & Local Art

St. Augustine’s Pirate Gathering blends history and art in the nation’s oldest city from November 1-4, 2026. The event features live music, a pirate parade down St. George Street, and costume contests that bring characters from the past to life. Kids can participate in the Pirate Bootcamp, where they learn swashbuckling skills and pirate lore. Local artists display their work inspired by the city’s rich maritime history, while craft booths offer unique handmade items. Food vendors serve themed treats like “pirate’s booty” popcorn and grog, capturing St. Augustine’s spirited character.

Winter Park’s Autumn Art Festival

Location: Central Park, Winter Park, FL
Dates: October 11, 2026 (estimated)
Attendees: Approximately 50,000
Theme: Florida Art & Community

The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is a long-standing community tradition that spotlights exclusively Florida artists. Held in Central Park, the festival transforms the park into an open-air gallery where you can browse and purchase works from over 150 artists. Items on display range from paintings and sculptures to handcrafted jewelry and pottery. The event also features live music, food trucks offering local flavors, and art activities for kids, making it a family-friendly celebration of Florida’s artistic talent and autumn beauty.

Cedar Key Seafood Festival

Location: Cedar Key, FL
Dates: October 17-18, 2026
Attendees: Approximately 15,000
Theme: Seafood & Island Culture

Cedar Key Seafood Festival celebrates this island community’s fishing heritage with fresh Gulf seafood, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers a more intimate festival experience, with local restaurants serving their best seafood dishes and artisans showcasing coastal-inspired creations.

Additional Cultural Festivals

Locations: Various venues statewide
Dates: Throughout fall 2026
Theme: Diverse Celebrations

Florida’s cultural diversity shines through fall festivals celebrating various heritages:

Brazilian Festival (Deerfield Beach) – October 24
German American Society Oktoberfest (Hollywood) – October weekends
Romanian Fall Festival (Jacksonville) – October 17-18
GWN Miami Dragon Boat Festival (Hialeah) – October 24
Mid-Autumn Festival (various locations) – Late October
St. Augustine Greek Fest – October 10-11

Coastal Escapes and Beachside Festivities

Florida’s coastal towns come alive in the fall with lively festivals that blend beach fun with unique local traditions, offering visitors a taste of the state’s seaside culture.

Stone Crab Festival

Location: Naples, FL
Dates: October 23-25, 2026
Attendees: Approximately 20,000
Theme: Stone Crab Season Celebration

The Stone Crab Festival in Naples celebrates the opening of stone crab season with fresh seafood, local vendors, and family entertainment. This waterfront event features cooking demonstrations, live music, and plenty of opportunities to sample Naples’ famous stone crab claws.

Planning Your Florida Fall Festival Experience

Florida’s autumn festivals offer a unique blend of seasonal charm and sunshine. Proper planning ensures you make the most of these exciting events, from managing schedules to finding the perfect place to stay.

Managing the Events Calendar

Florida’s fall festival season kicks off in September and runs through November. Many festivals have websites or social media pages with up-to-date information. It’s smart to check these often, as dates or activities can change. Some events may require advance ticket purchase, particularly popular festivals like Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival or the Mount Dora Craft Fair.

Making a schedule helps fit in multiple festivals. Try grouping events by location to save on travel time and costs. For example, you could combine the Mount Dora Craft Fair with Great Scott Farms Fall Festival, both in the Mount Dora area, or pair Oktoberfest Tampa with other Tampa Bay events.

Key 2026 Fall Festival Dates:

Early September: Festival season begins
September 25-27: Pensacola Seafood Festival
October 3: Jacksonville Oktoberfest
October 10-11: Various pumpkin festivals, Tampa Oktoberfest
October 11: Winter Park Autumn Art Festival
October 17-18: Cedar Key Seafood Festival, multiple pumpkin patches
October 24-25: Mount Dora Craft Fair, III Points Music Festival (Miami)
November 1-2: Micanopy Fall Festival, Florida Seafood Festival (Apalachicola)
November 1-4: St. Augustine Pirate Gathering
Through November 21: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Accommodations and Travel Tips

Booking lodging early is key, as rooms near popular festivals fill up fast. Look for hotels or vacation rentals close to festival grounds to cut down on transportation hassles. Some events partner with nearby hotels for special rates.

For visitors coming to Florida’s lake regions, consider lakeside accommodations that let you enjoy both festival activities and natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting Mount Dora, Orlando, or Tampa Bay areas, Florida lake rentals provide convenient bases for festival hopping while offering peaceful waterfront settings to relax after busy festival days.

For out-of-towners, flying into major airports like Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, or Fort Myers often works best. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore multiple festivals across the state. Many of Florida’s best fall festivals are spread out, and having your own transportation makes it easier to visit several in one trip.

Pack for warm days and cool nights. Bring sunscreen, hats, and light layers. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for strolling around festival grounds. Don’t forget to bring reusable water bottles and cash, as many food vendors and craft artisans prefer cash transactions.

Consider buying festival tickets or passes ahead of time to avoid lines and possible sell-outs. Many events offer online purchasing options for convenience. Some festivals, like the Mount Dora Craft Fair and Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, are free to attend, though food, drinks, and purchases cost extra.

Pro Tips for Festival Season:

Start your day early to beat crowds and heat
Bring a small backpack for purchases and essentials
Download festival maps and schedules in advance
Follow festivals on social media for last-minute updates
Make restaurant reservations ahead for popular dining events
Consider weekday visits when possible for smaller crowds
Stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas

Florida’s fall festival season offers something for everyone, from world-class culinary experiences to intimate small-town celebrations. With proper planning and the right accommodations, you can create an unforgettable autumn experience in the Sunshine State.