Top Florida Events in October
October is the start of festival season in Florida.
As soon as we feel the slightest drop in the heat and humidity, we know that Florida festival season is just right around the corner.
(Listed in Chronological Order)
52nd Annual Oktoberfest – Lantana
When: October 9th through the 11th and 16th through the 18th, 2026
Where: 5111 Lantana Rd, Lake Worth, FL 33463
About the event: This is one of the largest Oktoberfest events in the country.
Enjoy three bands throughout the two weekends.
You’ll also get to try authentic German cooking, domestic and imported beer, a carnival, and more.
Adult admission for this event is $10. You will need to buy tickets in advance as the event may sell out.
For more information, visit the Oktoberfest website.
Don’t miss A Guide to the Top Oktoberfests in Florida.
Pirates of the High Seas and Renaissance Fest – Panama City Beach
When: October 9th through October 11th, 2026
Where: 600 Pier Park Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Who said you had to choose between a pirate festival and a Renaissance fair? You can enjoy both at this fun festival in Panama City Beach.
Watch fireworks, live mermaid shows, a fire circus, parades, and take part in a treasure drop.
End your night with a performance by Cirque Adventure. They are a family cirque group that put on a show that shouldn’t be missed.
For more information: Visit Panama City Beach website.
Scarecrow Festival
When: October 10th, 2026
Where: 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City, FL 33523
The Fall Festival features a variety of engaging activities and attractions for attendees of all ages.
Key highlights include the opportunity to build personalized scarecrows, visit a pumpkin patch, and participate in pumpkin painting. Families can enjoy children’s games with prizes, a petting zoo, and hands-on arts and crafts projects.
In addition, live entertainment, vendors, traditional craft demonstrations, and a selection of food will enhance the festive experience, with all museum buildings open for exploration.
Learn more on the Facebook Event.
St. Augustine Greek Festival
When: October 10th and 11th, 2026
Where: 2940 Co Rd 214, St. Augustine, FL 32084
About the event: The St. Augustine Greek Festival invites you to be Greek for a weekend and enter various giveaways.
Immerse yourself in Greek culture while enjoying food that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Listen to Greek music from the DJ or watch live performers. Don’t forget to save time to shop at the handicraft market.
For more information, visit the St. Augustine Greek Festival website.
While in the area, check out Top Things to Do in St. Augustine.
Halo Halo Music Fest – Orlando
When: October 17th, 2026
Where: 1040 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
More Information: This year, the event has four stages and 30+ bands.
Stages are located at Will’s Pub, Lil Indies, Dirty Laundry, and Uncle Lou’s.
Tickets start at $15. As soon as they reveal the lineup (sometime in mid-August), they’ll be going up to $20, so grab your early bird discount while you can.
Learn more on the Halo Halo Music Fest Ticket Website.
47th Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday
When: October 15th through the 18th, 2026
Where: 601 North Old Coachman Rd., Clearwater, FL 33765
About the event: Clearwater Jazz Holiday is one of the best places to enjoy jazz music this fall season.
The 4-day jazz music festival takes place at the BayCare BallPark in Clearwater. The festival is an annual event now in its 46th year.
It features live performances by jazz musicians, food vendors, and so much more.
For more information, visit the Clearwater Jazz Website.
Reef Fest – Key Largo
When: October 15th through the 18th, 2026
Where: Key Largo, Florida
More Information: REEF Fest includes diving, snorkeling, kayak eco-tours, ocean-themed seminars, and social events. Since 2015, REEF has hosted REEF Fest each fall in the Florida Keys.
Divers, snorkelers, and ocean lovers attend REEF Fest to celebrate their love of marine life and learn about the latest in conservation.
Learn more on The Reef Fest Website.
Pack your bags! It’s time to visit Key Largo: A Fun Florida Upper Keys Road Trip.
Redland International Orchid Festival – Homestead
When: October 16th – 18th, 2026
Where: Fruit and Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead FL 33031
More Information: This 3-day event has over 50 booths of colorful blooms and is the largest annual orchid show in the United States. The event has run for over 25 years.
Along with the beautiful and exotic flowers, expect supplies for sale, lectures by experts in the field, raffles, and a great atmosphere to enjoy all sorts of international delicacies.
Attend the lectures to learn how to grow your orchids or control insects. Purchase your favorite flowers to take home and enjoy for years to come.
Learn more about the event on the Redland International Orchid Festival Website.
TIP: Tickets can be purchased online for $20.
While in the area, check out The Best Things to Do in Homestead, FL.
9th Annual Sanford Jazz in the Park Music Festival
When: October 17th, 2026
Where: 400 S Park Ave, Sanford, FL 32771
About the event: This is a free community event in Centennial Park that should be placed on your must-list for October.
You can chill out while listening to local jazz bands in the park.
Plus, enjoy a variety of food trucks, craft beer, cocktails, vendors, artisans, and family-friendly community fun.
Learn more about the event from the Jazz in the Park Festival website.
While in the area, check out The Best Things to Do in Sanford, FL.
55th Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival
When: October 17th, 2026
Where: 188 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625
About the event: Hungry for Seafood? Arts and Crafts? Live music on the Gulf?
The 55th Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival is an event you won’t want to miss. The town is always fully energized for this excellent festival weekend.
Organized by the Cedar Key Lions Club, this festival marks over a half-century of great food, entertainment, shopping, and family fun.
This is always one of the best October events in Florida.
The Seafood Festival celebrates the area’s fishing heritage, offering two days of:
- Fantastic Food
- A Seafood Festival Parade
- Arts, Crafts, and Exhibitors
- Free live music by local musicians
- Family fun and more
For more information, visit Cedar Key Seafood Festival.
15th Annual Stone Crab Festival – Naples
When: October 23rd through the 25th, 2026
Where: 801 12th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
About the event: The annual Stone Crab Festival is a Naples tradition. This event includes a weekend of food and fun starring the Stone Crab.
Enjoy delicious seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, discounted rentals at Pure Naples, and much more.
It’s also your chance to explore the shops, sites, and activities in and around the beautiful Naples waterfront area.
The party starts Friday at 5 pm with the traditional cracking of the first Stone Claw. It will be followed by live music at Tin City by Tobacco Road Band.
The party continues throughout the weekend.
For more information, visit the Stone Crab Festival Website.
While in the area, check out The Ultimate Guide to Naples, Florida.
40th Annual Mount Dora Craft Fair – Mount Dora
When: October 24th and 25th, 2026
Where: 700-798 N Baker St, Mt Dora, FL 32757
About the event: The downtown streets come alive with more than 400 of the best exhibitors in the country ready to show and sell their fine and fun crafts.
Festival food, music, beer, and wine tasting for adults and a free kid zone for the kids will round out the event.
For more information, visit the Mount Dora Craft Fair
Don’t miss our favorite things to do in the area: Ways to Experience Charming Mount Dora.
50th Annual Pioneer Days Festival – Lake Wales
When: October 24th and 25th, 2026
Where: 325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales, FL 33853
About the event: Located along the shores of Lake Wailes Park, this free community festival features a heritage village that includes dozens of historical demonstrations of pioneer camps and early American trades.
The public is welcome to experience, learn, share, and buy hand-crafted goods.
The festival honors pioneers from the past. It also presents an annual recognition award to a notable resident for their historical contributions to the community during the festival.
Families can also enjoy the Pumpkin Patch with pumpkins for sale, fall craft stations, old-fashioned games, a corn crib, hay piles, a photo station, face painting, and live music + entertainment.
For more information, visit the Lake Wales Pioneer Days website.
While in the area, check out the Best Things to Do in Lake Wales, FL.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
When: October 28th through November 1st, 2026
Where: 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
About the event: The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is often called the greatest boat show on the seven seas.
FLIBS is recognized as the largest in-water boat show in the world.
Located steps from the beach in sunny South Florida, FLIBS spans nearly 90 acres across three million square feet of exhibit space.
It is connected by an intricate network of water and ground transportation services.
Products range from sunglasses to superyachts and everything in between.
For more information, visit the Florida International Boat Show.
Don’t miss our favorite Things to Do in Ft. Lauderdale Most Spring Breakers Miss.
Here are a few articles you may enjoy:
- A Day Trip to Bok Tower Gardens, Florida’s Sanctuary
- Best Things to Do in Lake Wales, FL
- Best Things to Do in Winter Haven FL
- Best Things to Do in Avon Park, FL
- The Ultimate Guide to Sebring, FL
- Best Things to Do in Lake Placid, FL
- Best Roadside Attractions in Florida
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