Just because we don’t have true fall weather in Tampa Bay, doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fall-themed fun. Here are a few of our favorite fall events
Keel Farms Harvest Days
Location: Keel Farms, Plant City
Dates: Every Sat and Sun in October, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; $10 parking; activity costs vary
Learn more: keelfarms.com/festivals
Head to Keel Farms every weekend in October for family-friendly fun. Enjoy rides, corn maze, a pumpkin patch & painting, pumpkin pie eating contest, local vendors and food trucks, plus seasonal wines and ciders.
Upper Tampa Bay Oktoberfest
Location: Tampa Bay Downs
Date: October 16-18
Cost: $5.00 per person; 12 and under free; Military ID + one free
Learn more: utbchamber.com
The Upper Tampa Bay Oktoberfest is back with something for the entire family with a full complement of Bavarian-themed good times, open car shows, challenge games, wiener dog races, and more, with the return of the carnival rides!
Raprager Farms Fall Pumpkin Festival
Location: 16907 Boy Scout Rd, Odessa
Dates: Fri-Sun, Sept. 18 through Oct. 25
Times: Fri, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Learn more: rapragerfamilyfarms.com/pumpkin-festival
Cost: starts at $19
Enjoy a fall-themed day on this nearby 2-acre farm with a 300-animal petting zoo and farm animal experience, plus tons of kid-friendly activities.
Horsepower for Kids Fall Festival
Location: 8005 Racetrack Rd, Tampa
Dates: Sat-Sun, Oct. 3- Nov. 1
Times: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $15; $1 parking
Learn more: horsepowerforkids.com/upcoming-events
Bring the family out for a day of fun while supporting a non-profit animal sanctuary right outside the Westchase area. Admission includes pony rides, hayrides, farm animals and more!
15th Annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze
Location: 6151 Varn Road, Plant City
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays in October
Times: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $15; ages 3 and under Free
Try your luck navigating a corn maze and so much more at this Plant City gem. Admission includes unlimited visits to the corn maze, hayride, jump pad, games and more. There will also be pumpkins and flowers for purchase.
35th Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Patch Festival
Location: 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton
Dates: Sat-Sun, Oct. 10-25
Times: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: see website for pricing
Learn more: hunsaderfarms.com/pumpkin-festival
Make the drive south of Tampa Bay to experience this annual Pumpkin Patch Festival. There will be hayrides, a petting zoo, games, pumpkin patch, and more! Make sure to bring cash for other cool activities like a children’s train ride, Butterfly Experience, zip line, and more!
Pumpkin Patch Express (Florida Railroad Museum)
Location: 12210 83rd St East, Parrish
Dates: Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25
Cost: Tickets start at $31
Learn more: frrm.org
The Florida Railroad Museum is calling “all aboard” for young and old train enthusiasts as you embark on the Pumpkin Patch Express to a field full of pumpkins to pick, as well as kid-friendly activities on your 2.5-hour journey. Children are invited to pick their own pumpkin to take home. Everyone is also invited to participate in other crafts and activities.
West Park Village Spooktacular
Date: Thurs., Oct. 22
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Location: West Park Village Plaza and Shops
Learn more: facebook.com/WestParkVillagebyARIUM
West Park Village by Arium apartments is hosting its annual Spooktacular. The event is free and open to the public. Enjoy trick-or-treating, games, a DJ and more. Costumes are encouraged!
Riverwalk Trick-or-Treat
Location: Cotanchobee Park, Downtown Tampa
Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
Time: 4 -7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Learn more: thetampariverwalk.com/events/trick-or-treat.html
This event along the Downtown Riverwalk includes Trick-or-Treat stations, a DJ, costume contest, food trucks and ends with a movie on the lawn at Cotanchobee Park.
Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Location: ZooTampa
Dates: Select Nights in October
Times: 4-10 p.m.
Cost: Free for Zoo Members and “Pay for a Day” ticket holders; $29.95-$34.95 for general admission tickets
Learn more: zootampa.org/events/creatures-of-the-night
Enjoy eerie realms, wicked treats and drinks, howling entertainment, and spooky wildlife connections!
Kandy’s Sweetacular at Busch Gardens
Location: Busch Gardens
Dates: Sat-Sun, Sept. 12-Nov. 1
Times: noon-4 p.m.
Cost: Included with park admission
Learn more: buschgardens.com/tampa/events/spooktacular
Step into a whimsical world full of enchantment with Kandy, Busch Gardens resident witch-in-training! A costume parade, story time and trick-or-treating are some of the activities guests will find in this immersive Halloween experience.
Frightful Fun
Screamageddon
Location: 27839 Saint Joe Rd, Dade City
Dates: Select days, Sept. 4-Nov. 1
Times: Park opens at 7 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $34.95
This place is not for the faint of heart! Explore six terrifying haunted adventures (if you dare!) Experience the thrill of carnival-style games at Monster Midway where you can test your skills for a chance to win exciting prizes. Try your hand at hatchet throwing, experience monster meet-and-greets, and more.
Howl-O-Scream
Location: Busch Gardens
Dates: Select days, Sept. 11-Oct. 31
Times: 7 p.m.-park close
Cost: Tickets start at $49.99
Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® returns in full force, taking over the entire park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. Howl-O-Scream is bringing fear to the next level and once you’re in, there’s nothing to fear but everything. Intended for mature audiences.
UnDead in the Water
Location: American Victory Ship, 705 Channelside Dr.
Dates: Sept. 26; Oct. 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31
Cost: Tickets start at $24
Walk through multiple decks, dark hallways, and cavernous cargo holds filled with scare actors, special effects, and a rotating seasonal horror theme.