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. From haunted houses to family festivals, below are a few events that kick off in September.
Fall Festivals
Fall Family Fest
Location: Water Works Park, downtown Tampa
Date: Sept. 22
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free
This event hosted by Tampa Bay Moms Group features local businesses and family resources providing interactive exhibits, giveaways, swag bags and more! There will also be a free corn maze, face painting and balloons (while supplies last).
Raprager Farms Fall Pumpkin Festival
Location: 16907 Boy Scout Road, Odessa
Dates: Sept. 20-Nov. 3
Times: Fri, 4-9 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: $16.95 per person online purchases; 2 and under
Enjoy a fall-themed day on this nearby 2-acre farm with 300-animal petting zoo and farm animal experience. Activities include a bounce pillow, hayrides, corn pit, pumpkin painting, 2,000-square-foot Fort Merlin, live entertainment, games a 40-foot hay chute slide, a 5,000-square-foot Haunted Maze and much more!
Gallagher’s Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Trees
Location: 7401 4th St., St. Petersburg
Dates: Opens Sept. 16
Times: Daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Located in St. Pete, this 30-year-old, family-owned business is the perfect spot to capture Instagram-worthy fall photos! You can also pick up a homemade pie, grab a pumpkin and feed goats.
13th Annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze
Location: 6151 Varn Road, Plant City
Dates: Sept. 28-Oct. 27
Times: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $12; 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.
Frightful Fun
Screamageddon
Location: 27839 Saint Joe Rd, Dade City
Dates: August 30-November 2
Times: Park opens at 7 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $32.95
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: Sept. 6-Nov. 2
Times: 7 p.m.-park close
Cost: Tickets start at $34.99
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.
Haunted Woods
Dates: Oct. 18-19
Times: 2-10 p.m.
Cost: $5 for Enchanted Woods; $15 for Haunted Walk
Learn more: tinyurl.com/5er8ez9k
Enchanted Woods for the little ones will be held on Oct. 19 from 2-6 p.m. Field of Dreams features a trunk-or-treat, games, music and more, Fri and Sat from 6-8 p.m. The Scare Trail runs Fri and Sat from 7-10 p.m.
Fall Garage Sales
The following are all community-wide garage sales.
Westchase Fall Garage Sale
Date: Sat., Oct. 5
Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Windsor Place Fall Garage Sale
Date: Sat., Oct. 5
Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Westwood Lakes Fall Garage Sale
Date: Sat., Oct. 12
Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
October Events
WOW Food Truck Rally
Date: Fri, Oct. 4, 5:30-8 p.m.
Location: West Park Village greenspace at Montague Street
WOBtoberfest
Date: Fri, Oct. 4 and Sat., Oct. 5
Location: Westchase Town Center
Learn more: facebook.com/wobwestchase
Head to World of Beer for an Oktoberfest and fall brews. On Friday, festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with a block party. On Saturday beginning at 11 a.m., enjoy a day filled with beer, games and live music.
Chelmsford Block Party
Date: Sat, Oct. 12, 5-9 p.m.
Location: Chelmsford in The Fords, Westchase
The Chelmsford subdivision, located off Gretna Green Drive in the Fords, is shutting down its streets for a block party featuring live music from Paula Canon, Papos and Marita from Peru. The event is free and open to the public. Bring a dish to share. Burgers and hot dogs will be provided!
Westchase Locale Market
Date: Sat, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Westchase Town Center
This local market right in our own backyard returns in October!
WCA Movies in the Park
Date: Fri, Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
Location: WPV greenspace on Montague Street
Head to the greenspace on Montague Street in West Park Village to enjoy the delightful musical “Wonka.”
2024 Upper Tampa Bay Oktoberfest
Date: Oct. 18-20
Location: Tampa Bay Downs
Admission is just $10. Children 12 and under and military with ID are free. Enjoy authentic German food, drinks, music, a Midway and more. For more information, visit oktoberfesttampabay.com. Hours are Fri, 5 to 10 p.m.; Sat, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun, noon to 6 p.m.
West Park Village Spooktacular
Date: Thurs., Oct. 24, 5-8 p.m.
Location: West Park Village Plaza and Shops
West Park Village by Arium apartments is hosting their annual Spooktacular. The event is free and open to the public. Enjoy trick-or-treating, games, a DJ and more. Costumes are encouraged!
Great West Chase
Date: Sat, Oct. 26, 7-9:30 a.m.
Location: Brompton and Montague Street, West Park Village
There is still time to register for the 5K, 10K or Kids’ Fun Run. Register here today!
