Central Florida, October 2, 2025
News Summary
October in Central Florida is packed with weekend activities suitable for all ages. From pumpkin patches and haunted houses to cultural festivals and family days at museums, there’s something for everyone. Major highlights include the Corn Maze & Fall Fest in DeLand, a charity 5K in Sorrento, and an Oktoberfest celebration in Casselberry. With dry weather expected early in the month, families can enjoy a variety of entertaining events every weekend.
Central Florida
October in Central Florida brings a busy lineup of weekend events for all ages, including pumpkin patches, hayrides, haunted houses, cultural festivals, museum family days, and more. All events are set to take place every weekend throughout October. Several events begin the first weekend, and most activities offer family-friendly options as well as ticketed attractions across the region.
Key details first
Weekend activities include a recurring Corn Maze & Fall Fest in DeLand with a separate haunted attraction later in the month, a charity 5K in Sorrento, family events in Ocala, a museum celebration in Orlando, a German Oktoberfest in Casselberry, and a seasonal Boo at the Zoo program. Expect dry and bright conditions to start, with rain chances increasing starting Thursday as tropical moisture returns; coverage may reach 60-70% with potentially heavy rainfall.
Event highlights and logistics
Corn Maze & Fall Fest
- Dates: Oct. 4–26
- Location: 3000 N. Spring Garden Ave., DeLand, FL 32724
- Hours: Weekends only from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission: $15 per person (ages 2 and under free)
- Activities included: Unlimited access to corn maze, hayride, hay fort, round bale racers, duck races, corn hole, corn box, mini hay maze, and post pounders.
- Corn Cannon: 2 shots for $1, where hitting the target wins a pumpkin.
- Gem Mining Paydirt available onsite or online (not included in admission).
- Pumpkins for sale and free parking available.
Haunted Houses
- Dates: Oct. 10–25
- Location: Same as above.
- Admission: $25 per person.
- Includes two haunted houses, a haunted hayride, and a haunted corn maze.
5K Fundraiser
- Location: Rock Springs Run State Reserve Trail, Sorrento, FL.
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8:30 a.m.
- Supports pet enrichment and well-being.
Ocala’s Family Fun Day
- Location: 2228 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL.
- Date: Oct. 4, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Admission: Free (youth activity armbands for $5 or five non-perishable food donations).
- Activities include hay rides, petting zoo, haunted stalls, games, inflatables, giveaways, candy, music, and food trucks.
Orlando Museum of Art Celebration
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Admission: Free for all ages.
- Features artist Jason Chin, Symphony Storytime by Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, live music, environmental telescope activities, and refreshments from local vendors.
German Oktoberfest
- Location: German American Society of Central Florida, Casselberry.
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 4, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 11:59 a.m.).
- Admission: $7 in advance, $10 at the gate (Kids 11 and under free).
- Enjoy traditional German beer, food, parades, live entertainment, and a Kids Korner with bounce houses and games.
Boo at the Zoo
- Runs every weekend from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout October.
- Features DJ Eric Deniro and themed activities, trick-or-treating, live shows, and festive photo opportunities.
- Included with zoo admission.
Admission and accessibility
Admission fees vary across events. Several activities are free or offer reduced admission for children: the Orlando Museum of Art Celebration is Free for all ages, Ocala’s Family Fun Day has free entry with optional youth activity armbands for $5 or a donation, and German Oktoberfest offers free entry for children 11 and under. The Corn Maze & Fall Fest lists an entry fee of $15 per person (ages 2 and under free), while the separate Haunted Houses attraction is priced at $25 per person.
Weather considerations
Expect conditions to be dry and bright early in the week before tropical moisture returns. Rain chances will increase starting Thursday, with 60-70% coverage and potentially heavy rainfall. Attendees should plan accordingly for outdoor activities and possible schedule adjustments.
Background and planning tips
The events listed provide seasonal entertainment across Central Florida and span cultural, family, charity, and seasonal themes. Many attractions run on weekends only, and individual event fees and hours vary. Visitors should confirm schedules and ticketing directly with event organizers before attending, especially for weather-affected outdoor activities.
FAQ
When do events take place?
All events are set to take place every weekend throughout October.
What are the dates and admission for the Corn Maze & Fall Fest?
Dates: Oct. 4–26
Location: 3000 N. Spring Garden Ave., DeLand, FL 32724
Hours: Weekends only from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: $15 per person (ages 2 and under free)
When are the Haunted Houses open and what is included?
Dates: Oct. 10–25
Location: Same as above.
Admission: $25 per person.
Includes two haunted houses, a haunted hayride, and a haunted corn maze.
When and where is the 5K Fundraiser?
Location: Rock Springs Run State Reserve Trail, Sorrento, FL.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8:30 a.m.
Supports pet enrichment and well-being.
What are the details for Ocala’s Family Fun Day?
Location: 2228 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL.
Date: Oct. 4, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free (youth activity armbands for $5 or five non-perishable food donations).
When is the Orlando Museum of Art Celebration and is there an admission charge?
Date: Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: Free for all ages.
What are the German Oktoberfest details?
Location: German American Society of Central Florida, Casselberry.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 4, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 11:59 a.m.).
Admission: $7 in advance, $10 at the gate (Kids 11 and under free).
When does Boo at the Zoo run?
Runs every weekend from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout October.
What is the weather forecast for the area during these events?
Expect dry and bright conditions to shift to rainy as tropical moisture returns to Central Florida.
Rain chances will increase starting Thursday, with 60-70% coverage and potentially heavy rainfall.
Event Summary Chart
| Event | Dates / Times | Location | Admission | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corn Maze & Fall Fest | Oct. 4–26, Weekends only from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 3000 N. Spring Garden Ave., DeLand, FL 32724 | $15 per person (ages 2 and under free) | Corn maze, hayride, Corn Cannon, gem mining paydirt, pumpkins |
| Haunted Houses | Oct. 10–25 | Same as above | $25 per person | Two haunted houses, haunted hayride, haunted corn maze |
| 5K Fundraiser | Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8:30 a.m. | Rock Springs Run State Reserve Trail, Sorrento, FL. | Varies / Fundraiser | Supports pet enrichment and well-being |
| Ocala’s Family Fun Day | Oct. 4, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. | 2228 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL. | Free (youth armbands $5 or five non-perishable food donations) | Hay rides, petting zoo, games, inflatables, food trucks |
| Orlando Museum of Art Celebration | Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Orlando Museum of Art area | Free for all ages | Artist Jason Chin, Symphony Storytime, live music, telescope activities |
| German Oktoberfest | Saturday, Oct. 4, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. | German American Society of Central Florida, Casselberry | $7 in advance, $10 at the gate (Kids 11 and under free) | Beer, food, parades, live entertainment, Kids Korner |
| Boo at the Zoo | Runs every weekend from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout October. | Local zoo (included with admission) | Included with zoo admission | DJ Eric Deniro, trick-or-treating, live shows, themed activities |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Miami Weather
- Wikipedia: Weather in Florida
- Click Orlando Weather
- Google Search: Central Florida weather
- Fox 35 Orlando Weather
- Google Scholar: Florida weather
- WESH Weather Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida weather
- Google News: Florida tropical storms
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
