September 26, 2025

Florida Celebrates Fall with Family-Friendly Festivals

News Summary

As fall descends upon Florida, the state is set to host a wide variety of family-friendly festivals and events. From the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire to the Pensacola Seafood Festival, there are activities to suit all ages. Halloween-themed events at Gatorland Orlando and the McIntosh 1890s Festival also promise to engage families with exciting activities and entertainment. With numerous harvest festivals and farmers markets showcasing local culture and cuisine, families can enjoy a season filled with fun and connection.

Florida is welcoming the fall season with an array of exciting family-friendly festivals and events across the state. As the temperatures cool and the leaves begin to change, it provides a perfect opportunity for families to engage in various fall-themed activities that showcase local culture, cuisine, and entertainment.

The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire will take place on January 24-25, 2026, at Depot Park in Gainesville. Celebrating its 31st year, this festival is expected to feature over 160 artisans and nine stages of entertainment, including thrilling acts with jugglers and knights. For children, the Kid’s Kingdom will offer camel rides, games, and a corn maze. Guests can indulge in delicious food options including turkey legs and spinach pie, adding to the festival’s medieval charm.

Another highlight is the Pensacola Seafood Festival, scheduled for September 26-28, 2025, at Seville Square in Pensacola. This three-day celebration hosted by Fiesta Pensacola is free to attend and pays homage to Gulf Coast maritime heritage. Visitors will have the chance to sample Gulf-to-Table dishes featuring local delicacies like shrimp and lobster rolls, along with live cooking demonstrations offering tapas-style samples.

Families looking for Halloween-themed excitement can visit Gatorland Orlando for its Gators, Ghosts & Goblins event on October 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26, 2025. This immersive Halloween event includes character meet-and-greets, a costume parade, hands-on animal encounters, and entertainment from a live DJ, making it a fun experience for attendees of all ages.

The McIntosh 1890s Festival, marking its 50th anniversary on November 8, 2025, is another notable event taking place in McIntosh, located 20 miles south of Gainesville. This festival is anticipated to draw around 25,000 visitors and will feature 280 vendors showcasing various crafts and antiques. Families can enjoy free musical performances, face painting, and a petting zoo, ensuring a fun-filled day for children.

For those in Vero Beach, the Vero Beach Farmers Market operates every Saturday at 2300 Ocean Drive, featuring seasonal produce and pumpkin-themed treats from September to November 2025. Visitors will also find kid-friendly activities, fresh citrus, and live music enhancing the market atmosphere.

Numerous other fall events are set to offer fun for everyone, including:

Harris Establishment Farms Fall Festival in Palm Bay (September 11 – November 2)
Harvest Festival at Green Gables in Melbourne (September 20)
Cocoa Village Fall Art & Craft Fair on October 18-19, featuring over 200 artists
Maze Dayz at Cowart Ranch & Farms (opens October 4) with a 5-acre maze and pumpkin patch
Amber Brooke Farm Fall Festival in Eustis (opens September 20) showcasing U-pick sunflowers and a petting zoo
Southern Hill Farms in Clermont (opens September 27), hosting hayrides and a pumpkin patch
Orlando’s Fall Music Festival in New Smyrna Beach (October 16-19)
Promenade “Trunk or Treat” in Kissimmee (October 25) with children’s activities
NSB Fall Festival at NSB Sports Complex (October 25) with inflatables and carnival games
Harvest Holler Corn Maze in Polk City (opens September 19) for traditional fall fun
Hometown Harvest 2025 in Winter Springs (October 25), featuring free hayrides and live music

These fall festivals cater to families with young children to teens, making them suitable for all ages. As Florida embraces the vibrant colors and cooler weather of autumn, these events offer a wonderful opportunity for families to connect and celebrate the season together.

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Additional Resources

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.

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