Last Updated on December 20, 2023
It’s time to check out the best Florida events in October so that you can fill your calendar. You are sure to find a variety of fun activities you won’t want to miss.
As soon as we feel the slightest drop in the heat and humidity, we know that Florida festival season is back. It’s a magical time of the year!
October Events in Florida
It was hard to narrow it down, but the Team at Authentic Florida has selected these Top 17 October Events in Florida.
Pensacola Seafood Festival
When: September 29th – October 1st
Where: Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola, FL 32502
About the event: The Pensacola Seafood Festival will be held in Historic Seville Square, Fountain Park, and Bartram Park in Downtown Pensacola.
The festival will have tons of seafood vendors. you can also enjoy classic festival foods like nachos, kettle corn, and funnel cakes.
Check out the Fiesta Seafood Grille outdoor demo kitchen with a grill schedule that features some of the area’s best chefs.
Live music, arts and crafts from local vendors, and a children’s area guarantee a great time for the entire family.
Learn more about the event on the Pensacola Seafood Festival Website.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Experience Authentic Pensacola (& Pensacola Beach)
45th Annual Destin Seafood Festival
When: October 6th – 8th
Where: 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
About the event: The 45th annual Destin Seafood Festival will be on Destin Harbor this year. There are over 70 vendor booths, five music stages, a kid zone, and many seafood vendors.
This festival is free to attend, but VIP upgrade options are available for an extra fee. The VIP experience will include private restrooms, special tastings, and other benefits.
Learn more from the Destin Seafood Festival website.
Check out this article:
18th Annual Creekside Music & Arts Festival – Palm Coast
When: October 7th and 8th
Where: 2500 Princess Place Rd, Palm Coast, FL 32137
About the event: The Creekside Music and Arts Festival, in Palm Coast, is an annual local favorite. It is filled with bluegrass music, arts and crafts, photo exhibitions, a variety of kid’s activities, and plenty to eat and drink.
If you love the outdoors, you can explore the hiking and kayak trails at the Preserve. History buffs will love the historic tours of the lodge.
There will be historical demonstrations from a blacksmith, a fur trapper, and a potter.
Guests can also explore Princess Lodge and other historic sites.
Admission is $10.00 per person per day. Children 12 and under are free.
For more information check out Visit St. Augustine.
Check out some of our favorite things to do in this area: 12 Authentic Things to Do on the Palm Coast and Flagler Beaches
50th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival
When: October 7th and 8th from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 150 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
About the event: The festival is the only juried fine art festival exclusively featuring Florida artists.
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce proudly hosts the festival on the second weekend in October each year.
The community-oriented sidewalk show presents quality visual art and live entertainment the whole family can enjoy.
The festival is held in beautiful Central Park located along historic Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park.
Admission is free to the public.
For more information visit the Winter Park Website.
Don’t miss our favorite things to do in the Winter Park area: Seven Reasons to Fall in Love with Winter Park.
Multicultural Parade & Festival – Brooksville
When: October 7th, Parade starts at 11 am followed by a Festival until 4 pm.
Where: Hernando Park, 205 E Fort Dade Ave, Brooksville, FL 34601
About the event: Enjoy a beautiful day in Brooksville, Florida. This free event highlights the Hernando County community’s diverse backgrounds, heritage, and cultures.
In addition to the parade coordinated by Hernando Hispanic Heritage, there is live music and entertainment, chalk art, free activities for children, and dozens of vendors selling various foods, goods & services.
Don’t miss the unveiling of the newest Mobile Murals. The theme this year is Dreamscapes.
NOTE: The following roads will be closed on Saturday, October 7, 2023, for the Multicultural Parade and Festival.
Parade roads close, beginning at 9 am until 2 pm.
- Oakwood Dr. from 41 to Howell Ave.
- Howell Ave. from Oakwood Dr. to Ft. Dade.
- W. Ft. Dade from Howell Ave. to N. Lemon Ave.
Multicultural Festival roads close beginning at 6:00 am to 5 pm.
- E. Ft. Dade Ave. from Howell Ave. to Bell Ave.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/brooksvillemainstreet
Don’t miss our favorite things to do in the Brooksville (Florida’s Adventure Coast) area: Exploring Florida’s Authentic Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee.
Florida Birding & Nature Festival – Apollo Beach
When: October 12th – 15th
Where: 6650 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
About the event: Don’t miss this 4-day Florida Birding and Nature Festival. It will feature field trips, boat excursions, seminars by experts, keynote speakers, and a free nature expo.
The festival is at the same time as the peak of the fall migration of birds through Central Florida. More than 180 species have been observed during the festival.
There is a free expo. However, the portion that includes boat rides has a price.
You can register early for $75 or purchase after early bird pricing ends for $100. Students can get in for $25.
For more information visit Florida Birding and Nature Festival.
McIntosh 1890s Festival
When: October 14th
Where: 5835 Avenue G, McIntosh, FL 32664
About the event: The 1890’s Festival is located in McIntosh, Florida.
With over 250 vendors and up to 40,000 visitors, this event celebrating its 50th anniversary is a must.
Enjoy quality arts, crafts, antiques, custom jewelry, and homemade goodies at this hometown event. This event is free to attend.
Not only are there incredible vendors, but you can enjoy live music and so much more.
Learn more from the McIntosh 1890s Festival Event Website.
Oktoberfest – Lantana
When: October 13th – 15th and 20th – 22nd
Where: 5111 Lantana Rd, Lake Worth, FL 33463
About the event: This is one of the largest Oktoberfest events in the country. Enjoy 3 bands over the course of the two weekends.
You will 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.
53rd Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival
When: October 21st – October 22nd
Where: 188 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625
About the event: Hungry for Seafood? Arts & Crafts? Live music on the Gulf?
The 53rd Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival is officially a go after Hurricane Idalia’s unwelcomed visit. The town is expected to be 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.
Don’t miss our favorite things to do in the Cedar Key area: Old Florida Charm: Authentic Cedar Key.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
When: October 25th – 29th
Where: 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
About the event: The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is often called the greatest boat show on the seven seas.
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (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 Florida International Boat Show.
Don’t miss our favorite things to do in the Fort Lauderdale area: Seven Things Spring Breakers Missed in Fort Lauderdale.
44th Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday
When: October 19th – 22nd
Where: 601 N, 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 44th year.
It features live performances by jazz musicians, food vendors and so much more.
Learn more about the event at the Clearwater Jazz Website.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: 18 Best Things to Do in Clearwater Beach
17th Annual Celebration Oktoberfest
When: October 20th and 21st
Where: 610 Sycamore St Suite 220, Celebration, FL 34747
About the event: The city of Celebration will be holding its 17th Annual Oktoberfest in Celebration Town Center this October.
The 2-day event is free to attend and includes live music, leaves falling, hayrides, and other fun fall festivities.
Learn more about the event from the Celebration Town Center.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: 22 Best Things to Do in Kissimmee, FL.
6th Annual Sanford Jazz in the Park Music Festival
When: October 21st, 2 pm – 7 pm.
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.
39th Annual Mount Dora Craft Fair – Mount Dora
When: October 28th & 29th
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 Mount Dora Craft Fair
Don’t miss our favorite things to do in the Mount Dora area: 10 Ways to Experience Charming Mount Dora.
Indie-Folkfest at the Mennello – Orlando
When: October 28th, noon until 5 pm.
Where: 900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
About the event: The Indie Folkfest is hosted at the Marilyn L Mennello Sculpture Garden in Orlando. The event’s lineup includes some of the following fan favorites:
- Beemo
- Beth McKee & Her Funky Time Band
- Shine of Shine and The Shakers
- Oak Hill Drifters
There will also be some incredible food and craft vendors at the event.
Learn more about the event from Indie Folkfest.
13th Annual Stone Crab Festival – Naples
When: October 27th – 29th
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, October 27th 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.
47th Annual Pioneer Days Festival – Lake Wales
When: October 28th and 29th, 9 am – 6 pm.
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 of 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, don’t miss:
Don’t forget about the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival in Bradenton, FL !!!
10/14 & 10/15
10/21 & 10/22
10/28 & 10/29
https://www.hunsaderfarms.com/pumpkin-festival
Thanks for sharing this with us, Linda!