While we do not have cooler weather or changing leaves, fall has arrived in the Tampa Bay area. Why not celebrate by enjoying some autumnal activities? Beyond grabbing a Pumpkin Spice Latte, consider heading to a pumpkin patch to snag your carvable gourd or enjoying one of the cultural festivals in the area.
Here is a quick roundup of some of the fun activities happening in the Tampa area this fall. Be sure to check out the event websites for information regarding ticketing, pricing, and COVID-19 precautions.
Fall Things to Do Near Me: October
Hyde Park Pumpkin Patch
When: Thursday, Oct 1 – Saturday, Oct 31
Where: Hyde Park Village
Get into the fall spirit with some family-friendly fun. The Hyde Park Pumpkin Patch is back with special measures to ensure both maximum fun and safety. Pick out your perfect gourd and snap some pics before heading home to carve or decorate your pumpkin. This year, sales of pumpkins will benefit The Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Not only do you get to pick a great pumpkin, but you also get to support a wonderful organization. Masks are strongly encouraged.
HorsePower Fall Festival
When: Saturdays & Sundays from October 3rd – November 1, 2020
Where: 8005 Racetrack Rd, Tampa, FL 33635
Nothing says fall like a hayride! Take the family to enjoy one and a bonfire at the 13th Annual Fall Festival Fundraiser held by HorsePower for Kids. Don’t forget the camera! Enjoy games, pony rides, live music, and cute farm animals while getting into the autumnal spirit. Social distancing is required. If you can’t visit during the festival, be sure to check out HorsePower for Kids another time to enjoy the animal sanctuary and petting zoo.
Raprager Halloween Farm
When: October 2 – October 31
Where: The Raprager Family Farm
Want to pick some pumpkins with the family? Enjoy carving, a haunted barn, hayrides, a crop maze, and more at the Raprager Family Farm. Kids can even get their faces painted and go through their very own kiddie haunted house.
For those looking for a scare, check out the Fear Festival. Starting at 7 PM, adults can visit the frightening Hellraiser Barn and the Haunted Graveyard or test their sense of direction at the Crop Maze Escape. Get ready to be spooked!
Essentials Market
When: Sunday, October 18, 2020 (and then the first Sunday of the month)
Where: Hyde Park Village
Get your locally sourced goods in time for cooler weather. This is Fresh Market with a socially distanced spin. And yes, your favorite vendors from Fresh Market will be there. Register to save your appointment time, then bring your reusable tote and get ready to stock up! If you already know what you want, you can also order ahead for pickup.
Riverwalk Halloween Hunt
When: Saturday, October 17, 2020
Where: Tampa Riverwalk
This is such a unique event! Gather the family or some friends and get ready to take on a virtual scavenger hunt. You can even compete to be the HalloWinner. To enjoy, you will need to download the app “Mobile Adventures” and scan a QR code. It will be available on the 17th. Then, you can stroll down the Riverwalk while tackling puzzles, riddles, and tasks. Put your knowledge to the test!
Sensory-Friendly Halloween Spree
When: October 25
Where: Glazer’s Children Museum
This is a great event for families looking for a comfortable, welcoming environment to celebrate Halloween for children with sensory needs. Children can come in costume and participate in a parade and try their hand at spooky Halloween experiments. The staff will also be having a pumpkin carving contest!
Bakes and BOOze at Pour House Tampa
When: Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Where: Pour House Tampa
Pour House Tampa’s unique event pairs tasty cupcakes from JB’s Sweet Addiction with a variety of beers, seltzers, and ciders. And guess what? This event is family-friendly! A non-boozy flight of cupcakes and milk will be available for the little ones. Additional cupcakes will be offered for sale in case you need more for your sweet tooth.
Fall Things to Do Near Me: November
Ford’s Taste of Latino Food, Art, Beer, Wine and Music Festival
When: Saturday, November 7, 2020
Where: Centro Asturiano de Tampa
Get ready for the excitement of Latino music and some great savory treats. With food from Puerto Rico, Spain, Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, and more, you will want to wear a set of comfy pants! Don’t worry though, you can dance off the calories thanks to Salsa, Mambo, and Meringue beats. A free ticket is required for entry, as are masks. Attend as a VIP to sample Sangrias, beers, and more.
9th Annual Ford International Cuban Sandwich Festival
When: Sunday, November 8, 2020
Where: Centennial Park, Ybor City
Get your grub on and enjoy some of the best sandwiches in the country. With plenty of vendors, live music, and cooks putting together amazing Cuban sandwiches, this mouth-watering festival has become a tasty Tampa tradition.
Make sure to grab your free ticket for entry.
Fall Things to Do Near Me: December
Tampa Bay Yoga Festival
When: Sunday, December 20, 2020
Where: Water Works Park
Test your flexibility and focus on your wellness at the Tampa Bay Yoga Festival. Enjoy free classes, a variety of local vendors selling healthy food, and drum circles. This is a great way to destress right before the winter equinox. The event is free, though donations are accepted. Don’t forget to wear comfortable clothes!
Whatever you plan to do this fall, I hope you have a great time! This historic year certainly calls for some fun and relaxation.