2024 Guide to Fall Events and Activities in Tampa
Fall has arrived in the Tampa area! Why not celebrate by enjoying some autumnal activities? Besides grabbing a seasonal pumpkin spice latte, consider heading to a pumpkin patch to snag your carvable gourd or enjoy 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 and pricing.
Fun Things to Do Near Me: September
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens
When: Friday, September 6th – Saturday, November 2nd
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
For those looking for a scare this fall, be sure to check out the spooky thrills of Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens. An annual favorite, fall wouldn’t be the same were it not for the haunted rides and scary attractions that come out for this time of year. Whether you brave the Shadows of Wonderland or venture into D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear, Busch Gardens will give you a good scream! Beware: these scary sites and sounds are recommended for mature audiences, so it is best to plan accordingly!
Raprager Halloween Farm Pumpkin Festival
When: September 20th – November 3rd
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, there are plenty of spooky attractions, including a haunted maze, barn, and hayrides. While you’re there, check out their farmer’s market for some fresh produce. Get ready to be spooked! This is a ticketed event, so purchase an entry before attending.
Fall Family Fest
When: Sunday, September 22nd, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Water Works Park Tampa
Come on down to Water Works Park and enjoy some fall family fun with this free event that is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face! With plenty of activities, this is a great way to kick off the fall season in the Tampa area. In addition to the usual fall activities and fun offered by exhibits and vendors, there is plenty of shade and a nearby splash pad to beat any of that Florida early fall heat. The venue is located along the River Walk and even has a dog park within a convenient distance of all the festivities, so even the furry members of the family have something fun to do outside. Admission is free.
Fall Things to Do Near Me: October
ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night
When: Friday, September 27th – Sunday, October 27th (select nights)
Where: ZooTampa at Lowry Park
This is Tampa’s #1 family Halloween Event! Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa is a fun night of family frights! Trick-or-treaters of all ages can enjoy outdoor experiences, spooky characters, themed culinary treats, and much more! This year’s event features the alien reptile Testudians, who are keen on an invasion of planet Earth. Be sure to purchase a ticket if you’re not already a ZooTampa Member or Pay For A Day ticket holder (you get admission to seasonal events like Creatures of the Night if you are).
Ford’s Taste of Latino Festival
When: Sunday, October 20th, 12pm – 6pm
Where: Centennial Park in Historic Ybor City (1800 E 8th Ave)
Get ready for the excitement of live Latino music, Cuban sandwiches, and great savory treats at Ford’s Taste of Latino Festival. With food from Puerto Rico, Spain, Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, and more, you will want to wear a set of comfy pants! Don’t worry; you can dance off the calories thanks to Salsa, Mambo, and Meringue beats. It’s a FREE family festival at Centennial Park and will shut down three city streets, so bring your lawn chairs! VIP tickets are sold online; attend as a VIP to sample Sangrias, beers, and more.
Oktoberfest Tampa
When: Friday, October 11th – Sunday, October 13th (Hours vary by day)
Where: Chris Hixon Park (600 N Ashley Dr)
Eins, zwei, g’fuffa! Get into the fall spirit with some family-friendly fun. Oktoberfest of Tampa celebrates the local community with cheer, good food, dancing, and so much more! With many events ranging from the inaugural keg tapping on Friday to games and competitions, there is something for everyone during this weekend of fall fun! Let’s not forget to mention the great food offered by vendors, including German beer and pretzels, classic chicken schnitzel, and so much more! For the planners of the family, check out the event’s online “Survival Guide” to ensure that your time with the festival is safe and fun. Prost!
HorsePower Fall Festival
When: Saturdays & Sundays in October, 11am – 5pm
Where: 8005 Racetrack Rd, Tampa, FL 33635
Nothing says fall like a hayride! Take the family to enjoy one and a bonfire at the 18th 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. If you can’t visit during the festival, check out HorsePower for Kids another time to enjoy the animal sanctuary and petting zoo. Admission is $15 per person (12 months and under are free).
Fresh Market
When: Every first Sunday of the month
Where: Hyde Park Village (1602 W Swann Ave)
Get your locally sourced goods in time for cooler weather. Fresh Market provides the community with the opportunity to stock up on local produce, handcrafted goods, and more from over 80 local vendors and farmers. Shoppers can enjoy the day walking around the venue and listening to live music while they take in the beautiful Tampa fall weather. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so feel free to include Fido or FiFi!
Riverwalk Trick or Treat
When: Saturday, October 26th, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Tampa Riverwalk
Gather the family or some friends and get ready for some outdoor fall fun! Families can dress up to go trick-or-treating along the Riverwalk and enjoy other fall activities throughout the evening. Over 50 treat stations are participating along the Riverwalk from Water Works Park to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. It’s FREE!
Sensory-Friendly Halloween Spree
When: October 27th (last Sunday of the Month)
Where: Glazer Children’s Museum
This event is great for families looking for a comfortable, welcoming environment to celebrate Halloween for children with sensory needs. Children can come in costume, participate in a parade, and try their hand at spooky Halloween experiments. The staff will also be having a pumpkin carving contest! Explore the Museum with lights and sounds turned down and sensory-adapted tools, special programs, and community resources. Meet others on the same journey!
Tampa Halloween Fest
When: Sunday, October 27, 12pm – 4pm
Where: WestShore Plaza Mall (250 Westshore Plaza)
Tampa Halloween Fest is an indoor trick-or-treating event with family-friendly businesses handing out candy (while supplies last) and showcasing what they offer. There are also free balloon animals, crafts, temporary tattoos, character meet & greets, and more! If your family dresses up together, you have a chance to win a prize. Be sure to purchase tickets online!
Fall Things to Do Near Me: November
The 6th Annual Wonders of Wildlife Festival
When: Saturday, November 9, 10am-4:30pm
Where: Edward Medard Conservation Park (6140 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City)
Enjoy an opportunity to see native species of Florida up close from the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay: birds of prey, skunks, an albino possum, snakes, tortoises, and more, with demonstrations, live animal presentations, artists, and hands-on activities. Learn about sustainability, conservation, and threats to wildlife. Tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for youth 8 to 18 years (under 8 is free!). Proceeds benefit the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay.
Second Sunday Artwalk
When: Second Sunday of each month, 11am – 3pm
Where: Armature Works at the Heights (1910 N Ola Ave)
The Second Sunday is an art walk and vendor fair held every second Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artisanal artists sell handmade goods, jewelry, art, woodwork, and gifts in the Gathering space at Armature Works. The event also features an art walk in the Courtyard and Western Walkway. Are you a budding artist who wants to participate? Contact victor@stellagallerie.com.
Get Ready for a Fun Fall in Tampa
Have you fallen in love with Tampa yet? These are just a few of the things you can experience while living here or visiting. We have so many outdoor activities you can enjoy all year round in the gorgeous Sunshine State weather – standup paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, and so much more! Plus, my personal favorite event, Gasparilla, isn’t that far off. It’s coming up in January 2025, so stay tuned for all the details on this crazy, fun event.
Please consider me a resource for all things Tampa. I’d love to help you pick out a neighborhood and find your dream home here. Drop me a line anytime, and we’ll get a game plan going!