Guide to Fall Activities in Tampa Bay: 2026 Edition

Fall in Tampa means sunny days, cooler evenings, and a calendar filled with events that bring our community together. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly festivals, pumpkin picking, haunted houses, live music with friends, or seasonal food and entertainment, there’s plenty to explore.

The best time to enjoy fall activities in Tampa is typically from late September through October, when Halloween events, pumpkin patches, outdoor festivals, and seasonal celebrations are in full swing.

Here’s my updated guide to some of the best fall activities Tampa has to offer in 2026, so you can begin planning your pre-holiday season fun!

Note: Dates, times, ticket prices, and event details can change. Check each event’s official website before heading out, especially if you plan to purchase tickets in advance.

Family-Friendly Fall Activities in Tampa

Busch Gardens Spooktacular

Busch Gardens Spooktacular is a daytime Halloween celebration created for families. Children can wear costumes, collect candy, meet characters, and enjoy seasonal entertainment throughout the park.

Kandy’s Sweetacular Celebration includes trick-or-treating, stories, a costume parade, and Halloween activities designed for children ages 3 to 12. The event offers plenty of festive fun without the scare zones and haunted houses found at Howl-O-Scream.

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays from September 5 through November 1, 2026
Location: Busch Gardens Tampa
Admission: Included with regular park admission

Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida

Brick-or-Treat is a family-friendly Halloween event at LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven. Although it is outside Tampa, it makes an easy fall day trip for families.

Children can wear costumes, collect candy, meet LEGO characters, watch Halloween entertainment, and explore themed activities throughout the park. The event is festive rather than frightening, making it especially appealing to younger children.

Dates: Select dates from September 5 through October 31, 2026
Location: LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven
Admission: Included with eligible theme park tickets and select annual passes

Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa

Creatures of the Night returns to ZooTampa with family-friendly Halloween fun and just the right amount of spooky atmosphere. Guests can enjoy themed entertainment, eerie characters, seasonal food, and animal experiences after dark.

It’s a good choice for families that want Halloween excitement without the intensity of traditional haunted houses.

Dates: Select nights in October 2026 (member preview night usually scheduled for late September)
Location: ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Admission: Free admission for ZooTampa members and qualifying Pay for a Day ticket holders. No reservation is required.

Trick-or-Treat on the Riverwalk

If you’re looking for one of the most family-friendly Halloween events in Tampa, Trick-or-Treat on the Riverwalk should be at the top of your list. Kids can wear their costumes and collect candy as they make their way along the Tampa Riverwalk, with participating businesses, community organizations, and sponsors handing out treats at designated stops.

The event also includes festive activities, entertainment, and a chance to enjoy one of Tampa’s most scenic waterfront destinations during the fall season. It’s a fun way to spend an October afternoon while exploring downtown Tampa.

But not every fall day needs a ticketed event! When temperatures begin to cool, the Tampa Riverwalk is a perfect place for walking, biking, outdoor dining, and waterfront views. The 2.6-mile path runs through the heart of downtown Tampa and connects parks, restaurants, museums, and other local attractions. You can plan a morning walk, meet friends for food, or explore the Riverwalk before attending a nearby festival or live music event.

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: Check the official event page for event hours.
Location: Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park and the Tampa Riverwalk
Admission: Free admission!

Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides, and Fun Fall Activities in Tampa

Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival

Hunsader Farms hosts one of the area’s most established fall festivals. The event features pumpkins, hayrides, a craft show, local vendors, live music, children’s games, farm animals, food, and plenty of activities for a full day outdoors.

There is also a corn maze available for an additional fee. With so much happening, it’s easy to make this one of your family’s seasonal favorites.

Dates: October 10–11, October 17–18, and October 24–25, 2026
Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Hunsader Farms, 5500 County Road 675, Bradenton, Florida
Activities: Pumpkins, hayrides, live shows, a corn maze, games, food, animals, and shopping

Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch

Every fall, Hyde Park Village transforms with festive autumn décor, making it one of the most popular places in Tampa for seasonal photos. The annual pumpkin patch offers families the chance to pick out pumpkins, snap photos among colorful displays, and enjoy one of Tampa’s most charming shopping districts.

While you’re there, take time to explore Hyde Park Village’s locally owned boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and outdoor gathering spaces. It’s an easy way to combine pumpkin picking with lunch, shopping, or a relaxing afternoon stroll.

With pumpkin picking, family photos, shopping, and dining, expect it to be one of the area’s favorite family-friendly fall events.

Dates: October 1 – 31, 2026 (Not yet officially announced)
Location: Hyde Park Village (1602 W. Snow Avenue in Tampa)
Admission: https://hydeparkvillage.com/events/

Keel Farms Fall Harvest Days

If you’re looking for a fall day trip just outside Tampa, Keel Farms Harvest Days is worth adding to your calendar. The annual celebration features a corn maze, pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting, hayrides, camel rides, a pumpkin pie eating contest, local vendors, food trucks, and seasonal wines and ciders. The event is all-ages and dog-friendly.

Adults can sample Keel Farms Winery’s wines and ciders, while kids can enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the property. It’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with friends or family during the fall season.

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, October 3 through October 25, 2026

Times: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City

Admission: Free admission. No tickets are required. Parking is $10. Hayride wristbands are $5 and can be used throughout the day. Check the official event page for more details.

Sweetfields Farm Corn Maze

For families looking to experience a traditional corn maze, Sweetfields Farm offers one of the area’s most popular family fall outings. Visitors can explore the themed corn maze, take photos throughout the farm, enjoy seasonal treats, and spend time outdoors as the weather begins to cool.

The farm is a favorite destination for families each fall and pairs well with a pumpkin patch or other seasonal activities.

Season: September 26 through November 8, 2026

Location: Sweetfields Farm, 17250 Benes Roush Road, Masaryktown

Tickets: Tickets Now On Sale! Required for ages 3 and older. Online tickets are $11.95 plus tax and service fees, or $14 at the farm when available. Advance tickets are recommended since event dates can sell out. No pets, please.

Halloween Events and Haunted Houses in Tampa

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens

A longtime Tampa fall tradition, Howl-O-Scream transforms Busch Gardens into a nighttime destination for thrill-seekers. Haunted houses, themed scare zones, live entertainment, and rides set the stage for one of the season’s biggest Halloween events.

This event is designed for guests who enjoy serious scares, so families with younger children may want to choose one of the daytime celebrations instead.

Dates: Select nights from September 11 through November 1, 2026
Times: The event begins at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m.
Tickets: Separate event admission is required.

Scream-A-Geddon

Anyone ready for a full night of scares can head north of Tampa to Scream-A-Geddon in Dade City. The outdoor horror park is known for its haunted attractions, immersive experiences, and intense encounters that go beyond a standard haunted house.

Tickets are offered for select dates, and prices vary by night. Popular Friday and Saturday events may sell out, so plan ahead and grab tickets early.

Dates: Select nights from August 29 through November 1, 2026
Location: 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City, Florida
Times: Most event nights begin at 7 p.m.
Tickets: Advance purchase is recommended. Tickets cost more at the box office.

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail

For spine-tingling scares in an outdoor setting, Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail delivers an immersive experience in Plant City. The attraction features multiple haunted trails, escape games, food vendors, axe throwing, scare actors, and a central common area.

It’s a strong choice for anyone who wants a more theatrical, in-the-woods kind of scare. Guests should review the event’s health and safety warnings before purchasing tickets.

Season: Select nights, September 25 – November 1, 2026
Location: Plant City, approximately 30 minutes from Tampa
Tickets: Tickets must be purchased online in advance for the 2026 season.
Good to know: Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Fall Festivals, Food, and Live Music

Oktoberfest Tampa

Oktoberfest Tampa brings German food, beer, music, dancing, and friendly competitions to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa. The riverside setting makes it especially enjoyable once the fall weather begins to cool down. Come for the food, stay for the live music, and prepare to join a few traditional Oktoberfest games.

Dates: Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, 2026
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Activities: German food, beer, live music, dancing, and competitions

Tampa Pig Jig

The Tampa Pig Jig combines barbecue, live music, and fundraising along the riverfront at Julian B. Lane Park. This annual gathering has become one of Tampa’s best events for food, music, and a good cause.

The 2026 lineup includes Thomas Rhett, Midland, Kameron Marlowe, Sister Hazel, and Cassidy Daniels.

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Location: Julian B. Lane Park in Tampa
Activities: Live music, food, drinks, shopping, and a corporate barbecue competition
Tickets: Advance purchase is recommended.

Catch a Concert or Live Show in Tampa This Fall

Fall is one of the busiest concert seasons in Tampa, with major touring artists performing throughout September, October, and November. Whether you’re into country, rock, pop, hip-hop, or comedy, there’s usually something happening every week. Since many shows and concerts are added throughout the year, I’m including links to event pages so you can check out the latest lineup, show times, and ticket availability.

Some of Tampa’s most popular concert venues include:

Tampa Holiday Gift Market

Ready for holiday shopping? The Holiday Gift Market at the Florida State Fairgrounds brings together more than 200 specialty merchants for three days of shopping and seasonal fun.

You’ll find everything from apparel, jewelry, and home décor to gourmet foods, artwork, candles, pet products, and plenty of unique holiday gifts. There are also food and drink options, gift wrapping, and special holiday attractions throughout the weekend. Even better, proceeds from the event support the Junior League of Tampa’s community programs.

(As a side note, if you’re looking to do some “pre-shopping-holiday-shopping,” the Tampa Fall & Pre-Holiday Market is one of the season’s biggest shopping events in October, but details haven’t quite been announced yet. I’m including the information to update you when details are released!)

Dates: November 13–15, 2026

Times: Friday and Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Hwy 301 N., Tampa

Admission: $10 in advance or $12 during the event; children 5 and under are free

Parking: $10 online or $12 onsite

Sports Fans: Cheer on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Few things feel more like fall than football season. If you’re looking for another way to enjoy the season, catch a Tampa Bay Buccaneers home game at Raymond James Stadium. The energy around the stadium on game day makes it one of Tampa’s biggest fall traditions, whether you’re a lifelong fan or attending your first NFL game.

The Buccaneers have several home games scheduled during the heart of the fall season:

September 20, 2026: Cleveland Browns
September 27, 2026: Minnesota Vikings
October 4, 2026: Green Bay Packers
October 18, 2026: New Orleans Saints
October 26, 2026: Carolina Panthers (Monday Night Football)

Tickets, parking information, and the complete schedule are available on the Buccaneers’ official website.

Make the Most of Fall in Tampa

Mark your calendar and purchase tickets early for the most popular nights! Whether your perfect fall day includes a corn maze and hayrides, live entertainment downtown, pumpkin picking with the kids, or exploring scare zones with friends, there’s no shortage of things to do in Tampa this season.

And if all that exploring has you thinking about finding a new place to call home, I’m always happy to help. As a third-generation Tampa native and local real estate agent with more than 20 years of experience, I know the neighborhoods, local favorites, and details that make each part of Tampa feel different.

Reach out when you’re ready to explore your next move. I’ll help you find a Tampa home that fits your life.

News