Fall is here and so are the autumn festivals. From markets to parties, fundraisers to contests, there’s so much going on in Jacksonville and its surrounding area this fall. If you’re looking for activities that are fun for the whole family, look no further. Here are several family-friendly fall activities to do in and around Jacksonville this month.
1. Wicked Barley’s Pumpkin Festival and Fall Market – October 6th
Wicked Barley’s inaugural Pumpkin Festival and Fall Market is happening in the Beer Garden on October 6th. There will be live music, special beer releases, a pumpkin patch, and a market filled courtesy of Congaree and Penn. Fun 4 First Coast Kids will also be providing free children crafting activities.
2. HOWL-O-Ween Bash – October 7th
If you love dogs, you’ll love the HOWL-O-Ween Bash from 2:00pm to 5:00pm on October 7th. Bring your four-legged friends, your human friends, and your family for a fun dog-day afternoon filled with animals in silly costumes. Whether or not you’re a dog owner, you’ll get a kick out of this event.
3. Oktoberfest Jacksonville – October 12th & 13th
Client Focused Media and BUZZ Media are hosting the 2018 Oktoberfest Jacksonville at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery on Friday, October 12th from 5:30pm to 11:30pm, and again on Saturday the 13th from 11:30am to 11:30pm. There will be traditional festival fare, a wide variety of beers, ceremonial keg-tapping, live music, wiener dog races, and brat eating competitions. Admission is free for kids 12 and under, tickets for adults range in price depending on the party package you choose.
4. Rype & Readi’s Canned Food Fundraiser – October 19th & 28th
The Rype & Readi downtown farm market in St. Augustine is putting on their annual Canned Food Fundraiser on Friday October 19th and Sunday October 28th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. You and your kids can trick-or-treat through the haunted barn without any scaring. There will also be hot dogs, ice cream shakes, and other delicious treats for your hungry ghosts. Bring two canned goods and $5 for the entry donation.
5. Florida Bat Festival – October 20th
The Florida Bat Festival is celebrating its 14th year as a local Gainesville event. Held at the Lubee Bat Conservancy on October 20th from 10:00am to 5:00pm, admission is $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children aged 5-12, and free for children aged 4 and under. The event features games, music, crafts, food trucks, and so much more.
6. Fall Family Fun Fest Day at Connor’s A-Maize-Ing Acres – October 27th
Connor’s A-Maize-Ing Acres is putting on a Fall Family Fun Fest Day on October 27th. From 10:00am to 1:00pm, there will be a scavenger hunt for kids aged 12 and under. At 2:00pm there will be a costume contest, the categories are Funniest, Most Original, Best Duo or Group, Cutest, and Best Handmade Costume. There will also be a haunted trail from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
7. Moosehaven Trick or Treat – October 31st
On October 31st from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, Moosehaven will be hosting their annual Trick or Treat event for people of all ages to come together to take part in tricks, treats, a haunted house, great food, and an outdoor movie. Last year there were around 4,000 people in attendance at this family-friendly event and the crowd is expected to be even bigger this year.
