Thursday, September 22 officially marks the first day of Fall, y’all! It’s time for pumpkin spice and everything nice! The excitement is REAL for the season of corn mazes, haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and football. There is no shortage of places to celebrate the season on the First Coast. We have compiled a list of local happenings to help you plan your Fall.
Fall Festival Highlights:
Florida Fin Festival
The 2nd annual Florida Fin Festival will be happening Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18 at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. This is a free 2-day ocean conservation, education, and music festival event that benefits OCEARCH at Jacksonville University. Moon Taxi and John Oates from “Hall and Oates” will be headlining the music portion of the event, with support from local favorites Honey Hounds, The Band Be Easy (performing a tribute to funk), The Ries Brothers and more. The event begins at 11am on Saturday and 8pm on Sunday. Get your tickets here.
Jax Beach Fall Arts Market
The Jax Beach Fall Arts Market will be September 24th at the Seawalk Pavilion and will feature local vendors, food trucks and more. There will be a great selection of local artists showcasing and selling a variety of items. Hours: 10am-4pm
Jacksonville Taco & Tequila Festival
The 2nd Annual Jacksonville Taco & Tequila Festival experience and fundraiser is coming back to Jax September 24th and 25th as a 2-DAY festival! Located in Riverside Park next to Historic 5 Points, the festival will feature Mexican cuisine from over 20 restaurants and food trucks, as well as tequila stations, craft margaritas, local makers, games, live music, and more! Start your fun Saturday at 11am and Sunday at 8pm. Get your tickets here.
Wesley Wells Farm Pumpkin Festival
The second annual Wesley Wells Farm Pumpkin Festival is happening Saturday, September 24th from 9-5pm. Enjoy pumpkin picking, local vendors, a petting zoo, face painting, and more!
Beaches Oktoberfest
Thousands are expected to attend the 6th annual Beaches Oktoberfest happening October 7 & 8th at the Sea Walk Pavilion. This event will feature 2 stages of live music including national headliner and country superstar Corey Smith and reggae group Inner Circle – The Bad Boys of Reggae! In addition to amazing tunes, the event is well known for its variety of German, Oktoberfest and Craft beers, 60 local artists and makers, over 20 of Jacksonville’s favorite, local food trucks, an Enhanced VIP Experience and activities for all ages! Get your tickets here.
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes:
Oh my gourd, you know it’s not Fall without visiting a pumpkin patch! Below is a list of places in the area where you can get pumpkins, engage in Fall farm activities and cruise corn mazes.
Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres
Conner’s pumpkin patch and farm has train rides, a corn maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, farm animals and more. There is also a snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, and picnic area available for day trips.
Amazing Grace Family Farms
Located in Green Cove Springs, Amazing Grace Family Farms will be celebrating Fall this year on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month of October. Enjoy time cruising through their corn maze, picking pumpkins, and enjoying their other attractions. Check out more and get tickets here.
Cowart Ranch and Farms
Head over to Cowart Ranch and Farms in Bunnell, FL for their 9th annual MAZE DAYS, open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October. Get lost in their corn maze, ride a pony, pick the most perfect pumpkin, or even close the night out with a bonfire, the fall activities offered are sure to make you and your family have an amazing time.
Can’t get enough pumpkins? You can also visit these places below:
Sykes Family Farms
Isle of Faith United Methodist Church
Rogers Farm
Shepherd of the Woods Pumpkin Patch
Spooky Event Highlight:
Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular is back October 14-16, 20-23 and 27-31. Enjoy the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens during their most magical celebration with Halloween adventure for kids of all ages. According to their website this year they will be, “combining beloved traditions with all-new frights and delights. Each night from 6-10 pm, guests are encouraged to dress up in their family-friendly costumes to explore the winding pathways of themed decorations. Spooktacular features activities for all ages from trick-or-treating to scare zones.” You don’t want to miss one of Jacksonville’s most exciting Halloween events. Get tickets here
Every Friday and Saturday evening during October Jacksonville’s staple water park, Adventure Landing, is transforming into a haunted house. There are two different attractions, The Payne Manor and Dark Fables 3D. Get your tickets here.