Even without fall-like temperatures, Central Florida and the Orlando area have a lot to offer in the way of fun fall events that your family or a group of friends can enjoy – many of which are at no or low cost. Before you go, be sure to check the websites for any special event information and, because its Florida, remember that many of the outdoor activities are subject to closure in the event of inclement weather. You will probably be able to leave your sweater at home, but go ahead and grab that mug of pumpkin spice coffee. On second thought, you might want to make it iced!
September
Oktoberfest Center Lake Park, 299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo, Florida
The City of Oviedo is hosting a FREE German-themed festival beginning with Food Truck Thursday on September 27 from 5pm to 9pm. In addition to the usual vendors, there will be German food and Biergarten/wine available for purchase. There will also be live entertainment, and on the Amphitheatre lawn. Similar festivities continue on Friday, September 28th (5pm to 9pm) and Saturday, September 29th (2pm to 9pm) at Center Lake Park. Live entertainment by Orlando Trachtenverein, The King Guys, Brad Turk Polka Band, and Swinging Bavarians. There will also be Oktoberfest themed contests and challenges.Get your Lederhosen ready!
Club Lake Plantation Fall Festival Club Lake Plantation, 3403 Rock Springs Road, Apopka, Florida
Activities planned for the 2018 Fall Festival include hay rides, a corn maze, a toddler maze, a Cow Wash, and much more! A pumpkin patch will be available for photo ops and pumpkin sales. Begins September 29 and runs through October 28. Closed Mondays. Hours are 10AM – 6PM. Admission to the Pumpkin Patch and Country Store are free. Festival admission price on Tuesday – Friday is $7.95 per person (with hayrides offered for an additional charge); admission on Saturday & Sunday is $13.95 per person (includes unlimited hay rides and train rides). Concessions and additional activities are available for additional fees.
Santa’s Fall Fun – A Lot of Pumpkins Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest, 35317 Huff Road, Eustis, Florida 32736.
General Admission includes a hay ride, entry to Santa’s Farm pumpkin patch and photo ops, and the Jack’s Barnyard interactive farm animal petting zoo. Pumpkins are for sale, priced by size, and most range between $3 and $12. A pumpkin carving table is available and you’re invite to carve your Jack-o-Lantern at the farm and leave the mess there. Additional activities are offered for additional small fees, including rubber ducky races ($1.00), horse or pony rides ($5.00), and more. Lunch food, snacks and drinks are available, and vary by date. Begins September 29 and runs on Saturdays and Sundays through October 28. Hours are 10AM – 2PM. General admission on Saturdays and Sundays is $5.00 per person. More information information about additional activities and pricing as well as additional days and hours offered in October are all available online.
October
Scott’s Maze Adventures 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora, FL 32757
Open on Saturdays from 10 AM – 5 PM and Sundays from 12PM – 5PM during October 2 – December 9. General admission wristbands must be purchased by 3PM and include access to both corn mazes, the permanent tree maze, the rope maze, the labyrinth, the mist maze, and much more. For additional charges, there is a hay ride ($4.00) and kids’ fishing ($2.00). Concessions are available. Admission is $12.00 but kids 3 and under are free. Keep in mind that all children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased
Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch Southern Hill Blueberry Farms, 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont, Florida.
Open every Saturday and Sunday from October 6 – October 28 from 11AM – 8:00PM. Admission is $10 per vehicle, per day, with no limit to the number of passengers in the vehicle and includes access to the farm and the pumpkin patch, which will feature a variety of beautiful and unique pumpkins of all sizes and colors, as well as Indian corn, gourds and more for purchase. The farm will also provide a complimentary pumpkin ‘holding’ area for your purchased pumpkins while you stay and play. The Festival also includes free hayrides around the farm; yard games (life-sized Jenga, bean bag toss, Connect Four, footballs, soccer balls and more) photo op areas for your perfect fall family photos. Catch a ride on the Blueberry Express (a converted cotton harvester) for an additional price of $5 for adults, $3 for children and teens ages 3-17. Additional activities will be probably be added as the Festival dates approach so the calendarbefore you go.
Winter Park’s Central Park 251 S. Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789.
If Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes hold no charm for you, Popcorn Flicks in the Park, courtesy of the Enzian and the City of Winter Park, continues in October! Pack a picnic, grab a chair, and meet your friends for dinner and movie – and free popcorn — under the stars starting around 8pm for October 11’s feature presentation of The Pit and the Pendulum. If it looks like rain the night of the show, be sure to check details on the Enzian’s facebook
Also happening in Central Park this month is the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival. Free to attend, this is a juried, outdoor art show featuring work by Florida artists as well as live entertainment, creative workshops and food from local restaurants. The Art Festival is happening on Saturday, October 13, and Sunday, October 14, 2018 and will run from 9 AM – 5 PM both days.
HalloweenFest Winter Garden on Plant Street, Downtown Winter Garden.
Trick or Treat along Plant Street with the Downtown Merchants from 6-8p on Wednesday, October 31st. Features live entertainment, local vendors and family activities! Enjoy a safe night of haunted happenings along downtown Plant Street.
November
Fiesta in the Park at Lake Eola, Downtown Orlando
November 3-4th from 10a – 5pm. Fall into family fun at Fall Fiesta in the Park at Lake Eola Park. The free, pet-friendly event includes artist and crafter booths, food vendors, live music, a huge children’s play area and more.
Maker Faire Orlando will be held at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 West Colonial Drive in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, November 11th and will be open from 10am to 5pm both days.
The event is a community-organized, family-friendly celebration featuring hands-on making and learning in areas like science, art, rockets, robots, crafts, technology, music, and more. It’s an event where people show what they are making and share what they are learning. Three air-conditioned exhibit halls and the green spaces between the expo halls will offer a variety of exhibits ranging from the Robotics Association at Embry-Riddle to Opera Orlando to the Disney Emergency Amateur Radio Services. All parking is on-site and is free. A variety of food choices will be offered from on-site vendors. Discounted presale tickets are available now. Other discounts are also offered for weekend admission, students and educators. Ticket prices range between $10.00 and $25.00. Tickets and ticket information available here. Ticket proceeds benefit The Maker Effect Foundation, a 501(c)(3) educational charity located in Orlando.
Great Day in the Country Oviedo on the Park, 299 Center Lake Lane in Oviedo, Florida.
Admission is FREE to the 45th Annual Great Day in the Country Arts & Crafts Festival, produced by the GFWC Oviedo Woman’s Club and happening on Saturday, November 10th, 2018, from 9AM – 4PM. Over 350 arts and crafts vendors will display and sell a variety of items including food and beverages. The entertainment stage will feature musical acts and hometown talent. Free parking is available at the nearby Oviedo Aquatic Center, Citizen’s Bank, and Reformed Theological Seminary. Free shuttle buses will be available.
Have another fall event we should know about? Let us know!
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