What's Up in Florida
in October, 2026

BEACH-O-WEEN — Make it a bootiful night at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk for this frightfully fun pre-Halloween celebration. Since no one wants to wear their Halloween costume just once, think of this event like a trial run for the real deal complete with trick-or-treating, face painting and a costume contest. Adults can partake in “spooky sips” while shepherding around their pint-sized witches, goblins and ghouls. Also includes live music.
When: Oct. 16
Where: Pensacola
Web: https://www.visitpensacola.com/beach-o-ween

GOAT & PIONEER DAY — For 41 years, goats — from polka-dotted kids to striped-face beauties — are the top draw at Blountstown’s annual fall fest. Although the goat show and exhibitions receive top billing, the event also hosts the community’s largest arts and craft festival. Activities geared toward kids include a petting zoo and train rides. Everyone will enjoy the associated Pioneer Day, live music and food vendors.
When: Oct. 18
Where: Blountstown
Web: https://blountstownrotary.com/goat-day.php

FOO FOO FESTIVAL — Experience the Gulf Coast’s premier cultural explosion as Foo Foo Fest brings Pensacola to life for twelve days of art, music, theater and history. The lineup includes events and happenings featuring local and national acts from Oct. 29 - Nov. 9. We’ve highlighted five here; see the full list at http://www.foofoofest.com.

Lightspill (Oct. 29 - Nov. 9): This public art exhibit turns the historic Artel Gallery into an architectural work of art when hundreds of mirrored spheres appear to pour over the roof and down its walls. https://foofoofest.com/2026-event/lightspill
HalloZine Fest (Oct. 29-30): Let’s clear up what a zine is first. A zine is a small, do-it-yourself booklet or magazine produced in a limited batch. Known for being a unique format of self-expression, this two-day fest brings together acclaimed artists Bratty Bre, Cristy Road Carrera and Martin Wong. An afterparty featuring The Linda Lindas and a screening of Giant Robot, the documentary film by Wong, are two of this year’s signature events. https://foofoofest.com/2026-event/hallozine-fest
Carnival of the Animals (Nov. 1-3): Ballet Pensacola brings Camille Saint-Saëns’ score to life in this original production. Families will follow a child’s imagined journey through time and space that features large-scale puppets of giraffes and elephants guided by the dancers. Everyone gets to be part of the spectacle for an interactive Parade of Animals at the end of the performance. Also includes character meet-and-greets. https://foofoofest.com/2026-event/carnival-of-the-animals-an-exploration-of-the-diversity-of-life-through
Rock the Runway: Living Art (Nov. 4): The Pensacola Opera fuses high-octane musical expression with cutting-edge fashion for one night only. The event features larger-than-life projections, renowned opera singers, ballet dancers and, of course, models to “rock” the runway. https://foofoofest.com/2026-event/rock-the-runway
Exploring the Wonder of STEAM (Nov. 4-7): At the intersection of art, science and cutting-edge tech lies a world that turns human curiosity about our ecosystems into a visual experience featuring contemporary artwork. This family-friendly event also includes interactive exhibits, live performances, tours and hands-on workshops. https://foofoofest.com/2026-event/exploring-the-wonder-of-steam

BEATS ON THE BAY — Combine incredible live music with beautiful bayfront views for not just one, but two weekends of fun in the sun in Port St. Joe.

Forgotten Music Festival (Oct. 10-11): Enjoy two days of powerhouse blues, funk and roots artists led by headliners, Selwyn Birchwood, an award-winning guitarist, and Brandon Santini, who has been nominated for Song of the Year and Contemporary Blues Album of the Year for the 2026 Blues Music Awards. The eighth annual fest also includes food and drink vendors. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets and umbrellas. https://www.forgottenmusicfestival.com
Blast on the Bay (Oct. 15-18): 4 days. 40 songwriters. 7 venues. This annual songwriters fest welcomes hit songwriters and rising artists to intimate venues on the Gulf Coast. Some of this year’s lineup of buzzworthy singer/songwriters include Alison Clarke, whose song What Day Would You Go Back To won the Bluebird Cafe’s Golden Pick Contest in 2023; Anthony Smith whose had over 250 songs recorded by top country artists and has produced three billboard Top 40 singles; and Ava Paige, one of Nashville’s new voices who’s already penned songs for Lee Ann Womack, Chris Stapleton and Lady A. All the shows are held in intimate venues, mainly in Port St. Joe, that serve food and drink. https://blastonthebay.com

PIRATES OF THE HIGH SEAS & RENAISSANCE FEST — Sword fights on the sand, mermaids in the surf and pirates are around every corner during Panama City Beach’s most unexpected crossover event. This annual fest brings two legendary eras together for an action-packed weekend of high-seas adventure and medieval magic. The pirate-themed events include live mermaid shows, a fire circus, treasure drop and two parades including a kid-friendly one on Friday evening. Those not quite enamored with the pirate life, can foray into the Renaissance for sword and whip demos, a Medieval-inspired market and more. Fireworks will light up the night on Saturday.
When: Oct. 9-11
Where: Panama City Beach
Web: https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/pirates-of-the-high-seas-fest

SEAWORLD & BUSCH GARDENS HOWL-O-SCREAM – Thrill-seekers from all over the country love the annual Howl-O-Scream events, held in September and October at SeaWorld Orlando and Tampa’s Busch Gardens. These nighttime events pull out all the spooky stops, featuring Hollywood-worthy ghouls and creepy characters, haunted houses, terrifying “scare zones,” and special shows, plus access to rides, sinister-themed bars, shops, food and other surprises. See these popular parks in a whole new light … or rather, in the dark.
When: Select nights through Oct. 31
Where: Orlando & Tampa
Web: https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/ & https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/howl-o-scream/

ST. PETE’S HALLOWEEN ON CENTRAL – Over the past five years, this Halloween-time event has grown into the largest street festival in St. Petersburg, transforming two business districts and 22 blocks of Central Avenue into a vibrant, family-friendly, car-free celebration. Thousands of attendees (and their pets!) in costumes stroll up and down the street, which is lined with entertainment for all ages, local vendors, live music, business advocacy vendors, immersive experiences, and, of course, candy!
When: October 25
Where: Grand Central and Edge districts, St. Petersburg
Web: https://www.grandcentraldistrict.org/halloween-on-central/

BOOTS, BULLS AND BARRELS – Experience the heart-pounding action, adrenaline-pumping thrills, and the raw power of human vs. beast as fearless riders take on some of the fiercest bulls in Florida at this special Silver Spurs Rodeo event. In between all the bull riding action, you'll get to witness some serious speed, determination, and skills on display during an exciting barrel racing competition. Watch these racers go up against the clock – and each other – in a timed event where competitor and horse must weave around three barrels without knocking them over, all for the chance to win cash prizes.
When: Oct. 3
Where: Silver Spurs Arena, Kissimmee
Web: https://www.silverspursrodeo.com/event-schedule

COCOA VILLAGE FALL ART & CRAFT FAIR – In its 45^th year, this fall fest has become one of Florida’s largest arts & crafts events, transforming Cocoa Village into an enormous outdoor market, lined with more than 200 fine artists and crafters displaying their handmade paintings, jewelry, home décor, gourmet goods, apothecary creations and more. A diverse array of food trucks, live music, and beer & wine make it easy to stay all day, and parking and entry are free.
When: Oct. 17-18
Where: Historic Cocoa Village
Web: https://visitcocoavillage.com/event/fall-art-craft-fair

OCALA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL – More than 150 artists will bring their original works to downtown Ocala, creating this multi-block, walkable fest that is fun for all ages. In addition to the art, there will also be live music, face painting, local business vendors and lots of food trucks selling everything from ethnic dishes to gourmet popcorn to shaved ice. Student performers and dancers will entertain throughout the weekend, and little ones will be able to create their own crafts to take home. Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome.
When: Oct. 24-25
Where: Downtown Ocala
Web: https://fafo.org/festival