by The Editors | October 16, 2024
Must-See Events This Season
Crack open stone crab season in Naples, pig out on barbecue in Tampa, find your new favorite country artist in Port St. Joe and more across Florida this fall.
North
FOO FOO FESTIVAL
Pensacola
Oct. 31- Nov. 11
Experience a dynamic 12-day celebration of art, music and culture, from jazz performances and culinary competitions to immersive art installations and theater shows. Catch Grammy-winning artist and composer Adonis Rose and see stunning works by local artists. foofoofest.com
BLAST ON THE BAY SONGWRITERS’ FESTIVAL
Port St. Joe
Oct. 17-20
Discover the unheard voices of Nashville’s songwriting scene at this Gulf Coast musical mashup. Jam to over 40 musicians that have written songs for country greats like George Strait, Faith Hill, Jason Aldean and more. blastonthebay.com
HARVEST WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL
Walton County
Oct. 17-20
Welcome to a weekend overflowing with pastry chefs, pitmasters and wine purveyors. Hosted by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, this four-day festival features wines from around the world, the best chefs in the Panhandle, craft cocktails and a Grand Tasting. harvestfestival.com
RED BULL FOAM WRECKERS
Jacksonville
Oct. 26
Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or a spirited grom, get ready for an epic day of soft boards and stoke. Show off your skills on the waves and carve it with renowned pros like Ben Gravy. www.redbull.com
Central
TAMPA PIG JIG
Tampa
Nov. 3
Get ready to pig out this fall. Compete against other grillmasters as they ‘cue up the best brisket, butt and ribs in the Bay area, and show off your dance moves to headliners Dierks Bentley, The Revivalists and Chase Rice. Every bite and beat supports NephCure’s kidney disease research, making this festival the ultimate feel-good feast. tampapigjig.com
HUNSADER FARMS ANNUAL PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Bradenton
Oct. 19-20, 26-27
Fall into the autumn season at this harvest happening with charming pumpkin picking, scenic hayrides and family-friendly activities. Indulge in homemade ice cream, farm-roasted sweet corn and a sweet slice of pumpkin pie. hunsaderfarms.com
ROCK ‘N BREWS BBQ
Kissimmee
Oct. 24-26
Go grill-to-grill with other barbecue bosses at this Florida BBQ Association sanctioned contest hosted at Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marine and RV Resort. Enjoy live music on the riverfront, a towering bonfire and an ancillary cooking contest, serving up the best side fixins’. guyharveycampmack.com
MICANOPY FALL FESTIVAL
Micanopy
Oct. 26-27
Step into timeless Florida and uncover handwoven baskets, intricate pottery and leather goods by local artisans. Savor shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and bourbon pecan pie, finishing the night with fireside storytelling and live folk music. micanopyfallfestival.org
South
FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
Fort Lauderdale
Oct. 30- Nov. 3
Try out more than 1,300 boats on display, including super yachts, sailboats, speedboats and more. Attend fishing seminars, check out the latest nautical tech, toast a dark n’ stormy and immerse yourself in a weekend of maritime magic. flibs.com
REEF FEST
Key Largo
Oct. 17-20
Dive into another world with snorkeling trips in the Florida Keys’ coral reefs, guided kayak eco-tours exploring mangroves and hands-on diving workshops focused on underwater photography and marine species identification. reef.org
THE ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY AT THE BILTMORE
Coral Gables
Oct. 26
Ghosts and ghouls, don your best costumes and prepare for a night of tricks and treats at one of the most iconic historic landmarks in Miami. Celebrate All Hallows Eve with a spine-chilling selection of chef-made plates, an open bar, music and costume contests. thebiltmore.com
STONE CRAB FESTIVAL
Naples
Oct. 25-27
Stone crab season is finally upon us! In late October, the streets of the Tin City are swarmed by hungry festival-goers in search for the freshest ocean delicacies. Shop from local vendors, jam to live music on the waterfront and don’t miss the cracking of the first stone claw on Oct. 25. stonecrabfestival.com