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.

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North

Enjoy multiple musical acts at the Foo Foo Fest in Pensacola, ranging from orchestras and jazz bands to acoustic sets and drum lines. Photography courtesy of Foo Foo Fest.

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

Come party at this flavor-packed celebration with incredible music and irresistible BBQ. Photography courtesy of Tampa Pig Jig.

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

Find the latest addition to your fleet in Fort Lauderdale. Photography courtesy of Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

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