Florida temperatures are still in the 80s, but fall festivities are well underway nonetheless throughout the Sunshine State. Please enjoy our guide for fall festivals, corn mazes, ghost tours, haunted houses, pumpkin patches, costume contests, trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed events from concerts to charity fundraisers and more family fun. These tips will definitely get you into the spirit of the season.
Spooky St. Augustine
Centuries-old St. Augustine is made for ghost stories. Hear scary tales about local lore year-round during “Ghosts & Graveyards” aboard Old Town Trolley Tours, or on foot with walking tours led by A Ghostly Encounter and Ghost Tours of St. Augustine. Holiday bonuses: The St. Augustine Swashbucklers’ Spooktacular tours cover the Colonial Quarter (October 27-29), while Saint George Street hosts trick-or-treat (October 29).
visitstaugustine.com
In 1565, Spanish explorers established the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in the U.S. Known as the Ancient City or the Old City, St. Augustine charms residents and visitors to this day with its historic architecture, over 42 miles of barrier coastline and thriving hospitality scene. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
St. Augustine
Halloween Masquerade
Celebrate Halloween and the grand opening of UM’s Frost School of Music’s Knight Center for Music Innovation on October 31. The Frost Studio Jazz Band performs big band standards for “Halloween Masquerade,” which will be live-streamed to a public plaza courtesy of the $36.5M venue’s Windowcast technology on its façade. The complimentary, family-friendly concert includes trick-or-treating, and costumes are encouraged.
frost.miami.edu
From Mediterranean-Revival architecture to the iconic Biltmore Hotel to lush greenery, the historic Coral Gables neighborhood has so much to offer. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Coral Gables | Gables Estates
Max Maze
Seasonal celebrations abound, but the Countryside Family Farms Fall Festival & Maze through November 5 rivals most. The massive production presents every imaginable detail beyond expected hayrides and petting zoos. Pick sunflowers, dine on down-home fare, and ride the slide, zip line and Orange Blossom train, while special events include Flashlight Nights (October 27-28) and HALO Animal Rescue’s pet adoption (October 29).
countrysidecitrus.com
Vero Beach has blossomed beyond the beach and golf course. Its vibrant lifestyle beckons with fitness, family-friendly events, hip breweries and more. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Vero Beach
Goblins & Goats
Stuart hosts its 24th annual “Hobgoblins on Main Street” with costume contests, face painting, trick-or-treating and a Mayor-led parade at downtown’s Riverwalk Stage (October 28). On the same day, the Tom Jackson Band plays Rockin’ H Ranch’s “Fall Festival” with seasonal fare, hayrides and farm animals. Save energy though for the Halloween Half Marathon from Stuart Memorial Park (October 29).
stuartmainstreet.org | rockinhranch.farm | tcrunning.org
Part of the Treasure Coast that encompasses Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties, Stuart is associated with top-notch fishing. Pastel-painted historic buildings and breathtaking waterways make it a favorite destination, too. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Stuart
Good Witches
Calling all witches to dust off their brooms. The 12th annual Witches of Delray charity bike ride with contests for best witch costume, bike decoration and witch cackle benefits Achievement Centers for Children & Families (October 28). Rent or bring your own paddle board for the 2nd annual Witches Paddle & Brunch, a Treasure Coast Food Bank fundraiser at Jupiter’s Sawfish Bay Park (October 29).
achievementcentersfl.org | meetup.com
People gravitate to Delray Beach for its old-fashioned appeal and walkable, residential downtown with a lively main street. Culture and nature like a relaxing beach coexist in harmony, too. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Delray Beach
Jupiter’s bike trails, Loxahatchee River, Jonathan Dickinson State Park and Riverbend Park appeal to nature lovers who also have access to upscale restaurants and shops. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
North Palm Beach | Tequesta
Fear For All Ages
The South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach covers all the generations. Adults and older kids can face Fright Nights, the legendary annual tradition’s 21st edition with a haunted house and midway rides (October 26-29, and October 31). It also hosts “Spookyville” in Yesteryear Village with safe trick-or-treating, contests and games for children aged 10 and under (October 28, 29 and 31).
southfloridafair.com
West Palm Beach sits on the mainland directly across from the island of Palm Beach. The growing city has become a destination in its own right for convention and performing art centers, hip restaurants and shopping of all kinds from major brands to vintage wares. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
West Palm Beach