As fall sets in and the temperatures cool off just a bit on the First Coast, there’s a whole host of events to check out across Jacksonville. Whether you’re on the search for a pumpkin to carve or if you’re in the mood to get turned around in a corn maze, the Bold City and beyond has just about everything for everyone.
Many events on the schedule this year aren’t usually held in the fall, but are rescheduled events from springtime lockdown. That means there’s a lot of things to do in Jacksonville this autumn season!
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes in Jacksonville
Amazing Grace Family Farms (Green Cove Springs)
Located at 2899 Wisteria Farm Road in Green Cove Springs, Amazing Grace Family Farms has a lot to offer! Opening on October 2, this farm features a pumpkin patch and corn maze during their fall season. Check out their pumpkin patch for your next Jack-O-Lantern or take a gander at the crop maze. If you’re looking for fantastic autumn fun, they’re open Friday to Saturday each week and tickets are available to purchase via their website.
Congaree and Penn (Jacksonville)
Started in 2014 as a rice farm, Congaree and Penn is located at 11830 Old Kings Road. The pumpkin patch is available by reservation with bookings opening up on September 11. The patch is open from September 30 – October 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They also have dining options available before or after your visit. With the reservation system in place, you can expect a scenic and not-too-crowded pumpkin patch visit with Congaree and Penn.
Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres (Hilliard, Fla.)
Located at 19856 County Road 121 in Hilliard, Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres is a 125 acre working farm that opens to the public in October and November on select days. Fall events include Falling into Fun Day on Oct. 3 and Farm Heritage Day on Oct. 24. Each day features unique events and activities like a pumpkin patch, wagon rides and more.
Halloween Events in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular
One of Jacksonville’s most anticipated Halloween events! Every year, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens hosts the Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular for kids of all ages. Tickets must be purchased in advance for the event held Oct. 23-31.
Catty Shack Ranch
What happens when you mix rescued big cats and Halloween? A howl-ariously good time! Every year, the Catty Shack Ranch hosts its Haunted Forest, a not-too-scary Halloween event for the whole family. Only available during select dates in October, the Haunted Forest proceeds ($15/adults, $10/kids 2+) benefit the ranch’s rescue animals. For more info, click here.
Sweet Pete’s Smashing Pumpkins Class (Downtown Jacksonville)
Such a fun fall event! Making a three dimensional chocolate jack-o-lantern filled with your choice of Sweet Pete’s signature candies is the appetizer; smashing it at home to enjoy the treats inside is the dessert! The class is $18, lasts an hour and is available multiple dates throughout the fall. Fun for any age.
Haunt Nights (Jacksonville Beach)
On the search for something a little scarier than a visit to a pumpkin patch? Adventure Landing’s Haunt Nights return! Located at 1944 Beach Blvd., Haunt Nights offers four haunted house attractions for visitors to face. From a large 3D house to the feared Payn Manor, there’s plenty of scares to go around. Tickets are available to purchase online and the event is only open select weekend nights in October.
Fall Festivals in Jacksonville and Surrounding Areas
Blu by U Farm Fall Festival (Jacksonville)
Located at 5571 Long Branch Road, Blu by U Farm is hosting a Fall Festival on October 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A farm that is mainly home to blueberries, their fall festival is slated to have some fantastic events going on. At $5 a car, visitors can look forward to live music, food trucks, a petting zoo and various agriculture educational opportunities. If you’re in Jacksonville for Halloween and are looking for a festival to check out, Blue by U is a fun option.
Rhythm and Ribs Festival (St. Augustine)
Hungry for smoky ribs with a side of history? St. Augustine’s annual Rhythm & Ribs Festival is all about barbecue and music. Bands play throughout the weekend as popular chefs compete for the best BBQ. There are mechanical bulls, kids activities, pony rides, rock climbing wall, vendors and so much tasty meat. Want to come? Pack your stretchy pants for Nov. 6-8. Visitors and locals are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs, but no coolers, pets or overnight camping or parking.
Tickets are $10 for Friday, $5 for Saturday afternoon (until 5 p.m.) and $10 from 5 – 10 p.m. Kids 15 and under are free. On Sunday, admission prices are just $5, Kids 15 and under are free.
Annual Historic Fall Festival (Middleburg)
Featuring live music, a petting zoo, entertainment and local vendors, come check out the grand reopening of the Middleburg Museum on Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. There will be hay rides and historic displays.
Autumn in North Florida
Jacksonville may be a beach town at heart, but don’t think summer is all we’ve got going for us! In the Bold City, Autumn is one of our finest seasons. The weather cools off from the scorching summer temps into the 70s and 80s, making for perfect football and festival weather. Live music fills the air and while we might not have much fall foliage to speak of, you’ll certainly notice locals in their Autumn wardrobes – even if it’s still 85 degrees!
One of the can’t miss events of the fall season is the annual Florida-Georgia game, known colloquially as The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. The game is ON! There’s no bigger game with higher stakes for this area than Florida-Georgia, a decades-old rivalry. Set for Nov. 7, the Florida Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs will duke it out in TIAA Bank Field, locally known as “The Gator Bowl.” While the world famous tailgating festivities will be subdued in 2020 due to COVID, there will still be socially distant activities available for the most fervent SEC football fans. Only 17,000 tickets are available for this year’s game – a reduction of about 75%. If you want to be there in person, better start shopping for tickets now!
Did we miss one of your favorite events? Let us know in the comments or shoot us an email. We’d love to include everyone!
