Tampa Fall Fun 2026: Pumpkin Patches, Festivals & Halloween Events
September 26, 2026
Fall in Tampa is a state of mind. The thermometer may not cooperate, but October is still packed with pumpkin patches, festivals, and Halloween events worth planning around. Here's my list, from South Tampa favorites to a farm day worth the drive.
Dates and details can change, so check each event's website before you head out.
Pumpkin Patches
Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch
A South Tampa tradition. Village Circle fills with pumpkins every October, and all proceeds support the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. It typically runs October 1 through 31, open weekday afternoons from 3 to 6 pm and weekends from 10 am to 6 pm. Don't skip the two enchanted pumpkin carriages for photos, one for adults and one for kids.
Watermelon Swim Pumpkin Patch, South Tampa
Open daily October 2 through 31 from 8 am to 8 pm at 3703 W McKay Ave., and free to visit. Every pumpkin purchased helps fund swim lessons for local kids with disabilities. Don't miss the free Fall Festival on Saturday, October 17, with trunk-or-treating and a costume parade.
Fall Festivals
The 9th annual Fall Fest is free to attend on Saturday, October 10 (noon to 5 pm) and Sunday, October 11 (noon to 4 pm), with a fall market, live music, a petting zoo, pony and camel rides, and a bounce zone for kids 5 and up ($20 day pass). Can't make that weekend? Their free pumpkin patch is open Thursday through Sunday all October.
Fall Festival at Dade City Farms
A classic day on the farm, about an hour north of South Tampa. The 2026 Fall Festival runs Saturdays and Sundays through November 1. Take a tractor hayride, dive into the giant corn bin, and meet the animals, including Scottish Highland mini cows, camels, and alpacas. Don't leave without the fresh apple cider donuts. Buy tickets online ahead of time; kids 2 and under are free.
Family Halloween Fun
Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa
Tampa's go-to family Halloween event, included with a ZooTampa membership or Zoo Fun ticket, with no reservations needed. Expect a family-friendly walk-through haunted neighborhood and dancing zombies. It runs select nights through October 31.
One of the best free family events downtown. On Saturday, October 24, head to Cotanchobee Park from 4 to 8:30 pm for trick-or-treating, a costume contest, a Thriller flash mob, and Ghostbusters in the park at 7:15.
Halloween Spooktacular at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens' not-so-spooky daytime Halloween event, included with park admission. Saturdays and Sundays through November 1, from noon to 4 pm, with trick-or-treating, a costume parade, and storytime by the pumpkin patch. Costumes are welcome for kids 13 and younger.
A Pirate's Halloween on The Lost Pearl
A 1.5-hour Halloween cruise on Tampa's only pirate ship, with pumpkin tosses, mummy wraps, water cannon battles, and a pirate dance party. Each child gets a pumpkin from the floating pumpkin patch while supplies last. Costumes encouraged for kids and adults.
For the Grown-Ups
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens
If you want real scares, this is it. A separately ticketed night event running select nights through October 31, with a new haunted house this year called Anaconda: Fear Has No Escape.
The Halloween Party at the Cuban Club
On Saturday, October 31, one of Tampa's most famously haunted landmarks becomes a noir-themed party with DJs and undead characters. It's a 13 Ugly Men event, so your ticket supports local organizations too.
Want more like this? Every month I send The Local Letter, with Tampa events, local businesses I love, neighborhood spotlights, and what's happening in the market. Email me at jessicajaeckel@kw.com and I'll add you to the list.
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