It’s officially fall, which means Halloween, trunk-or-treats, pumpkin patches, haunted houses and fall festivals!
To save your family time, Giggle Magazine rounded up all the spooky and fall-themed events near you for a festive, cozy season.
Last updated: Thursday, Oct. 1
Fall & Halloween Festivals
Deeper Purpose Annual Fall Family Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24, 4-8 p.m.
WHERE: 16779 US-441, High Springs, FL (across from Oak Ridge Subdivision)
HOSTED BY: Deeper Purpose Community Church & Outreach Ministries, Deeper Purpose Family Resource Center-TRC and Deeper Purpose Kids Academy
WHAT TO EXPECT: Trunks with treats, face painting, animal encounters, hayrides and train rides, a Kidz Zone, games, music, photos, giveaways and prizes and community food and treat vendors.
COST: Free
Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation’s Halloween Safari Drive-Thru
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 30, 1-3 p.m.
WHERE: Carson Springs Wildlife
WHAT TO EXPECT: A 35-minute Halloween Drive-Thru to experience the Foundation’s resident wildlife. Open to all ages. Kids can stop at a candy station, enjoy Halloween surprises through the drive and watch cats being fed.
COST: $10 admission for guests ages 3 and older
Archer Train Depot Trunk-or-Treat & Fall Festival
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 5-7 p.m.
WHERE: Archer Train Depot, 16994 SW 134th Ave., Archer, FL
HOSTED BY: Archer Historical Society
WHAT TO EXPECT: This trunk-or-treat is paired with the weekly farmers market (3 – 7 p.m.) and offers fall festivities and kid activities.
COST: Free
Crossroads Farm & Apiary Fall Festival
WHEN: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays, 2-6 p.m. (Oct. 3-Nov. 1)
WHERE: Crossroads Farm & Apiary
WHAT TO EXPECT: Pumpkin patch, crop maze, bounce pad, hayride, train ride, Moo Train, flower field with U-pick flowers, festival games, playground, animals, corn bin, hay bale jungle gym, photo ops and a beekeeping encounter (no live bees) and more.
COST: Festival entry is $12 for ages 3 and up; ages 2 and under are free. Parking is free. Some activities cost extra. Farm store entry is free.
Ghosts N’ Gators Fall Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24, 5-11 p.m. Haunted attractions open at 8 p.m.
WHERE: Peanut Patch and Cornmaze, 8656 SW 75th St., Gainesville
HOSTED BY: UF AED, with support from Peanut Patch and Corn Maze
WHAT TO EXPECT: Family-friendly fun, games, music, candy and haunted attractions. Proceeds benefit Florida Diabetes Camp.
Fall on the Farm at The Bryer Patch
WHERE: 5700 SW 250th St., Newberry
WHEN:
- Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Sunflower Festival
- Sept. 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Flower Homeschool
- Oct. 10-11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Pumpkin Festival
- Oct. 16, 5-10 p.m.: October Date Night
- Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Pumpkin Homeschool
- Oct. 22, 6-10 p.m.: Girls Night
- Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Sunflower Festival
- Nov. 13, 5-10 p.m.: November Date Night
WHAT TO EXPECT: Live music, U-pick flowers, hayride, pumpkins, barrel train, farm animals, crop maze, photo ops, food trucks, face painting, play paddock with zipline, corn bin, sandpit and more.
Mayhem Ranch Fall Festival
WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sept. 26-Nov. 8)
WHERE: 17830 SE 40th St., Morriston
WHAT TO EXPECT: U-pick pumpkin patch, petting zoo, kangaroo walk-thru, safari hayride, live music, U-pick flowers, mini cow cuddles, corn maze, pedal kart track, pig races and more
COST: $17 admission, children 2 and under are free (ticket does not including add-ons)
Newberry Main Street’s Fall Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Historic Newberry
WHAT TO EXPECT: Live music, food trucks, local vendors and old-fashioned games
COST: Free
51st Micanopy Fall Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHERE: Micanopy
WHAT TO EXPECT: Meet local artists, vendors, crafters and more!
COST: Free
Red House Ranch Fall Festival
WHEN: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sundays, noon-7 p.m. (Oct. 3-Nov. 8)
WHERE: 22480 N. U.S. 441, Micanopy
WHAT TO EXPECT: 25 activities are included in admission, including Karson’s Wild West Show and pig races, a pumpkin patch, a crop maze, pony rides, a hayride to feed cows, pasture putt-putt golf, an obstacle course, goat feeding and photo ops.
COST: $15 admission
The Great Pumpkin Bash
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 17, noon-5 p.m.
WHERE: Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave., Gainesville
WHAT TO EXPECT: Food, games, a corn maze, carnival games, a pumpkin patch, a free photo booth and fall family fun. This is the event’s second year.
COST: Free
HSNCF Fall Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHERE: Humane Society of North Central Florida, 4205 NW Sixth St., Gainesville
WHAT TO EXPECT: Pet adoptions, local vendors, a spooky trail, and plant and thrift sales. Visitors can walk through the dog kennels and cat rooms. Adoptions are sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and all pets are microchipped, spayed or neutered, and up to date on vaccines.
Eco Farm Fall Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.
WHERE: 17306 NW 112th Blvd., Alachua
WHAT TO EXPECT: A family event with live music, learning activities, tractor rides, food, vendors and more!
COST: $5 per person
The Great Pumpkin Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 31, 8:30 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Alachua County Farmers Market, 13900 Tech City Circle, Alachua
WHAT TO EXPECT: Live music, local vendors and food trucks. Costume contests for dogs, customers and vendors, with voting at 10 a.m. at the info booth. Winners of each contest get a free voucher to spend at the market.
COST: Free admission
Alachua Main Street Harvest Festival
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHERE: Main Street, Alachua
HOSTED BY: Alachua Business League
WHAT TO EXPECT: Live music, food trucks, vendors and more!
COST: Free admission
Sandy’s Savvy Fall Market
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHERE: Sandy’s Savvy Chic Resale Boutique, 4148 NW 13th St., Gainesville
WHAT TO EXPECT: Local food, art and craft vendors.
COST: Free admission
Pumpkin Patches
Gainesville Church of God Pumpkin Patch
WHEN: Monday-Friday, 3-6:30 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and Sundays, noon-6:30 p.m. (Oct. 2-Oct. 31)
WHERE: 7003 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville
DETAILS: Admission is free. Organized by Buy A Pumpkin Feed A Child, this patch features pumpkins and gourds, fall photo displays, family activities and food and drinks. Pumpkin purchases, concessions and donations help support children and families through food, education, health support and relief efforts.
Crossroads Farm & Apiary
WHEN: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays, 2-6 p.m. (Oct. 3-Nov. 1)
WHERE: 3831 NW 156th Ave., Gainesville
DETAILS: During its hours pick a pumpkin from their pumpkin patch and enjoy a range of fall activities.
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and School
WHEN: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday to Friday, noon-8 p.m. (Sept. 20-Oct. 31)
WHERE: 9700 W. Newberry Road, Gainesville
DETAILS: A pumpkin patch along with fall activities. Pumpkins, families and fun for a greater purpose!
Alachua Methodist Church’s Pumpkin Patch
WHEN: Monday-Friday, 2-8p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sundays, noon-8 p.m. (Oct. 1-Oct. 31)
WHERE: 15710 NW U.S. Highway 441, Alachua
DETAILS: Pick out your favorite pumpkins!
Mayhem Ranch
WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sept. 6-Nov. 8)
WHERE: 17830 SE 40th St., Morriston
DETAILS: Enjoy a pumpkin patch and a range of fall activities!
Newberry United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch
WHEN: Monday-Friday, 3-8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Oct. 9-Oct. 31)
WHERE: 24845 W. Newberry Rd., Newberry
DETAILS: Sales support local teams and programs!
The Bryer Patch
WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (open now!)
WHERE: 5700 SW 250th St., Newberry
DETAILS: Enjoy a U-pick pumpkin patch and fall activities on the farm every weekend!
Trunk-or-Treats
Deeper Purpose Annual Trunk-or-Treat 2026
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24, 4-8 p.m.
WHERE: 16779 US-441, High Springs, FL (across from Oak Ridge Subdivision)
HOSTED BY: Deeper Purpose Community Church & Outreach Ministries, Deeper Purpose Family Resource Center-TRC and Deeper Purpose Kids Academy
WHAT TO EXPECT: Trunks with treats, face painting, animal encounters, hayrides and train rides, a Kidz Zone, games, music, photos, giveaways and prizes and community food and treat vendors.
COST: Free
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO) Trunk-or-Treat: Carni-Ville
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 16, 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: ASO grassy lot, 2621 SE Hawthorne Road, Gainesville, FL
HOSTED BY: Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
WHAT TO EXPECT: Carnival theme, free candy, decorated trunks, costumes welcome, “fun and a little spooky — never scary.” Businesses and community organizations are invited to contribute, donate or set up a trunk.
COST: Free
Fifth Annual Magnolia Ridge Trunk-or-Treat
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 22, 5-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: 6517 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL
WHAT TO EXPECT: Kid-friendly trunk-or-treat with community vendors.
COST: Free (no vendor fees either)
Littlewood Elementary 2026 Trunk-or-Treat
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 23, 5:30-7 p.m.
WHERE: Littlewood Elementary School parking lot, Gainesville, FL
WHAT TO EXPECT: Trick-or-treating at volunteer-decorated trunks, food trucks on site for dinner and a pumpkin donation drive. No play costume weapons are allowed.
COST: Free (candy and prize donations are welcome)
Third Annual Gainesville Street Rods Trunk-or-Treat
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24, 5-8 p.m.
WHERE: The Home Depot, 7107 NW 4th Blvd., Gainesville, FL
WHAT TO EXPECT: Car club trunk-or-treat (more details to be announced)
COST: Free
Archer Train Depot Trunk-or-Treat & Fall Festival
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 5-7 p.m.
WHERE: Archer Train Depot, 16994 SW 134th Ave., Archer, FL
HOSTED BY: Archer Historical Society
WHAT TO EXPECT: This trunk-or-treat is paired with the weekly farmers market (3 – 7 p.m.) and offers fall festivities and kid activities.
COST: Free
Abiding Savior Trunk-or-Treat
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24
WHERE: 9700 W. Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL
HOSTED BY: Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and School
WHAT TO EXPECT: A trunk-or-treat with candy, costumes and family fun! There will also be a pumpkin patch open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Trick-or-Treat on Main
(not a trunk-or-treat — a walkable street event)
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Main Street, Gainesville, FL
HOSTED BY: Alachua Chamber
WHAT TO EXPECT: Stores and businesses line Main Street, handing out candy and about 2,000 people attend each year. Halloween music is playing, and costumes are encouraged.
COST: Free
Newberry UMC Trunk-or-Treat
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24
WHERE: 24845 W. Newberry Road, Newberry, FL
HOSTED BY: Newberry United Methodist Church
WHAT TO EXPECT: Trunk-or-treat along with a pumpkin patch!
Boo at the Zoo
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 3-7 p.m.
WHERE: Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL
HOSTED BY: Santa Fe College
WHAT TO EXPECT: The zoo transforms into themed candy stations (Rio, How to Train Your Dragon, Toy Story, Nightmare Before Christmas, Scooby Doo, Monster Mash). There are games with Santa Fe student clubs and Saints Athletics before the trick-or-treat line; Fun4GatorKids KidsZone in the parking lot with crafts and more candy; a live “Thriller” trilogy performance from Danscompany of Gainesville, food trucks including Kona Ice and Domino’s Pizza; accessible parking and more.
COST: Free with donation of one canned good or non-perishable food item per person (benefits Saints Food Share and Catholic Charities)
If you are hosting a fall or Halloween community event and do not see yourself on this list, email alexandra@irvingpublications.com.