Celebrate the cooling weather in Orlando North with these twenty-one (mostly free!) seasonal activities to make memories that last a lifetime. From Pumpkin Patches to Trunk-or-Treats to Dogtoberfest celebrations (yes, you read that right!), you are sure to find something your family will love!
Pumpkin Patches
It’s not really fall until you’ve visited a Pumpkin Patch! Hagerty Farms Pumpkin Patch in Oveido (open throughout October) is a local favorite to pick out your favorite pumpkin, snap some seasonal photos, and let the kids run through the rows of pumpkins. Meanwhile, Pumpkin Patch-veterans Community United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch in Casselberry (Pumpkins arrive September 28) has been putting on Pumpkin Patchs for over 25 years, and knows how to put on a show! Both patches are a fantastic way to kick off the season with a classic fall tradition.
- Hagerty Farms Pumpkin Patch in Oveido (Open throughout October)
- Community United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch in Casselberry (Pumpkins arrive September 28)
Family-Friendly Festivals
Three city-run Fall Festivals will all be taking place on Saturday, October 26th. Funtoberfest at Lake Concord Park in Casselberry (October 26, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM) is expecting more than 2,000 people to attend their fall festival which will boast Trick or Treating, vendor booths, a costume contest, and a DJ dance party for the entire family. Similarly, Hometown Harvest in Winter Springs (October 26, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM) will combine the charm of a small-town festival with free hayrides, bounce houses, fall activities, and delicious food trucks. Lake Mary will also put on an event called Halloween Spooktacular (October 26, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM).
- Funtoberfest at Lake Concord Park in Casselberry (October 26, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Hometown Harvest in Winter Springs (October 26, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Halloween Spooktacular in Lake Mary (October 26, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
Oktoberfest Events in Orlando North
Join the Bavarian bonanza with a lineup of festive events. From traditional German fare and live music to family-friendly fun, these celebrations will transport you to the heart of Munich. Raise a stein and immerse yourself in the spirit of Oktoberfest right here in Orlando North!
- Barktoberfest Barks ‘N Brews at Dees Brothers Brewery in Sanford (September 28, at 3:00 PM)
- Hollerbach’s Oktoberfest Kickoff Week in Sanford (September 16 – 22, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
- Oktoberfest 2024 in Oviedo (September 26 – 28, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Dogtoberfest in Longwood (October 5, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- Oktoberfest presented by The German American Society of Central Florida in Casselberry (October 5 & 26, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
U-Pick Experiences
Beginning in September, you can pick your very own local Persimmons at Lake Mills U-Pick in Chuluota. On weekends up until September 15th, you can pick your own Muscadine Grapes at Spring Garden Vineyard, 30 minutes north of Sanford. Those who wish to pick fresh Sunflowers can drive 25-minutes east of Orlando North to visit Sledd’s U-Pick in Mims, starting the second half of September. Alternatively, you can pick Sunflowers, and Zinnias at Southern Hill Farms, just 30 minutes east of Forest City beginning September 28th.
- Pick Persimmons at Lake Mills U-Pick in Chuluota (within Orlando North)
- Pick Muscadine Grapes at Spring Garden Vineyard in De Leon Springs (30-minute drive)
- Pick Sunflowers at Sledd’s U-Pick in Mims (25-minute drive)
- Pick at Sunflowers and Zinnias at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont (30-minute drive)
Halloween on the Wild Side
For an adventure with a wild twist, check out the Zoo Boo Bash at the Central Florida Zoo, Presented by Orlando Health in Sanford (October 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27 from 9 AM to 3 PM). The family-friendly event will feature treat stations and fun activities. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress their best and show off their costumes.
- Zoo Boo Bash, Presented by Orlando Health at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford (October 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27 from 9 AM to 3 PM)
Outdoor Movie Nights
For families who love a good movie under the stars, there are several events to look forward to this October. Winter Springs’ Ghoulish Good Times Movie in the Park (October 18, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) will be showing a family-friendly flick, perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit without the fright. If you miss that one, head to Oviedo – which we know will be playing Hotel Transylvania – (October 18, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM) or Lake Mary (October 11, 7:00 PM) for more outdoor movie experiences. Watching a movie in the crisp fall air with a blanket and some popcorn is a magical way to enjoy an evening with loved ones.
- Ghoulish Good Times Movie in the Park in Winter Springs (October 18, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Movie in the Park in Oviedo – Hotel Transylvania (October 18, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Movie in the Park in Lake Mary (October 11, 7:00 PM)
Trunk-or-Treat & Safe Halloween Fun
Trick-or-treating is a Halloween staple, but if you’re looking for a safer, community-oriented alternative, Trunk-or-Treat events are a great option. The city of Longwood, which is putting on a Truck or Treat event in Reiter Park (October 19, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM), invites families to dress up, decorate their cars, and hand out candy from their trunks. For car enthusiasts, the Classic Car Trunk or Treat in Sanford (October 26, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM) offers a unique twist on the tradition, where you can enjoy classic cars while the kids collect treats from beautifully decorated trunks. It’s a fun, safe, and exciting way to celebrate Halloween with a bit of nostalgia.
Don’t miss the Texas Roadhouse Tent or Treat (October 29, 5 AM – 8 PM), where you can enjoy music, vendors, bouncy house, face painting, food trucks, fun and games in the parking lot at Texas Roadhouse. Kids are encouraged to bring their trick-or-treat bags and fill them up with goodies that the vendors will be passing out. This event coincides with Texas Roadhouses’ regular Family Night featuring special discounts for families.
- Truck or Treat in Longwood (October 19, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- Classic Car Trunk or Treat in Sanford (October 26, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Texas Roadhouse Tent or Treat in Sanford (October 29, 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
Pet-Friendly Celebrations
If you have a furry family member, Historic Longwood’s Dogtoberfest Event (October 5, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) has got to be on your Fall bucket list! This event celebrates our four-legged friends with costume contests, pet-friendly vendors, and thrilling performances by the Menestrelli Dog Circus. It’s a howling good time for pets and their owners alike.
- Barktoberfest Barks ‘N Brews at Dees Brothers Brewery in Sanford (September 28, at 3:00 PM)
- Dogtoberfest Event in Longwood (October 5, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Seasonal Crafts
Fall is also the perfect time to explore local crafts and enjoy seasonal shopping. The 3rd Annual Hotchkiss Block Fall Open House in Historic Downtown Sanford (October 5, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) is a cozy event that combines a pumpkin-themed pop-up art show, special shopping offers, and complimentary autumnal refreshments. Attend for a chance to win the Hotchkiss Block Raffle Gift Basket for a great way to get into the fall spirit while supporting local businesses.
- The 3rd Annual Hotchkiss Block Fall Open House in Sanford (October 5, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Dance Parties
For those who love to dance, the city-run Halloween Dance Party in Longwood (October 23, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) offers a night of fun music and dancing for all ages. Get dressed up in your favorite non-so-scary costume and enjoy a lively evening of moves and grooves. Semoran Skateway in Casselberry will also be hosting two Halloween-themed skate nights: their Halloween Tiny-Tot Skate Party (October 26, 10 AM-12 PM) and Halloween Family Fun Night (October 29, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM). Kids are invited to dress up in their costumes and participate in Trick-or-Treating.
- Halloween Dance Party in Longwood (October 23, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Semoran Skateway in Casselberry
- Halloween Tiny-Tot Skate Party (October 26, 10 AM-12 PM)
- Halloween Family Fun Night (October 29, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM)
Whether you’re picking out the perfect pumpkin, enjoying a family movie night, or dancing the night away, there’s no shortage of non-spooky fun to be had this fall in Orlando North. So grab your sweaters and your loved ones, and dive into the season with these fantastic family-friendly activities!
Please note that some events may have specific dates and times that are not mentioned in the provided information. It’s always a good idea to check the official websites or contact the event organizers for the most up-to-date information and any additional details. Enjoy a spooky and fun-filled Halloween season in Orlando North!
