Make the Most of Fall in Florida
Fall in Florida may not bring the dramatic change of seasons found farther north, but it does bring cooler days, outdoor festivals, pumpkin patches, farmers’ markets, and plenty of reasons to explore. It is a comfortable time to visit the coast, walk through a garden, spend an afternoon at a farm, or attend one of the many events happening across the state.
The season also offers a welcome change of pace after the hottest months of the year. Families can spend more time outside, local farms open for harvest activities, and communities fill their calendars with food, art, music, and cultural events. Some outings are large enough to build a weekend trip around, while others offer an easy way to spend a few hours close to home.
Deltona has been building Florida homes since 1962, with communities in Ocala, St. Augustine, North Port, Sunny Hills, and Citrus Springs. That means our homeowners are never far from a seasonal outing. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy fall in Florida, including several events close to Deltona communities.
Fall Food and Drink Festivals in Florida
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival returns to Orlando from August 27 through November 21, 2026. Festival marketplaces throughout EPCOT serve dishes and drinks inspired by destinations across six continents, giving visitors plenty to sample as they explore the park.
The festival also includes the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, family activities, seasonal scavenger hunts, and special food experiences. It makes an enjoyable day trip for residents of Deltona’s Central Florida communities who want to combine fall flavors with live entertainment.
Guests can explore at their own pace, stopping at marketplace booths throughout World Showcase and other areas of the park. Since admission to EPCOT is required and popular dates can become busy, it is helpful to review current park reservation requirements, entertainment schedules, and available dining packages before visiting.
Seeing Red Wine Festival
Wine lovers can head to Seaside for the Seeing Red Wine Festival, returning November 5 through 8, 2026, for its 34th year. The four-day event brings wineries, culinary talent, and live entertainment together in one of the Florida Panhandle’s best-known coastal communities.
The schedule includes vintner dinners, reserve tastings, the Grand Tasting, and a Celebration of Bubbles brunch. Its location makes it a worthwhile fall outing for adults living in or visiting the Sunny Hills area.
Each part of the festival offers a slightly different experience. Visitors can attend a single tasting or plan a longer coastal weekend around several events. Tickets are sold separately and may sell out, so wine enthusiasts should review the official schedule and reserve their preferred experiences in advance.
Stone Crab Jam in Crystal River
The Stone Crab Jam returns to downtown Crystal River on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from noon to 9 p.m. The open-air street festival celebrates Florida’s stone crab season with seafood, drinks, live bands, and a lively downtown atmosphere.
Proceeds from the event support local charities through the Kings Bay Rotary Charitable Foundation. For residents of Deltona’s Citrus Springs communities, it is a convenient way to enjoy local seafood while supporting organizations in the surrounding area.
The festival is set up as a street celebration, with performances and vendors spread through downtown Crystal River. Guests can make the most of the trip by arriving early, reviewing parking and shuttle information, and leaving time to explore local shops or the waterfront before the music begins.
Fall Festivals and Family Activities
Sykes Family Farms Corn Maze and Harvest Festival
The Sykes Family Farms Corn Maze and Harvest Festival brings a traditional fall farm experience to Elkton, just outside St. Augustine. The 2026 festival is scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from October 3 through November 1.
Visitors can work their way through a nine-acre corn maze, take a hayride, visit the pumpkin patch, see farm animals, and enjoy a children’s play area. There is also a smaller maze designed for younger children. This is one of the most convenient fall outings for families near Deltona’s St. Augustine communities.
Because much of the experience takes place outdoors, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are a good idea. Festival hours differ by day, with evening hours available on Fridays and Saturdays, so families can choose between a daytime farm visit and a cooler evening trip.
Runaway Pumpkin 5K and Family Fest
North Port will host the Runaway Pumpkin 5K and Family Fest on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The event begins with a children’s Mini Monster Dash and a 5K run or walk, followed by a free family festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Festival activities include trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, lawn games, food trucks, sensory stations, costume contests, and child-friendly activities. The event is held at the Child Protection Center’s North Port campus, making it a particularly local option for residents of Deltona’s North Port community.
Participation in the 5K requires registration, but admission to the Family Fest is free. Families do not need to enter the race to enjoy the festival, which makes the event accessible to residents looking for a relaxed local Halloween outing.
Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest
Residents near Sunny Hills can take a trip to Panama City Beach for the Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest, scheduled for October 9 through 11, 2026, at Pier Park.
This free three-day festival features live entertainment, parades, a children’s activity area, fireworks, magic and comedy shows, and a pirate invasion. The Renaissance portion of the festival adds a historically inspired marketplace and themed entertainment, creating a full weekend of activities for families.
Different performances and activities are scheduled throughout the weekend, so checking the daily lineup can help visitors decide which day best fits their interests. Families may want to plan extra time for Pier Park’s shops, restaurants, and nearby beach access while they are in the area.
Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival
The Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival in Clermont runs from September 26 through November 22, 2026, on select Thursdays, every Friday through Sunday, and Monday, October 12.
The farm offers a corn maze, pumpkins, U-pick flowers, carnival rides, a petting zoo, wagon rides, live music, food trucks, seasonal treats, and photo opportunities. Admission tickets are required for guests age three and older and must be purchased online before arriving.
The mix of attractions makes Southern Hill Farms suitable for both families and adults planning a seasonal outing. Certain activities, food, and merchandise may cost extra beyond admission, so reviewing the farm’s ticket information and event policies beforehand can make the day easier to plan.
Enjoy Florida’s Outdoors This Fall
See Manatees in Florida’s Springs
As water temperatures cool, manatees gather near Florida’s warm-water springs. November through March is generally one of the best periods for seeing larger numbers of manatees, making late fall a good time to plan an outing.
Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River is a popular choice near Deltona’s Citrus Springs communities. Visitors can explore the area from the boardwalk or reserve an authorized paddling, boating, or snorkeling experience in the surrounding waterways. Because access and in-water rules can change during manatee season, check current conditions before visiting.
Manatees are protected wildlife, and responsible viewing helps keep both visitors and animals safe. Give the animals space, avoid chasing or touching them, and follow all instructions from park staff or authorized tour operators. Cold weather can also affect where and when manatees gather, so sightings are never guaranteed on a particular day.
Blue Spring State Park is another well-known viewing destination. Its spring run serves as an important winter refuge for manatees, and visitors can often watch them from overlooks along the boardwalk without entering the water.
The Orchid Show at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
The Orchid Show 2026: Christian Sampson will be on display at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota from October 10 through December 6, 2026.
This year’s show combines living orchids with colorful installations by artist Christian Sampson. Works inspired by Selby Gardens’ orchid collection will appear in the Museum of Botany & the Arts, throughout the gardens, and inside the Display Conservatory. The Sarasota location makes this a comfortable day trip from North Port.
Visitors can take time to explore the rest of the waterfront garden before or after seeing the exhibition. The combination of tropical plants, shaded paths, bayfront scenery, and rotating artwork makes Selby Gardens a good option for anyone who wants a quieter fall activity away from larger festival crowds.
Spend a Day at Showcase of Citrus
Showcase of Citrus in Clermont remains open as a family-friendly outdoor attraction with monster truck tours, farm animals, gem mining, play areas, and a country store. It is open throughout the year and offers several ways to enjoy Florida’s rural landscape during the cooler fall months.
The attraction has traditionally offered seasonal U-pick citrus, but its groves are currently closed while younger trees mature. Visitors interested in picking citrus should check the farm’s latest updates before planning their trip.
Even without U-pick access, the property offers enough activities for a full family visit. Current hours, tour availability, and individual activity costs should be confirmed directly with the attraction, especially when planning around weekends or school breaks.
Shop Florida Farmers Markets
DeLand Artisan Alley Farmers Market
The DeLand Artisan Alley Farmers Market takes place every Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. in historic downtown DeLand. Local growers, food vendors, artists, and makers fill the alley with fresh food, handmade goods, plants, treats, and crafts.
The evening schedule and walkable downtown location make it an easy way to enjoy cooler fall weather while supporting local vendors.
Visitors can pair the market with dinner or a walk through downtown DeLand. Vendor selections can change from week to week, giving residents a reason to return throughout the season.
Ocala Downtown Market
The Ocala Downtown Market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. under an open-air pavilion near Downtown Square. Farmers, artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors offer a changing selection of local products throughout the year.
Because the pavilion is covered, the market is a convenient weekend outing in a range of weather conditions. It is also just a short drive from Deltona’s Ocala-area communities, including Marion Oaks.
Shoppers can browse seasonal produce, prepared foods, plants, crafts, and locally made products while getting to know area growers and small businesses. Arriving earlier in the day generally provides the widest selection, although available vendors and products vary by week.
Find Your Florida Home Near the Fun
Fall is a great time to experience the Florida lifestyle. Cooler weather makes it easier to explore local farms, festivals, markets, gardens, springs, and coastal communities. With events taking place near Ocala, St. Augustine, North Port, Sunny Hills, and Citrus Springs, Deltona homeowners have plenty of seasonal activities within reach.
Event dates, admission requirements, and operating hours can change because of weather or other circumstances. Before heading out, check the organizer’s website for the latest schedule, ticket availability, parking instructions, and visitor policies. A little planning can help turn any of these Florida fall activities into an easy day trip or memorable weekend.
Ready to call Florida home? Tour our model homes and find a community close to the places and experiences you want to enjoy.
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