We are entering a period of fun activities, great music and entertainment and plentiful food and drink. Here are some highlights celebrating autumn, Halloween and the early Christmas season.
AUTUMN ATTRACTIONS
Sykes Family Farms Crop Maze
6-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1
Nine-acre crop maze, hayrides, playgrounds, farm animals, live entertainment, food vendors and more. Tickets can be purchased at https://sykesfamilyfarms.ticketspice.com/sykes-family-farm-2026. Learn more at: sycofarms.com
Family Fall Festival
Oct. 25
4-7 p.m. at Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 1445 Millcoe Road, Jacksonville. There will be a pumpkin patch, trunk or treat, a painting program (tickets sold separately), an interactive trail presented by a theatre group and more. For tickets, go to jacksonvillearboretum.org/events/family-fall-fest
Hastings Fall Harvest Festival
The Hastings Fall Harvest Festival, Nov. 6-7, features a guided tour of local working farms, a free community festival and market, an antique tractor display and a farm-to-table community table dinner. More information at hastingsfl.org/event/fall-harvest-festival.
· Hastings Farm Tour: Nov. 6. Tickets: $100, include bus transportation and lunch. Advance reservations required. Tickets at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hastings-fall-harvest-festival-farm-tour
First Harvest at Fort Mose Historic State Park
Nov. 7
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
First Harvest at Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose takes guests back to 1738 where they will witness the processions, pageantry, ceremony, musket firing and cannon salutes. Fort Mose was the first legally sanctioned free Black community in North America.
The event is free and open to the public. Fort Mose State Park is located at 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine. For more information, go to fortmose.org.
HALLOWEEN FUN
Amelia Island Ghost Tour
Every Friday
Your tour guide will present Amelia Island ghost stories as you stroll through dark streets of a bygone era. This tour lasts about one hour and covers approximately 14 blocks of the historic district (Note: some of the walking is on cobblestone streets). Admission: $15 adults, $10 children ages 5-17. Meet in front of the cemetery behind St. Peters Episcopal Church, 801 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach. Go to ameliamuseum.org/ghost-tour for tickets or information.
13th Floor Haunted House Jacksonville
On select nights through Nov. 7
Jacksonville’s terrifying haunted house with three spine-tingling attractions: Detention of the Dead, The Siren’s Wake and Black Hollow Asylum. In addition can compete at axe throwing, take part in a Return of the Dead Zombie Shoot and try some mini escape games.
This attraction may be too intense for children age 12 and younger.
13th Floor Haunted House Jacksonville is located at 9230 Arlington Expressway.
For tickets or information, go to 13thfloorjacksonville.com.
Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular
Oct. 22-25, 29-31
Timed entry slots are: 6 to 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Explore the zoo after dark and experience glowing pathways, immersive scenes and interactive moments around every corner. Stroll through a 400-foot light tunnel, visit Witches of Trout River and dance at the Skeleton Disco. Along the way, enjoy trick-or-treat stations, seasonal photo opportunities and lots of festive surprises. Full-face masks are permitted for guests ages 10 and under only. Props resembling weapons are not allowed. Tickets must be purchased online. Go to jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular
Jacksonville Zoo is at 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville.
Para4ce Investigations: Haunted St. Augustine
Oct. 22- 25
Explore some of St. Augustine’s haunted sites. Tours at 7 p.m., 10 p.m., midnight. Tickets: $39 adults, $19 children ages 6-14. 162 St. George St., Ste. 19, St. Augustine. ghostaugustine.com/paranormal-investigations
Creepy Crawl Haunted Pub Tour
Oct. 22-24, Oct. 29-31
Explore the back alleys and pubs of St. Augustine and learn chilling stories from the city’s past. Tour is every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets: $25. 4 Granada St., St. Augustine. ghosttoursofstaugustine.net
Original Ghostly Experience
Oct. 22-24, Oct. 29-31
A walking tour rooted in more than 30 years of local research. Guests are guided by lantern through narrow streets and learn about true events and mysterious stories. Tours are Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. 4 Granada St., St. Augustine. Ghosttoursofstaugustine.net
Paranormal Investigation at the Castillo de San Marcos
Oct. 22-24, Oct. 29-31
Visit the grounds of the Castillo de San Marcos and learn about military conquests, raids, sieges, harsh medical procedures and reported hauntings connected to fort. Advance reservations required. 8:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Tickets: $35. 4 Granada St., St. Augustine. ghosttoursofstaugustine.net
Mortality and Mourning: Women in Black
Oct. 23-24, Oct. 30-31
Tour the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum during a candlelight experience on Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25. Discover the roles women played in death, grief and spiritualism from the Second Spanish Colonial Era through the Victorian Age. This is a family-friendly tour. 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine. ximenezfatiohouse.org
Dark of the Moon Ghost Experience at St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Oct. 23-25, Oct. 30 to Nov. 1
Begin the night with chilling tales from the lighthouse’s haunted past, then explore the lightkeepers’ house and grounds with your glow stick. Weather permitting, guests may also climb the lighthouse. Tours at 8:30 and 9 p.m. Tickets: $24.95 to $29.95. Advance purchase required. 100 Red Cox Drive, St. Augustine. staugustinelighthouse.org
Creatures of the Night
Oct. 23-25
Three nights of treats, costumes and fun at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Meet eerie bugs and beasts while collecting creepy creature cards around the park from 5:30 to 8 p.m. General admission: $20 adults, $16 youth ages 2-11. Member admission: $18 adults, $14 youth ages 2-11. 999 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine. 904-824-3337 alligatorfarm.com
BOOOval Trunk or Treat
Oct. 23
5 to 8:30 p.m. at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville. Free. Lots of treats, bubble truck, food trucks, activities and more. RSVP at https://am.ticketmaster.com/jvma/boooval2026.
St. George Street Trick or Treating
1-4 p.m. Oct. 24
Free trick-or-treating for all ages as children and families explore the decorated storefronts along St. George Street. Participating businesses will be marked with balloons or signs to indicate they’re handing out treats. Visitors may also join the excitement of the annual costume contest for a chance to win fun prizes. This event is sponsored by Ancient City Tours. For information, call 904-827-0807.
Hastings Trunk or Treat & Movie in the Park
5-9 p.m. Oct. 24
Bring the family to Al Wilke Park for a safe and spooky evening presented by St. Johns County Parks and Recreation, the Hastings Branch Library and Team Up Hastings. Enjoy trunk-or-treat, then stay for a movie (“Toy Story 5”) in the park beginning at 7 p.m. 6150 S. Main St., Hastings. 904-827-6972
Improv Spooktacular at Third Space Improv
Oct. 24, 30, 31
The Improv Spooktacular at 8 p.m. is where performers create eerie scenes from audience suggestions. Costumes encouraged. Tickets: $17 to $20. Drinks, snacks, and free parking. 200 Malaga St., St. Augustine. thirdspaceimprov.com
10th Annual Headless Bangers Costume Ball
8 to 11:30 p.m. Oct. 24
The Headless Bangers Costume Ball returns to the Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center at World Golf Village for its 10th anniversary. The Halloween party features live music by BedRock and The Northern Exposure Band, dancing, desserts, candy, spooky animatronics and a costume contest with $1,200 in cash prizes. The Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center is located at 500 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine. Tickets: $50 at the door. bedrockband.net/Shows
‘Ghostbusters’ in Concert
Oct. 28
7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Suite 300, Jacksonville. Experience the 1984 film on a large HD cinema screen with music performed live on stage by an orchestra. For tickets, go to floridatheatre.com/events/detail/ghostbusters-in-concert
EstuSCARY Haunted Trail at GTM Research Reserve
Oct. 29-31
Visit the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve for an adventure on the EstuSCARY Haunted Trail from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Explore the eerie South Beach Hammock Trail filled with scares, surprises and spooky fun. Tickets: $20 in advance/$30 day of event (cash only). 2200 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. gtmnerr.org
Boos, Brews and Ocean Views
4-10 p.m. Oct. 30
1912 Ocean Bar and Rooftop offers this oceanfront Halloween experience. Sip cocktails, take in oceanfront views and enjoy a costume contest with prizes. Costumes encouraged; specialty cocktails are available. Live music. No RSVP required. Admission: free. 619 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. 1912oceanviewandrooftop.com
The Gilded Cage: An Immersive Mystery Dinner at The Venue-Hastings
6 p.m. Oct. 30
Experience an evening of mystery, fine dining and interactive entertainment at The Venue–Hastings. Each performance includes a cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres, a three-course dinner and a live theatrical production filled with clues, secrets and unexpected twists. Tickets: $125. Advance reservations required. A portion of the proceeds benefits Hastings Main Street. 301 N. Main St., Hastings. hastingsfl.org/events
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (1925) Silent Film with Live Orchestra
Oct. 30
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St. Organist Brett Miller performs on the Bryan Concert Organ in Jacoby Symphony Hall. Tickets are $37 to $72. Buy tickets at my.jaxsymphony.org/phantom-organ/4302
Vaudeville Halloween Extravaganza at Prohibition Kitchen
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Oct. 31
The Halloween night celebration features elaborate décor, circus performers and live music by Dr. Sick and the Etcetera Orchestra. This is a 21-plus event. Admission starts at $75. 119 St. George St., St. Augustine. pkstaug.com
KICKING OFF THE HOLIDAYS
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
Nov. 13
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St. Tickets are $48.75 to $139.15. Available at fscjartistseries.org/tickets/mannheim-steamroller-christmas-by-chip-davis
Holiday Shoppes
Nov. 14-15
This annual market at First Coast Cultural Center is a community favorite. There will be local and handmade wood carvings, accessories, jewelry, sweets, clothing, shoes, glasswork and more.
The private preview ($45 donation) is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13. Then, the market opens up to all from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15. $5 donation. First Coast Cultural Center is located at 6000B Sawgrass Village Circle, Ponte Vedra Beach. For information or to make a reservation, go to firstcoastculturalcenter.org/programs-events/upcoming-events.
A Celtic Christmas
Nov. 14
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St. Featuring Irish dancers and musicians. Tickets are $41.49 to $119.06. Buy tickets at ticketmaster.com.
‘Home Alone’ In Concert
7 p.m. Nov. 20; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 21
The Jacksonville Symphony and the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus perform live during the movie at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St. For information and tickets, go to jaxsymphony.org/26-27-season/#movies and click on Home Alone in Concert.
Nights of Lights — Light-Up! Night
Nov. 21
4-7:30 p.m.
Light-Up! Night starts at 4 p.m. when Showtime USA will present several holiday musical favorites in front of St. Augustine’s City Hall, 75 King St. At 5:30 p.m., the All-Star Orchestra performs swing and big band sounds at the Plaza de la Constitución gazebo. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. in the plaza, where the switch is flipped and millions of lights illuminate the city. The concert continues after the ceremony until 7:30 p.m. For information, go to www.nightsoflights.com.
The Christmas Market St. Augustine
Nov. 21 to Dec. 24
The market is open 5-10 p.m. seven days a week (closed Thanksgiving). Admission is $5 for adults, free to kids younger than 14. There will be 14 vendors daily with specialty and handmade gifts. The venue is the Bull & Crown Publick House, 53 St. George St., St. Augustine. For tickets and information, go to thechristmasmarketsta.com.
Surf Illumination at St. Augustine Beach
Nov. 22
3:30 to 7 p.m.
This free holiday event takes at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park and includes a ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree, music, arts and crafts and children’s activities. This year, there will be a Foam Storm experience for kids of all ages. The Art Studio Holiday Showcase at the Pier Park will be open for holiday shopping. The park is at 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. Presented by the St. Augustine Beach Civic Association. For information, go to www.sabca.org.
Holiday Big Band
Nov. 22
3-5 p.m. at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St. The Jacksonville Jazz Collective returns to deliver a holiday-inspired concert. Tickets are $36 to $64. Go to my.jaxsymphony.org/big-band-26/4285
Sources include: St. Augustine Ponte Vedra Florida’s Historic Coast, St. Johns Cultural Council, Visit Jacksonville, individual venue websites
