Central Florida Fall Events
Fall is such a special time of year. This changing in season brings us cozy vibes and gets us in the holiday spirit. Not to mention we've had a brutally hot summer this year and lord knows we could all use some cooler weather! In the spirit of fall coming, I thought I'd make a short list of some really amazing local fall events. Some of these are family-friendly, and others are more for the adults. Don't worry though, I've made a note on which is which so there's no confusion.
1. A Petrified Forest -- Altamonte, Florida
This is a local gem! I'm always finding someone in the area that doesn't know about it and I'm always so surprised that they hadn't heard of it. Think of Halloween Horror Nights but on a much smaller scale, and much more affordable too. It's just as scary, if not more scary, in my opinion. They even have a special night, called the Eclipse Night, where they require you sign a waiver because the actors are allowed to touch you! There's minimal lights and you're given a couple glow sticks per group, and the creatures are drawn to it! They will try their very best to take your glow stick, leaving you with no light to navigate the rest of your way through the forrest. I can't say enough good things about this event. The talent and production level is top notch! If you haven't determined this already, I'd say this event is mostly for adults and older children. They do require children under the age of 16 to be accompanied by an adult. If you feel your child is just too young for this kind of fun, they do have a separate kids day!
2. Winter Park's 50th Annual Autumn Art Festival -- Winter Park, FL
The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is sure to be an event that everyone of all ages can enjoy. It's a great event to get out into the fresh air and enjoy some incredible art by local artists. The best part is that this event is completely free! It's located right in Central Park, off Park Ave where you'll find amazing eats and great places for shopping too.
3. Halloween on the Ave --- Winter Park, FL
Halloween on the Ave will be an enchanting evening for dressing up and having fun. The event will be held on Friday, October 20th and it features all-inclusive food and beverage tastings from some of Orlando's top eateries, bars, and breweries. Dance to local DJs and a rock band performing live music! Come dressed in your best costumes to enter the Halloween costume contest for cash prizes, $500 for best costume and $500 for best couple/group. Get awesome pictures at their photo booths and themed areas. A fantastic Halloween experience that also helps a local charity by increasing funding and awareness for Base Camp for Kids with Cancer (501c3). This event is for adults 21+
4. Sanlando Pumpkin Patch -- Longwood, FL
The Sanlando Pumpkin Patch is a FREE community event that features pumpkins of all colors and sizes and other fall decorations, plenty of backdrops for family photos, gourds, hay bales and more! Voted one of the top date night spots in the area as well as featured on numerous blogs and news papers as one of the top pumpkin patches in the area!
5. Fall Harvest Festival -- Thornton Park Orlando, FL
This event is for one day only, on Sunday, November 19th from 12-5pm. This event is also free and family friendly. It will host more than 20+ vendors, raffles, food trucks, live music, kid zone and more.