While the only “season” that’s been haunting the thoughts of Plant Citians recently is hurricane season, don’t forget it’s also the season for two autumn traditions: fall festivals and Halloween activities. It’s time to get outside and enjoy some popular fall festivals, pumpkin patches and haunted trails in the area. There is no shortage of fun family events for adults and children of all ages. Below is just a small sampling of not-to-be missed events to add to your calendars.
Fall Harvest Days at Keel Farms
Location: 5202 Thonotosassa Rd.
Dates & Times: weekends in October (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Admission: Free
Join Keel Farms as they open the doors for their annual celebration dedicated to giving back to Plant City after a difficult week for everyone. Enjoy a family-friendly event packed with fall fun and purpose. They have activities for all ages including hayrides, a corn maze, camel rides, pumpkin patch, a kids’ zone and lots of vendors. Admission and parking are both FREE for this event. Keel Farms is asking attendees to bring non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Plant City Food Bank. All proceeds from their pumpkin patch will also go directly to the food bank. For more information visit keelfarms.com.
Thirteen Annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze
Location: 6151 Varn Rd., Plant City
Dates & Times: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 19 & 20, 26 & 27, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: $12 (including tax), children three and under are free
Visit Fox Squirrel Corn Maze for some fun on the farm. This family-friendly event is sure to entertain people of all ages, with hayrides, a corn maze, camel rides, pumpkin painting, a jump pad, corn pit, pumpkin patch and pumpkin house, flower cart (make your own bouquet), gift shop, rubber duck races, corn hole, food trucks, craft vendors and more. Bring cash, as some vendors don’t accept credit cards and there’s not an ATM onsite. For additional information visit foxsquirrelcornmaze.com.
33rd Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Patch Festival
Location: 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton
Dates & Times: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 19 & 20, 26 & 27, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: $15 for ages 11 and up, children 10 and under are free. $5 parking (cash only)
Every day of this long-running festival consists of a craft show, live music and shows, pumpkins, games, a pioneer trades village, hayrides, pony rides, scarecrow displays, a petting zoo and food galore. Dogs are allowed, as long as they’re friendly and on a leash. For more information visit hunsaderfarms.com.
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens
Location: 10165 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa
Dates & Times: Select Nights until Nov. 2, 7 p.m. to close
Admission: Prices start at $32.95
Howl-O-Scream returns in full force, taking over the entire theme park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. This event is intended for mature audiences. For more information or tickets visit www.buschgardens.com.
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail and Ominous Descent
Location: 2837 S. Frontage Rd., Plant City
Dates & Times: Weekends until Nov. 2
Admission: From $27 per person
Celebrating its eleventh season, this outdoor immersive attraction features three terrifying haunted trails, escape games, ax-throwing and a haunted hayride. This is an outdoor attraction and closed-toed shoes are recommended. Timed tickets can be purchased online at www.sirhenryshauntedtrail.com.
Jurassic Haunt
Location: Dinosaur World, 5145 Harvey Tew Rd.
Dates & Times: Oct. 18, 19, 25, & 26, Opens at 5 p.m., activities start at 6 p.m.
Admission: $15
Uncover the mystery at Jurassic Haunt: The Curse Unearthed. Dinosaur World invites you to its inaugural after-hours event featuring themed scare zones, haunted train rides, delightful bites and more. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.dinosaurworld.com.
Trick or Treat With Sheriff Judd
Location: Polk State College, Lakeland Campus
Dates & Times: Oct. 26, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Get your costume ready for this free family-friendly safe Halloween event, complete with entertainment, fun, music, dancing, photos, characters and candy.
Raprager Family Farms Fall Fall Pumpkin Festival
Location: 16907 Boy Scout Rd., Odessa
Dates & Times: Oct. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 & 27
Cost: $16.95 per person online, 2 years and under are free
From pumpkins to hayrides, a 300-animal petting zoo to live entertainment, there’s plenty to do at this fall favorite. Additional attractions include a vendor market, bounce pillow, axe throwing, pumpkin painting, a 40’ two-story hay chute slide, corn pit, butterfly garden and more. For more information or to purchase tickets (highly recommended because the event may sell out) visit rapragerfamilyfarms.com.
Fall Fun at Sweetfields Farm
Location: 17250 Benes Roush Rd., Brooksville
Dates & Times: Weekends thru Nov. 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Advanced purchase tickets are $13.28 each, 2 years and younger are free
Join Sweetfields Farm for their 16th annual Fall Festival, the perfect blend of fall fun and agriculture, featuring two corn mazes, pumpkin patch, hayrides, a hay play area, tree house, pumpkin launchers and food vendors. No pets or emotional support animals allowed. For a full list of activities or to purchase tickets visit www.sweetfieldsfarm.com.
Last Friday Plant City’s Nightmare on Main Street
Location: McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St.
Dates & Times: Fri., Oct. 25, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
It’s going to be a spooky-good time in McCall Park at this Last Friday event filled with plenty of spine-tinkling fun and excitement. Experience the electrifying performance by Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings, explore the Main Street Kids Zone, take a ride on the extreme gyrosphere, participate in the thrilling scavenger hunt, shop in the expanded exhibitor market and dine on tasty delicacies. Get into the spirit by dressing up in your most creative costume! Many downtown businesses will be extending their hours, providing the opportunity to shop and trick-or-treat. Visit www.plantcitymainstreet.org for more details.
TRUCKS & TREATS
Location: Hope Lutheran Church
2001 N. Park Rd
Dates & Times: Sat., Oct 26, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
No registration required. All are welcome.
Trunk or Treat
Location: Grace Manor, 765 W. Grant St.
Dates and Times: Tues., Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join Grace Manor and City Pointe Church for one large Trunk or Treat event. Grace Manor residents enjoy seeing children all dressed up in their costumes.