Tampa Bay Area Gets Ready for Week of Fall Festivals and Community Events Starting October 2

Starting Oct. 2, Tampa Bay bursts into life with dozens of events. From art shows to fall celebrations, the week packs in activities that draw crowds from across the region.

At Brooker Creek Preserve, the Wildflower & Pollinator Festival kicks off Oct. 4. Kids can make crafts while adults browse native plants. The star attraction? A special tent where visitors watch bees and butterflies up close.

Art takes over the waterfront in two cities. Vendors line Dodecanese Boulevard for the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Craft Festival on Oct. 11-12. That same weekend, artists fill Dunedin's Main Street, bringing works from near and far to the Art & Craft Festival.

Want fall fun? Head to Raprager Family Farms in Odessa starting Oct. 3. Their Pumpkin Festival mixes old favorites like hayrides with wild additions: try your hand at axe throwing or paint a pumpkin. A spooky maze opens after dark, and the 2-acre zoo lets kids pet friendly animals. Entry runs $15-18.

Theater comes alive across town. Dunedin Showcase Theater stages Almost, Maine on Oct. 3-5 at the Community Center. Meanwhile, Carrollwood Players pokes fun at old mysteries with Murdered to Death, running Oct. 3-12.

Music fills the air outdoors. Ultra Vinyl takes the stage Oct. 2 at Tarpon Springs' Sunset Beach Concert Series. The next night, Point 6 starts up the Music in the Park series at Seminole City Park.

Thrill-seekers should check out Scaradise. The revamped horror convention brings haunted houses and special guests to the Florida State Fairgrounds Oct. 3-5.

Green thumbs get their fix too. Wesley Chapel District Park hosts 75 vendors at the 9th Annual Gardening 365 Festival on Oct. 4. Watch growing demos or visit the butterfly tent. Later, the USF Fall Plant Festival welcomes local growers on Oct. 11-12.

Markets buzz with activity all week. Find fresh food and crafts at the Fresh Market at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel on Oct. 4. That same day, Ybor City's Saturday Market fills Centennial Park with local goods and art.