Jacksonville's Biggest Fall Festivals are Here

Cool mornings, clear skies, and fall events are popping up all over the 904. Hard to believe we’re already halfway through October!

This week, we’ve got everything from pumpkin spice treats and farm fun at Congaree & Penn, to a few big local updates — including a new youth policy at Orange Park Mall and a rare hurricane-free season (so far!).

So grab your coffee, maybe a pumpkin donut, and catch up on what’s happening around Jax this weekend.

In today’s edition:

— Austin

Starting October 17, Orange Park Mall now requires teens to be with an adult on weekends.

Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian (21 or older) with them on Fridays and Saturdays. Each adult can bring up to four teens.

Shoppers will go through a quick security check, and both teens and adults will get wristbands once they’re cleared. If a teen is found without an adult, security can ask them to leave.

Mall leaders say the new rule is meant to keep things safe after some issues with large teen gatherings in the past. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is helping with the rollout.

Looking for a fun fall day close to home? Head over to Congaree and Penn, one of Jacksonville’s most beautiful farms! They’ve got something for everyone — from pumpkin patches to puppy playtime.

🐾 Canine Field Days
Let your dog run wild! This off-leash adventure lets pups explore open fields, trails, and even swimming holes.
📅 Dates:

🎃 Pumpkin Patch & Fall Activities
Pick your perfect pumpkin and enjoy the farm’s fall fun:

🍽️ Don’t forget to stop by the Farm Table Restaurant for a tasty local meal after your adventure!

📍 Congaree and Penn — 11830 Old Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL
👉 Learn more at congareeandpenn.com

🌪️ Fun Fact
As of mid-October 2025, no hurricane has made landfall in the U.S. yet — something that hasn’t happened in about 10 years.

🎤 Brandon Lake Live — Fri, Oct 18
Big night of music! Tickets still available.

🎨 MOCA Fall Arts Festival — Sat, Oct 18
Local artists, live demos, and creative fun at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

🎃 Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo — Oct 18–31
Walk through the zoo with candy stops, carnival games, crafts, DJs, and photo ops. Perfect family night!
👉 jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular

🌾 Pioneers & Pumpkins Fall Festival — Sat, Oct 18 | Geiger Pioneer Farm
Step back in time with old-fashioned games, hayrides, farm animals, and homemade treats. Great for families who love a cozy country vibe.
👉 Learn more

🍂 Orange Park Fall Festival — Sat & Sun, Oct 19–20 | 10 AM–5 PM
200+ artisans, 30+ food vendors, live music, pony rides, rock wall, and more.
📍 Town Hall Park, Orange Park

🌻 Fall Opening Day at Parker Flower Farms — Sat, Oct 18 | 10am - Sunset| Parker Flower Farms, Green Cove Springs
Kick off fall with flower picking, local vendors, hayrides, and live music. Bring the family for a full day of fresh blooms and fall fun.
👉 jacksonvillemom.com/event/fall-opening-day-parker-flower-farms

🌽 Fall Festival at Amazing Grace Family Farms — Fridays & Saturdays, Oct 18–Nov 2 | Green Cove Springs
A fall favorite returns! Explore the huge corn maze, take a wagon ride, meet farm animals, and grab a pumpkin. Great photo spots and plenty of snacks, too.

👉 Learn more

🍸 Sip in San Marco — Sat, Oct 18
Hop between local bars and shops in San Marco. Free welcome drink to start the night!
👉 sip in San Marco info

🎭 Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party — Wed, Oct 30
Comedy legend hits Jacksonville for one night only!
👉 Get tickets on Ticketmaster

🛍️ Riverside Arts Market — Every Saturday
Shop local art, produce, and food under the Fuller Warren Bridge.
👉 riversideartsmarket.org

🌴 Beaches Green Market — Every Saturday at Jarboe Park
Fresh food, handmade goods, and chill beach vibes.

🌴 That’s a Wrap!

Thanks for catching up with us, Jacksonville. Get out, enjoy the fall weather, and support local spots this weekend.

See you next week for more news, food, and fun from around the 904!

— Austin ✌️