By Brian French | TampaBayBusinessNews.com | October 3, 2026
Quick Answer: Tampa Bay’s biggest fall festivals in 2026 are Oktoberfest Tampa (Oct. 9–11), the Tampa Pig Jig (Oct. 17), the Clearwater Jazz Holiday (Oct. 15–18), the John’s Pass Seafood Festival (Oct. 23–25), SAVOR St. Pete (Nov. 7–8) and St. Pete Country Fest (Nov. 20–22). Farm festivals like Hunsader Farms run on October weekends.
Fall Festival Season Is Here
Fall is Tampa Bay’s busiest event season. The weather cools, snowbirds return, and the region’s waterfront parks fill nearly every weekend from early October through late November. For local restaurants, hotels, breweries and vendors, these festivals are among the most important revenue weekends of the year.
Below is a complete guide to confirmed 2026 dates, organized by date, with key details on location, cost and what to expect.
2026 Tampa Bay Fall Festival Calendar
| Festival | Dates | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taste of the Beaches | Oct. 3–11 | Clearwater Beach–Tierra Verde | Varies |
| Oktoberfest Tampa | Oct. 9–11 | Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa | Ticketed |
| USF Fall Plant Festival | Oct. 10–11 | USF Botanical Gardens | Ticketed |
| Hunsader Pumpkin Festival | Oct. 10–25 (weekends) | Bradenton | $15 adults |
| Clearwater Jazz Holiday | Oct. 15–18 | Coachman Park | From $39 |
| Tampa Pig Jig | Oct. 17 | Julian B. Lane Park | Ticketed |
| John’s Pass Seafood Festival | Oct. 23–25 | Madeira Beach | Free |
| Tampa Bay Caribbean Fall Fest | Nov. 7 | River Tower Park | Free |
| SAVOR St. Pete | Nov. 7–8 | Vinoy Park | From $135 |
| St. Pete Country Fest | Nov. 20–22 | Vinoy Park | Ticketed |
Dates confirmed from organizer and tourism listings as of Oct. 3, 2026. Check official sites before attending.
Major Music and Food Festivals
Oktoberfest Tampa — October 9–11
Oktoberfest Tampa takes over Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, billed as Tampa’s largest Oktoberfest with German beer, food, dancing and singing. It’s one of the easiest downtown fall events to plan around, with waterfront views and Riverwalk access.
Clearwater Jazz Holiday — October 15–18
Now in its 47th year, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday runs Thursday through Sunday at Coachman Park and The BayCare Sound in downtown Clearwater. The 2026 lineup includes nearly two dozen acts, led by trumpeter Chris Botti, Prince collaborator Sheila E., Arturo Sandoval, Larkin Poe and The Wood Brothers.
Each night has a theme: cool jazz, rhythm, blues and brass, and roots and funk. Tickets start at $39, but there are also free viewing areas. The main stage amphitheater holds 4,000 covered seats plus a 5,000-person lawn.
Tampa Pig Jig — October 17
The 15th annual Tampa Pig Jig is headlined by country star Thomas Rhett at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, with Midland, Kameron Marlowe, Sister Hazel and Cassidy Daniels also on the bill. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Pig Jig is also one of the region’s biggest charity events. Since 2011 it has donated millions to NephCure, becoming that nonprofit’s largest annual donor in the country, and helped launch nearly 60 clinical trials. A corporate barbecue competition makes it a popular team-building event for local companies.
John’s Pass Seafood Festival — October 23–25
The John’s Pass Seafood Festival celebrates its 45th year in 2026 with three days of seafood, live music and coastal tradition in Madeira Beach. It’s back in its original October timeframe, admission is free, and attendance has been estimated at about 40,000.
Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Halloween fun includes kids’ trick-or-treating Friday night and an adult costume contest and block party Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Free shuttles run from Madeira Beach City Hall all three days, plus Madeira Beach Fundamental School on the weekend.
SAVOR St. Pete Food + Wine Festival — November 7–8
Now in its 14th year, SAVOR returns to Vinoy Park, presented by Publix, the City of St. Petersburg and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. General admission is $135 with unlimited samples from 100+ restaurants, wineries and brands, while VIP is $165 with early entry and lounge access.
St. Pete Country Fest — November 20–22
Vinoy Park also hosts the three-day St. Pete Country Fest, with Koe Wetzel, Riley Green and Bailey Zimmerman on the bill. All ages are welcome and children 5 and under get in free with a paid guardian.
Family Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Patches
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival — Bradenton
The 35th annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival runs Oct. 10–11, 17–18 and 24–25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for ages 10 and up, $5 for kids 5–9, free under 5, and parking is $5. Bring cash; it’s mostly cash only. Organizers estimate attendance around 50,000.
The final day, Oct. 25, features a children’s costume contest, a dog costume contest and trick-or-treating from 3 to 5 p.m.
More Farm Festivals
- Sweetfields Farm (Masaryktown): The 18th annual pumpkin patch runs select dates Oct. 3–Nov. 8.
- Harvest Moon Farm: Pumpkin patch, hayrides and corn maze from Sept. 26 to Nov. 8.
- DK Farms (Largo): Pumpkin patch, hayrides and a petting zoo at 1750 Lake Ave SE.
Free Neighborhood Festivals
- Great Glass & Clay Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 10): The free event at Morean Glass Studio in St. Pete displays more than 100 blown-glass pumpkins, available for purchase.
- Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 10): Free, starting at 10 a.m.
- Carrollwood Village Fall Fest (Oct. 17): Free, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Carrollwood Cultural Center.
- Candy Crawl at The Shops at Wiregrass (Oct. 10): Free, with treat bags for the first 500 kids.
- USF Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Festival (Oct. 10–11): More than 50 local growers.
Halloween Events
For thrill-seekers, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens runs select nights through Halloween, with tickets starting at $33.99. Scream-A-Geddon horror park runs through November 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest fall festival in Tampa Bay?
By attendance and reach, the John’s Pass Seafood Festival (about 40,000 visitors) and Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival (about 50,000) are among the largest. The Clearwater Jazz Holiday is the region’s longest-running major fall music festival.
What free fall festivals are in Tampa Bay?
The John’s Pass Seafood Festival, the Tampa Bay Caribbean Fall Festival, Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch, Carrollwood Village Fall Fest and the Morean glass pumpkin patch are all free. The Clearwater Jazz Holiday also has free side-stage viewing.
When is Oktoberfest in Tampa in 2026?
October 9–11, 2026, at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa.
Is Guavaween still happening in Ybor City?
No. Ybor City’s famous Latin-themed Halloween street festival began in 1985, and the final Guavaween was held in 2017.
Who is playing the 2026 Tampa Pig Jig?
Thomas Rhett headlines on Oct. 17, with Midland, Kameron Marlowe, Sister Hazel and Cassidy Daniels.
What should I bring to Tampa Bay fall festivals?
Sunscreen, water, and cash for farm festivals. October in Tampa Bay is still warm, and many events are outdoors and rain-or-shine.
Brian’s Take
Fall festivals are not just weekend entertainment in Tampa Bay; they are an economic engine. In the span of about seven weeks, the region hosts a world-class jazz festival, a charity barbecue that has helped fund nearly 60 clinical trials, a 45-year-old seafood festival drawing tens of thousands to Madeira Beach, and back-to-back weekends of food, wine and country music at Vinoy Park.
Two things stand out for business owners this year. First, the John’s Pass festival’s return to its original October slot is being framed as a new chapter for a beach community still rebuilding — that’s a reason for Pinellas businesses to show up and support it. Second, Vinoy Park has become a high-ticket festival corridor, with SAVOR at $135+ and a three-day country festival two weeks later. Downtown St. Pete restaurants and hotels should plan staffing and promotions around those November weekends now.
For companies looking at sponsorships or team outings, the Pig Jig’s corporate barbecue competition remains the best mix of visibility, client entertainment and community impact in the market.
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