Autumn is the perfect time for fun things to do

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Autumn is officially here, and St. Johns County is the perfect place to celebrate. Discover harvest-themed and spooky events happening in and around St. Augustine. The following is but a short list of things to see and do. To discover more, go to www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events.

NEW HARVEST TRAIL EXPERIENCE

Uncover St. Johns County’s hidden agricultural treasures with the new Harvest Trail Self-Guided Farm Tour, which runs through Nov. 22.

Visitors can explore locally owned farms, attend special events and speak with makers while collecting stamps on the Harvest Trail passport. Once completed, the passport can be redeemed for exclusive prizes, including Farm Tour T-shirts, local swag and entries to win the Harvest Trail Grand Prize: an overnight stay in St. Augustine Beach.

Participants can collect stamps by attending seasonal events, visiting farm stores, attending select festivals and markets and setting up private tours at farms. Some events and experiences may require a fee and/or reservation.

Download the passport at hastingsfl.org/harvest-trail.

Here’s a more detailed look at the opportunities:

Seasonal Events

• Wesley Wells Farms is a u-pick farm offering fresh veggies, flowers, meats and more. They have a variety of weekend events, including the Crop Maze & Fall Daze every Saturday in October.

• Parker Flower Farms is a family-owned farm growing a variety of flowers. Visit during their weekend u-pick hours or sign up for one of their special events.

• Sykes Family Farm is home to the popular Sykes Family Farm Crop Maze.

• Ancient City Farmstead is a rustic wedding and event venue featuring a restored historic barn, stables and a farmhouse. To collect the passport stamp, pre-purchase tickets for the Ancient City Farmstead Christmas Experience.

Farm Stores and Stands

• The Feed Mill offers hay for horses, feed for animals and food for people, including pure cane syrup, produce, herbs, cheese and more.

• Molasses Junction General Store, a staple since 1957, has an array of products as well as grab-and-go breakfast and lunch served daily.

• Maggie’s Herb Farm is a licensed nursery that cultivates more than 100 varieties of herbs, fruits and edible flowers.

• Edwards Family Farm raises all-natural meats and sells them as small packaged or whole animals.

• Bakersville Honey Co. specializes in producing raw gallberry honey.

• Natural Springs Dairy Farm produces raw milk, farmstead cheeses, kombucha, natural meats, eggs and raw honey.

• Fruit Trees Only in World Golf Village nurtures more than 100 varieties of live plants, including avocado, citrus, mango and tropical fruit trees.

• The Honey Truck Co.’s award-winning honeys are always sourced from Florida, come from ethically treated bees and are never heated.

Festivals and Markets

• Hastings Main Street Fall Festival, Oct. 24-25, has a Cottage Artisan Market, live art demonstrations, a new Fall Festival Harvest Tour and an authentic paella dinner at Olive Land Farm.

• St. Augustine Luffa Co. is a small family-owned producer of eco-friendly luffa, a natural sponge-like product made from the fibrous fruit of the tropical luffa vine. They will be represented at the Hastings Main Street Fall Festival of Art on Oct. 25.

• Bee Hill Farm produces a harmonious duo of sweet honey and wildflowers. They have more than 100 hives in St. Johns County to produce honey and beeswax products. Find them at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market.

Private Tours

• Joe’s Ranch is focused on the popular local datil pepper. You can schedule a tour.

• Olive Land Farms is an experimental agricultural project that explores olive cultivation as an alternative to the declining citrus industry. Contact the farm to schedule an appointment.

Curate a fresh and fun agritourism adventure at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.

ARGYLE HALLOWEEN PARTY

Argyle will be transformed into the most chilling part of the spookiest bayou you can imagine for its inaugural Halloween Party, 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.

Tickets can be purchased on-site at Argyle, 254 Alta Mar Drive, Palm Valley, or at exploretock.com/argyle-ponte-vedra-beach/event/568861/voodoo-on-the-bayou. Tickets start at $100.

Each guest will receive three drink tickets and enjoy New Orleans-inspired dishes. JHP Entertainment will provide the lively music to keep the energy high. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and there will be a contest to award prizes for the “Best” and “Scariest” outfits.

SYKES FAMILY FARMS CROP MAZE

This family-friendly event offers a corn maze, you-pick sunflowers, a hayride, playgrounds, races and viewing of farm animals.

The farm at 5995 Brough Road, Elkton, is open 6-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Open now through Nov. 2. Go to www.sycofarms.com for more information.

MOURNING: WOMEN IN BLACK

These candlelight tours of the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum are held on select evenings through Oct. 31. This popular event looks into the ways women were shaped by grief, death and mourning in old St. Augustine.

The 227-year-old museum is draped in mourning, and visitors learn about the roles women played as caretakers of the dead, keepers of memory and practitioners of spiritualism from the Second Spanish Colonial Era through the Victorian Age.

Tours are at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24, 25 and 31.

For further information, go to https://ximenezfatiohousemuseum.ticketspice.com/mortality-and-mourning-2025.

HASTINGS MAIN STREET FALL FESTIVAL OF ART

In this weekend of creativity, culture and community, Hastings Main Street offers visitors a full day of free fun for all ages. Here’s a look at some highlights:

• Cottage Artisan Market: Explore a curated selection of handcrafted goods and one-of-a-kind finds from talented local crafters.

• Live art demonstrations: Watch creativity in action with hands-on demos in painting, felting and more.

• Live music: Move to the sounds of talented performers throughout the day.

• Kids zone: Engaging activities and games designed for fun and discovery.

For more information, go to https://www.hastingsfl.org/festival-of-art.

FORT MOSE FIRST HARVEST

Citizens labored long hours leading up to the year Fort Mose was founded, 1738, building their homes and a fort, planting crops and tending livestock. They survived on food rations provided by the Spanish government until they could harvest food from their own gardens.

Fort Mose First Harvest recreates a typical autumn festival with 18th-century Spanish Florida. This is an immersive experience, typically including reenactors in period dress, foodways demonstrations, militia muster and traditional trades and crafts.

Admission is free. The event will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 1.

Fort Mose Historic State Park is located at 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine. For more information, go to https://fortmose.org/fort-mose-first-harvest-2022.

WHISKEY, WINE & WILDLIFE

Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife artfully combines renowned beverage tastings and inspired cuisine from some of the South’s top chefs and local culinary stars, with a chance to experience coastal wildlife up close, all in one weekend.

The events raise funds and awareness for Vilano Beach Main Street and the GTM Reserve, with research and education experts on hand Friday and Saturday, showcasing fun, interactive programs with coastal wildlife, from sea turtles to alligators.

Dates and times are: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to noon and 2-5 p.m. Nov. 8, 10:30 to noon and 12:15 to 2 p.m. Nov. 9.

For more information, go to https://whiskeywineandwildlife.com.

ESTUSCARY 2025 

It’s time for EstuScary 2025 at the GTM Reserve! This year, there are two Haunted Trail Nights and one special Trunk-or-Treat afternoon for the little ones.

EstuScary Haunted Trail Nights

Dare to walk the spooky trail at the South Beach lot after dark! Scares lurk around each turn.

Featured fun: The Haunted Trail (full of frights, best for older kids, teens and adults), and Hayride at the GTM Trailhead.

Haunted Trail Nights are 7 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and 25. Start at the GTM South Beach Lot, 2200 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach.

Tickets: $15 per person, $20 cash at the door. To learn more or purchase tickets online, go to Eventbrite and search for Estuscary. Night 1 and Night 2 have separate listings.

Little Kids Trunk-or-Treat

A not-so-spooky celebration designed especially — though not exclusively — for children age 8 and younger. There will be trick-or-treating at decorated trunks, daytime walk on the Haunted Trail (no scares) and a hayride at the South Beach lot.

Date and time: 1-3 p.m. Oct. 26. Where: GTM South Beach Lot, 2200 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach.

Tickets: $10 per person, $20 cash at the door. To purchase tickets online go to Eventbrite and search for Estuscary.

ST. GEORGE STREET TRICK-OR-TREATING

A free event for families on Oct. 25 where children can get candy from participating businesses along St. George Street in downtown St. Augustine. Hours are 1-4 p.m.

DARK OF THE MOON

The Dark of the Moon Ghost Experience at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum will be offered Oct. 24, 25, 26, 31; Nov. 1, 2, 7, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29.

The experience begins with stories of the haunted lighthouse history. Then, with only a glow stick lighting the way, climb the lighthouse (weather dependent) and explore the haunted lightkeepers’ house and grounds in the darkness. Purchase your tickets in advance at store.staugustinelighthouse.org/Events.aspx. Arrive 10-15 minutes before scheduled tour time for check-in at the Gift Shop of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, 100 Red Cox Drive, St. Augustine.

Children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb the tower and must climb under their own power. Carrying children in the tower is prohibited. During inclement weather, the tower might be unavailable to climb.

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT

Three nights of treats, costumes and fun at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, 999 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine.

There will be eerie bugs and beasts during this hands-on experience, and visitors will collect creepy creature cards around the park from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24-26.

For more information and tickets, go to https://alligatorfarm.com/events-programs/community-events/creatures-of-the-night.

HORROR CONVENTION

Scream City Con will be a weekend of thrills, chills, and unforgettable fan experiences at World Golf Village Renaissance Resort, 500 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine. 

This immersive horror convention brings together a celebrity lineup of top horror stars, including actors from classic and modern horror films. Guests can enjoy autograph sessions, Q&A panels, interactive horror-themed events, cosplay contests and a large vendor marketplace.

The convention will be held 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26, with after-dark parties on both nights.

For full details and ticket information, go to www.screamcitycon.com.

HOLIDAY SHOPPES

The First Coast Cultural Center presents its 34th annual Holiday Shoppes Boutiques 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 22 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 23 at 6000 Sawgrass Village Circle, Suite B, Ponte Vedra Beach. Donation at the door: $5.

For further information, go to https://firstcoastculturalcenter.org/programs-events/upcoming-events.

SURF ILLUMINATION

4-8 p.m. Nov. 22 at the St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. There will be a ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree, a visit from Santa, music, arts and crafts and children’s activities.

For further information, go to www.staugbch.com/events/page/city-events.

DUVAL COUNTY

Duval County has plenty of fun things to do this fall. Here is a sampling. To discover more, go to www.visitjacksonville.com/events.

PUMPKIN PATCH AT CONGAREE AND PENN

On weekends through Nov. 2, Congaree and Penn visitors can take a walk through the pumpkin patch and pick the pumpkin that best suits them. Pumpkins are $12 apiece. The patch is open 4 p.m. to dusk Fridays, and 11 a.m. to dusk Saturdays and Sundays.

Congaree and Penn is located at 11830 Old Kings Road, Jacksonville. For further information, go to https://www.congareeandpenn.com/pumpkins.

SPOOKTACULAR

The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is the place to be for spooky delights and seasonal fun! There will be eight treat stations throughout the grounds, carnival games, crafts, DJs and photo ops.

For the daring, the Lost Swamp returns with a chilling comeback in Riverview Gardens, where demented forest creatures lurk in the shadows, ready to torment brave souls who enter their eerie domain. (Recommended for ages 13 and older.)

Dates and times are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 23-26 and 30-31.

The zoo is located at 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville. For further information and tickets, go to https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular.

CANDLELIGHT: A HAUNTED EVENING OF HALLOWEEN CLASSICS

This 60-minute Candlelight Concert features Halloween-inspired music performed by the Listeso String Quartet at the Jacksonville Public Library, in the Ann & David Hicks Auditorium, 303 N. Main St. The concert is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24. Doors open 45 minutes prior to start time; late entry is not permitted.

Attendees must be at least 8 years old; anyone younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are available at https://feverup.com/en/jacksonville.

BEWITCHED BROADWAY: WICKED, PHANTOM, LITTLE SHOP & MORE

Step into the shadows of Broadway’s most spellbinding shows! Selections from “Wicked,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Cats” and more. Presented by the Jacksonville Symphony with dazzling guest vocalists.

Dates and times: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 24 and 25. Tickets: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/bewitched-broadway.

The performance will take place at 300 Water St., Jacksonville.

For further information, go to https://www.jaxsymphony.org.

FARM FUN FALL-O-WEEN

Join the rescued animals on Oct. 25 at EPIC Outreach’s Education Farm Sanctuary for a fall celebration filled with kindness, community and fun! There will be animal meet-and-greets, family-friendly festivities and more.

Visitors will have a chance to see 70 rescued animals, including horses, donkeys, chickens, cats, dogs, a guinea pig, a rabbit — and lots of pigs! Each one has a story to share.

New this year is the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, featuring 25 booths of handcrafted products created and sold by young entrepreneurs! Bring the whole family to shop, explore and be inspired.

The farm is located at 17993 Lem Turner Road, Jacksonville.

Admission fees are $7 to $14. All tickets must be purchased online. Hurry; ticket sales close Oct. 23.

For more information, go to https://epicoutreach.networkforgood.com/events/89932-farm-fun-fall-o-ween-2025.

MURRAY HILL-O-WEEN

Murray Hill-O-Ween, from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 25, is Jacksonville’s premier family-friendly Halloween celebration! Presented in partnership with Community First Credit Union, this event features a lively block party and a spooktacular Halloween parade starting at dusk.

The block party will feature music, local food trucks, a pumpkin patch, activities for the kids and more. The parade, travels down Edgewood Avenue and showcases vibrant floats, energetic bands and a variety of costumed characters.

For further information, go to https://murrayhilljax.com/hilloween.

MIND MAGIC LIVE

Experience an unforgettable night of mind-reading, magic and mystery with mentalist Joshua Seth from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at 333 N. Laura St., Jacksonville. For tickets, go to www.joshuaseth.com/tickets#tickets. For more information, go to https://www.joshuaseth.com/tickets.

THE FLORIDA BALLET “DRACULA”

The Florida Ballet returns to the Florida Theatre from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 29 with Roberto Forleo’s captivating rendition of “Dracula.” Address is 128 E Forsyth St., No. 300, Jacksonville.

For information and tickets, go to https://www.floridatheatre.com/events/detail/the-florida-ballet-dracula-1.

THE FLORIDA THEATRE “NUTCRACKER!”

7-9 p.m. Nov. 13 at 28 E Forsyth St. No. 300 Jacksonville.

For information or tickets, go to https://nutcracker.com/buy-tickets/jacksonville-fl.

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

A full day of festive fun, starting with family activities and special guests from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by holiday entertainment and live music on stage from 2 to 6 p.m. The evening continues with the VIP Lounge and headliner Bold City Classics from 6 to 8 p.m., and a dazzling tree lighting and fireworks finale.

Address: St. Johns Town Center, 10300 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville.

HOLIDAY BRASS, ORGAN & PERCUSSION

Organist Greg Zelek returns to perform on the Bryan Concert Organ and will be perfectly paired with the bold brilliance of brass and percussion. From timeless carols to festive favorites, this joyful performance fills the season with music, magic and holiday cheer!

Date and time: 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 15

Address: Jacksonville Symphony, 300 Water St., Jacksonville.

Tickets: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/holiday-bop-2025

NASSAU COUNTY

Nassau County has its own unique activities and entertainment for autumn. Here are a few selections.

AMELIA ISLAND MUSEUM OF HISTORY GHOST TOUR

From 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 and Nov. 7, 14, 21, this ghost tour covers about 14 blocks, starting at the cemetery behind St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 801 Atlantic Ave.

For information or to book a tour, go to ameliamuseum.org/ghost-tour.

TERROR ON THE TIMBER FARM

From 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 24, 31; 7-9 pm. Nov. 1; and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 25, visit Northeast Florida’s ultimate haunted experience, a terrifying outdoor journey through winding wooded trails.

Address: Amelia Shotgun Sports, 86300 Hot Shot Trail, Yulee. For information and tickets, go to https://terroronthetimberfarm.com/vipterrorclub.

DOWNTOWN TRICK OR TREAT

From 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 31, kids can go trick or treating at local shops in downtown Fernandina Beach.

ANNUAL RITZ-CARLTON CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island.

The Ritz-Carlton illuminates its 40-foot Christmas tree with thousands of sparkling lights. There will be live holiday music, festive performances, fresh-baked cookies, cider, Santa’s arrival and a fireworks finale. Complimentary shuttle service will be available from Peters Point.

Donation: $25 for ages 10 and older. Free admission to children age 9 and younger. The proceeds will be donated to The Boys & Girls Club of Nassau County, The St. Marys Riverkeeper, Micah’s Place, YMCA, Take Stock in Children, Council on Aging, Children’s Miracle Network, Nassau County Sherrif’s Office and Imagine Nassau.

To book your visit, go to www.ameliaisland.com/activity/annual-ritz-carlton-christmas-tree-lighting and click “Visit Website.”

SANTA’S MAGICAL DINNER

Join Santa and for a holiday wonderland experience and receive a commemorative picture. There will be a buffet-style dinner and a delectable holiday dessert buffet. The whimsical experience is based on The Nutcracker theme.

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island.

Cost is $94 for age 10 and older, $60 for ages 4-9. Children age 3 and younger will be admitted free. To book, go to www.ameliaisland.com/activity/santas-magical-dinner-2 and click “Visit Website.”