Dunedin’s 54th Fall Festival Brings Four Days of Rides, Music and Family Fun |
Our Lady of Lourdes hosts the free-admission tradition Oct. 15-18 with carnival rides, live bands, games and a free shuttle |
One of Dunedin’s longest-running family traditions returns next week with four days of carnival rides, games, live music and school-community fundraising.
The 54th Annual Our Lady of Lourdes Fall Festival runs Thursday, October 15, through Sunday, October 18, at 750 San Salvador Drive in Dunedin.
Admission and parking are free, while rides, games, food and drinks are sold separately.
The festival opens Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., continues Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., runs all day Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and closes Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The biggest attraction for families is the midway.
Organizers say the festival includes dozens of rides for different age groups, with a dedicated kiddie-ride area for younger children and traditional game booths where visitors can win prizes.
For parents trying to plan around smaller children, the daytime Saturday and Sunday hours may be easier than the busier evening sessions.
For older kids and teenagers, Friday and Saturday nights are when the festival feels most like a classic fall carnival.
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 Family carnival at night — Photo by Tamara Badran on Unsplash |
Live music is another major part of the weekend.
Thursday features The Shakes Society, while Friday brings The Caribbean Cowboys, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, followed by Pirate Flag, a Kenny Chesney tribute.
Saturday’s schedule includes The Black Velvet Band, Red Ruckus and a late-night set from The Spazmatics.
Sunday closes with The Bearded Brothers Band from noon to 4 p.m.
Sports fans also get their own corner of the festival.
College football watch parties are planned on Saturday, with NFL games on Sunday in the festival’s End Zone and Craft Beer Tent areas.
That gives families a way to split up for an hour or two without leaving the festival grounds.
Parking is free, but the school and parish grounds can get crowded during peak evening hours.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, organizers are offering a free Jolly Trolley shuttle between the festival and Dunedin High School parking.
That can be a useful option for anyone who would rather avoid circling nearby streets looking for a spot.
A few rules are worth knowing before heading over.
Pets are not allowed, and visitors cannot bring coolers or outside food and drinks onto the festival grounds.
The event is more than a neighborhood carnival.
Proceeds benefit Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, helping fund programs, classroom technology and tuition support.
Organizers say the 2025 festival raised $241,000 for the school, the highest total in the event’s history.
That fundraising record helps explain why the festival has lasted more than five decades.
It is built around volunteers, sponsors and generations of families who treat the weekend as an annual Dunedin tradition.
For local families looking for a classic carnival without an admission charge, this is one of the easiest events to put on next weekend’s calendar. |
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Hope they have the funnel cake again. That’s my main reason for going, lol.
Parking gets crazy busy right after dinner time, so plan ahead. Could use a shuttle service honestly.
I’d recommend going early Sunday if you want the shortest lines. Saturday night is packed!
Thanks for the rundown. Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of which day is what, good to have the schedule.
Used to take my grandkids every October. Miss those days! Everyone enjoy.
Love the sense of community around this festival. Small town feel, just how Dunedin should be.
Does anyone know if the weather will hold out this year? Got rained out last time we tried to go.
I’ve volunteered at the lemonade booth the last 2 years. It’s a blast! Come say hi if you’re there.
Is there live music every night or just on Saturday? Hoping to catch some local bands.
Really appreciate the free admission part, especially with everything getting so expensive.
Wish they’d add more stuff for teenagers. My son is over the kiddie rides now.
Always felt so safe bringing my kids here, unlike some bigger fairs. Looking forward to Thursday.
Food and drink prices last year were a bit high, just a heads up. Still a fun outing though.
Love this tradition. We used to walk from our house when I was a kid. Happy to see it’s still going.
We’ve gone the last three years. It does get VERY crowded Saturday night, so parents of little ones, go midday!
Does anyone know if there’s a wristband option for unlimited rides? That makes a big difference with two kids.
Glad to see parking is free. We might actually check it out this time. My daughter is obsessed with those rides.
54 years, wow! My kids love this one. We always end up with too many stuffed animals but great memories.