USF Fall Plant Festival 2026 returns to the USF Botanical Gardens on October 10 and 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

More than 50 plant, food and artisan vendors are expected, with offerings ranging from native plants and orchids to succulents, tropical varieties, herbs, fruit plants and specialty collections.

Visitors can also find food trucks, family-friendly activities and direct access to growers who can help match plants to Tampa Bay conditions.

Members receive early access at 8:30 a.m., pets are welcome on leashes, and a plant pick-up area is available near the admission tents.

One useful planning note: the BullRunner shuttle will not operate during the festival, so visitors should arrange another way to reach the gardens.

Tampa Theatre will open the doors of its newly restored Historic Duncan Auditorium to the public on Sunday, October 11, from 1 to 5 p.m.

The free open house comes just four days before the landmark's 100th birthday and gives visitors a first look at months of preservation work.

Staff will lead mini-tours from the lobby, volunteers will answer questions throughout the building, and guests can use a new Digital Guide featuring historic photos and stories from the theatre's first century.

At 3 p.m., retired CEO John Bell will join current CEO George Levesque for an onstage conversation about the restoration.

The event offers a rare no-ticket opportunity to see the restored movie palace before centennial film screenings and the sold-out October 15 birthday celebration.

St. Pete Fall Festival 2026 brings a full weekend of fall activities to Spa Beach at the St. Pete Pier on October 10 and 11.

The free festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days with live entertainment, food and craft vendors, a Kids Zone, bounce activities, a large pumpkin patch and a 6 p.m. Kids Rave.

Families can also add Putt the Pier: Fall Pumpkin Edition, with weekend mini-golf tickets available separately.

The pumpkin patch is free to enter and remains open beyond festival weekend through October 25.

Visitors driving on Saturday may want to arrive early, because the Pier lists the afternoon as one of its busiest parking periods and recommends nearby overflow parking when on-site lots fill.

Taste of the Beaches 2026 is underway across Pinellas County, giving locals and visitors a chance to sample $10 food and drink specials at 51 participating restaurants through October 11.

The self-guided format lets diners build their own route from Clearwater Beach to Tierra Verde, with stops in communities including St. Pete Beach and Indian Rocks Beach.

Featured tastes range from seafood and tacos to burgers, cocktails, and creative small plates, making it easy to turn the event into a casual lunch, happy hour, or evening food crawl.

Restaurant hours vary, so checking each stop before heading out is important.

A portion of this year's proceeds benefits Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, adding a community-service angle to an event designed to support local beach businesses during a slower time of year.

Just minutes from downtown Tampa, a family-run farm offers a beloved escape packed with animal encounters, pony rides, and rustic charm.

Children can meet goats, sheep, rabbits, and donkeys in the safe petting area, while caring staff ensure both kids and animals are comfortable and content.

Adventurous youngsters love the pony rides, which spark joyful memories—and sometimes, a lifelong love for horses.

Playgrounds, a whimsical western town, and shady retreats let families linger together outdoors.

Weekend festivals draw crowds for seasonal crafts, hayrides, and festive snacks, making the farm a favorite for birthdays, school visits, and sunny afternoons.

Locals cherish the farm’s welcoming spirit and thoughtful safety rules, from required sturdy shoes to strict guidelines on outside animals.

Through its dedication to wholesome, inclusive fun, this Tampa Bay gem remains a treasured destination for all ages.