Northeast Florida Fall Guide 2026: Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes & Festivals

It's Officially Corn Maze Season in Northeast Florida

If you've noticed pumpkins showing up at farm stands and a corn maze getting mowed into a field off County Road 207, you're not imagining it. Fall in Northeast Florida doesn't come with changing leaves, but this Northeast Florida fall festivals 2026 lineup comes with a very specific list of things to do. Here's what's actually open, confirmed, and worth putting on the calendar for October, before your group chat fills up with "wait, is that still happening?"

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes You Can Actually Visit

Sykes Family Farms — Elkton 

The crop maze at Sykes Family Farms runs October 3 through November 1, with a 9-acre corn maze plus hayrides, axe throwing, and bounce pads included in general admission. U-pick sunflowers, pumpkins, food, and merchandise are separate.

• Hours: Fridays 6–10 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry one hour before close)

• Admission: $16.99 general (ages 3+, under 2 free); $14.99 military/senior with ID; group rate $15/person for 20+

• Location: 5995 Brough Rd, Elkton — roughly 15–20 minutes south of downtown St. Augustine

• Details: sycofarms.com

Congaree and Penn — Jacksonville 

This one's a bit farther north (11830 Old Kings Rd, Jacksonville), but it's a regular stop for St. Johns County families anyway. The pumpkin patch opened September 24 and runs through November 1. Farm passes are required for everyone age 2 and up to access the patch beyond the dining area, and pumpkins run $12 each.

• Hours: Thursday–Friday 3 p.m.–dusk, Saturday–Sunday 11 a.m.–dusk

• Note: Farm passes are sold on arrival, not in advance, and outside food isn't permitted

• Details: congareeandpenn.com/pumpkins

Two Festival Weekends Back to Back

Croctoberfest: Brew at the Zoo — St. Augustine Alligator Farm 

A 21-and-up conservation fundraiser with breweries, restaurants, and live music spread across the zoo grounds after hours.

• When: Saturday, October 3, 6–9 p.m.

• Where: 999 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine

• Good to know: No children, including infants, are permitted at this one. Proceeds go toward mugger crocodile conservation research.

• Details: alligatorfarm.com

St. Augustine Greek Festival 

This is the one people plan their whole weekend around — Greek food, pastries, music, and dancing at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

• When: Saturday, October 10, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, October 11, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Where: 2940 County Road 214, St. Augustine

• Parking: Free with shuttle from R.J. Murray Middle School, or limited $20 premium parking on-site

• Details: staugustinegreekfestival.com

The Free One Worth Building a Weekend Around

NAS Jacksonville Air Show 

The Blue Angels are headlining, admission and parking are free, and it's a genuinely big deal for a family day out — just plan for crowds and cash-only vendors.

• When: October 17–18; gates open 9 a.m., flying starts 11 a.m., Blue Angels at 2:30 p.m.

• Where: Naval Air Station Jacksonville

• Also includes: Aircraft displays, food booths, and a Kids Zone with inflatables and STEM activities

• Details: nasjaxairshow.com

Don't Forget the Nocatee Farmers Market

If you're in the Ponte Vedra/Nocatee area and don't want to drive far, the Nocatee Farmers Market runs every third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nocatee Station Field (400 Nocatee Center Way). Based on that schedule, the next one falls on October 17 — the same weekend as the air show, so it's an easy way to start the day local before heading out for the bigger event. Confirm the theme and vendor list closer to the date at nocatee.com/events.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

None of these events are run by the same organization, so hours, pricing, and even whether an event is happening at all can change on short notice — especially with Florida's fall weather. Before you load up the car, it's worth a quick check of the official page linked above the morning of, particularly for anything outdoors.

Bottom Line: Northeast Florida's Fall Festivals for 2026

Northeast Florida's fall lineup this year runs from a 9-acre corn maze in Elkton to Blue Angels over NAS Jax, with a Greek festival and a 21-and-up zoo party in between. The farms have the longest shelf life — both run into November — so if you only pick one thing off this list, a pumpkin patch weekend is the safest bet to actually pull off.

Know of a local event that should be on next month's list? I'm always collecting the ones that are worth the drive — feel free to send it my way.