8 Autumn Food Festivals in Florida

When autumn rolls into Florida, the festival season bursts alive. I love how each region brings its own flavor to the table, whether that means fresh-off-the-boat seafood or creative cook-offs that get the whole community involved.

Let me show you a guide to eight of the most memorable food festivals across the Sunshine State this fall, each one is worth a visit, and each will give you a taste of Florida that you’ll remember long after the last bite.

1. Tupelo Honey Festival (Wewahitchka, Big Bend Region)

Every October, the sleepy town of Wewahitchka, nicknamed “Wewa” by locals, comes alive with the golden glow of one of Florida’s most treasured products: tupelo honey. Harvested from the rare white tupelo tree blossoms that bloom along the Apalachicola and Chipola rivers, this honey has a delicate, buttery sweetness that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world.

The festival at Lake Alice Park is a full-on community gathering where local beekeepers proudly sell jars of pure tupelo, often sharing stories about the craft of tending hives on the river swamps. But the festival is more than honey.

Food vendors serve up everything from biscuits drizzled with fresh tupelo to barbecue glazed with honey-based sauces. Local artisans set up booths with crafts and folk art, while live music drifts through the mossy oaks. Families spread out picnic blankets, kids chase each other near the lake, and visitors leave with sticky fingers and sweet memories.

2. Pensacola Seafood Festival

There’s a certain excitement in Pensacola when the seafood festival arrives each September. Rows of white tents line the streets, each offering a taste of the Gulf, from oysters on the half shell to classic fried shrimp baskets. The air smells briny and inviting, and locals say it’s the best place to sample the region’s freshest catches.

I noticed how the festival brings together families and friends, who wander between food stalls and browse handmade crafts. Musicians set up in the shade, their sets ranging from folk to rock, providing a relaxed soundtrack for your stroll. Children dart between booths, waving balloon animals and grinning after a day of treats.

What I enjoy most here is the blend of food and community. It’s not just about what’s on the plate, though that’s reason enough to visit, but about the conversations and connections that happen in line. For visitors, it’s a snapshot of Pensacola’s welcoming spirit and coastal heritage.

3. Taste of Lakeland

Taste of Lakeland feels like a neighborhood block party with extra flair. Food trucks and local vendors create a patchwork of flavors, from barbecue and tacos to gourmet cupcakes. I’m always impressed by how many small businesses show up, each one eager to introduce you to something new.

The event draws a crowd, but never feels overwhelming. There are plenty of places to sit and chat, and the live music sets an upbeat tone without overpowering conversation. Kids gravitate toward games or face painting, giving parents a moment to enjoy a leisurely bite.

A highlight for me is the sense of discovery. You might stumble upon a new favorite sauce or chat with a local chef about their latest creation. In a season packed with big festivals, Taste of Lakeland holds its own as a relaxed, welcoming way to sample what the city’s food scene has to offer.

4. Central Florida Veg Fest (Orlando)

Orlando’s Central Florida Veg Fest proves that plant-based cuisine can stand as the star of the show. Each October, the festival transforms a downtown park into a celebration of vegan eats, from jackfruit tacos to decadent dairy-free desserts. Crowds gather around cooking demos, eager to learn tips from local chefs.

One thing I always notice: the diversity. Attendees range from lifelong vegans to the simply curious. Yoga classes and workshops add a wellness focus, and the energy feels supportive rather than preachy.

It’s not just about the food. There’s art, live music, and plenty of eco-friendly products to browse. If you’re looking for an open, welcoming introduction to the plant-based world, or just want to try something new, this festival offers a generous helping of both flavor and community.

5. 56th Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival

Cedar Key comes alive in October for its annual seafood festival, and you can feel the town’s pride in every booth. This small Gulf community, known for its clam and oyster harvests, puts the spotlight on fresh, local ingredients. I love watching chefs serve chowder by the waterfront or fry up fish with recipes passed down through generations.

Artisans set up alongside the food vendors, selling everything from seashell jewelry to watercolor paintings. There’s a rhythm to the day: people stroll, sample, and stop to listen to live music, all set against the backdrop of bobbing boats and gentle waves.

For me, this festival stands out because of its sense of place. The seafood is as fresh as it gets, and the laid-back pace invites you to linger. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best celebrations happen in the smallest towns, where everyone feels like a local for the day.

6. 15th Annual Stone Crab Festival (Naples)

Naples knows how to mark the start of stone crab season in style. Each October, the city’s waterfront fills with seafood lovers eager to taste the first claws of the year. Restaurants and pop-up stands compete to serve the sweetest, most perfectly chilled crab.

The festival is a full sensory experience: crack of shell, tang of mustard sauce, sea breeze in your hair. Live bands keep things lively, and it’s easy to find a spot by the water to savor your meal. Even with the crowds, there’s a relaxed, celebratory feel, everyone seems to be in a good mood.

For visitors, this event is more than just food. There’s art to browse, local history to soak in, and a sense of tradition that brings the community together. Naples’ Stone Crab Festival is a great excuse to slow down and enjoy a coastal Florida weekend.

7. Florida Seafood Festival (Apalachicola)

Florida’s oldest seafood festival, set in the heart of Apalachicola, feels like a rite of passage for many locals. Every November, thousands gather in Battery Park to watch oyster shucking contests, cheer on blue crab races, and sample an impressive range of Gulf Coast seafood. The town’s history is woven into the festivities, with a parade that draws in everyone from school kids to seasoned fishermen.

I’m always drawn to the friendly competition and the pride locals take in their culinary traditions. Boiled shrimp, fried oysters, and crab cakes fill the air with an irresistible scent, while live music and games keep the energy upbeat. There’s something for everyone, from foodies to families looking for a memorable outing.

What sticks with me most is the sense of camaraderie. For a weekend, Apalachicola feels like one big table, welcoming folks from near and far for a genuine taste of the Gulf.

8. Tallahassee Wine and Food Festival

If you want to experience Tallahassee at its most sophisticated, the Wine and Food Festival is the perfect occasion. Held over two days in November, it features wine tastings, chef-driven dinners, and culinary auctions that benefit charity. The chance to mingle with chefs and sommeliers makes each event feel personalized and special.

What I remember most is the genuine enthusiasm among guests. People swap tasting notes or discuss their favorite vintages, and it all feels accessible, no wine snobbery here. The atmosphere is upscale but never stuffy, thanks to the friendly, community-minded approach.

It’s also a celebration with purpose. Proceeds support the March of Dimes, lending the event a sense of meaning beyond the food and wine. Whether you come for the gourmet pairings, the company, or the cause, this festival leaves you feeling like you’ve truly savored Tallahassee’s best.