Attend a Fall Festival at a State Park near You
Take advantage of the pleasant November temperatures and go outside. Florida’s state parks host several fall festivals.
Dudley Farm Historic State Park / Fall Harvest
November
Visitors can help harvest heirloom crops of field corn, sweet potatoes and pumpkins, while corn shucking, shelling, grinding and winnowing will be in progress.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park / Rural Folklife Days
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, November 4-6, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Florida’s rural past continues with quilting, cane grinding, syrup making, lye soap making, hand plaited cow whips and other farm traditions that remain part of family and community life. Experience rural farm traditions and taste homemade jellies at this family event. $5.00 per person (includes park admission).
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park / Fall Pioneer Day
Saturday, November 7, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Family activities will include candle-dipping, rag doll making, weaving, nature walks, campfire cooking demonstrations and more. Special talks will be given by Dr. Brian Rucker on pioneer lifestyles of 100-150 years ago and Mr. Raymon Melvin will speak about the history of the local turpentine industry. Free for participants.
Silver River State Park / Ocali Country Days
Saturday and Sunday, November 14-15, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This annual festival is one of Marion County's favorite Fall Festivals. You’ll learn about flint napping, woodworking, basket making and sugar cane syrup making. This festival is the annual fund raiser for the Silver River Museum and Educational Center. $5.00 per person; children under six free.
Ybor City Museum State Park / Cigar Heritage Festival at Ybor City
Saturday, November 21, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Visit the museum and enjoy the ambiance of Ybor City as we celebrate the rich cigar heritage that once made Tampa the 'Cigar Capital of the World.' Centennial Park, located directly in front of the museum, will host a variety of vendors, authentic food, cigar rolling, live music & entertainment throughout the day including the Cigar Dave broadcast, game zone featuring NCAA football and more. Proceeds benefit the Ybor City Museum Society. See master cigar makers Wallace and Margarita Reyes attempt to break the record for 'World's Longest Cigar.' Museum Fees: Ages 6 and up $4.00 per person. Admission includes tours of La Casita, a restored 1895 Cigar Worker’s home.
In this Edition
Park Spotlight - Washington Oaks Gardens State Park receives listing in the National Register of Historic Places
On Tuesday, October 27, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This designation encompasses the homes, gardens and groves of Louise P. and Owen D. Young and is only the second Historic District to be listed in Flagler County.
Florida Park Service Expands Benefits for Annual Pass Program
Annual Entrance Passes allow you to discover, experience and enjoy Florida's beautiful state parks for just pennies a day.
Holders of a family annual entrance pass will now be granted entrance for two individuals at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Please note; Skyway Fishing Pier State Park will continue to offer a 33 percent discount on entry fees to annual pass holders. For all other state parks, a family annual pass provides entrance for up to eight people.
Celebrate Veterans Day with Free Entrance to State Parks
In honor of our nation’s veterans and active military personnel, day-use entry will be free to all state parks on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. Pick your favorite outdoor activity – hiking, bicycling, bird watching or looking for shells on the beach – and enjoy a day at the park. Florida’s state park service supports military families and honors the sacrifices of members of the armed forces.
