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See also the Today in Food History Section for Food Holidays, and Special Food Weeks and Months

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Check previous year if event is not yet updated to current year

2025 FLORIDA - OCTOBER 2025
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
(see also: 2024  -  2022  -  2021  -  2020  -  2019  -  2018)

October 3-5, 2025
Panama City Beach Oktoberfest
Panama City, Florida
It’s that time of year! It’s time for great beer and brats in Panama City Beach!   Aaron Bessant Park in Pier Park, PCB Oktoberfest is on for two days of German and locally brewed beer, food, music and activities for kids and families.  Get ready for great German food! Pair your beer with brats, either famous or smoked, meterwurst, hot dogs (with or without sauerkraut).  Plus, nothing is better with your new and old favorite beer than giant pretzels with beer-infused cheese. Come out for good eats including other traditional Oktoberfest fare.

October 4, 2025  Central Florida Peanut Festival - Williston, Florida
First Saturday of October each year. The festival is truly everything peanuts: Arts & crafts, great food, rides for the children, petting zoo, entertainment, Little King, Queen & Baby Peanut Contest, dessert contest.

October 4, 2025  The Great Scarecrow Build-Off & Expo
Leesburg, Florida
Build your own your scarecrow to represent your family, business, school or organization.  Music during the event in the Towne Square.  All scarecrows are entered into competition for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the following categories, “City Department”, “Individual/Business” and “Downtown Businesses”, judging will occur in the afternoon.  All Scarecrows will be displayed in the Street of Historic Downtown Leesburg through the month of October!  We provide all the supplies or you can bring your own.
 

October 9-11, 2025  Annual Taste of the Beach - Pensacola, Florida
Taste of the Beach Festival is a daylong festival. Located on Casino Beach, Pensacola Beach's restaurants showcase their signature dishes, there's a team cooking challenge, a free concert, beer tasting, a frozen zone, dining and hospitality tents, souvenir cup and t-shirt sales, and much more.

October 11-12, 2025  27th Annual Greek Festival
St. Augustine, Florida
Sponsored by Holy Trinity Greek Church.  Savor the aromas and flavors of freshly prepared Greek food and Pastries!  Enjoy costumed dancers performing to the music of a live Greek band, then join in the fun!  Celebrate the Greek culture that is an integral part of St. Augustine’s history!  Come see why this is one of St.  Augustine’s largest annual community events!  A portion of the proceeds to benefit Habitat for Humanity.

October 17, 2025 - 29th Annual Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The Grand Tasting will take place from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. and highlight over 40 South Florida premier restaurants, an array of wine and spirits, assortment of craft beers and a silent auction. The Platinum experience includes early access to the Grand Tasting. All proceeds of the event benefit the Museum. For additional information please contact Hillary Wallace at 954.713.0918 or hillary.wallace@mods.net

October 18, 2025  43rd Annual Chili Cookoff - Fort Pierce, Florida
This year's theme is 'Disney’s Haunted Mansion'.  Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County.  Attendance: 10,000.

October 18-19, 2025  Annual Seafood Festival - Cedar Key, Florida
This major event features well over 200 arts and crafts exhibits, and great local seafood food in City Park. There will be live musical entertainment at several places around town during the days and nights, and a parade on Saturday morning.

October 18-21, 2025  National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Convention
Orlando, Florida
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Convention is truly an industry event providing significant, tangible value. (also: www.nfraweb.org/ )

October 21, 2025  Grapes for Grades - Dania Beach, Florida
The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce presents the Annual Grapes for Grades, benefiting the Hollywood Florida Scholarship Foundation.  Enjoy fine wines, live jazz, silent auction, and tantalizing food.

October 21-26, 2025  Baker County Fair - Macclenny, Florida
Steer Show and Sale; Youth Beef Show; Youth Dairy Show; Cross Bred Heifer Show; Poultry Show; Youth Goat Show; Swine Show and Sale; Rabbit Show; Youth Sheep Show; Horticulture; Home Arts; Pagent; Entertainment; much more.

October 22-24, 2025  HFTP Annual Convention - Orlando, Florida
Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals.  Join hospitality controllers and industry experts for two full days of club and hotel specific education, designed to help you solve professional challenges and maximize the potential of your workplace.

October 23-25, 2025  Food Industry Truck Driving Championship
Orlando, Florida
IFDA (International Foodservice Distributors Association) Truck Driving Championship.  This is the only national-level competition held for the food distribution industry. Drivers representing foodservice distributors, foodservice manufacturers with private fleets, retail/wholesale distributors, self-distributing retail supermarket companies, and other types of food companies across North America gather to compete each year.  Reward your best drivers and take your company's safety program to the next level by participating in this premier food industry championship.

October 24-25, 2025 - Coffee Fest Orlando - Orlando, Florida
Coffee Fest has been serving the specialty coffee and gourmet tea industries since 1992. Viewed by most as the best trade show in America and around the world specifically for those involved with retailing coffee, tea and related products. Coffee Fest continues to evolve and stay at the forefront of emerging trends.

October 24-26, 2025  Annual Naples Stone Crab Festival
Naples, Florida
An action-packed weekend at Tin City in Downtown Naples.  Plenty of fresh stone crab claws, live music, events of all kinds, art and a ton of fun activities.

October 24-November 2, 2025  71st Annual Florida Gateway Fair
Lake City, Florida
Florida Gateway Fairgrounds Formerly Columbia County Fairgrounds.  Exhibit Buildings, Live Stock Show and Sale; Entertainment and Attractions; much more.

October 25, 2025  20th Annual Central Florida Veg Fest
Orlando, Florida
We know how much you love Central Florida Veg Fest, so this year we’ve created a safer format for our community. If you attend, you must wear a mask and maintain social distancing.  Vegetarians of Central Florida is hosting two days of mini fests at three locations across town. Join us for delicious food, local vendors, along with safe activities and entertainment at each location! This event is free, kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and smoke-free. Masks are mandatory.  See Website for full details.

October 29-November 2, 2025  Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The largest in-water presence of boats and marine exhibits in the world.

October 30-November 1, 2025  FWA 57th Annual Convention
Charlotte Harbor, Florida
Florida Watermelon Association.

October 30-Nov 9, 2025  Hillsborough County Fair - Dover, Florida
Antique Tractor, Engine and Equipment Show - Livestock Shows - Swine Sale - Talent Showcase - Kids Cooking Contest, Arts & Crafts - Hay Bale Decorating - Horse Show - Horticulture Competition - Recycled Yard Art - Western Wear Contest - Cow Whip Contest - Entertainment - Much More.

October 31-November 1, 2025  62nd Annual Florida Seafood Festival
Apalachicola, Florida
Florida's oldest Maritime Event. The festival features delicious seafood, arts and crafts exhibits, seafood related events, and musical entertainment. Some of the notable events include oyster eating and oyster shucking contest, blue crab races, cooking contest, parade, 5k Redfish Run and The Blessing of the Fleet.
 

2024 FLORIDA - OCTOBER 2024
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events waiting for new dates

October 18-20, 2024  33rd Annual Greek Festival
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Greek food & pastries, dancers & music, silent auction, craft booths.
 

2022 FLORIDA - OCTOBER 2022
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events waiting for new dates

October -, 2022 - Datil Pepper Fall Festival - St. Augustine, Florida
EVENT POSTPONED INDEFINITELY.  UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County Agricultural Center.  FREE.  This annual  event celebrates the spicy little Datil Pepper.   There’ll be a variety of vendors, inside and out, showcasing their unique items for sale as well as rain barrels for sale, the popular Master Gardener plant sale, and a food court.  The Datil Pepper Restaurant Cook-off is on Saturday from 11:00am-1:00pm.  Local chefs will be offering their Datil inspired cuisine.  Purchase tickets for $1 each, then sample the dishes and vote for your favorite in each category (appetizer and entree).

October 14-16, 2022  Annual Rhythm and Ribs Festival
St. Augustine, Florida
The annual festival features award-winning barbecue, great live music and children's activities. Sponsored by the St. Augustine Sunrise Rotary, the event benefits local and international charities.  Attendance: 20,000.
 

2021 FLORIDA - OCTOBER 2021
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events waiting for new dates

October 21, 2021  St. Augustine Mystery Wine & Dine
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association (SAiRA).  Enjoy a Five-Course Tasting Menu with Wine Pairings at a Participating SAiRA Restaurant.  Reserve Your Table Online and Choose a Restaurant Based on Your Group Size.  $150 Per Person (Limited Availability).  All Proceeds Benefit THE PLAYERS Championship Boys & Girls Club in St. Augustine.
 

2020 FLORIDA - OCTOBER 2020
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events waiting for new dates

October 9-11, 2020 - BBQ and Blues Festival - Clermont, Florida
Get ready for a major Clash of the BBQ Titans! We've invited five of the nation’s top BBQ Rib Competitors from all around the country to compete in an epic battle for the top spot as the Lakeridge Winery "Rib King". While you’re feasting on delicious BBQ you can enjoy LIVE music on our outdoor stage with some of the area’s top Blues Bands, plus some great solo acts inside at our Our Wine & Cheese Bar. We'll have a large assortment of Arts & Craft vendors set up offering a wide variety of art and hand crafted items. As always you'll be able to enjoy your favorite Lakeridge wines, cold beer, ice cream, and a variety of other tasty treats.

October 16-18, 2020  San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival & Run
San Antonio, Florida - EVENT CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS.
Thomas Promise Foundation welcomes you to the Annual Rattlesnake Festival in Pasco County Fairgrounds in Central Florida. Food, arts & crafts, live music, wildlife, children’s games, and local history are highlighted each year. Family fun and entertainment are a main focus of the event.

October 22-25, 2020
Cooters 27th Annual Crab Fest
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Celebrate the opening of Stone Crab Season! Features fresh Florida Stone Crab, Snow Crab, King Crab, Dungeness Crab and more at reduced prices. Huge party under the big tent with live music and drink specials.

October 23-25, 2020
Fort Myers Oktoberfest
Fort Myers, Florida
Stuff yourself with smoked sausages, roasted meats, sauerkraut, cabbage, and pretzels while enjoying authentic German music and dancers. Also enjoy live music performances by local and regional musicians in rock, soul, funk, R&B, blues, samba and more!

October 27-29, 2020
Foodservice Distribution
Solutions Conference
Tampa, Florida - CHANGED TO A VIRTUAL CONFERENCE FOR 2020.
International Foodservice Distributors Association.  At this industry-wide conference, you will hear best practices from other distributors, visit top vendors to discuss the latest solutions, and meet peers to build a network of professional contacts who share the same challenges you do. You get face-to-face contact with hundreds of companies, meet leaders from across the industry, and find solutions that make your company more competitive.
 

2019 FLORIDA - OCTOBER 2019
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events waiting for new dates

October 5, 2019  31st Annual Central Florida Peanut Festival
Williston, Florida
First Saturday of October each year. The festival is truly everything peanuts: Arts & crafts, great food, rides for the children, petting zoo, entertainment, Little King, Queen & Baby Peanut Contest, dessert contest.

October 7-13, 2019  St. Augustine Restaurant Week
St. Augustine, Florida
Take a Tour of St. Augustine’s Independently Owned Restaurants.  Dine at 5 Participating Restaurants During the Week & Get $25 Off at a 6th SAiRA Member Restaurant!  $20 Lunch Experience - $35 Dinner Experience.

October 12, 2019 - 16th Annual Taste of Tamarac - Tamarac, Florida
Open to the public, this event brings in restaurants from Tamarac and the surrounding communities, allowing for attendees to get a great taste of our community.  From Mexican to Chinese to Jamaican and so much more, Taste of Tamarac allows local restaurants and businesses to expand their professional network and showcase their tasty food and products. 1,000+ people will attend this event for delicious tastings, cooking demos, chef participation, giveaways, kids’ corner, and more!

October 14-16, 2019 - DiRoNA Week 2019 - Tampa, Florida
The Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) is excited to welcome you to join fellow restaurateurs, chefs, and our partners for three days showcasing the best Tampa has to offer. DiRoNA Week includes exciting excursions and networking along with culinary experiences at some of Tampa’s finest DiRoNA Awarded restaurants including Armani’s.  Tampa’s rich history will be highlighted with a cigar factory and brewery tours in Ybor City, while the city’s transformed downtown waterfront will be enjoyed by riverboat and at the all-new Armature Works where attendees will compete as teams in a culinary contest.  Three exciting days will conclude with a gala dinner at the World Famous Columbia Restaurant which will feature DiRoNA’s annual presentations followed by a captivating performance by the Columbia Restaurant Dance Troupe!

October 19, 2019  Bubbles and Bow Ties - Orlando, Florida
The inaugural Bubbles and Bow Ties charity fundraiser benefits The Adam Michael Rosen Foundation and its fight against brain cancer. The Halloween-themed event celebrates Adam’s love of bow ties, and features his favorite foods, drinks and music. Costumes without masks are encouraged. In addition to individual tickets, a private table is available for a party of four, seated at a reserved cocktail table. The VIP Lounge includes tickets for eight in a reserved lounge-style soft seating area, dedicated cocktail service and a champagne magnum bottle.  COST: $125 individual ticket.

October 19-20, 2019 - St. Pete Beach Oktoberfest
St. Pete Beach, Florida
Fall means it's time for Oktoberfest!  Wherever it is celebrated, there are common ingredients: lively music, mouthwatering food, and big, BIG pints of beer. You will be able to stuff yourself silly with smoked sausages, roasted meats, sauerkraut, cabbage, and pretzels while enjoying authentic German music and dancers.

October 26, 2019  St. Marks Stone Crab Festival - St. Marks, Florida
We know fall has arrived when our fishermen start hauling in the Stone Crabs. It is a celebration of the stone crab season opening in October.

October 26-27, 2019  Gables Hispanic Cultural Festival
Coral Gables, Florida
The Annual Coral Gables Hispanic Cultural Festival celebrates with local and international artists, musicians, businesses and designers to promote their work and showcase the diverse and unique flavors that the Hispanic community and all cultures from around the world bring to Coral Gables and the South Florida region.
 

2018 FLORIDA - OCTOBER 2018
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events waiting for new dates

October 1-2, 2018 - USA Pavilion at Americas Food & Beverage Show
Miami, Florida
This event, unparalleled in the Western Hemisphere, brings buyers, suppliers and industry experts together in a high-energy environment. As an exhibitor in the USA Pavilion, you’ll meet qualified buyers from the Americas and the Caribbean.

October 13-14, 2018 - Annual Marine Flea Market and Seafood Festival
Vero Beach, Florida
Over 200 marine-themed vendors will be offering a variety of items for your every fishing and boating needs.  Musical entertainment and food vendors will be on hand throughout the weekend providing guests with items such as lobster rolls, clams, oysters and more.

October 16, 2018  Fine Food & Wine Celebration
Pompano Beach, Florida
Enjoy a selection of delectable treats and eats from Pompano Beach's finest restaurants tastefully paired with over 200 fine wines & spirits plus locally crafted brews and rums.

October 19-21, 2018  Annual Boggy Bayou Mullet Fest
Niceville, Florida
This annual event promises a great time for the entire family with entertainment, the highest quality fine art and home hand-crafts and a staggering array of food concessions!

October 26, 2018 - Homestead Harvest at Whisper Creek Farm
Grande Lakes, Orlando, Florida
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is hosting its second annual Homestead Harvest event at Grande Lakes’ own Whisper Creek Farm.  The charity culinary event, supporting local sustainable agriculture programs Fleet Farming and Free Mulch Incorporated by Frog Song Organics, will feature a lineup of Florida's most celebrated chefs-- from Iron Chef participant Todd Richards to James Beard Award-winning Norman Van Aken.  This event is a collaborative effort to bring awareness to Fleet Farming and Song Frog Organics’ Free Mulch program and their joint missions to shift how Orlando eats.