Polk Top 10 - Haven October 2025

OKTOBERFEST

Oct. 10, 6 – 9 p.m. at Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven. Over 30 German, American, and Craft beers will be available. Buy a tasting ticket and sample as many of the beers as you’d like! German food is available for purchase. Presented by Main Street Winter Haven. centralfloridatix.com

PIONEER DAYS

Oct. 25 & 26, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales. A family-friendly weekend filled with historical demonstrations, artisan craft markets, live entertainment, pumpkin patch kids’ activities, traditional festival foods, and a celebration of local legends with the Pioneer of the Year award. lakewaleshistory.org/pioneerdays

RUN FOR THE BOOLIES

Oct. 4, 6 p.m. at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. Run, walk, zombie crawl, or Thriller dance over the finish line and help support the Polk County Bully Project. Bring your dog for the costume contest right before the race! This is a family-fun event. More info on FB @polkcountybullyproject

CENTRAL FL FOOD FEST

Oct. 18, 5 – 9 p.m. at Bonnet Springs Park. Indulge in food offerings from local restaurants, specialty beverages, live music, and an artisanal maker’s market! Every bite and sip you enjoy helps support the programs, events, and sustainability of Bonnet Springs. Ages 21+ only. centralfloridafoodfest.com

LOVE QUEST

Oct. 1 – 26 at Theatre Winter Haven, starring Linda Purl & Patrick Duffy! Two women meet after a bad date goes awry and become friends and allies in this strange new dating world. Each has started with different goals, and they both find something they didn’t expect. theatrewinterhaven.com

PACA HALL OF FAME GALA

Oct. 14, 6 p.m. at the Bartow Civic Center. The Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame Gala and Awards Ceremony features live music, an art exhibit, catered dinner, and an awards ceremony highlighted by the induction of the Class of 2025 into the Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame. centralfloridatix.com

FALLFEST

Oct. 11, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Polk State. Featuring more than 100 local vendors, businesses, and College clubs. Plus family-friendly games, haunted houses, and presentations from local law enforcement and EMS. The Chain O’ Lakes Big Band, Polk State Jazz Ensemble, student dance teams, and choirs will perform. polk.edu/fallfest

HALLOWEEN SKI SHOW

Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m. at Lake Silver in Winter Haven. Watch the spooktacular Cypress Gardens Ski Team perform a free familyfriendly Halloween show! Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Concessions available for purchase, bring cash for the 50/50 raffle. cypressgardensskiteam.com

RAINBOW ROOTS

Oct. 12, noon – 6 p.m. at the Lake Mirror Auditorium in Lakeland. Join the Rose Dynasty Foundation for a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of community, queer history, creativity, and arts! This is a safe and inclusive space that uplifts LGBTQ+ voices through history, art, music, local vendors, and more! rosedynastyfoundationinc.org

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

Oct. 31, 6 p.m. at Grove Roots Brewing. The brewery will be crawling with ghosts, goblins, ghouls & witches! Expect food trucks, new beer releases, and fun vendors, plus a creepy graveyard, killer costumes, and a Halloween Dance Party. FB @groverootsbrewing