Polk Top 10 - Haven October 2026
FIRST FRIDAY CONCERT SERIES
Oct. 2 in Downtown Winter Haven. First Friday in Winter Haven just got louder with a monthly concert series on Central Ave between 3rd and 4th St. The street will be closed, the stage will be up, and Ripperduski will play live from 6 - 9! Bring a chair, grab a bite and a drink from a restaurant nearby (open container during FF), and enjoy! FB @whfirstfriday.
RAINBOW ROOTS
Oct. 4, noon at Lake Mirror Auditorium in Lakeland. Hosted by the Rose Dynasty Foundation, the Rainbow Roots Festival is a safe and inclusive space that uplifts LGBTQ+ voices through history, art, music, local vendors, and more. More info on FB @rosedynastyfoundation.
ROOTSTOCK
Oct. 3, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Shop from the top plant vendors, take a hayride through the Pine Ridge Reserve, and enjoy live music throughout the day. October marks the start of the Florida gardening season, and there is no better way to celebrate than a day in the Gardens. boktowergardens.org
WILLY WONKA
Oct. 8 – Nov. 1 at Theatre Winter Haven. Step into a world of pure imagination with Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka.” This scrumptious musical adventure follows young Charlie Bucket hoping to find a coveted Golden Ticket. theatrewinterhaven.com
OKTOBERFEST
Oct. 9, 6 – 9 p.m. at Central Park in Winter Haven. This is Main Street Winter Haven’s 19th annual celebration! They will have over 30 beers to sample, German food, live polka & classic music, and the famous wiener dog race! For more info or to register your wiener dog for the race, visit mainstreetwinterhaven.com.
POLK STATE FALLFEST
Oct. 10, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Polk State Winter Haven. For nearly four decades, FallFest has provided local families with a fun-filled Saturday. The event is free and open to the public. FallFest features more than 100 booths from local vendors, businesses, and college clubs. polk.edu
WICKED WINE WALK
Oct. 16, 5 p.m. in Downtown Lake Wales. Come dressed to impress for the adult costume contest, take on the Haunted Scavenger Hunt, and enjoy plenty of wicked surprises along the way. Your ticket includes wine tastings, appetizers, a commemorative Wicked shot glass & swag bag, and a dance party! centralfloridatix.com
BIENVENIDO A BSP
Oct. 10, 3 – 9 p.m. at Bonnet Springs Park. Celebrate the flavors, colors, and rhythms of Hispanic and Latino cultures with live bands, an artisan market, a live DJ, food trucks, and so much more! Admission is free, and open to all ages. Find the schedule and pre-purchase parking at bonnetspringspark.com.
THE LONESOME COWBOY STRANGERS
Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m. at The Ritz. Dwight Icenhower presents this tribute to the golden era of country music, celebrating the authentic honky-tonk sound. Hear songs by George Jones, Buck Owens, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Faron Young, and Johnny Paycheck. theatrewinterhaven.com
ZOMBIE TAKEOVER!
Oct. 30, 6 p.m. Dress like a zombie and takeover Bowen Yard! Instead of eating brains, choose from delicious food specials, themed cocktails, and mocktails! Bully for You will play all night. Participate in the Zombie Walkoff and costume contest! All ages, but it might be scary for some. FB @bowenyardwh
