Fall Into Fun: Third Annual Pumpkins & Palm Trees Fall Fest

From Friday, October 20th, 2023 to Sunday, October 22nd, 2023, Fort Lauderdale Beach will transform into a fall wonderland, giving locals and visitors alike a chance to revel in the season's spirit while basking in the warm Florida sun. The best part? It's a free, family-friendly event that brings the entire community together.

The festival promises a festive atmosphere with a plethora of local vendors, live music, and exciting activities for all ages. You can navigate your way through an inflatable corn maze, let your creativity flow at the Children's Arts & Crafts CORNer, and enjoy a range of other delightful offerings that celebrate the arrival of fall, South Florida-style.

The main attraction of the Pumpkins & Palm Trees Fall Fest is, of course, the pumpkins. This year, The LOOP has partnered with Mr. Jack O' Lantern's to create a pumpkin wonderland that will surely enchant visitors of all ages. You can stroll through a new 7-foot-tall walkthrough Pumpkin House and explore an expanded Pumpkin Patch. Whether you're looking for mini pumpkins to decorate your space or large ones to carve into spooky masterpieces, they've got it all, with prices ranging from 3 for $6 to $16 for medicine ball-sized pumpkins.

For those eager to get creative, pumpkin decorating kits are available for pre-order online. You can choose from classic orange pumpkins, all-white ones, or striped "cantaloupe" pumpkins, and pair them with a premium foam decorating kit featuring options like mermaids, sharks, or marine life designs. You'll leave with a unique, Instagram-worthy creation.

Besides pumpkins, you'll find an array of seasonal décor for purchase, including potted mums, cornstalks, scarecrows, and Indian corn bundles, allowing you to deck out your home with all the colors and symbols of fall.

The Search for the Best Pie

In Pie We Crust! The festival doesn't just celebrate pumpkins; it's also a quest to find the Best Pie in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Professional and amateur bakers, along with Broward County Public Schools' culinary programs, are invited to showcase their pie-making prowess in the Third Annual "Best Pie in Greater Fort Lauderdale" Competition, taking place on Sunday, October 22nd, 2023. A panel of esteemed judges, including local foodies and culinary experts, will determine the winners in categories like sweet, savory, and creative pie presentation. It's a delicious showdown you won't want to miss.

A Weekend Packed with Activities

The Pumpkins & Palm Trees Fall Fest offers an impressive lineup of activities throughout the weekend. Here's a snapshot of what to expect:

Movies by Moonlight on Friday, October 20th, 2023 - 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head to Las Olas Oceanside Park for a special Halloween edition of Movies by Moonlight. The featured film, "Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo," promises a spooky and entertaining evening under the stars. Plus, you can shop at the people and pets marketplace and enjoy delicious bites at The LOOP's Food Court.

Happy HOWL-O-Ween at The MKT on Saturday, October 21st, 2023 - 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Saturday brings a pet-friendly twist to the festivities at The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Sip, shop, and stroll through a diverse selection of local food vendors, artisans, and makers. Enjoy breathtaking beach views and the ocean breeze while you explore fresh produce, handmade items, and global flavors. For pet lovers, there's an agility course, Bobbing For Tennis Balls, Pet Vendors, and even Dog-Friendly Yoga. Don't forget to capture the moment at the Fall and Halloween-themed photo stations and visit Mr. Jack O' Lantern's Pumpkin Patch for all your pumpkin and fall décor needs.

Third Annual Pumpkins & Palm Trees Fall Fest on Sunday, October 22nd, 2023 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: The grand finale of the festival on Sunday promises even more excitement. Get your taste buds ready for the "Best Pie in Greater Fort Lauderdale" Competition in the morning, followed by a full day of shopping, strolling, and fall-themed fun. The little ones can enjoy the Children's Arts & Crafts CORNer, explore a massive inflatable corn maze, and participate in the Trick or Treat Trail with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Plus, there will be live music throughout the day, featuring the Joey Calderaio Band, a rising Reggae Star from South Florida.

Where and How to Join the Fun

All these exciting events will take place at Las Olas Oceanside Park, specifically at 3000 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316. The Las Olas Beach Parking Garage is the most convenient place to park, with the option to pay using the PayByPhone App and extend your parking from anywhere.

The festival is FREE and open to the public, making it accessible to everyone. Pumpkins will be available for purchase on both Saturday and Sunday, and you can pre-order pumpkin decorating kits online to ensure you get your preferred options.

The LOOP

The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) serves as the central hub of Fort Lauderdale Beach's new $65 Million four-park system. With its public greenspaces, including the Intracoastal Promenade, Las Olas Beach Garage Sunset Terrace, and DC Alexander Park, The LOOP aims to provide a wide range of experiences for locals and tourists throughout the year. It's a place where you can enjoy free concerts, holiday events, farmer's markets, community workouts, and more. The park even includes an interactive water feature/splash pad designed with the environment in mind, using amber lighting during Sea Turtle Nesting Season and artificial turf that requires no watering. The LOOP is not just a place; it's an experience, and it's expected to generate $32 Million in tourism dollars through recreation and events in 2023.

So, while Fort Lauderdale may not have falling leaves, it has Pumpkins & Palm Trees, a vibrant celebration of fall that brings the community together, offering a taste of autumn with a tropical twist. Come for the pumpkins, stay for the fun, and make memories under the Florida sun at this unforgettable festival by the beach.

For more details about the event or to enter the "Best Pie in Greater Fort Lauderdale" Competition, visit: www.theloopflb.com/events/fallfest2023/