This October, small towns and big passions greet visitors alongside local entertainment, local dining, and the county’s largest outdoor festival where families can experience a getaway with local flavor and plenty of fun too.
Here’s a look at upcoming events in Clay County, Florida
Amazing Grace Family Farms
Amazing Grace Family Farms comes alive on Fridays and Saturdays in October with their annual fall festival and corn maze. Test your skills at the farm’s crop maze where the 2021 design celebrates the accomplishments of Clay County’s hometown gold medalist Olympian Caeleb Dressel. The pumpkin patch makes the perfect spot for Fall photos and little ones can enjoy seeing the farm animals and the nearby playground. Located in Green Cove Springs, the entire family can take advantage of fall fun on this family-owned farm.
Calavida Arts Festival
Combining performance art and visual arts, the Calavida Arts Festival takes place in Green Cove Springs October 11-16, 2021. This multi-day festival is free to the public and takes place in eleven different locations throughout the town with artists displaying their work and greeting visitors. Serving as the main hub for performances, Spring Park, visitors can experience international dance performances and live music throughout the day on October 16.
Carrie Clarke House
Built in 1912, visit the Carrie Clarke House in Orange Park on the second Sunday of each month to learn more about the history of Clay County. As one of the first families to live in Clay County, the home shares stories of the area. The surrounding park area features a large playground, sand volleyball court, nature trails, gardens, lake, pavilions, grills, restrooms, and numerous beautiful oak trees – perfect for a picnic.
Food Truck Friday
Food Truck Friday has returned to Spring Park in Green Cove Springs featuring live music and local eats from around Northeast Florida. Held the second Friday of each month from March to November from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., bring a blanket or a lawn chair, make new friends and enjoy the views overlooking the St. Johns River.
The Island Theater
For a spooky night at the theater, don’t miss The Island Theater’s production of Evil Dead: The Musical in Fleming Island. This story features five college students spending the weekend in an abandoned cabin in the woods when they accidentally unleash an evil terror. With a comedic take on the story, it is based on the 1980s horror movie genre. Shows take place every weekend in October along with midnight showings on October 29 and 30.
Lake Asbury Marketplace
On the second Saturday of each month, take part in the Lake Asbury Marketplace featuring local artists, sweet treats, live music, and plenty of family fun. Located conveniently between Middleburg and Green Cove Springs, the Lake Asbury marketplace is a popular spot with locals and visitors looking to take home handmade treasures and local produce.
Oakleaf Spooktacular Holiday Market
For a bit of Halloween fun, stop by the Oakleaf Spooktacular Holiday Market on October 30 at the Oakleaf Plantation Clubhouse. Shop local vendors, grab a bite to eat from local food trucks, and bring the kids along for festive trick-or-treating opportunities too. Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume!
Orange Park’s 39th Annual Fall Festival
Orange Park’s 39th Annual Fall Festival takes place October 16-17 at the Orange Park Town Hall. What started with 12 vendors and a few musicians has blossomed into a festival featuring over 200 vendors and two stages packed with live music. Festival-goers can shop for unique gifts, handmade quilts, locally-made pottery, and more. Food vendors including a variety of items including barbecue to fresh baked goods, seafood, and local honey. In the Kids Zone, little ones can enjoy face painting, inflatables, and games. Admission and parking are free! This event is ranked as a Top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Orange Park Farmer’s Market
Pick up a souvenir or shop for the week’s groceries at the Orange Park Farmer’s Market held the first and third Sunday of each month at Orange Park Town Hall. With over 100 vendors featured each week, visitors can find homegrown items like fresh produce and honey, along with arts and crafts, live music, and plenty of options for a bite to eat too.
Moonlight on Magnolia
Take a spooky walk-through Orange Park’s Magnolia Cemetery on Saturday, October 23 as the Moonlight on Magnolia event returns to Clay County. Sponsored by the Historical Society of Orange Park, guests go on a cemetery tour led by interpreters dressed in period clothing telling the stories of Orange Park and its former residents. Tours will start at 4:00 p.m. and the last tour will start at 6:00 p.m.
Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts
Enjoy a night out with live music at the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts on the campus of St. Johns River State College. On October 1st, experience the Rock the Box concert presented by St. Michael’s Soldiers with music from Candlebox, Saliva, and special guests Brett Myers and the Dropout Kings. Free tickets are available for all active and retired military, hospital and front-line employees, first responders, linemen, and teachers. The H20 Project takes the stage on October 9 with a dedicated theatrical performance paying respect to the music of Daryl Hall and John Oates. Country music legend Clint Black visits Clay County on October 28 for a show featuring songs from his triple-platinum album, Killin’ Time along with his latest album Out of Sane.
