Even before the leaves turn golden and the air takes on that first crisp edge of Northeast Florida fall, Clay County comes alive with seasonal celebrations that bring together locals and visitors alike. From charming small-town festivals and harvest celebrations to delicious chili cook-offs and lively car shows, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy this fall. Whether you’re in the mood to browse arts and crafts booths, cheer on a 5K race, or simply soak in the sounds of live music with a funnel cake in hand, you won’t want to miss these upcoming events!
2025 Fall Harvest Festival (Green Cove Springs)
When: September 20, 2025, from 10 am to 3 pm
Location: Clay County Fairgrounds, Green Cove Springs
Description: A beloved tradition in Clay County, the Fall Harvest Festival is packed with fun for all ages. Over 100 vendors line the fairgrounds with handcrafted goods, seasonal treats, and unique finds. Kids can bounce the day away in inflatable houses, while food trucks serve up everything from classic fair food to local favorites. With free admission, this family-friendly festival is the perfect way to kick off the fall season.
Learn more: Fall Harvest Festival
Keystone Heights Fall Festival (Keystone Heights)
When: September 20, 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm
Location: City Hall, Keystone Heights
Description: Celebrate small-town charm at the Keystone Heights Fall Festival, where local vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities come together for a festive day in the middle of town. From face painting and a pumpkin carving contest to delicious food trucks and a cool photo booth, this event is all about celebrating community spirit and the joy of fall.
Learn more: Fall Festival
Town of Orange Park Fall Festival (Orange Park)
When: October 18-19, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm
Location: City Hall, Orange Park
Description: The biggest and longest-running fall festival in Clay County, this two-day celebration is packed with entertainment! Over 200 artists and vendors, two stages of live music, inflatables and rides for the kids, and more than 30 food vendors make this a must-attend event. You’ll find everything from handmade quilts and pottery to funnel cakes and turkey legs. The Kids Zone offers pony rides, bungee jumping, and more.
Learn more: Orange Park Fall Festival
Clay Hot Dog Eating Contest Festival (Green Cove Springs)
When: October 25, 2025, from 11 am to 6 pm
Location: Clay County Fairgrounds, Green Cove Springs
Description: Bring your appetite—and your cheering voice—to one of the region’s most anticipated food festivals. The Clay Hot Dog Eating Contest Festival is equal parts competitive sport and community celebration. Watch brave contestants battle it out for hot dog glory while enjoying live entertainment, local vendors, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Whether you’re in it to win it or just want to soak in the energy, this fall event is all about good food and good times.
Learn more: Clay Hot Dog Eating Contest Festival
The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy (Orange Park)
When: October 30, 2025, at 7:30 pm
Location: Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park
Description: Get in the Halloween spirit with this delightfully dark musical comedy featuring everyone’s favorite creepy and kooky family. This Broadway-style production brings The Addams Family to life on stage with humor, heart, and spooky flair. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the charm of Wednesday, Gomez, and Morticia, this show at the Thrasher-Horne Center promises a night of laughs and musical mischief.
Learn more: Thrasher-Horne Center
Krawl’n for the Fallen (Keystone Heights)
When: November 7-9, 2025
Location: The FIRM, Starke
Description: Now in its 11th year, Krawl’n for the Fallen brings together the off-roading community for a powerful cause. This weekend-long event supports the families of fallen first responders through trail rides, demos, raffles, and classes on off-road safety and recovery. Hosted at The FIRM, it’s a family-friendly event packed with activities, live entertainment, and moving tributes to those lost in the line of duty.
Learn more: Off-Road United
Moosehaven Chili Cook-Off & Car Show (Orange Park)
When: November 8, 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Moosehaven, Orange Park
Description: Nothing says fall like a warm bowl of chili and a stroll among classic cars. At this annual event, chefs from near and far bring their best chili recipes to compete for top honors. In addition to food tastings, enjoy the impressive car show, shop from craft vendors, and chat with classic car enthusiasts. Moosehaven residents even join the fun with handmade goods like hats and ornaments.
Learn more: Moosehaven Chili Cook-Off
Veterans Day at the Camp Blanding Museum (Starke)
When: November 11, 2025
Location: Camp Blanding Museum, Starke
Description: Join the Clay County community in honoring those who served at this meaningful Veterans Day ceremony. Held on the historic grounds of Camp Blanding, the event features military displays, speeches, and a lunch served at nostalgic WWII prices. It’s a thoughtful way to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans and learn more about Camp Blanding’s critical role during World War II.
Learn more: Camp Blanding Museum
Middleburg Historic Fall Festival (Middleburg)
When: November 15, 2025, from 11 am to 3 pm
Location: Middleburg Museum, Middleburg
Description: This festive celebration of Middleburg’s rich heritage features a little bit of everything: a classic car show, live music, games and entertainment for kids, food vendors, and booths full of handmade goods. Stroll through history as you explore this quaint festival in the heart of Middleburg. Perfect for families and history buffs alike.
Learn more: Middleburg Historic Fall Festival
Penney Farms Historic 5K Run (Penney Farms)
When: TBA
Location: Town Hall, Penney Farms
Description: Lace up your running shoes and take part in a scenic 5K through the historic streets of Penney Farms. This event blends physical fitness with a celebration of local culture, history, and community spirit. After the race, enjoy homemade refreshments, music, and a chance to explore the town’s unique architecture and model train club. Event proceeds support preservation efforts along the J.C. Penney Memorial Scenic Highway.
Learn more: Penney Farms 5K
Amazing Grace Family Farms Fall Festival (Green Cove Springs)
When: October 3- November 1, 2025
Location: Amazing Grace Family Farms, Green Cove Springs
Description: Amazing Grace Family Farms transforms each fall into a haven of seasonal fun. Families can test their wits in the crop maze, meet farm animals, play games, and enjoy plenty of photo ops. Pumpkin picking, hayrides, and more create a full day of festive fun and memory-making.
Learn more: Fall Festival
Tales from the Clink (Green Cove Springs)
When: October 10, 2025
Location: Historic Triangle, Green Cove Springs
Description: History buffs and true-crime fans won’t want to miss this eerie and entertaining evening at the Historic Triangle. Tales from the Clink dives into real-life criminal cases from Clay County’s past, pulled straight from the archives and court files. Presented by the Clay County Archives and Clay County District Schools, this event brings stories to life with costumed characters and dramatic retellings of turn-of-the-century crimes. It’s a fascinating peek into local history that proves truth is often stranger than fiction.
Learn more: Historic Triangle Site
Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting Northeast Florida for the first time, fall is the perfect season to explore everything the area has to offer. With events happening in every corner of the county, from bustling festivals to scenic races, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Mark your calendars and make the most of autumn in Clay County!