Wesley Chapel Fall Festival returns to The Grove Oct. 24–25, with carnival starting Oct. 22

The North Tampa Bay Chamber's 22nd annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival returns to The Grove, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd., on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 and 25. Entry is free, and festival hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Carnival rides open earlier, on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Before that, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel holds its own Fall Fest this Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 4424 Friendly Way.

What's at The Grove

The chamber's listing describes live entertainment and community performances, food trucks, and a kids zone with bounce houses, face painting, pony rides and pumpkin photo stops on both festival days. A fall pageant runs Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

Sunday is the day to bring costumes. The schedule includes costume contests for kids and for pets, plus a trick-or-treat stroll with free candy.

More than 60 local businesses are expected at a chamber business expo handing out candy, giveaways and raffles throughout the weekend. The festival is presented by Pasco County Recycling, and the chamber says it has raised more than $100,000 for local charities since 2020.

Carnival hours and crowds

Dreamland Amusements runs the rides and games from Oct. 22 through Oct. 25. The chamber says carnival hours vary each day and directs visitors to dreamlandamusements.com for details, so check that site for the day you plan to go.

Organizers expect more than 10,000 people. The Grove says it has more than 3,000 parking spaces, but a busy weekend is likely.

Avalon Park this Saturday

The Avalon Park Fall Fest, presented by Higher Growth Journey, lists a talent show, kids zone, vendors, food trucks, a pumpkin patch and live music. A Kids Market joins the event from 5 to 9 p.m. The community calendar points people to Higher Growth Journey for applications and more details.

For businesses

The chamber says sponsorship and vendor spaces for The Grove festival are limited. Local businesses and chamber members can ask about taking part by calling Florida Penguin Productions at 727-674-1464.