St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch Opens This Week With Free Fall Festival and Drone Show

Starting Friday, Spa Beach Family Park transforms into a fall wonderland as the St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch begins its 10-day run. The waterfront celebration peaks with an Oct. 18 festival featuring a spectacular drone display.

Fresh pumpkins dot the grounds near Tampa Bay's sparkling waters. This year's setup boasts more gourds and seasonal displays than before, with picture-perfect spots scattered throughout the park.

Mark your calendar for Oct. 18, when the grounds buzz with activity from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Mountain melodies fill the air as Willie Wells & The Blue Ridge Mountain Grass Band takes the stage, while DJs spin tunes between sets. Visitors can sample treats from 16 local food trucks and vendors.

As night falls at 8 p.m., a thousand drones will paint patterns across the dark sky. This rescheduled summer show now fits perfectly with fall festivities, weaving tales of local landmarks through glowing formations.

Kids can bounce in inflatable castles while adults test their skills at axe throwing stations. The family-friendly event includes claw machines and face painting. Bring your four-legged friends, they're welcome too. Best of all? Entry costs nothing.

The patch keeps varied hours through its run. Weekends see extended times: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. Weekday visits run 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Full schedule:

Snacks and drinks await at the patch. Visit stpetefallfest.com for extra details.