October is here, and with it come some of the year’s biggest annual events on the St. Pete Pier. This is the month that kicks off the run of weeks and months exemplifying why we live in St. Pete, with amazing weather, beautiful skies, and tons of outdoor activities for adults, kids, and the whole family alike.
Some of the city’s most popular fall events arrive at the pier this month, with the annual returns of Piertoberfest, the St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch, the St. Pete Fall Festival, the Costumed Dog Parade, and Putt the Pier. Each event draws thousands to the award-winning St. Pete Pier, and with the pier in its finest fall decor, it may just be the most photographed locale in the city over the next several weeks.
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The mega-sized October lineup offers an excellent mix of free events, ticketed experiences, photo ops, excellent food and drink, and options for everyone from newborns to the happily retired. In between the festivities, it also makes October the perfect time of year for a pier walk at sunrise, sunset or even lunch. There are few better ways to start the day than with a pastry and coffee from Perry’s Porch and a full lap along the water, buoyed by the fall colors throughout.
Piertoberfest, the Fall Festival, and the Pumpkin Patch are all free to attend and guests are welcome to wander and explore, with various goods and experiences available for purchase. The new fall version of Putt The Pier is a paid experience, with walk-up times available if open, though reservations are recommended. The Costumed Dog Parade is free to attend, with $20 registration to participate in the parade.
Here’s what to know about each of the four experiences coming to the St. Pete Pier, starting with Piertoberfest this Saturday, October 3.
Piertoberfest
Saturday, October 3, 12-10 pm
Join together for the 4th Annual Piertoberfest, a massive Oktoberfest celebration and a full day of Bavarian fun featuring:
🎶 Live music by The Apple Strudel Oktoberfest Band
🍻 Authentic German beers
🥨 Delicious German food
💃 Traditional German dancers
🎧 Live DJ
🏆 Stein-hoisting competitions
🎯 Outrageous Bavarian games—and more!
St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch
October 8-25; times vary
Experience the magic of fall at the St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch! Wander amidst a sprawling field of vibrant, plump pumpkins, ready for picking and purchase. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin or simply eager to soak in the festive ambiance, the patch is open to everyone at no admission fee. Pumpkins are available for purchase. Additionally, experience the new Putt The Pier – Fall Pumpkin Edition. Join in for a delightful autumnal experience, and let the memories last a lifetime.
Putt the Pier: Fall Pumpkin Edition
October 8-25; times vary, reservations recommended
Get ready to putt your way through fall at Putt the Pier: Fall Pumpkin Edition! Enjoy a one-of-a-kind mini-golf experience on the beautiful St. Pete Pier, featuring pumpkin-themed obstacles, hay bales, colorful fall decorations, festive music, and incredible waterfront views. Challenge your family and friends as you navigate the fall-inspired course surrounded by pumpkins, autumn foliage, and plenty of seasonal photo opportunities. Whether you are planning a family outing, date night, or friendly competition, Putt the Pier is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Grab your putter, gather your favorite people, and experience fall on the waterfront!
St. Pete Fall Festival
Saturday, October 10, 11 am – 7 pm; Sunday, October 11, 11 am – 7 pm
Kick off fall the St. Pete way at the area’s only beachfront fall festival! Enjoy live music, delicious food, family-friendly entertainment, bounce zones, a dedicated Kids Zone, magicians, kids’ bands, and the first-ever Kids Rave. Explore the area’s biggest Pumpkin Patch, filled with festive photo opportunities and pumpkins available for purchase, then challenge your family and friends to a round of fall-themed Putt Putt on the Pier. It’s the ultimate waterfront celebration for the whole family! And it’s completely free to attend.
St. Pete Pier Costumed Dog Parade
Saturday, October 24, 4-8 pm
Register your pup for just $20 plus taxes and fees to participate in the costume contest and receive a commemorative St. Pete Pier leash, and numbered participant bib. Once registered, you and your pup will strut down the Pier as thousands of spectators cheer you on!
A panel of judges will score each costume and select the finalists, who will be invited onstage with their pups for a live audience-participation round to help determine the Crowd Favorite and ultimate winners.
Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
Best Human & Pet Duo
Most Original Pet Costume
People’s Choice
Winners and prize details will be announced live at the event.
The St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch will also still be open, giving you the perfect opportunity to capture festive fall photos with your costumed pup before or after the parade!
