October in South Florida: Here are can’t-miss events featuring tacos, pups, croquet, Shakespeare & more

One of the best things about South Florida is that our subtropical climate means that we can have festival fun just about all year long. So with that in mind, welcome to “SoFlo Festivals & Family Fun,” a new feature that will give you a monthly look ahead to celebrations throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties. Here is our list for October, but keep coming back to this post because we’ll continue to add events.

PALM BEACH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

This festival opens in October with “Romeo & Juliet” in West Palm Beach and continues in 2026 with stagings of “Macbeth” (February in Royal Palm Beach) and an original production, “Falstaff: Shakespeare’s Greatest Invention” (July in Jupiter). “Despite multiple years of funding cuts, we are able to expand our offerings thanks to our long-time cultural partnerships with PBAU (Palm Beach Atlantic University) and the Kravis Center, as well as the School District of Palm Beach County and our season sponsors, Gary and Katherine Parr,” managing producer Elizabeth Dashiell said. “The arts are for everyone, and we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure access to the language, history, critical thinking and more that the works of William Shakespeare brings to us all.”
WHEN: “Romeo & Juliet” is 7:30-10 p.m. Oct. 2-4
WHERE: Fern Street Theatre, 500 Fern Street, West Palm Beach
COST: $20 general admission, $10 for students and $15 for seniors (older than age 55)
INFORMATION: pbshakespeare.org

DANIA BEACH OKTOBERFEST BEERFEST

This Bavarian-themed event presented by the City of Dania Beach promises fun for all ages. “This isn’t just a beerfest, it’s a community celebration,” said Cassi Waren, director of Dania Beach’s Parks and Recreation Department. “We’re proud to offer something for everyone, from live music and craft drinks to family friendly games and fall activities.” There will also be music from Guns N’ Roses tribute band Son of a Gun, as well as a pumpkin patch, axe throwing, pool tables, arcade games and contests (both costume and beer-stein holding).
WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 11
WHERE: Dania Beach City Hall Plaza, 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd.
COST:

• Free general admission
•  $45 for Unlimited Sampling ticket
• $70 for VIP Unlimited Sampling ticket
• $170 for General Admission 4-Pack Unlimited Sampling
• Free parking at Dania Beach City Hall Parking Garage and at The Casino at Dania Beach (North West Parking Lot), 301 E Dania Beach Blvd. There will be a free shuttle service to and from the casino and City Hall from 5:30-10:30 p.m.

INFORMATION: daniabeachoktoberfest.com

SOUTH FLORIDA GREEK FILM FESTIVAL

Presented by the Hellenic Cultural Society of South Florida (HCSSFL), this event celebrates Greek cinema with screenings of feature films, documentaries and shorts. “We strive to introduce our community to the most exciting Greek filmmakers working inside and outside of Greece today,” said Malvina Currie, festival director and HCSSFL president. “Now in our third year, the Hellenic Cultural Society presents the festival under the auspices of The Consulate General of Greece here in Florida. Together, we work to connect the growing and globally recognized Greek film industry with the multicultural audiences of our region.” All the movies have English subtitles.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 11-19
WHERE:

• Savor Cinema, 503 SE Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale
• The Bill Cosford Cinema, 5030 Brunson Drive, Coral Gables

COST:

• $5-$10 for movies
•  $40 for Opening Night Gala
• $25 for 3-Flex Pass (does not include Opening Night Gala)
• $125 for All-Access Pass

INFORMATION: hellenicculturalsocietyofsouthflorida.org

DOG APPRECIATION “PAWTY” AND PET ADOPTION EVENT

WHAT: Radio personality Gabby Diaz from 102.7 WMXJ-FM will be a special guest at this annual event, hosted by Subaru of Pembroke Pines, featuring music, food, giveaways and a pet costume contest. Also planned: local vendors and partners including Brit’s Boards, Pet Spaw Palace, Dainty Days, Broward Bark and the Humane Society of Broward County. And, yes, you are encouraged to bring your furry friends. For every pet adopted, Subaru of Pembroke Pines said it will donate $100 to the Humane Society.
WHEN: noon-2 p.m. Oct. 12
WHERE: Subaru of Pembroke Pines,16100 Pines Blvd.
COST: Free
INFORMATION: Facebook.com/SubaruOfPembrokePines

2025 ASSOCIATION LAWS CROQUET WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Seventy-two, top-ranked croquet players representing 16 countries will be vying for trophies at this competition, which is free and open to the public. Expect to see croquet champions such as Australia’s Robert Fletcher, England’s Robert Fulford and South Africa’s Reg Bamford, as well as this country’s wicked wicketers: West Palm Beach’s Zack Watson and Maryland’s Tom Balding. There will also be food and refreshments for purchase from West Palm Beach’s SandyJames Fine Food & Productions.
WHEN:

• Qualifier tournaments will be from Oct. 14-16.
• Opening Ceremony will start at 5 p.m. Oct. 17.
• Main championship matches will start Oct. 18, with semifinals and finals on Oct. 25-26.
• Play begins each day at 8:30 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m. (or later depending on the games)

WHERE: The National Croquet Center, 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach
COST: Free
INFORMATION: worldcroquet.org

BANK OF AMERICA WINE, SPIRITS & CULINARY CELEBRATION

This 29th annual gourmet fundraiser raises money for the Museum of Discovery & Science’s educational and outreach programs. The Grand Tasting will allow foodies to feast on light bites and desserts from more than 30 South Florida restaurants and sample more than 50 wines and spirits. The event’s beverage sponsor is Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. There will also be a Beer Garden featuring breweries curated by Gold Coast Beverage. In addition to voting for your favorites, enjoy a silent auction of celebrity sports memorabilia, entertainment packages, travel getaways and more.
WHEN: 6:30-10 p.m. Oct. 17
WHERE: Museum of Discovery & Science, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale
COST:

• $150 a person
• $300 for VIP Platinum admission (one-hour early entry and access to Platinum Lounge)
• Plus, group packages with discounts

INFORMATION: mods.org/2025wine

JUPITER HARBOURFEST

The first-time-ever Jupiter HarbourFest will have live music and food and beverages for purchase, as well as a curated marketplace of local artisans and vendors — all staged at the Plaza Down Under on the Riverwalk. The festival will kick off with Harbourside Place Tastings, a progressive-style culinary experience that will include The Jupiter Grill, The Woods Jupiter, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Gelato & Co., Calaveras Cantina, Mana Greek Fusion, Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place and Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store.
WHEN/WHERE:

COST:

• $75 for Harbourside Place Tastings (includes one-day general admission to Jupiter HarbourFest)
• $10 for early bird general admission to Jupiter HarbourFest and then $15.
• $125 for VIP tickets (includes Friday’s tasting event, access to VIP area, two free drinks and more)

INFORMATION: jupiterharbourfest.org/tastings

SOUTH FLORIDA TACOS & TREATS FESTIVAL

At this third annual fest, find special a la carte tacos and dessert menus, alcoholic and non-alcohol beverages, plus live music, axe throwing and an Event Marketplace featuring local small businesses, crafters, artists and specialty artisans. Food vendors will compete in a Taco Division, a Dessert Division and a People’s Choice category.
WHEN: Noon-8 p.m. Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 19
WHERE: South County Regional Park (near Sunset Cove Amphitheater), 20405 Amphitheater Circle, Boca Raton
COST: Each ticket includes access to both days.

• $10 general admission
• $5 for guests ages 4-10
• Free for children age 3 and younger

INFORMATION: soflotacostreatsfestival.com

LAS OLAS ART FAIR

WHAT: This well-known fair features more than 200 artists with a wide range of sculptures, paintings, mixed media, glasswork, pottery, hand-made clothing and more available for purchase. This is the event’s 38th annual edition.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 18-19
WHERE: Along East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, with booths and kiosks stretching from around Southeast Sixth Avenue to the west (near Tunnel Top Plaza) to SE 11th Avenue to the east (near the Himmarshee Canal).
COST: Free
INFORMATION: artfestival.com