Pumpkins are arriving, the train villages are transforming, scarecrows are taking shape, hayrides are gearing up and many families will soon be lining up for the annual Fall Festival at Lakes Park.
Provided by Lee County Parks & R
USA TODAY Network, Reuters
What’s happening: Pumpkins are arriving, the train villages are transforming, scarecrows are taking shape, hayrides are gearing up and many families will soon be lining up for the annual Fall Festival at Lakes Park. Also returning in October is the weekly Farmers Market that runs every Wednesday through May 2027.Where: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers.When: The Fall Festival event begins Friday, Oct. 9, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 31. Fall Festival activities and attractions run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and 6 until 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. The Halloween Express Train runs from 6 until 9 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. The weekly Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. each Wednesday through May 2027.Cost: Costs vary for activities. Parking for the Fall Festival is $3 per vehicle Thursday-Sunday. Regular parking rates apply Monday-Wednesday. Parking for the Farmers Market is free. General parking for Lakes Park is $1 per hour or $5 per day. Lee County annual parking passes are accepted.Driving directions: From US-41, head west 0.5 miles on Gladiolus Dr. The park is located on the right. From I-75, take exit 131 and head west on Daniels Parkway. Turn left onto Six Mile Cypress Pkwy/Ben C. Pratt Parkway and follow for 3 miles. Six Mile Cypress Pkwy/Ben C. Pratt Parkway becomes Gladiolus Drive after crossing over U.S. 41. The park is located on the right about a half-mile after crossing U.S. 41.Info: For more information on train rides call 239-267-1905; for more information on Lakes Park visit leeparks.org or call 239-533-7575.
What to expect
The Fall Festival will include a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, hayrides, Scarecrows in the Park, the very popular Halloween Express train and concessions.
The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, in conjunction with Local Roots, LLC, hosts the Farmers Market on Wednesdays, which features fresh local produce, fresh seafood, native plants, cut flowers, artisan foods, organics, live music and more.
Fall Festivals will be held at various Lee County Parks & Recreation facilities:
Estero Park annual Spooktacular Night, 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17.North Fort Myers annual Fall Festival, 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23.Veterans Park in Lehigh Acres Monster Mash Bash, 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24.Wa-Ke Hatchee Trunk or Treat, 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24.
Tips
No alcohol, pets or electric/motorized vehicles allowed in the park.
For pavilion rentals visit www.leeparks.org/register or call 239-533-7578.
History
Lakes Park began as a man-made area where rock was quarried during the 1960s. The water comes from groundwater influx, surface water run-off and rainfall. The depth varies from a few inches to more than 20 feet. It covers 158 acres of the 279-acre facility. Lee County bought it in 1978. In 1982 ground was broken and it was developed for recreational use with the official “Grand Opening” on April 21, 1984.
About Lee Parks
Lee County Parks & Recreation has more than 250 positions, a $42 million budget and more than 31,500 acres of parks, preserves, facilities and other sites.
The department oversees four recreation centers, 10 community centers, community parks, Conservation 20/20 lands, greenways, the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, four year-round pools, seven boat ramps, sports complexes including the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins spring training facilities, dog-friendly facilities and coastal beach parks.
In partnership with the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, the department also offers Parks, Points & Perks, a free digital pass that encourages exploration of more than 30 sites and rewards participants with prizes for checking in. Learn more at visitfortmyers.com/ParksPass.
Learn more about Parks & Recreation by visiting leeparks.org, email questions to leeparks@leegov.com, 239-533-7275 or visit leeparksandrecreation on Facebook and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Lakes Park Fall Festival and Farmers Market return in October
Reporting by Fort Myers News-Press / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Returning in October is the weekly Farmers Market that runs every Wednesday through May 2027. Provided by Lee County Parks & R USA TODAY Network, Reuters
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published September 27, 2026 at 5:08 AM.