Tampa kicks off October with an exciting mix of family-friendly fun, thrills, and sports action. The Museum of Science and Innovation’s Sensory Saturday offers a calmer museum experience, while the Raprager Farms Fall Pumpkin Festival brings hayrides and farm games to Odessa. Horror fans can dive into the SCARADISE convention, and the weekend closes out with ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night alongside home games from the Lightning and Buccaneers. Looking ahead, a special film screening, an after-hours science night, and a seasonal paint-and-sip round out next week’s lineup.

Sensory SaturdayWhat: A relaxing museum morning for individuals with sensory differencesWhen: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.Where: Museum of Science and Innovation, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., TampaCost: Advance tickets start at $7, and at-the-door tickets start at $10, with free admission for members

Sensory Saturday transforms the museum into a sensory-friendly space, created in partnership with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida. The museum opens early with lights dimmed and noise reduced. Guests will enjoy hands-on activities, unique exhibits, and a sensory-friendly planetarium experience in a quieter, less crowded setting. It’s a time for exploration, discovery, and creativity at a relaxed pace. Preregistration is encouraged to reserve a spot and receive discounted admission.

Raprager Farms Fall FestivalWhat: Farm-fresh fall fun, featuring pumpkins, hayrides, animals, and gamesWhen: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (additional dates available through Oct. 25, 2026)Where: Raprager Farms, 16907 Boy Scout Road, OdessaCost: Tickets start at $19

The Raprager Farms Fall Festival features full days of pumpkins, hayrides, and farm animals under the open Florida sky. Guests can explore a bounce pillow, corn pit, hay chute slide, Fort Merlin play structure, and a passion fruit maze, plus premium add-ons such as axe throwing, a zip line, and gem mining. Farmville shopping, Whizk & Brew dining, and live entertainment round out the daily excitement. Evenings after 6 p.m. offer a separately ticketed haunted experience, kept apart from daytime family programming.

SCARADISE: Florida’s Horror & Pop Culture ConventionWhat: Horror convention with celebrity autographs and photo opsWhen: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Highway 301, TampaCost: Friday $35, Saturday $50, Sunday $40, or three-day pass $80

SCARADISE: Florida’s Horror & Pop Culture Convention gathers celebrities from horror films and TV for autograph signings and photo ops throughout the weekend. Fans can meet actors from genre classics and cult favorites, buy merchandise, and mingle with fellow horror aficionados. Celebrity autographs not presold in advance remain available at signing tables during convention hours, with cash accepted on-site. The event runs across three days, offering a mix of fan interaction, collectibles, and horror culture under one roof.

Other Events

The Tampa events this weekend deliver a full slate for sports fans and families alike. Wildlife lovers can head to ZooTampa for a seasonal evening event, while hockey and football fans have plenty to cheer for as the Lightning and Buccaneers take the ice and field. The weekend balances family-friendly fun with major home-game action across the city:

Creatures of the Night: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (additional dates available through Oct. 31, 2026) at ZooTampa, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., TampaTampa Bay Lightning vs. Washington Capitals: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Benchmark International Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, TampaTampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Green Bay Packers: Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, TampaMore To Explore Next Week

Tampa’s weekday calendar leans into fall creativity, from film and science to art. Whether it’s catching a special screening, exploring hands-on science after hours, or unwinding with a seasonal paint night, there’s a low-key way to fill an evening:

“Key of Bones: Curse of the Ghost Pirate” – Special Screening: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ferman Center for the Arts, 214 North Blvd., TampaScience at the Saunders: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Museum of Science and Innovation, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., TampaWitches’ Brew Paint & Sip Night at Armature Works: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Show + Tell, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa