A Travel Guide to Fall Festivals and Events in West Volusia
Our curated guide to Autumn’s premier festivals, art walks, outdoor traditions, and historic home tours in West Volusia.
Fall marks a distinct and welcome shift in West Volusia. As the humidity breaks, it is quickly replaced by crisp breezes and sunlight filtering through moss-draped oaks. For travelers and locals seeking Old Florida away from frantic tourist hubs, autumn here unfolds with music, fine art, regional heritage, and community-driven events. Rather than standalone attractions, each event serves as an open invitation to experience the character of the region, seamlessly connecting Florida's storied past with modern sensibilities.
On November 7 and 8, the Barberville Pioneer Settlement hosts its 50th Annual Fall Country Jamboree. Transforming 30 shaded acres into a full-on living history experience, the gathering brings 19th-century pioneer life into sharp focus as regional folk musicians and traditional artisans showcase authentic craft demonstrations and classic Cracker-style fare. That same weekend on November 7, the celebration continues just down the road beneath a scenic canopy of ancient trees at the Autumn in the Oaks Festival in DeLeon Springs, offering local artisan crafts, live entertainment, and quintessential small-town warmth.
For active travelers and adrenaline seekers, West Volusia offers a compelling lineup of endurance and high-speed thrills. The active calendar kicks off on October 17 with the DeLeon Dash 5K through the historic grounds of DeLeon Springs State Park. By mid-November, athletes can hit the scenic Spring-to-Spring Trail for the Central Florida Legends Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K at Gemini Springs Park on November 14, followed by the Save the Manatee 5K at Blue Spring State Park the very next morning. The high-octane excitement then shifts from the trails to the track for the 13th Emil & Dale Reutimann Memorial, bringing three consecutive nights of dirt-track racing to Volusia Speedway Park from November 19 through 21.
The creative peak of the season arrives on November 21 and 22 with the Fall Festival of the Arts in downtown DeLand. The event fills the historic streetscape with juried works from national and regional artists against a backdrop of sidewalk cafes and restored architecture. As November gives way to December, West Volusia transitions into its historic holiday traditions. Florida’s first luxury estate, the Stetson Mansion, opens its doors from November 1 through January 17 for its renowned Christmas Spectacular. For a deeper look at the region’s heritage, the West Volusia Historical Society’s Tour of Historic Homes on December 12 and 13 grants intimate interior access to preserved private residences.
Those aren’t the only festivals and events happening in West Volusia. Here are some other highlights to look forward to:
October 10-11 | Schley’s Bonsai Annual Fall Festival: A serene horticultural showcase offering styling demonstrations, master growers, and living sculpture beneath towering oaks.
October 24 - November 1 | Cassadaga Fall Fest: Explore the peaceful, historic streets of the Psychic Capital of the World, featuring spiritual seminars, local vendors, and intuitive readings.
November 5-15 | Volusia County Fair: A nostalgic blend of agricultural showcases, livestock exhibitions, and classic midway rides at the Volusia County Fairgrounds.
November 7 | DeLand Original Music Festival: The historic downtown district reverberates with live music across dozens of stages, showcasing original songwriting in rock, jazz, blues, and Americana.
November 14 | Veterans Day Parade: Honor service members as the community gathers along Woodland Boulevard in downtown DeLand for an inspiring annual tribute.
November 14 | Holiday Pet & Craft Event: Bring four-legged companions to Artisan Alley in DeLand to shop unique handmade goods and artisanal pet treats.
November 14 | Celtic Fest and Highland Games: Experience traditional Scottish athletics, pipes and drums, and Highland cuisine at Dewey O. Boster Park in Deltona.
November 20 | Volusia County Farm Tour: Take a free, self-guided agricultural excursion through working family farms and groves across the county to experience Central Florida's harvest roots firsthand.
November 21 | First Responders Gobble Gallop 5K: Join local firefighters and runners for a spirited community morning race kicking off from Deltona Fire Station 65.
November 21 | Holiday Pops Symphony: Usher in the holiday season with an uplifting symphonic performance at the VCA-Stetson Baptist Church.
November 22 | St. Johns Bass Fishing Tournament: Head to Lake Monroe to take in the competitive excitement of anglers testing their skills on the scenic St. Johns River system.
Check out all the happenings in West Volusia on our Calendar of Events.
Ready to plan your autumn escape? More information about West Volusia County is available at our Visitor Center, located at 116 W. New York Avenue in Downtown DeLand, FL, or online at www.visitwestvolusia.com. For further details, please call 386-734-0162.
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