Live music, pony rides and more at Carrollwood annual Fall Fest

CARROLLWOOD — As the leaves start to change and the weather cools, it’s finally beginning to feel like fall. The Carrollwood Village Homeowners Associations will offer some family fun when it presents its annual Fall Fest next weekend.

This free harvest-themed festival will celebrate the community with live music, children’s activities, and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Carrollwood Cultural Center Park, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa.

While adults browse the vendors and listen to music, children can check out the petting zoo, bounce houses, pony rides and free face painting. There will be plenty of spots to take photos with the family or with friends. Food trucks will also be nearby to provide some delicious snacks and meals.

“The Fall Fest is a chance where families get to come out and enjoy the cool weather, and it’s an event where everybody can relax and have a good time at,” said Paul Berg, executive director of the Carrollwood Cultural Center.

Last year, the Carrollwood Village HOAs celebrated its 50-year anniversary at the Fall Fest. The community continues to grow and support the new businesses that come in, like the Carrollwood Cultural Center, which is nearing its 20th anniversary.

“We are a well-established neighborhood where we have areas for homeowners to enjoy pickle ball, basketball, tennis, and beautiful areas to walk in,” said Sandra Leppert, Carrollwood Village Phase 1 outreach committee co-chair. “Our roads are well planned, and we are not struggling to keep up with growth like newer communities. This is a great place to raise a family.”