Lake Wales Fall & Winter Events: Festivals, Parades & More

Lake Wales residents and visitors can anticipate a series of community events this fall and winter, offering family-friendly entertainment and opportunities to support local causes. The City of Lake Wales and community organizations are hosting festivals, parades, and musical gatherings.

The 4th annual Fall Festival at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center will feature inflatables, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, arts and crafts, face painters, and a selfie station. The event includes a canned food drive benefiting Lake Wales Care Center's Holiday Food Drive. Following the Fall Festival, Lake Wales Main Street will present "Spooktacular" evening festivities downtown with trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, games, music, and a costume contest. The Lake Wales Family Rec Center will screen "The Addams Family" at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Halloween events.

In December, the annual Orange Blossom Review will celebrate American roots music on Dec. 4 and 5 on the shores of Lake Wailes. Local food trucks, craft brews and spirits, and artisan vendors will be present. Later in the month, Rotary on the Ridge will present the 2026 Lake Wales Christmas Parade on Dec. 20. The parade begins at 5 p.m. with a new route along Central Avenue through the historic core.

The City's Spring Friday Series offers themed, free events each year at Market Plaza. These events feature traditional carnival games, with adult beverages and catered food available for purchase. The Lake Wales Arts Festival, presented by Citizens Bank & Trust, showcases works from over 60 fine artists and artisans on the shores of Lake Wailes.

Other upcoming events include a Mardi Gras celebration, a two-day family-friendly event with lakeside festivities and a parade, traditionally held the Friday and Saturday prior to Ash Wednesday. A 5K glow-run is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2027, at 6 p.m. The 50th Anniversary of the Pioneer Days Festival will occur Oct. 24 and 25, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lake Wales History Museum on the shores of Lake Wailes. Make It Magical, an annual Lake Wales Main Street event, will also return to N. Market St. to celebrate the holiday season with shopping, crafts, live music, and decor.