Upcoming Events
Meeting and class information (bottom of the page)
Events will be added as they are confirmed. Please check back often.
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OCTOBER
Scarecrow Festival 2026
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pioneer Florida Museum & Village | Dade City, Florida
Celebrate fall with us at the Pioneer Florida Museum's annual Scarecrow Festival! Bring the whole family for a day packed with autumn adventures, exciting live entertainment, hands-on activities, delicious food, and old-fashioned pioneer fun!
A special THANK YOU to our event sponsors, TECO and Solutions Thrift Store, for helping make this wonderful community celebration possible!
Festival Activities & Attractions
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Build Your Own Scarecrow – Create your very own scarecrow to take home! Located behind the Mabel Jordan Barn, under the covered area (northeast section of the museum).
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Pumpkin Patch & Pumpkin Painting – Pick out a pumpkin and get creative!
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Arts & Crafts Activities – Located inside the Mabel Jordan Barn.
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Petting Zoo & Fresh Boiled Peanuts – Presented by Zephyrhills High School FFA. Located in the northwest corner of the museum.
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Pony Rides – Fun for the little ones!
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Vendors & Food Trucks – Shop, eat, and explore!
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Blacksmith & Traditional Craft Demonstrations – Experience history coming to life.
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Children's Games & Family Activities – Fun for all ages!
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Model Train Displays – Enjoy miniature railroading displays.
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Historic Buildings & Exhibits – Explore Florida's fascinating pioneer history.
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Live Entertainment Throughout the Day!
Live Entertainment & Special Events Schedule
| Time | Entertainment / Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00–11:00 AM | 🚒 Touch a Truck – Fire Department & Sheriff's Department | Near the Train Depot (south end) |
| 10:00 AM | 🫧 Spheres Bubble Show | Northwest museum grounds |
| 10:30 AM | 🎃 Costume Contest | Porch of the historic yellow two-story house |
| 11:00 AM | 🎩 George Gilbert Comedy Magic Show | Gazebo |
| 11:00–11:30 AM | 🐻 Special Appearance by Smokey Bear | Train Depot |
| 12:00 PM | 🫧 Spheres Bubble Show | Northwest museum grounds |
| 12:30 PM | 🎃 Costume Contest | Porch of the historic yellow two-story house |
| 1:00 PM | 🎩 George Gilbert Comedy Magic Show | Gazebo |
Live Music: The Geared Up Band
Enjoy live music during the festival! Located at the Gazebo in front of the historic yellow two-story house or inside the Mabel Jordan Barn, depending on weather conditions.
Featured Entertainment
🫧 Spheres Bubble Show
Showtimes: 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM
Prepare to be amazed by Blaise Ryndes, a four-time Guinness World Record holder and performer from Season 13 of America's Got Talent!
This extraordinary, interactive bubble performance is filled with amazing creations and unforgettable moments for children and adults alike.
Location: Northwest area of the museum grounds.
🎩 George Gilbert's Comedy Magic Show
Showtimes: 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Get ready to laugh, cheer, and be amazed! George Gilbert brings more than 20 years of international performance experience to the stage with incredible magic tricks, hilarious comedy, and audience participation.
It's a high-energy, family-friendly show you won't want to miss!
Location: Gazebo in front of the historic yellow two-story house. In the event of rain, performances may be moved inside the Mabel Jordan Barn.
🎃 Fall & Halloween Costume Contest
Contest Times: 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM
Come dressed in your favorite fall, harvest, or Halloween costume and join the fun! We can't wait to see everyone's creativity!
Location: Porch of the historic yellow two-story house.
🚒 Touch a Truck
9:00–11:00 AM
Get an up-close look at emergency vehicles and meet representatives from the Fire Department and Sheriff's Department.
Location: Near the historic Trilby Train Depot, south end of the museum grounds.
🐻 Meet Smokey Bear!
11:00–11:30 AM
Everyone's favorite forest fire prevention bear is stopping by the festival! Bring the kids to say hello to Smokey Bear.
Location: Historic Train Depot.
🎶 The Geared Up Band
Enjoy live music and great entertainment while celebrating fall at the museum!
Location: Gazebo or Mabel Jordan Barn, weather permitting.
Festival Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Come make fall memories with us at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village!
Please note: Entertainment locations and schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions.
Scarecrow Festival - Saturday, October 10, 2026, 9 am - 4 pm
Festival Highlights:
The Geared Up Band – Live at the Gazebo
Touch a Truck – 9–11 AM
Spheres Bubble Show – 10 AM & 12 PM
Costume Contests – 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM
George Gilbert’s Comedy Magic Show – 11 AM & 1 PM
Pioneer Florida Museum & Village
FREE REMOTE OVERFLOW PARKING: Dade City Business Center at Pioneer Museum Rd. & Hwy. 301. Transportation will take guests to and from the museum gate.
SAVE WITH ADVANCE TICKETS!Thank you to TECO for being a sponsor!
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Pioneers and Beers - Saturday - October 24, 2026, 10 am - 4 pm
Think Pioneer Day meets Brew House!
Join us for a fun-filled day at the Pioneer Florida Museum featuring the best of Florida's pioneer heritage alongside craft beer and spirits tastings from local breweries and distilleries. We have also added a Cornhole Tournament.
Enjoy live entertainment throughout the day, browse unique vendors, sample delicious food, and explore our family-friendly Kid's Zone. Visitors can also experience hands-on pioneer demonstrations, historic buildings, exhibits, and a friendly cornhole competition that bring Florida's past to life.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, craft beverage lover, or simply looking for a great day out with family and friends, Pioneers & Beers has something for everyone!
Event Highlights:
• Brewery and distillery tastings
• Live entertainment all day
• Pioneer demonstrations and activities
• Food vendors
• Marketplace and craft vendors
• Kid's Zone
• Historic village and museum exhibits
• Pioneers & Beers Cornhole Tournament, 10:30 AM–2:30 PM, $25 per player, Blind-draw format
Hosted by Tampa Bay Cornhole
Come ready to play—or cheer on your favorite team while enjoying everything Pioneers & Beers has to offer!
Come raise a glass to Florida's heritage while making new memories at the Pioneer Florida Museum!
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Scarecrow Run 5K – Inaugural Run/WalkSaturday, October 31, 2026
Gates Open: 7:00 AM | Race Starts: 8:00 AM at Little Everglades Ranch
Join us for the inaugural Scarecrow Run 5K, a family-friendly Run/Walk benefiting the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village! Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to spend your morning, participants of all ages and fitness levels are welcome.
Enjoy a scenic course at Little Everglades Ranch, then celebrate your accomplishment with custom finisher medals, age group awards, a costume contest, race T-shirts, and other fun giveaways.
Early Bird registration rates are available through August 31, so register early and save!
The Scarecrow Run 5K supports the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Florida's rich pioneer history. Proceeds from the race help maintain the Museum's historic buildings and collections while supporting affordable educational programs and field trips for local students and families.
Event Highlights:
- Inaugural 5K Run/Walk
- Costume Contest
- Custom Finisher Medals
- Awards for Age Groups
- Race T-Shirts and Giveaways
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere
- Scenic Course at Little Everglades Ranch
- Gates Open at 7:00 AM
- Race Starts at 8:00 AM
- Early Bird Rates Through August 31
The Pioneer Florida Museum is currently accepting race sponsors. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact us: curator@pioneerfloridamuseum.org
SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION BELOW:
https://forms.gle/ihCK11MBdeEtMC9QA
Thank you to our sponsors:
C&C Trusted Roofing
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NOVEMBER
Civil War Reenactment - Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10 am - 4 pm
Civil War History Field Trip Day - Friday, November 13, 9 am - 1 pm
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DECEMBER
Dade City Christmas Parade - Friday, December 4, 2026, 7 pm, Downtown Dade City
Parade Route:
On 7th St., from MLK Blvd. to Church St.
America 250 Theme
Application for Parade Entries: https://forms.gle/rSs4K1zC45VYk9vE9
Parade Sponsors: https://forms.gle/Vt2GeSUPDr4QZyBw9
Payment Link: https://quickclick.com/r/l9e19
SPECTATOR INFORMATION:
Always free for spectators! (Ticket link/button is for parade entries only. We thought it would be an easy way for them to register.)
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Help us make the Dade City Christmas Parade even more festive and fun!
Spectators are invited to wear red, white, and blue in celebration of our America 250 theme—or show off your favorite festive, light-up Christmas clothing! Participation is not required; it is simply for fun.
While you’re at the parade, take a photo and tag the Pioneer Florida Museum on Facebook for a chance to win four free museum admission passes! https://www.facebook.com/PioneerFloridaMuseum/
Entries must be posted publicly on Facebook by Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
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YOU BE THE JUDGE - THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Vote for Your Favorite Parade Entries!
Help us recognize the outstanding participants in the 2026 Dade City Christmas Parade! Spectators will be invited to vote in the following categories:
1. Best Overall Entry
2. Best Use of Lights
3. Best America 250 Entry
4. Most Creative Entry
5. Most Christmas Spirit
The entry receiving the most votes in each category will receive an award.
Voting closes Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Only one ballot may be submitted per email address.
The voting link will be posted here in November - watch the parade, choose your favorites, and cast your vote!
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Spectator Safety
• Make a family safety plan before arriving. Remind children to remain off the roadway, stay away from floats and vehicles, stay together, and treat others courteously.
• Supervise children at all times. Show children how to identify a uniformed police officer and select a family meeting place in case anyone becomes separated.
• Use a buddy system for large groups. Pair younger children with a responsible older person.
• Fully charge mobile phones before leaving home.
• Never run in front of, reach under, grab, or approach a float or moving entry. Never throw items at entries, bands, riders, or other spectators, or across the street.
• Use nighttime visibility aids such as glow sticks, reflective clothing, or flashlights. Cross streets only at corners or crosswalks and assume drivers may not see you. Use sidewalks whenever possible.
• Report suspicious or unsafe activity immediately to the nearest police officer.
• No Pets or smoking please.
Thank you for your support!
We are grateful for our sponsors so far:
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JANUARY 2027
Raising Cane and Moonshine Festival - Saturday, January 9, 2027, 10 am - 4 pm
Sugar Cane Syrup Making & Moonshine Tasting
Experience one of Florida's sweetest traditions at the Pioneer Florida Museum! Watch fresh sugar cane transformed into delicious syrup at our fully operational cane mill, sample authentic cane syrup, and enjoy a full day of history, entertainment, demonstrations, and family fun.
Sample a variety of complimentary tastings from local distilleries and browse bottles and specialty products available for purchase. Explore our authentic Moonshine Still exhibit, discover the history of moonshining in Florida, hear fascinating local moonshine stories, meet representatives from participating distilleries, and learn about the craft and traditions behind this unique part of our heritage.
Festival Schedule
At the Cane Mill (Northwest Corner of the Museum)
- Live Sugar Cane Syrup Making
- Sugar Cane Syrup Tastings
- Southern Syrup-Makers Contest
- Fresh Sugar Cane & Sugar Cane Juice Samples (while supplies last)
Presentations & Speakers
12:00 PM – US Sugar Presentation featuring Southern Syrup-Makers
Location: Mabel Jordan Barn
1:00 PM – Michael Ferguson, Public Historian
Historical Presentation (Topic to be Announced)
Location: Main Building – Lockey Tool Room
Live Entertainment
10:00 AM – The Barking Dogs
Between the General Store and the Cane Mill
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – The Geared Up Band
in the Gazebo, in front of the yellow 2 -story Overstreet House
2:00 PM – Raid at the Moonshine Still, Near the Moonshine Still, General Store & Open Field
All Day – Pharaoh's Wildlife Kingdom
Citrus Stage near the General Store
All-Day Activities
- Tour the Museum's Moonshine Exhibition
- Moonshine Tastings & Specialty Cocktails (21+ with valid ID)
- Live Blacksmith Demonstrations
- Traditional Pioneer Craft Demonstrations
- Model Train Room Open in the Trilby Train Depot
- Explore all historic museum buildings where Florida's pioneer history comes alive
- Vendors, Food Trucks, Desserts & Shopping
- Museum Concessions featuring Cracker Fixins (located by the fire trucks)
Step back in time as you tour our historic village, explore authentic pioneer buildings, and discover the stories of the men and women who helped shape Florida's history.
Admission: Adults: $15 Students: $5 Children 4 & Under: Free
Free Parking
Donations are appreciated but never required.
Visitor Information
- Museum Concessions are Cash Only
- No Pets
- No Coolers
Pioneer Florida Museum & Village
15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City, FL 33523
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FEBRUARY 2027
Farm Festival and Quilt Show - Saturday. February 6, 2027, 10 am - 4 pm
Southern Draft Horse Association Competition starts at 12 noon
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Pioneer Quilt Guild Meeting
The first Tuesday of every month starts at 6 pm
Main Building of the Pioneer Florida Museum in the Lockey Room
Quilters at all levels of experience are welcome.
For more information: pioneerquiltguild@gmail.com or www.pioneerquiltguild.com