The City of Fernandina Beach held its second annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Atlantic Recreation Center.

The free event ran from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2500 Atlantic Ave., following a dedicated Sensory Hour from noon to 1 p.m., according to the city's event calendar. The festival included games, prizes, treats and a floating pumpkin patch at the pool.

Floating pumpkin patch brings fall to the pool

For $2 a ticket, children participating in the floating pumpkin patch were assigned to 30-minute waves to enter the pool and search for a pumpkin. Participants could then decorate their pumpkins, Action News Jax reported.

The pool was closed to regular swimming during the event, with only ticketed participants allowed in during their assigned waves. Snow cones, popcorn and other treats were available for purchase.

Festival returns for second year

The city's Parks and Recreation Department, led by Director Scott Mikelson, organized the event. Rozanda Thomas serves as the city's special events coordinator.

The city launched the festival in September 2025 at the same location with a similar lineup, as the News-Leader reported.

The main festival and Sensory Hour were free, while the floating pumpkin patch required a $2 ticket. Attendance figures have not been released.

Residents can find upcoming Parks and Recreation events at fbfl.us or call the department at 904-310-3350.