Celebrate Fall at the 20th Annual Creekside Festival in Palm Coast

If your October plans could use a little bluegrass, barbecue, and good old-fashioned Florida charm, the Creekside Festival at Princess Place Preserve is calling your name. Now in its 20th year, this beloved event has grown into one of Flagler County’s largest gatherings, drawing more than 10,000 visitors each year. It all happens October 4 and 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it’s just 20 miles north of The Beach Front Motel — perfect for a fun fall day trip while you’re in town.

Princess Place Preserve is a showstopper on its own, with 1,500 acres of ancient oaks, Spanish moss, winding trails, and water views of the Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek. Add in music, food, arts, and family fun, and you’ve got the recipe for one unforgettable weekend. This is where the community gathers under the shade of the oaks to celebrate Northeast Florida’s natural beauty and its lively local culture.

Expect non-stop entertainment on the concert stage. Saturday’s lineup features Slickwood and Soul Fire, while Sunday brings Those Guys and Rocktown. Between the Americana, country, soul, and classic rock hits, you’ll want to bring a lawn chair and settle in for a while.

The shopping scene is just as lively, with more than 80 vendors setting up colorful tents throughout the park. Browse rows of unique arts and crafts, meet artisans from Shantytown Village in St. Augustine, and discover local businesses. There’s plenty to keep kids happy, too — pony rides, a petting zoo, a kids’ zone, and the always-popular Soccer Collies, a team of rescued Border Collies who can dribble and score like pros.

Feeling hungry? The food court has 30 vendors ready to tempt you. Think Italian ice, gourmet lemonade, cheesesteaks, barbecue, roasted corn, fried alligator, and more. Grown-ups can relax in the beer garden, sip fall brews, or sample Charlie Cracker’s authentic moonshine while listening to tales of old Florida. Don’t miss the annual chili cook-off challenge between the Sheriff’s Office and firefighters at noon on Saturday — it’s a friendly rivalry that smells as good as it tastes.

History buffs will love the demonstrations from blacksmiths, fur trappers, and potters, along with tours of the Princess Lodge, Flagler County’s oldest intact structure, built in 1887. You can also explore Florida’s first in-ground swimming pool, fed by a continuous artesian well. If you have extra time, take a stroll along the hiking trails, rent a kayak, or simply enjoy the view from the shore.

Admission is cash only at the gate: $10 for adults, and kids under 12 get in free. The best part? Your day of fun helps raise tens of thousands of dollars for local charities, including a domestic violence shelter, food pantry, and education foundation.

The Creekside Festival is more than an event; it’s a celebration of music, culture, history, and the outdoors, all in one breathtaking setting. If you’re staying in one of our oceanview rooms at The Beach Front Motel in Flagler Beach, it’s an easy trip north for a day that will leave you smiling long after the music fades.