Florida Nature Events in September: 10+ Free Outdoor Adventures

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Must-See Florida Nature Events in September: From Concerts to Cleanups

Forget the usual September pumpkin spice posts—Florida’s fall has its own vibe. This month, we’re paddling rivers, spotting sea turtles, and maybe we’ll even Sing Out Loud to Hozier at a festival that protects wild Florida.

Make this September one to remember—and when you’re done, tag us in your adventures @LiveWildlyFL!


The Highlights: Top Florida Nature Events in September

St. Augustine | September 20–21 – Sing Out Loud: Live Wildly Showcase
Watch Hozier, Beabadoobee, and more at this epic music festival where $10 per ticket supports local land conservation.
While in town, explore wild Florida with our curated Sing Out Loud Adventures!

Tampa | September 18 – Voices of the Corridor: Three Films. One Vision.
Join Live Wildly Adventurist George McKenzie Jr., along with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and Wildpath, for an evening of powerful storytelling through three short documentaries that explore the wild heart of Florida and those working to protect it.

Statewide | September 20 – International Coastal Cleanup Day
Join volunteers worldwide to remove trash from beaches and waterways. Find a cleanup site near you by clicking the link!


Florida Panhandle Nature Events in September

Freeport | September 6 – 9.6 Mile Hike on the Florida Trail
This is a trail assessment point-to-point hike on the Florida Trail segments between State Road 81 and the Lafayette Creek Trailhead (J.W. Hollington Rd.). The objective is to assess and record trail conditions in preparation for the October 10-13 Volunteer Work Party.

Santa Rosa Beach | September 12 – Stargazing At Eden Gardens State Park
Join the members of the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association for an evening of stargazing! A variety of telescopes will be set up by dusk, and will focus on observing different celestial objects chosen for their beauty and visibility.

Tallahassee | September 13 – Community Bike Ride
Explore the outdoors, connect with neighbors, and celebrate community at the free Community Bike Ride! All ages welcome.

St. Teresa | September 13 – Expedition on the Gulf of Mexico
Join the Tallahassee Scientific Society for exploration of sea life on the water followed by an afternoon in the lab to further investigate the specimens collected on the boat.

Pensacola | September 13 – An Evening Under the Stars at Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon State Park along with the Escambia Amateur Astronomer Association would like to invite you to spend an evening gazing at the skies! Clear skies permitting, members of the Association will set up telescopes and binoculars to capture views of the moon, planets, and other celestial objects.

Wakulla Springs | September 14 – Conservation Connections: Wakulla Springs Boat Tour
Enjoy a scenic boat tour that supports the protection of wild places through Conservation Florida.

Panacea | September 20 – 2025 Keep Wakulla Beautiful Cleanup
Make a difference in coastal communities by joining this cleanup effort.

Panama City Beach | September 27 – Race for the Bays
The Race for the Bays is more than just a run; it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our local environment. This event directly benefits the St. Andrew & St. Joseph Bay Estuary Program, with all proceeds going towards efforts to protect and restore the beautiful and vital estuarine ecosystems of the St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays.


North Florida Nature Events in September

Jacksonville | September 2 – Post Labor Day Litter Cleanup at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Give back after the holiday with a community cleanup in one of Jacksonville’s favorite coastal parks.

Gainesville | September 7 – Free Backpacking Basics Info Session at REI
Learn the essentials of backpacking—from gear to safety tips—in this beginner-friendly session.

Lamont | September 20 – North Florida Wildlife Center: 5-Year Celebration
Celebrate 5 wild years with vendors, food, animals & more—100% of proceeds support top-quality animal care at the Wildlife Center.

Jacksonville | September 20 – Melanated Adventures Presents: A Learn to Camp Experience
A guided camping workshop designed to empower beginners to enjoy the great outdoors.

St. Augustine | September 19-21 – Wild Waters Art Exhibit
Explore the natural beauty of Florida through the eyes of artists who were inspired by its wild waters.

St. Augustine | September 19–21 – Eco-Adventure Kayaking & Boating with St. Augustine Eco Tours!
Experience the wild side of St. Augustine with five special eco-adventures! These guided boat and kayak tours offer an up-close look at the region’s rich marine life, scenic waterways, and coastal ecosystems.

Ponte Vedra Beach | September 27 – Estuary Fest 2025 at GTM Research Reserve
The Estuary Fest is free and open to everyone. The event features food trucks, a raffle, and a scavenger hunt with cool prize bags loaded with goodies.

Jacksonville | September 27 – 6th Annual Talbot Tidewater Celebration at Ft. George Island
The 6th Annual Talbot Tidewater Celebration is a family event featuring a kids fishing clinic, guided hikes and canoe rides, environmental organization exhibits, many hands-on activities for kids and adults, presentations, live music and food for purchase in a beautiful location. The perfect way to celebrate National Public Lands Day!


Central Florida Nature Events in September

Babson Park | September 3 – Group Volunteer Workdays at Tiger Creek Preserve
Spend a day giving back to nature by helping maintain trails and habitats.

Longwood | September 6 – Sweetwater Lakes Restoration
Seminole County Lake Management & the SERV Program invite you to help plant shoreline vegetation to improve water quality and habitat.

Orlando | September 18 – Paint and Sip Benefiting Conservation Florida
Guided by celebrated Florida nature artists Tom Sadler and Sally C. Evans, guests will create their own Florida-inspired masterpiece during a two-hour painting session.

Oakland | September 20 – Nature Fest at Oakland Nature Preserve
Meet members of the environmental community, enjoy hands-on animal encounters and guided hikes, attend fascinating presentations, and explore even more exciting activities!

St. Cloud | September 22 – Bugged or Beneficial? Know Your Landscape Allies!
Join us for a class where you’ll learn to identify the good, the bad, and the harmless insects that call your yard home.

Sanford | September 23 – Master Gardener Volunteer Info Session
Learn how to become a volunteer and help your community grow greener.

Winter Park | September 27 – National Public Lands Day at Mead Botanical Garden
Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a morning of free activities! Enjoy yoga, Tai Chi, self-guided nature tours, a free tree giveaway, kids’ activities, a story walk, and an Audubon Birds of Prey presentation. Fun for all ages!

Lake Placid | September 30 – Ag Resource Hub: Conservation In Action
Join the next Ag Resource Hub hosted at Buck Island Ranch with Archbold Biological Station. Not only will you get to visit and tour this 10,000 acre ranch, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about conservation practices on working lands, water management, explore how to implement them, available conservation cost share programs, and participate in a roundtable discussion with experienced producers.


East Florida Nature Events in September

Osteen | September 3 – Wiregrass Prairie Hike
Discover the beauty of wet prairies and pine flatwoods in this remote preserve!

Pompano Beach | September 6 – Turtle Trek with the Broward Sierra Group
Walk the beach and learn about sea turtles!

Key Biscayne | September 7 – Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch Training
Come and learn about horseshoe crab biology and how to perform beach nesting surveys.

Stuart | September 8 – Our Mysterious Neighbors: The American Alligator Nature Walk
Join us on this picturesque nature walk and learn about this elusive aquatic reptile!

Indialantic | September 13 – STPS Turtle Krawl 5K
Run (or walk) in support of sea turtle conservation along the scenic coast. All race proceeds benefit the Sea Turtle Preservation Society’s mission of “Helping Sea Turtles Survive”.

Fort Lauderdale | September 14 – Sea Oat Planting Dune Restoration
The Local Octopus Foundation is looking for 30 volunteers to help plant new sea oats and restore their habitat to protect our coasts.

Miami | September 20 – Bird-Friendly Gardening Day with Tropical Audubon Society
Do you enjoy digging in the garden, learning about native plants that attract birds and other pollinators, or weeding invasives? Sign up to help maintain a Bird-Friendly Demonstration Garden and near-native Steinberg Nature Center grounds!

Jupiter | September 20 – Friends of Jupiter Beach International Coastal Clean Up
Join the 2025 International Coastal Cleanup! This is a fantastic opportunity to make a positive impact on our beautiful coastline, meet new friends, and enjoy a fun and fulfilling morning.


West Florida Nature Events in September

St. Petersburg | September 6 – St. Pete Open Spearfishing Tournament
Watch skilled divers compete in the world’s largest spearfishing tournament.

Brooksville | September 6 – Intro to 3D Archery with FWC
Join an introduction to 3D Archery, where participants will be paired up with experienced archers for a chance to enhance their skills.

Tarpon Springs | September 11 – Dragonfly Discovery Walk
Join local dragonfly expert Paul Trunk as you explore the Brooker Creek Preserve looking for dragonflies.

Largo | September 13 – Parks for Pollinators Bio Blitz
Take part in Citizen Science and help conserve mini-wildlife at Largo Central Park Nature Preserve!

Tarpon Springs | September 20 – Gopher Tortoises + Prescribed Fire = Increased Biodiversity
Learn about the significant ecological role played by this keystone species. Find out how habitat restoration, including the use of prescribed fire, can greatly benefit plant and animal communities.

Pasco County | September 20 – Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup
It is estimated that 80% of the trash in our waters originates from land. Litter and debris along our roadways ends up in stormwater systems which ultimately lead to rivers, lakes and open waters. 

Osprey | September 24 – Demonstration Garden Tour: Visitor Center at Osprey Junction Trailhead
Join Master Gardener volunteers for a free tour of the demonstration gardens at Sarasota County’s Osprey Junction Trailhead Visitor Center. The garden integrates beautifully into the natural environment, using Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ techniques that you can adopt for your home or business landscape.

Venice | September 24 – Meet the Milkweeds!
Join UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County at Jacaranda Library to discover which milkweed varieties are best suited for growing locally. Learn why these amazing native plants are important and how to propagate and grow them in your yard.


Florida’s wild side is waiting for you this September! From massive coastal cleanups to intimate garden tours and live music events, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature.