October 13, 2026

Early risers got a spectacular bonus with this morning’s rocket launch: a luminous “space jellyfish” floating across the predawn sky.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at approximately 6:33 a.m. EDT, carrying NASA’s CRS-35 cargo mission toward the International Space Station. As it climbed, its exhaust spread into a glowing cloud that transformed the morning sky.

What creates the jellyfish effect? It comes down to sunlight, altitude and timing. While people on the ground are still in Earth’s shadow, the rocket climbs high enough for its exhaust plume to catch sunlight. That illuminated exhaust—mostly water vapor and carbon dioxide—appears as a bright, translucent cloud against the darker sky.

At high altitude, lower surrounding air pressure allows the exhaust to spread widely. Its billowing shape and trailing plume create the resemblance to a jellyfish drifting through the sky.

When can you see it? Dawn and dusk launches offer the best opportunity: shortly before sunrise or shortly after sunset, when the ground is dark but sunlight still reaches the rocket’s high-altitude exhaust. Visibility also depends on cloud cover, the flight path and your viewing location.

For Space Coast skywatchers, it’s one more reason to keep an eye on twilight launches. Sometimes the rocket’s journey brings an extraordinary light show along with it.

Space Coast Weekend Events

Things To Do In Brevard This Weekend

October 16–18, 2026

Fall festivals, art fairs, outdoor adventures, library activities and live performances fill the Space Coast this weekend. Here are 75 listings for Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 18, 2026, organized alphabetically by community and then by the first weekend date.

All times are Eastern. Multi-day events appear once, with their weekend schedules included. Follow the event links for tickets, registration and current updates; map links search the listed venue. Confirm recurring activities with the organizer before traveling.

Cape Canaveral

Friday, October 16 · 6–8 p.m.

Haunted Library

Cape Canaveral Public Library, 201 Polk Avenue

An ocean-themed Halloween evening. Free admission; check the library listing for suitability and updates. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · 6–9 p.m.

Porch Party with Vintage the Band

J. Bird’s Island Eatery, Cape Canaveral

Enjoy pop and rock covers at the restaurant’s Friday porch gathering. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · 6–9 p.m.; dinner 7 p.m.

Celebrate Space Banquet

Radisson Resort at the Port, 8701 Astronaut Boulevard

A space-community dinner. The October 9 ticket deadline has passed; contact the organizer before making plans. Event details · Location map

Sunday, October 18 · 1–9 p.m.

Football Sunday

J. Bird’s Island Eatery, Cape Canaveral

Watch Sunday games with food and drink specials. Event details · Location map

Cocoa

Friday, October 16 · 11 a.m.

Brunch & Brush

MyMakerScape, 211 Willard Street

A daytime painting session; reserve through the studio calendar. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Senior Luncheon

Surfside Community Fellowship, Building 3, 1640 Minnie Street

A seniors’ gathering with a catered lunch and guest speaker. Contact the church about attendance. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · 5–8 p.m.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Academy Fall Festival

Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Boulevard

A free evening gathering for families and neighbors. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Glass Tree Workshop

MyMakerScape, 211 Willard Street

Create a decorative glass tree. Check materials fees and seat availability. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · Friday–Saturday 7–11 p.m.; check in by 10:30 p.m.

Haunted Jail Trail

Brevard County Jail Complex, 860 Camp Road

A spooky trail behind the jail, with food trucks in the waiting area. Listed admission $20. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · Friday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Avenue

The musical continues its October run. Tickets required; parental discretion advised. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

45th Annual Fall Art & Craft Fair

Historic Cocoa Village, Delannoy Avenue and surrounding streets

Browse handmade art and crafts throughout the village. Free entry. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds Fall Festival

Hidden Acres, 6360 Arborwood Avenue

Meet rescued racehorses and enjoy hayrides, vendors and seasonal activities. Listed admission $10; children 12 and younger free. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday Art Market

Myrt Tharpe Square, 12 Stone Street

The weekly market is also listed for fair weekend; confirm booth arrangements with the organizer. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · Noon–2 p.m.

Silly Goose Puzzle Competition

Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library, 308 Forrest Avenue

Teams of four race to finish a jigsaw puzzle. Free; ask the library about team registration. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 2:30–4:30 p.m.

Great Pumpkin Rescue

Dr. Joe Lee Smith Aquatics Center, 415 Stone Street

Children retrieve floating pumpkins and join seasonal pool activities. Register by October 15; call 321-302-1658. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 4–6 p.m.

Surfside Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat

Surfside Community Fellowship, 1640 Minnie Street

Free games, inflatables, food, giveaways and a petting zoo. Event details · Location map

Sunday, October 18 · 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Sewing Fundamentals

MyMakerScape, 211 Willard Street

First session of a four-part sewing course. Registration closes Saturday at 1:30 p.m.; check course requirements. Event details · Location map

Cocoa Beach

Friday, October 16 · October 16–18; Friday Fest 6–10 p.m.

Heart Behind the Hits: Songwriter Weekend

Downtown Cocoa Beach, Minutemen Causeway and North Orlando Avenue

A free weekend of Nashville songwriters across downtown venues. Friday Fest adds vendors and food trucks; follow the organizer’s daily schedule. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · Friday, Saturday and Sunday 7 p.m.

Weekend Music at Heidi’s

Heidi’s Jazz Club, Cocoa Beach

Friday: After 5 Band. Saturday: Hella Ayelet with Ron Teixeira Trio. Sunday: Tommy Z Bands. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 5–10 p.m.

5th Annual Halloween Pub Crawl

Starts at Salty Sisters, 24 North Brevard Avenue

A costume-themed tour of downtown bars with contests and prizes. Check tickets and age requirements. Event details · Location map

Indialantic

Friday, October 16 · 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Kids Glow-in-the-Dark Paint & Slime Party

MyMakerScape, 344 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1

Create under glowing lights. Advance registration closes Wednesday, October 14, at 6:30 p.m.; supplies included. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · Friday and Saturday 9 p.m.; Sunday 2 and 7 p.m.

Weekend Bands at Lou’s Blues

Lou’s Blues, Indialantic

Friday: Murphy’s Law glow party. Saturday: Occasional Astronauts. Sunday: Heatstroke at 2 and Will Purdy at 7. Event details · Location map

Indian Harbour Beach

Friday, October 16 · 9 p.m.

Loaded Dice

Key West Bar, Indian Harbour Beach

Friday’s local-band performance. Event details · Location map

Melbourne

Friday, October 16 · 6–9 p.m.

Wickham Park Free Concert

Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive

The county lists Switch featuring Anna, with food trucks. Free entry; food purchases extra. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · Friday–Saturday evening; choose ticketed entry time

Beware the Night

Brevard Zoo, 8225 North Wickham Road

Explore after-dark Halloween displays. Friday and Saturday include the optional River’s Revenge scare trail; reserve admission. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · Friday and Saturday 8 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.

Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty

Melbourne Civic Theatre, 817 East Strawbridge Avenue

Sherlock Holmes and Watson return in a comic stage adventure. Tickets required. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Vettes on the Avenue

New Haven Avenue, Historic Downtown Melbourne

Corvettes fill downtown for the club’s annual show. Spectators can browse the cars and nearby shops. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Indian River Lagoon Fest

Front Street Park, 2210 Front Street

A free gathering focused on lagoon conservation, with exhibits and family activities. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Platt’s Patch Family Fall Festival

Platt’s Patch, 3300 Sand Gulley Drive

Farm activities, a maze and hayrides. Listed admission $18; ages 2 and younger free. Enter from St. Johns Heritage Parkway. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Boo at the Zoo

Brevard Zoo, 8225 North Wickham Road

Daytime Halloween treats and activities included with zoo admission. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 3–6 p.m.

Sensory-Friendly Boo at the Zoo

Brevard Zoo, 8225 North Wickham Road

A separate Halloween program for people with exceptionalities and their families. Check registration and admission. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 3–4 p.m.

Suntree/Viera Library Pokémon Day

Suntree/Viera Public Library, 902 Jordan Blass Drive

Trade cards and discuss Pokémon at this free gathering for ages 10–17. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 5–10 p.m.

Intracoastal Night Market

Intracoastal Brewing Company, 652 West Eau Gallie Boulevard

Browse more than 20 local vendors with music in the beer garden; rain or shine. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 6–7:30 p.m.

Ghostly Gecko 5K

Eau Gallie Square, 1452 Highland Avenue

An evening race through the Eau Gallie area. Registration required; follow the race organizer for fees and pickup. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 7:30–9 p.m.

Brevard Symphony Orchestra: Echoes of Freedom

King Center, 3865 North Wickham Road

An American-themed orchestral program featuring Williams, Bernstein, Barber and Copland. Tickets required. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · Doors 8 p.m.; welcome-home festivities 8:30–10:30 p.m.

Space Coast Honor Flight Mission 90 Welcome Home

Melbourne Orlando International Airport, 1 Air Terminal Parkway

Celebrate returning veterans with music and a Walk of Honor. Free event parking; arrival time depends on the flight. Event details · Location map

Melbourne Beach

Friday, October 16 · 2–4 p.m.

Library Board Games & Brick Building

Melbourne Beach Public Library, 324 Ocean Avenue

A free family afternoon of games and building activities. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 7 p.m.

Movie Night: E.T.

Ryckman Park, 509 Ocean Avenue

Bring blankets and lawn chairs for the police department’s free outdoor movie. Event details · Location map

Sunday, October 18 · 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Touch Tank Sunday

Barrier Island Center, 8385 Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway

Interact with marine creatures at this free drop-in program. Event details · Location map

Sunday, October 18 · 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Sparkling Glass Sand Dollar Workshop

Barrier Island Center, 8385 Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway

Design a fused-glass sand dollar. Materials cost $30; advance enrollment required. Event details · Location map

Merritt Island

Friday, October 16 · Friday–Saturday 7–10 p.m.

Rotary Park Haunted Trail

Rotary Park Nature Center, 1899 South Courtenay Parkway

A spooky boardwalk trail with food trucks. Friday also includes a screening of Haunted Mansion; check admission. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 9–10 a.m.

Saturday Bird Walk

Sams House, 6195 North Tropical Trail

All experience levels welcome. Meet between the cabin and house; bring binoculars if available. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Faith Lutheran Fall Festival

Faith Lutheran Church, 280 East Merritt Avenue

A free seasonal community gathering. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 3 p.m.

Historic House & Cabin Tour

Sams House, 6195 North Tropical Trail

Tour the historic homes and hear about the Sams family. Event details · Location map

Sunday, October 18 · 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Merritt Park Farmers Market

Merritt Park, McLeod and Tangerine streets

Browse local vendors at the Sunday market. Free to attend. Event details · Location map

Sunday, October 18 · 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Sams House, 6195 North Tropical Trail

Pick up a hunt at the 1888 house and explore the grounds. Event details · Location map

Mims

Friday, October 16 · Friday–Saturday 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Holy Spirit Holiday Market

Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2399 Holder Road

Shop local vendors and crafters for fall and holiday gifts. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Babies & Toddlers Library Playdate

Mims/Scottsmoor Public Library, 3615 Lionel Road

A free early-literacy gathering with stories, songs and play. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · Tee times begin 4 p.m.; event through 8 p.m.

Couples Golf Date Night

Indian River Preserve Golf Club, 3950 Clubhouse Drive

A nine-hole couples scramble with dinner. Limited players; reserve with the club. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · 6–8 p.m.

Friday Night Trivia

Andrei’s at Indian River Preserve, 3950 Clubhouse Drive

Free trivia for teams of up to six; food and drinks available. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; book fitting appointment

TaylorMade Fitting Day

Indian River Preserve Golf Club, 3950 Clubhouse Drive

Meet a club-fitting expert and test equipment suited to your swing. Event details · Location map

Palm Bay

Friday, October 16 · 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Library Super STEAM

Palm Bay Public Library, 1520 Port Malabar Boulevard NE

Free hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math activities. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · Saturday–Sunday 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Harris Establishment Farms Fall Festival

Harris Establishment Farms, 1950 Vars Street NW

Enjoy seasonal farm activities. Paid admission; ages 2 and younger free. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 1–8 p.m.

3rd Annual Reggae & Food Festival

Fred Poppe Regional Park, 1951 Malabar Road NW

Reggae performances, global food and a community celebration organized by King Tappa. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 4–7 p.m.

Andrew Pickett Law Trunk or Treat

Greater Palm Bay Senior Center, 1275 Culver Drive NE

A free family Halloween gathering with decorated trunks and treats. Event details · Location map

Sunday, October 18 · 10–11 a.m.

Turkey Creek Ranger-Led Tour

Turkey Creek Sanctuary, 1518 Port Malabar Boulevard NE

A free guided introduction to the sanctuary; confirm space and meeting arrangements. Event details · Location map

Port St. John

Friday, October 16 · 9:30–10 a.m.

Read Your Way to K: Babies

Port St. John Public Library, 6500 Carole Avenue

Free stories and songs for babies and caregivers; adult supervision required. Event details · Location map

Sunday, October 18 · 1–4 p.m.

Library Game Day

Port St. John Public Library, 6500 Carole Avenue

Meet other players for board and tabletop games. Free. Event details · Location map

Sunday, October 18 · 3–4 p.m.

Kids D&D Adventures

Port St. John Public Library, 6500 Carole Avenue

A free children’s Dungeons & Dragons session. Ask the library about ages and available places. Event details · Location map

Rockledge

Friday, October 16 · 6–10 p.m.; mystery begins 7 p.m.

Murder at the Winery: Sip, Stroll, Solve

Geoffrey’s Cellars, 1016 Florida Avenue

Browse the night market or join an interactive mystery with clues, suspects and a costume contest. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 5–7 p.m.

Rockledge Presbyterian Fall Festival

Rockledge Presbyterian Church, 921 Rockledge Drive

Free seasonal fun with food, music, games and treat stations. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 5:15 p.m.

Space Coast Iceplex Halloween Recital

Space Coast Iceplex, 720 Roy Wall Boulevard

Costumed skating performances. Check admission with the rink. Event details · Location map

Sunday, October 18 · 12:30–1:30 p.m.

Cast Net Training

Riverwalk: A Family Park, 5355 U.S. 1

Practice cast-net technique with nature-center staff. Event details · Location map

Sunday, October 18 · 1–4 p.m.

Board Games in the Park

Riverwalk: A Family Park, 5355 U.S. 1

Play nature-themed games or bring a favorite game of your own. Event details · Location map

Satellite Beach

Friday, October 16 · 7 p.m.

Tropic Pulse

Sandbar Sports Grill, Satellite Beach

Friday-night live music. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 1–2 p.m.

Read to a Therapy Dog

Satellite Beach Public Library, 751 Jamaica Boulevard

Free reading practice for ages 5–17 alongside a therapy dog. Event details · Location map

Titusville

Friday, October 16 · 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Off the Path Guided Hike

Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, 444 Columbia Boulevard

A limited-space hike for experienced off-trail hikers. Rugged terrain and biting insects; contact the sanctuary before attending. Event details · Location map

Friday, October 16 · Friday 8 p.m.; Saturday 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.

Come From Away: Closing Weekend

Titusville Playhouse, 301 Julia Street

Last weekend of the musical about travelers welcomed to Newfoundland after September 11. Reserve tickets. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Sea Rocket Native Plant Sale

Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, 444 Columbia Boulevard

Shop native plants and get advice from local plant experts. Sale begins at 9 a.m. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · Saturday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

IRC Pumpkin Patch Craft Vendor Festival

1355 Cheney Highway, Titusville

Shop crafts amid seasonal pumpkin-patch activities. Listed admission $10 adults and $5 children. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 2–4:30 p.m.

Harvest Moon Tea & Tour

Pritchard House Museum, 424 South Washington Avenue

An autumn afternoon tea followed by a historic-house tour. Advance reservations required: 321-607-0203. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 4–6 p.m.

Gateway Trunk or Treat Fall Trail

Gateway Community Church, 2801 Tropic Street

A free family gathering with candy and games; bring a treat bag. Event details · Location map

West Melbourne

Saturday, October 17 · 8 a.m. race; free kids dash approximately 9 a.m.

#Be A Buddy 5K

Space Coast Field of Dreams, 3053 Fell Road

Run or walk for inclusion and bullying prevention. Paid 5K registration; kids’ dash free. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 9 a.m.–noon.

Library Truck or Treat

West Melbourne Public Library, 2755 Wingate Boulevard

A free seasonal library event featuring trucks and treats. Event details · Location map

Saturday, October 17 · 4–8 p.m.

Skate or Treat Bash

West Melbourne Community Park, 3000 Minton Road

The city’s free Halloween event mixes skating, costumes and candy. Event details · Location map

Before you go

Cancellation notice: MTI Country Fest, previously advertised for October 17–18 in Merritt Island, has been canceled by its organizer and is excluded from the listings above. Organizer’s announcement.

Researched October 13, 2026, using municipal and county bulletins, chamber and tourism calendars, organizer and venue pages, library-program listings and community calendars. Some library and neighborhood activities are supported by secondary listings; verify directly with the venue. Facebook searches were limited to publicly searchable material; private groups and login-restricted posts were not accessible. The county library calendar did not expose its event listings through the available web view.

This is a broad countywide roundup, not a guarantee of every event. No additional date-specific event was verified for Malabar, Grant-Valkaria, Micco, Palm Shores or Melbourne Village. Outdoor events, schedules and available seats can change.

"Gratitude is not a response to receiving good things — it is the practice of noticing that good things were always there, waiting to be seen."

— Melody Beattie

🚀 Space Coast Rocket Launches

October 15–22, 2026

One local rocket launch currently has a scheduled date and time during this period.

Monday, October 19, 2026 — 6:30 a.m. EDT
SpaceX Bandwagon-5 • Falcon 9
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Space Launch Complex 40

This rideshare mission will carry dozens of small satellites into low Earth orbit for commercial and government customers. By sharing one rocket, satellite operators can reach space without booking an entire launch. Launch details

No other launches currently have scheduled dates within October 15–22 from Cape Canaveral or Kennedy Space Center. Cape Canaveral schedule • Kennedy Space Center schedule

Schedule checked October 13, 2026. All times are local Eastern Daylight Time. Launch dates and times are subject to change; check for updates before heading out to watch.

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