Dakin Dairy Farms is turning its working Myakka City dairy into a fall destination for three weekends this October. The third annual Harvest Festival runs October 10-11, 17-18, and 24-25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at 30771 Betts Road.
The lineup goes well beyond a pumpkin display. Visitors can navigate a corn maze, cuddle calves, watch cow-milking demonstrations, feed cows from a hayride, ride the Moo Train, and take a turn with the pumpkin cannon. Live bands, food trucks, and local vendors will be on site all three weekends, making it easy to stretch the trip into a full afternoon.
What sets this festival apart is the farm itself. The Dakin family has farmed dairy in Manatee County since 1973, and four brothers bought the Myakka City operation from their uncle Jerry in spring 2024. Milk is still processed and bottled right on the property, so a visit doubles as a look at where local dairy actually comes from. Before heading out, plan for closed-toe shoes and plenty of water, and confirm admission prices and hours directly with the farm. Third-party calendars list entry at $20 per person with free parking and free admission for kids 5 and under, but Dakin has not confirmed those figures.
Which part of the Harvest Festival would your family hit first, the corn maze or the calf cuddling? Let us know in the comments.
