16 Family-Friendly Fall & Halloween Events in Sarasota This October

Welcome to Sarasota's spooky season! This October is filled with family-friendly fall and Halloween events for everyone to enjoy. From pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn mazes to costume parades, trick-or-treating, and haunted houses in in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch, there are more than so many exciting things to do this month. Get ready to be spellbound by the many October 2023 events in Sarasota! From festive gatherings and costume contests to live music and entertainment, you'll be sure to find something spooky and fun to do this October.

35th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest

Every Weekend in October 10am-5pm | Fruitville Grove

Looking for some festive fun in Sarasota this October 2023? Look no further than the 35th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest! This beloved event takes place every Saturday and Sunday in October on September 30th & October 1st, 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd, and 28th & 29th, offering multiple opportunities to join in on the excitement.

The best part? Admission to the fest, along with the petting zoo, playground, live music, Torres Family Circus, and even the costume contests, is completely free! For those looking to indulge in some individual activities, such as pony rides, rock climbing, bounce houses, or pumpkin painting, there is a small fee ranging from $1 to $10. Don't miss out on this must-attend event, and add it to your list of things to do in Sarasota this October!

Lights at Spooky Point

Starting October 13th, 6:30pm-9pm | Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point Campus

Lights at Spooky Point is back for a second year and it's better than ever! This Halloween-themed light show is equal parts creepy, campy, and cute, making it perfect for the whole family. Tickets are $30 for adults ($20 for Selby Gardens members), $15 for ages 5-17, and free for children 4 and under. Early entry to Lights at Spooky Point is at 6:30 p.m. and general entry begins at 7:45 p.m. The last entry into Lights at Spooky Point is at 8:30 p.m. and the campus closes at 9 p.m., so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged, so grab yours and get ready for a spooktacular evening!

32nd Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival

Starting October 14th, 9am-5pm | Hunsader Farms

Get ready for the 32nd Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival! Starting October 14th and every Saturday and Sunday for the rest of the month, you can enjoy a day filled with family-friendly activities. Live Music and Shows, Pumpkins, Kid's Pumpkin Games, Hayrides, Pony Rides, Corn Maze, Homemade Ice Cream, Farm Roasted Sweet Corn, Chainsaw Sculpting, Petting Zoo, Barnyard Playground, Train Rides, Fresh Produce, and even a Butterfly Experience are just a few of the highlights!

Admission is $15 and children 10 and under are free. Plus, dogs are welcome as long as they are friendly, on a leash, and you clean up after them. Don't miss out on this incredible event!

Halloween Trick-or-Treating at UTC

October 21st, 5:30pm-7:30pm | The Mall at UTC

Get ready for a spooktacular time at Halloween Trick-or-Treating at The Mall at UTC! Dress in your favorite costume and join in for mall-wide trick-or-treating fun. Make your way to the Grand Court and outside the main east entrance for exciting activities like character meet & greets, dance party, bounce houses, crafts, games, and more. Don't forget to bring your trick-or-treat bag, as candy will be available on a first-come basis. Be sure to arrive at the event start time to make the most of this Halloween extravaganza!

St. Armands Fall Festival of the Arts

October 21st-22nd, 10am-5pm | St. Armands Circle

Get ready for a weekend of artistic excellence at the St. Armands Fall Festival of the Arts on October 21-22, 2023! Held in the picturesque St. Armands Circle Park, this event showcases a stunning array of artwork from talented artisans. From vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, dazzling jewelry to captivating photography, and so much more, there's something to captivate every art lover. With artists attending from across Florida and the United States, visitors have the unique opportunity to commission a one-of-a-kind piece. Best of all, this event is free! So bring your sense of discovery and immerse yourself in the beauty of the St. Armands Fall Festival of the Arts.

3rd Annual Fall Festival at University Town Center

October 21st-22nd, 11am-6pm | University Town Center

Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Fall Festival! On October 21st and 22nd, come out to parking lot 4 (east side) at The Mall at UTC and enjoy a weekend of fall fun. There will be Carnival Rides, a Pumpkin Patch, Trunk or Treat (October 22nd from 4 - 6 pm), Community Performances, Food Trucks & Beer Truck, Fall-Themed Vendors, Photo Stops, Activities and more! Don't miss out on this exciting event that has something for everyone to enjoy. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. See you there!

Trick Or Treat On The Lake

October 26th, 5:30pm-8pm | Nathan Benderson Park

Get ready for a spooktacular evening of Halloween fun at Trick or Treat on the Lake! This family-friendly event is returning to Sarasota on Thursday, October 26th, and it's not to be missed. Join us at Nathan Benderson Park for a thrilling night of trick-or-treating along a candy trail, with themed booths decorated by community organizations. There will be interactive play, storytelling, and live music to keep the festivities going. So grab your costumes and come join us for an unforgettable evening of Halloween fun at Trick or Treat on the Lake!

7th Annual Legend of Sleepy Hollow & Fall Festival

October 26th-28th, 6pm | Sarasota Polo Club

Don't miss out on the 7th Annual Legend of Sleepy Hollow & Fall Festival at the Sarasota Polo Club! Immerse yourself in the haunting tale as you follow new schoolmaster Ichabod Crane through Sleepy Hollow. And that's not all - each night there will be a costume contest, so make sure to dress to impress! On October 28th from 3pm-6pm, join in the Fall Festival with food trucks, games, prizes, face painting, a photo booth, and a bounce house before the show!

Ticket prices are Adult-$25, Kid-$20 with a bracelet, Kids-$10 without a bracelet, and Family 4 pack– $75. Bracelets will be sold at the door for $15, so come prepared. Don't forget to bring your own blankets or chairs as this spine-chilling event is held outdoors.

BooFest

October 27th, 6pm-9pm | Lakewood Ranch Main Street

BooFest is back on Lakewood Ranch Main Street and it's bound to be a spooky good time! This free event features entertainment, food, and drink vendors, making it perfect for a fun-filled Halloween celebration. Don't forget to bring your trick-or-treat bags for the little ones, and be sure to dress up for the children's costume parade. Get ready to have a howling good time at BooFest!

20th Annual Boo Run

October 28th, 7:30am | Lakewood Ranch

Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the 20th Annual Boo Run! This exciting race is not only a fun way to get active, but it also supports two incredible charities: the Another Day for Gray Foundation and the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. And the fun doesn't stop there! Don't forget to dress up in your spookiest or silliest costume for a chance to win in one of the four categories: Best Pup/Human, Best Couple or Group, Best Adult, and Best Child. So join in on the Halloween festivities and run for a great cause at the 20th Annual Boo Run!

Trick or Treating at Bradenton Public Market

October 28th 9am-2pm | Old Main Street, Bradenton

Trick or treating at Bradenton Public Market is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with the whole family! On October 31st, head to the market for a spooktacular time. From 9am to 2pm, market vendors will be handing out treats to little ghouls and goblins. Plus, there will be free face painting to add an extra touch of Halloween fun. Don't forget to come dressed up in your best costumes for a truly memorable and festive experience. It's a can't-miss event for Halloween lovers of all ages!

16th Annual Sarasota Dog-A-Ween Costume Contest

October 28th, 9am | Lemon Ave. & Whole Foods, Downtown Sarasota

Join in for a paw-some event at the 16th Annual Sarasota Dog-A-Ween Costume Contest on Saturday, October 28, 2023! This is a can't-miss event for dog lovers and costume enthusiasts alike. Special guests and judges, including ABC 7's Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigon and Marsha Panuce, founder of Donte's Den Foundation, will be there to make the day extra special.

Registration is $15 on-site and check-in starts at 9:00 AM at Lemon Ave. & Whole Foods in downtown Sarasota. Watch the adorable parade of dressed-up pups as it makes its way through the Farmers Market to Paul Thorps Park. The contest kicks off at 10:15 AM. Plus, enjoy pet-friendly patios, delectable treats, and the scenic beauty of the bayfront. Join the movement and help make this event a howling success!

El Melvin Day of the Dead Block Party

October 28th, 4pm-2am | El Melvin Cocina Mexicana

Get ready to celebrate at the El Melvin Day of the Dead Block Party! This vibrant event is a feast for the senses, with delicious street food, live entertainment, and DJs provided by SRQ Beats. And don't forget the incredible fire-dancers that will be lighting up the night. Plus, there's a $1000 costume contest, so make sure to come dressed to impress! Get ready for a night of unforgettable surprises at the El Melvin Day of the Dead Block Party.

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Selby Gardens Spooktacular

October 29th, 10am-1pm | Selby Gardens

Get ready for a ghoulishly good time at Selby Gardens Spooktacular! This family-friendly, Halloween-inspired event is not to be missed. Join in on the fun with trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, and plenty of fun and educational activities for the whole family. For those brave souls, there are even more frightening options like an inflatable corn maze and spooky storytelling. Best of all, Selby Gardens Members get in for free. Don't miss out on this spooktacular event at Selby Gardens!

Siesta Key’s “Safe Treats” Trick-or-Treating

October 31st, 3pm-6pm | Siesta Key Village

Looking for a safe and fun way for your kids to trick-or-treat this Halloween? Look no further than Siesta Key's "Safe Treats" Trick-or-Treating event! Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating in Siesta Village along Ocean Blvd. and the surrounding streets. Participating merchants will have festive balloons to indicate that they are participating in the event. And the best part? The Siesta Breeze Trolley is offering free rides between the Village and Turtle Beach, making it convenient for families to get around. This free event provides a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience for the whole family. Don't miss out on the fun!

15th Annual Fright Night on St Armands Circle

October 31st, 6pm-8:30pm | St Armands Circle

Get ready for a spooktacular night of frightful fun at the 15th Annual Fright Night on St Armands Circle! This Halloween event is not to be missed. The store fronts will be adorned with eerie decorations, and frightening characters will roam the streets, ready to give you a scare. Both adults and children can participate in trick-or-treating throughout the Circle, as retailers and restaurants contribute to the Halloween spirit with candy, games, and customized promotions. It's the perfect event to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy a night of spooky excitement!

Conclusion

From pumpkin festivals and craft festivals to water ski shows and block parties, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking for spooky thrills or festive fun, these events will make this October one to remember. So grab your costumes, gather your loved ones, and get ready to have a spooktacular time in Sarasota's spooky season!