Get ready for a spooktacular October in Sarasota! From festive family-friendly celebrations to spine-tingling haunted attractions, this month is packed with events that will get you into the Halloween spirit. Check out the top must-see happenings below and start planning your October adventure!

October 2, 2024: Atlanta Braves Farmer's Market

Shop fresh produce and local goods at the first Farmer's Market of the season in CoolToday Park’s parking lot. 8 a.m. - 12 noon. Wednesdays, October - March. CoolToday Park, 18800 South W Villages Pkwy, Venice, FL

October 2, 2024: Phillippi Farmhouse Market

Browse a variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and organic produce at this vibrant market. Enjoy live music, arts, and crafts, and food vendors. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. every Wednesday, October through April. 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Free admission.

October 3, 2024: Ringling Underground

Experience an evening of live music and art at the Museum of Art Courtyard. Featuring a mix of local, regional, and national artists. 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. $15 / Free for Students w/ ID & Members. The Courtyard at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL

October 4, 2024: Fresh Fridays - OctoberFresh

Celebrate the arrival of Fall with tasty bites, beverages, and live music on Main Street. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with local eateries and entertainment. 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Downtown Sarasota, FL

October 4, 2024: Van Wezel's Friday Fest - Big Night Out

End the Friday Fest season with Big Night Out, a dynamic dance band offering Latin, R&B, and island music. Enjoy free admission, local food vendors, and a lively atmosphere. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall lawn, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL

October 4, 2024: Music on Main

Enjoy an evening of live music with the Alan Grant Band at Lakewood Ranch’s Music on Main. Featuring rock, blues, and country, the event benefits Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. Food vendors, beer trucks, and activities for kids make it a family-friendly outing. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Lakewood Ranch, off University Parkway east of I-75.

October 4, 2024: 1st Friday “Sip & Shop” Downtown Sarasota

Experience downtown Sarasota’s charm with live music, food, and drinks from local restaurants at this free event. 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Downtown Sarasota, FL

October 4, 2024: Music in the Park

Enjoy Mama Fuma’s Latin Funk at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion. Bring a chair, blanket, and your leashed pets for this free, family-friendly event featuring food vendors. 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion, 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL

October 5, 2024: Sharktoberfest at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Raise a glass and celebrate at Sharktoberfest, a craft beer festival hosted after hours at Mote Aquarium. Sample seasonal brews from local and regional breweries while enjoying live entertainment, food stations, and unique experiences. 21+ only. $55 - $125 (VIP). 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL

October 5, 2024: ROCKtoberfest at UTC

Rock out at the first-ever ROCKtoberfest at UTC! Enjoy seven of the area’s best rock bands performing at seven different venues across the UTC District. Hop on the trolley for a night filled with great music and chances to win exciting prizes. Admission is free. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. UTC District, Sarasota, FL

October 5, 2024: Autumn Harvest Dinner at All Faiths Food Bank

Join the long-table Autumn Harvest Dinner to raise funds for fresh produce programs supporting those in need. Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner by Michael’s on East in a festive, community-centered atmosphere. 6:30 p.m. All Faiths Food Bank, 8171 Blaikie Court, Sarasota, FL

October 5 - 6, 2024: 36th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest

Enjoy a weekend of fall fun with hay rides, pony rides, pumpkin painting, and more! Free admission, parking, petting zoo, and live music. Individual rides and activities range from $1 - $10. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL

October 5 - 6, 2024: SSOVA's Siesta Key Volleyball Tournament

Get ready for a thrilling volleyball weekend at the Siesta Key Tournament! Enjoy watching or competing in various divisions, from men's and women's to coed and juniors. Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL

October 5 - 6, 2024: 28th Annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival

Explore a variety of arts and crafts, including jewelry, ceramics, and photography, with an expansive Green Market featuring plants, gourmet spices, and handmade soaps. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., 1 Central Avenue, Downtown Sarasota, FL

October 5 - 6, 2024: Venice Home Show

Find everything you need for home improvement at the Venice Home Show, featuring builders, contractors, and cooking seminars all weekend. Sat: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL

October 5 - December 1, 2024: The Orchid Show 2024: PURPLE!

Immerse yourself in a world of purple orchids at Selby Gardens’ annual Orchid Show, featuring stunning botanical displays and a dynamic exhibition of prints and photographs. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Museum closes at 4:30 p.m.), Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL

October 6, 2024: 24th Annual Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off

Support the Sarasota Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund at this fiery chili cook-off! Enjoy chili tastings, live music, and a fun family atmosphere. 1:45 p.m. - 5 p.m., Morton's Gourmet Market, 1924 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, FL

October 6, 2024: Parktoberfest at The Bay

Celebrate Oktoberfest Sarasota-style with live "oompah" music, a stein-hoisting contest, and tasty German-inspired brews and snacks. 5p.m. - 7 p.m., The Oval at The Bay, 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL

October 7, 2023: The 25th Annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market

Check out their new location for lots of used boat gear, antiques, dive gear, and fishing equipment to buy or trade. Enjoy live music, food, and meet fellow boaters. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street West, Cortez, FL

October 9 - 13, 2024: 12th Annual Oktoberfest at Edelweiss

Dust off your lederhosen and enjoy live entertainment, delicious German food and drinks, contests, games, and fun for the whole family. Wed - Fri: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Sat: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., Sun: 12 p.m. - end, Edelweiss, 611 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL. Free admission.

October 9 - 31, 2024: Lights at Spooky Point

Experience a magical walk through Historic Spanish Point with eerie lights, spooky orchids, and surprises along the trail. This event is family-friendly and not too scary for younger visitors.
6:30 p.m. (Early Entry) | 7:45 p.m. (General Admission), Historic Spanish Point, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL

October 11, 2024: 22nd Annual Goblin Gathering

Bring the kids for a fun-filled night of trick-or-treating, costume contests, bounce houses, face painting, and a petting zoo. 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., GT Bray Park, 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton, FL

October 11, 2024: Music in the Park: ABBA NOVA (Tribute)

Enjoy a night of free music featuring an ABBA tribute band. Bring your chairs, blankets, and leashed pups for this family-friendly event. 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion, 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL

October 11, 2024: Witches Night Out

An enchanting evening for witches and wizards with music, dancing, a costume contest, shopping, and food at Phillippi Estate Park. 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., Historic Edson Keith Mansion, 5500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL

October 11 - 12, 2024: American Vintage Markets: Falling for Vintage

Explore a wide array of vintage-inspired, handcrafted, and upcycled treasures at this festive marketplace. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Robarts Arena, Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL

October 11 - 13, 2024: It's SRQ ROCKTOBERFEST!

The ultimate fall celebration in downtown Sarasota will feature live music and performances to keep you rocking all weekend. Savor delicious seasonal foods and refreshing drinks that capture the essence of fall. Explore a variety of vendors in the shopping area, perfect for finding unique gifts and treats. Friday, Oct. 11th: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12th: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13th: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Free admission. 199 Bayshore Drive, Sarasota, FL

October 11-12, 2024: Jaguar Festival d’Elegance at St. Armands Circle

It’s the 38th Annual Festival d'Elegance on St. Armand's Key in St. Armand's Circle Park. All Jaguar Vehicles are welcome to participate. The event is free and open to the public. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL.

October 12, 2024: Sarasota Oktoberfest at Nathan Benderson Park

Come one, come all for a brew-tiful weekend at Nathan Benderson Park's Sarasota Oktoberfest! Enjoy the Benderson Chase rowing and paddling event, cold beer, authentic food, and live German music by Polka Cola. Biergartens, a kinder-zone, and more for the whole family! Admission is free. Parking $20 per car on Saturday, $10 on Sunday. 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL

October 12 - 13, 2024: 36th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival

Celebrate the fall season at Fruitville Grove with hayrides, pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, live music, and more! Free admission, parking, and photo spots. Activity booths like pony rides and pumpkin painting range from $1 - $10. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission and parking. 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL

October 12 - 13, 2024: 33rd Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival

Fun for all ages, the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival features hayrides, craft shows, live music, pioneer trades village, kids’ activities, and delicious roasted corn. Admission $15, kids 10 & under free, parking $5 (cash only). 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hunsader Farms, C.R. 675, 10 miles east of I-75.

October 17 - 20, 2024: 4th Annual Fall Festival & Carnival

The Mall at UTC’s Fall Festival offers carnival rides, a pumpkin patch, trunk or treat, and live performances. Family fun all weekend long, with food trucks and fall-themed vendors. Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Mall at UTC, Parking Lot 4, Sarasota, FL

October 18, 2024: Music in the Park at Bradenton Riverwalk

Enjoy a relaxing evening by the river with live music from the Eric Von Band (Country) and food from Big Blue Grilled Cheese & Edible Cookie Dough Café. Bring a blanket and enjoy the tunes! 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion, Bradenton, FL

October 18 - 20, 2024: The Annual Sun Fiesta

Venice’s Sun Fiesta kicks off with fun activities all weekend long, including bed races, a parade, arts & crafts, food, and live entertainment. Fri: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Sun: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission and parking. Centennial Park, Venice, FL

October 19, 2024: Trick-or-Treat Trail at The Mall at UTC

Dress in your spookiest costumes and follow the Trick-or-Treat Trail through the Mall at UTC. Enjoy games, meet & greets, bounce houses, and a dance party! 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL

October 19, 2024: 4th Annual Taste of North Port Food & Fall Fest

Taste the best local eats in North Port while enjoying arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and a children's costume parade. Free admission. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. City Hall Blvd, North Port, FL

October 19, 2024: Anna Maria Island Bay Fest

Anna Maria Island’s biggest festival is back with live music, a classic car show, arts & crafts vendors, and family fun. Free admission. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island, FL

October 19, 2024: Sarasota Water Lantern Festival

Watch thousands of lanterns illuminate the water at Sarasota’s most magical event! Ticket includes access to the festival, food trucks, and a lantern kit. 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tickets start at $28.33. Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota, FL

October 19 - 20, 2024: Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest

Celebrate fall at Fruitville Grove with pumpkin painting, hayrides, a petting zoo, and more. Free admission, parking, and live music! 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission and parking. 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL

October 19 - 20, 2024: 33rd Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival

Get into the fall spirit at this festival packed with fun for all ages! Enjoy a craft show, live music, pioneer trades village, scarecrow displays, charity pumpkin games, hayrides, pony rides, petting zoo, and much more. Fresh roasted sweet corn and rock climbing will be available too. Additional dates: October 26 - 27. $15 admission, kids 10 & under free, parking $5 (cash only). 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hunsader Farms, C.R. 675, 10 miles east of I-75.

October 19 - 20, 2024: St. Armand's Fall Festival of the Arts

Immerse yourself in a world of artistic brilliance as St. Armand's Fall Festival of the Arts returns! Talented artisans from Florida and beyond will showcase handcrafted masterpieces in painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, and more. Stroll through this artistic oasis and discover unique finds. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free Admission. St. Armand's Circle Park, Sarasota, FL.

October 20, 2024: 13th Annual Tour de North Port Bicycle Ride

This year’s theme is “It’s The Green Pumpkin!” A fun, non-competitive bicycle ride through beautiful pine flatwoods forests with routes of 15, 35, and 65 miles. Enjoy scenic views and well-marked routes. Breakfast, lunch, rest stops, and a SWAG bag included! Starts at 8 a.m. from Imagine School, 2757 Sycamore St., North Port. $50-$65, depending on registration date.

October 24 - 26, 2024: 8th Annual Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Enjoy a spooky, family-friendly play under the stars at The Sarasota Polo Club! Watch as Ichabod Crane, Katrina, and the famous Headless Horseman take the stage in this Halloween favorite. There will also be a costume contest each night and a Fall Festival on October 26. Bring chairs or blankets. 6 p.m. showtime. $25 for Adults, $20 for Kids with bracelet. Polo Field Grounds, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota, FL.

October 25, 2024: Boo! at The Bay - Family Halloween Celebration

Join in the fun at this family-friendly Halloween celebration! Trick-or-treat, decorate pumpkins and enjoy a not-so-spooky decorated trail, followed by a screening of Despicable Me 4. Costumes are encouraged! Free pumpkins for the first 1,500 kids. 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Common Ground at The Bay Park, 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL.

October 25, 2024: BooFest at Lakewood Ranch

It's family-friendly fun at BooFest! Trick-or-treat around Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street, with entertainment, food, drink vendors, and more. Dress your best for Halloween and join in on the fun. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Free. Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL.

October 26, 2024: 21st Annual Boo Run

Participate in this family-oriented 5K run/walk in Lakewood Ranch! Featuring a new certified course, enjoy the race with pups or humans, and the kids’ Boo Dash too! Your entry includes a chip-timed 5K, bib, finisher medal, and race shirt. Prizes for best costumes! 8 a.m. start time, Lakewood Ranch, FL.

October 26, 2024: 1st Annual Ghoulfest Poker Run

This exciting event supports SRQ VETS and its mission to help our local veterans in their time of need. Each location will have two games of skill/luck that participants can try for $1 a chance. The proceeds will also go to SRQ VETS. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. DAV Post #97, 7177 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL.

October 26, 2024: Bradenton Public Market Spooktacular

This family-friendly event includes Trick or Treating with the Market Friendors from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (or while candy lasts). Bradenton Public Market, 400 Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL.

October 26, 2024: The Annual Sarasota Dog-A-Ween Costume Contest

It’s time for dogs to get a scary groove on and don Halloween garb. The event benefits Donte’s Den Foundation. Registration: 9 - 9:45 a.m., competition starts at 10 a.m. Fee: $15. Lemon Ave & 1st St., Sarasota, FL.

October 26, 2024: It's Halloween Bar Crawl 2024.

Join the 4th annual MEGA CRAWL through Sarasota’s best bars. Tickets get you access to 5+ venues, drink specials, costume contests, and more! $16 - $20. 3 p.m. - 11 p.m. Downtown Sarasota, FL.

October 26, 2024: Halloween Block Party

The El Melvin Day of the Dead Block Party features live music, street food, costume contests, and VIP tables. 5 p.m. - midnight. El Melvin Cocina Mexican, 1355 Main Street, Sarasota, FL.

October 26, 2024: Gator Club's Halloween Block Party

Live music with 22N at 8 p.m. and Johnny Diamond at 9:30 p.m., plus DJ Kelly Crawford at 10 p.m. Costume contests and more. 6 p.m. - late. The Gator Club, 1490 Main St., Sarasota, FL.

October 26, 2024: Sarasota's Art Ovation Hotel becomes the Haunted Hotel

Featuring a costume contest with cash prizes, DJ Jeff Retro from Vegas, and late-night hors d'oeuvres. Tickets: $35-$50. VIP tables: $1000. 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL.

October 26-27, 2024: The 36th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest!

Featuring hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, and more. Free admission and parking. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL.

October 26-27, 2024: 33rd Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival

Enjoy live music, pioneer trades village, scarecrow displays, hayrides, and more. Admission $15, kids 10 & under free, parking $5. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hunsader Farms, Bradenton, FL.

October 27, 2024: The Florida Inline Skating Marathon

The largest skate race in Florida offers various race distances for all ages. Free admission (parking fees may apply). Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota, FL.

October 27, 2024: 36th Anniversary Bill's Beer Run

A 5-mile race along Casey Key, open to MTC members only. Halloween-themed, with beer, costumes, and DJ music. 8 a.m. North Jetty Park, Casey Key, FL.

October 27, 2024: Selby Gardens Spooktacular

This family-friendly event includes trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, and educational activities. Members: Free; Regular admission: Adults $28, kids 5-17 $12. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Selby Gardens, Sarasota, FL.

October 27-31, 2024: 3rd Annual Haunted Fish Camp

Explore the haunted grounds, pirate legends, and ghost stories of Jiggs Landing. Admission: Children (12 and under) free, adults $5. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Jiggs Landing, Bradenton, FL.

October 29, 2024: Nathan Benderson Park’s annual NBP Trick Or Treat On The Lake

Trick-or-treat along the candy trail, with themed booths, children’s activities, and live music. 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota, FL.

October 30, 2024: Trunk or Treat at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex

Enjoy a fun-filled evening with games, candy, and costume contests. Free admission. 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, Sarasota, FL.

October 31, 2024: 40th Annual “Safe Treats” event

A safe venue for children to trick-or-treat, with merchants participating along Siesta Key. 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Siesta Key, FL.

October 31, 2024: Downtown Halloween Strut

All ages are invited to show off their costumes while enjoying trick-or-treating at participating locations. 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Downtown Venice, FL.

October in Sarasota is bursting with exciting events that will leave you with memories to cherish. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay connected with us on social media for updates on more can't-miss events throughout the season!