Get into fall at the 34th Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival! This beloved Manatee County tradition packs the day with a craft show, live music, live shows, a Pioneer Trades Village, scarecrow displays, charity pumpkin games, hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, frog jumping championships, kids train ride, face painting, a rock climbing wall, fresh roasted sweet corn, and more.
Enjoy Selby Gardens Spooktacular with the whole family. This daytime celebration keeps the fun high and the frights mild, perfect for photos of your costumed crew. Activities include trick-or-treat stations, arts and crafts, hands-on learning, and story time options that add a little spook (but not too scary) for older kids. Children are encouraged to dress in costume and bring their own trick-or-treat bags. Food and beverages available for purchase on site. Event runs 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Downtown Sarasota campus.
Discover one of the area's most popular weekly gatherings at The Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch! Every Sunday, over 90 curated vendors bring the best of fresh produce, prepared foods, artisanal goods, plants, crafts, and more to Waterside Place. It's a vibrant, family- and pet-friendly event perfect for browsing, brunching, and enjoying the beautiful setting along Kingfisher Lake. From fresh-baked pastries to farm-fresh vegetables, organic products, handmade gifts, and live music, this market is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
Celebrate fall at Dakin Dairy Farms’ 2nd Annual Harvest Festival! Enjoy a full day on the farm with food trucks, local vendors, live music, and plenty of family fun. Highlights include a Kid Zone, pumpkin patch, corn maze, sunflower U‑pick, Touch‑A‑Tractor, calf cuddles, kid ATVs, lawn mower racing, and the crowd‑favorite pumpkin cannon. Bring sunscreen, closed‑toe shoes, and a camera—there are photo ops around every corner. General admission is $20 (ages 5 & under free) and parking is free.
Celebrate fall at the 37th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest — two full weekends of family fun with classic farm attractions and festive Halloween touches.
Celebrate fall at the 37th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest — two full weekends of family fun with classic farm attractions and festive Halloween touches. Highlights: • Rides & Activities: hay rides, pony rides, mini train rides, pumpkin painting, face painting, petting zoo and more • NEW: Hollowgraves Haunted Manor — a live‑actor walk‑through haunted house (recommended for ages 8+) • Shopping: seasonal decorations for sale (scarecrows, hay bales, and more) • Free Features: admission, parking, petting zoo, playground, live music, and decorated photo spots • Pricing: individual rides and game/activity booths (including pony rides, unicorn encounter, hug‑a‑goat, pumpkin painting) are priced $1–$10 each Daily/Weekly Features: • Children’s Costume Contest — Saturdays at 2:00 PM in front of the animal barn (free to participate) • Torres Family Circus & Extreme Riders — free shows at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM each festival day Know Before You Go: • Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Vendors: some accept cards; many are cash‑only — ATMs available on site • Location: east of I‑75 (Exit 210), look for festival entrance on the right • Dates: Oct 11–12, 18–19, 25–26, 2025
UTC’s annual Pumpkin Patch returns this fall from October 7 through October 26 on The Green at UTC (West District) across from Gifts & More / The Paper Store. Choose your perfect pick while supporting Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center, which cares for homeless and at-risk dogs and cats in our region. Pumpkins available while supplies last.
Enjoy a magical autumn evening under the lights at Spooky Point! The historic campus of Spanish Point comes alive with dazzling displays, eerie pathways, and colorful botanical-inspired installations perfect for all ages. Two entry times available nightly: 6:30 PM and 7:45 PM (no admittance after 8:30 PM). Enjoy food and drinks for purchase along the trail and experience this limited-run, family-friendly event from October 3 through November 1.
Dress like the undead and crawl through Bradenton’s best bars with drink specials.
Experience one of Sarasota’s most iconic and free-spirited traditions at the Siesta Key Drum Circle, held every Sunday evening just before sunset on the soft white sands of Siesta Beach. Drummers, dancers, locals, and visitors gather in a vibrant circle to celebrate rhythm, community, and the beauty of nature. Feel free to bring your own drum, join the dancing, or simply relax and enjoy the colorful scene. Family-friendly and open to all ages. No tickets or registration required — just show up and soak in the good vibes!
Family-friendly Halloween fun at Selby Gardens with trick-or-treating and spooky displays.
Follow the haunted yet beautiful trail at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus. Discover glowing 'ghost orchids,' pumpkins, and other creative light sculptures that celebrate both Halloween spirit and Sarasota’s natural beauty. Two entry times available nightly: 6:30 PM and 7:45 PM (no admittance after 8:30 PM). Enjoy food and drinks for purchase along the trail and experience this limited-run, family-friendly event from October 3 through November 1.