family-friendly

Name: Siesta Key Drum Circle
Start: 2025-12-07T19:30:00+00:00
End: 2025-12-07T21:00:00+00:00
Location: Siesta Beach

October 2025
October 31 @ 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Lights at Spooky Point

Historic Spanish Point 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, Florida
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.
$4 – $34
November 2025
November 1 @ 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Lights at Spooky Point

Historic Spanish Point 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, Florida
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.
$4 – $34
November 3 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Art in the Park – The Bay

Ibis Playground Pavilion at The Bay 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, Florida
Start your month with a splash of creativity at Art in the Park, a free community art session held the first Friday of every month from 10 to 11 AM at The Bay’s Ibis Playground Pavilion in downtown Sarasota. Surrounded by the beauty of Sarasota Bay, participants of all ages are invited to unwind, connect, and explore their artistic side under the guidance of Art Center Sarasota teaching artists.
Free (Registration Requested)
November 7 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Festival of the Skeletons – 21st Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration

Village of the Arts 1227 12th St. W, Bradenton, FL
The Skeletons are coming! Celebrate the 21st year of Festival of the Skeletons, the Village of the Arts’ biggest event of the year. Friday evening opens with a colorful, high-energy art walk honoring Dia de los Muertos. Galleries unveil imaginative shrines and altars that pay tribute to loved ones, while live strolling music brings the streets to life. Discover one-of-a-kind pieces from pop-up vendors and sample bites from local food purveyors. Come dressed in your best Dia de los Muertos-inspired attire—floral crowns, calavera face paint, and bright colors welcome. Please be respectful around altars and remembrance displays. Street parking is available throughout the Village; consider rideshare during peak hours. Weather permitting; check the organizer’s website for updates.
Free and family-friendly (food and market purchases additional)
November 8 @ 10:00 AM - November 9 @ 5:00 PM
Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival
Experience the vibrant creativity of the Sarasota Fall Art Festival, an annual outdoor event showcasing the original works of artisans and crafters from across Florida and the United States. The park transforms into an open-air gallery featuring a diverse array of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, metalwork, graphics, woodworking, and more. Engage with the artists, learn about their creative processes, and perhaps even commission a unique piece tailored to your taste. This festival is a celebration of art, culture, and community in the heart of Sarasota.
November 8 @ 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Festival of the Skeletons – 21st Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration

Village of the Arts 1227 12th St. W, Bradenton, FL
Return for day two of Festival of the Skeletons as the Village of the Arts fills with color, remembrance, and creativity. Explore gallery installations of shrines and altars, enjoy roaming musicians, and browse pop-up makers for unique finds. Food vendors will be on site with sweet and savory options. Families are encouraged to dress up and bring cameras for photo moments. Know before you go: outdoor, walkable event; portions of the Village may be busy—arrive early for easier parking on neighborhood streets. Please be mindful around memorial displays. Event is weather dependent; check the website for last-minute updates.
Free and family-friendly (food and market purchases additional)
November 24 @ 4:00 PM - November 26 @ 10:00 PM Sarasota Food Truck Festival
Sarasota Food Truck Rally & Music Festival
The Sarasota Food Truck Rally & Music Festival is a vibrant three-day celebration held annually over Thanksgiving weekend. Set against the scenic backdrop of Sarasota Bay at J.D. Hamel Park, the festival features a diverse lineup of food trucks offering a wide array of culinary delights, from gourmet dishes to classic comfort foods. Attendees can enjoy live music performances spanning various genres, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere for all ages. The event is pet-friendly, with leashed pets welcome, and offers free admission to all visitors.
December 2025
December 3 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Art in the Park – The Bay

Ibis Playground Pavilion at The Bay 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, Florida
Start your month with a splash of creativity at Art in the Park, a free community art session held the first Friday of every month from 10 to 11 AM at The Bay’s Ibis Playground Pavilion in downtown Sarasota. Surrounded by the beauty of Sarasota Bay, participants of all ages are invited to unwind, connect, and explore their artistic side under the guidance of Art Center Sarasota teaching artists.
Free (Registration Requested)
December 6 @ 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market
Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market

Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market 1 N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL
Enjoy a vibrant and lively market experience every Saturday in the heart of Downtown Sarasota! The Sarasota Farmers Market features over 70 vendors offering fresh produce, artisan foods, local seafood, plants, handmade crafts, and more. Stroll through the market, listen to live music, and discover unique finds while supporting local farmers, bakers, and artists. The market is family-friendly and pet-friendly, making it a perfect Saturday morning tradition for all ages. Come early for the best selection and enjoy the downtown Sarasota atmosphere.
December 6 @ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Bradenton Public Market
Bradenton Public Market

Old Main Street Downtown Bradenton Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL
Welcome to the Bradenton Public Market, a place where the community meets each week to enjoy fresh produce, local art, music, and free family activities on Old Main Street.Since 1979, the Bradenton Public Market has been a cherished weekly tradition, transforming Old Main Street into a vibrant, open-air marketplace. Each Saturday from October through May, locals and visitors alike gather to explore over 80 vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, local art, and delicious prepared foods. The market also features live music, chef demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, making it a delightful outing for all ages.
December 7 @ 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch
Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch

Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch 1561 Lakefront Dr, Sarasota, FL
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.
December 7 @ 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Siesta Key Drum Circle
Siesta Key Drum Circle

Siesta Beach 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL
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!

October 2025

November 2025

December 2025