Saturday at Thunder By The Bay is the ultimate experience for festivalgoers, running from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. The day begins bright and early with the “Ride So Children Can Thrive” Dice Run from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, a scenic motorcycle charity ride that supports Suncoast Charities for Children.
Midday brings more excitement with Biker Rodeo Games (12 PM – 3 PM) and a chance to meet Paul Teutul Jr., the legendary custom motorcycle designer and star of American Chopper. Dozens of vendors, food trucks, and beer tents fill the fairgrounds, offering everything from handcrafted biker gear to festival eats and cold drinks.
The live music schedule packs in some of the festival’s biggest acts — “Given to Fly: The Pearl Jam Experience” (4 PM), Bobby Friss (6 PM), and the Southern rock icons 38 Special (8 PM) closing out the night with their signature hits and powerhouse sound.
Saturday is the heartbeat of the festival — a day of energy, camaraderie, and unforgettable performances that keep Sarasota rocking.
The Friday kickoff launches the 28th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival with an electrifying night of live music, food, and festivities at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.
Gates open at 5:00 PM and close at 10:00 PM, marking the official start of Sarasota’s premier weekend celebration of music and motorcycles. Guests can enjoy vendor booths, local food and drink stands, and on-site merchandise featuring exclusive festival apparel.
Festival goers are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs or rent one through conCHAIRto for prime seating in front of the main stage. The evening lineup kicks off with high-energy rock band Maiden Cane at 6:00 PM, followed by the legendary headliner Night Ranger at 8:00 PM, delivering a night of chart-topping hits and classic rock nostalgia.
Friday sets the tone for an unforgettable weekend of roaring engines, live entertainment, and community spirit — all to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children.
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.
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.
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.
Know Before You Go:
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Admission & Parking: $15 general admission; kids 5–9 $5; under 5 free; parking $5 (cash only)
• Payment: Festival is cash-only; bring cash for vendors, rides, and parking
• Location/Directions: 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton, FL 34211 — halfway between S.R. 64 & S.R. 70 (~10 miles east of I‑75). From I‑75 northbound use Exit 217A; from I‑75 southbound use Exit 220.
• Info: 941‑322‑2168
• Dates: Oct 11–12, 18–19, 25–26, 2025
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.
Know Before You Go:
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Admission & Parking: $15 general admission; kids 5–9 $5; under 5 free; parking $5 (cash only)
• Payment: Festival is cash-only; bring cash for vendors, rides, and parking
• Location/Directions: 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton, FL 34211 — halfway between S.R. 64 & S.R. 70 (~10 miles east of I‑75). From I‑75 northbound use Exit 217A; from I‑75 southbound use Exit 220.
• Info: 941‑322‑2168
• Dates: Oct 11–12, 18–19, 25–26, 2025
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.
Know Before You Go:
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Admission & Parking: $15 general admission; kids 5–9 $5; under 5 free; parking $5 (cash only)
• Payment: Festival is cash-only; bring cash for vendors, rides, and parking
• Location/Directions: 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton, FL 34211 — halfway between S.R. 64 & S.R. 70 (~10 miles east of I‑75). From I‑75 northbound use Exit 217A; from I‑75 southbound use Exit 220.
• Info: 941‑322‑2168
• Dates: Oct 11–12, 18–19, 25–26, 2025
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.
Know Before You Go:
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Admission & Parking: $15 general admission; kids 5–9 $5; under 5 free; parking $5 (cash only)
• Payment: Festival is cash-only; bring cash for vendors, rides, and parking
• Location/Directions: 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton, FL 34211 — halfway between S.R. 64 & S.R. 70 (~10 miles east of I‑75). From I‑75 northbound use Exit 217A; from I‑75 southbound use Exit 220.
• Info: 941‑322‑2168
• Dates: Oct 11–12, 18–19, 25–26, 2025
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.
Know Before You Go:
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Admission & Parking: $15 general admission; kids 5–9 $5; under 5 free; parking $5 (cash only)
• Payment: Festival is cash-only; bring cash for vendors, rides, and parking
• Location/Directions: 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton, FL 34211 — halfway between S.R. 64 & S.R. 70 (~10 miles east of I‑75). From I‑75 northbound use Exit 217A; from I‑75 southbound use Exit 220.
• Info: 941‑322‑2168
• Dates: Oct 11–12, 18–19, 25–26, 2025
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.
Know Before You Go:
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Admission & Parking: $15 general admission; kids 5–9 $5; under 5 free; parking $5 (cash only)
• Payment: Festival is cash-only; bring cash for vendors, rides, and parking
• Location/Directions: 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton, FL 34211 — halfway between S.R. 64 & S.R. 70 (~10 miles east of I‑75). From I‑75 northbound use Exit 217A; from I‑75 southbound use Exit 220.
• Info: 941‑322‑2168
• Dates: Oct 11–12, 18–19, 25–26, 2025