🌴 Welcome to Your Sarasota Weekend
Halloween is almost here, and Sarasota is getting into the spirit with pumpkin festivals, costume parties, haunted trails, and even a floating pumpkin patch. Whether you’re planning something with the kids or looking for an adults-only Halloween outing, there are plenty of ways to celebrate.
But there’s more happening than Halloween. Taste of The Bay brings local restaurants and live music to Sarasota’s waterfront, while an art festival at UTC offers an opportunity to browse original artwork and meet the artists.
I’ve selected some of the weekend’s most interesting events, along with a few smaller discoveries worth considering. Here’s what’s happening around Sarasota this weekend.
⭐ Mike's Pick This Weekend
Movies Under the Stars: Hocus Pocus
Friday, October 23 | Pre-show activities at 7 p.m.; movie around 8 p.m.
Where: The Green at UTC, near The Paper Store, Sarasota
Admission: Free. Bring blankets or lawn chairs; seating is limited.
A Halloween favorite on a big screen under the stars sounds like a pretty enjoyable way to spend Friday evening. UTC is showing Hocus Pocus, with face painting, concessions, and a visit from the Sanderson Sisters before the movie. It’s an easy, family-friendly outing with just enough Halloween atmosphere to get everyone in the spirit.
⭐ Also Worth Your Weekend
Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest
Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Fruitville Grove, 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
Admission: Free admission and parking; individual rides and activities generally $1–$10.
Fruitville Grove offers the kind of fall outing families can enjoy at their own pace, with hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, and plenty of seasonal photo opportunities. This year’s attractions also include Hollowgraves Haunted Manor, recommended for ages eight and older. Free admission makes it particularly appealing if you’d rather choose which activities to pay for.
Taste of The Bay
Sunday, October 25 | Noon–3 p.m.
Where: The Oval Parking Lot at The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
Admission: Free entry; food tickets sold in $5 increments.
Locally owned restaurants, live music from Kettle of Fish, and Sarasota’s beautiful waterfront make this one of the weekend’s more appealing non-Halloween outings. Part of The Bay’s fourth-anniversary celebration, Taste of The Bay offers a chance to sample dishes from area restaurants while enjoying an afternoon along Sarasota Bay.
Lakewood Ranch Art Festival at UTC
Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: UTC, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota
Admission: Free
Browse original paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, and other handmade artwork, meet the artists, and explore the accompanying craft marketplace. A welcome alternative to the weekend’s Halloween festivities. For the next 5 months, Sarasota will enjoy amazing art & craft festivals, each one boasting extremely talented artists. My wife & I enjoy every art festival.
Selby Gardens Spooktacular
Sunday, October 25 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota
Admission: Adults $28; ages 5–17 $12; four and younger free. Members free; members’ guests $12.
Not every Halloween outing needs to be scary, especially for younger children. Selby Gardens offers a gentler celebration with trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, educational activities, and seasonal storytelling. Costumes are encouraged, and children should bring their own trick-or-treat bags.
🌴 More Ways to Enjoy Your Weekend
Halloween Dance Party at UTC
Thursday, October 22 | 7–9 p.m.
Where: The Green at UTC, near Rocco’s Tacos, Sarasota
Admission: Free
Costumes, dancing, music, and live entertainment make this an easy way to kick off Halloween festivities. The outdoor party welcomes all ages.
Arlington Park Haunted Trail Carnival & Bark-O-Ween
Friday, October 23 | 5–7 p.m. (confirm hours)
Where: Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere Street, Sarasota
Admission: Free; registration information: 941-263-6732
A half-mile Halloween trail, carnival games, trick-or-treating, and a dog costume parade make this a particularly fun choice for families with children and four-legged companions.
Witches Walk in Downtown Venice
Saturday, October 24 | Noon–2 p.m. (verify with organizer)
Where: Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere Street, Sarasota
Admission: $10 per participant; registration required at 941-263-6732
Instead of choosing a pumpkin from a field, children swim through a floating pumpkin patch, select one to keep, and decorate it poolside. A creative way to combine Sarasota’s warm weather with fall fun.
Pumpkin Splash at Arlington Park
Saturday, October 24 | Noon–2 p.m. (verify with organizer)
Where: Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere Street, Sarasota
Admission: $10 per participant; registration required at 941-263-6732
Instead of choosing a pumpkin from a field, children swim through a floating pumpkin patch, select one to keep, and decorate it poolside. A creative way to combine Sarasota’s warm weather with fall fun.
Palmer Ranch YMCA Fall Festival
Saturday, October 24 | 5–7 p.m.
Where: Palmer Ranch YMCA, 8301 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota
Admission: Free
Trunk-or-treating, face painting, a DJ dance party, food trucks, and a haunted attraction offer families a convenient neighborhood Halloween celebration.
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Hunsader Farms, County Road 675, east of I-75
Admission: Adults $15; ages 5–9 $5; under five free. Parking $5. Cash only.
One of the area’s traditional fall festivals, with hayrides, pony rides, a craft show, live entertainment, a pioneer village, farm animals, and activities for children. A good choice for families looking to spend several hours enjoying the countryside.
Dakin Dairy Farms Harvest Festival
Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Dakin Dairy Farms, 30771 Betts Road, Myakka City
Admission: $20; children five and younger free. Free parking.
For families who enjoy getting out into the countryside, Dakin Dairy Farms offers more than the usual pumpkin activities. There are cow-milking demonstrations, calf cuddling, tractor experiences, lawn mower racing, apple launchers, and even a pumpkin cannon. It’s a particularly interesting choice for children who enjoy animals and hands-on farm experiences.
Halloween Pub Crawl in Downtown Sarasota
Saturday, October 24 | 4:30–9 p.m.
Where: Joe’s on Main, 1448 Main Street, Sarasota, and participating downtown locations
Admission: Online tickets listed at $19–$23; no door sales
Costumes, contests, prizes, and downtown nightlife give adults a more social way to celebrate Halloween with friends.
The Vampire Circus Pop-Up at The Sarasota Modern
October 23–31 | Pop-up hours to be confirmed
Where: The Sarasota Modern, 1290 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
Admission: Pricing to be confirmed
The hotel’s outdoor patio becomes a vampire-themed lounge with theatrical décor and specially created food and cocktails. The experience complements The Vampire Circus performance at the Van Wezel on Sunday, October 25, at 6 p.m.
☀️ Sarasota Anytime
Not everything worth doing around Sarasota comes with a special date on the calendar.
Try beach yoga on Siesta Key, spend Saturday morning wandering the Sarasota Farmers Market, catch one of our weekly drum circles or get out on the water.
These are the kinds of simple Sarasota experiences you can enjoy almost any week of the year.
If nothing on this weekend’s event calendar grabs you, try one of these instead:
🥁 Drum Circles
There are opportunities around the area to catch one of Sarasota’s casual sunset drum circles—an easy way to combine a beach evening with something uniquely local.
🧘 Yoga on the Beach
Trade the studio for the Gulf. Recurring beach-yoga sessions offer an entirely different way to start—or sometimes finish—the day.
🏃 Summer Beach Runs
Summer running programs turn an ordinary trip to the beach into an evening activity, with the Gulf providing a pretty good reward at the finish.
🎭 Local Performing Arts
Florida Studio Theatre and Sarasota’s other performing-arts organizations don’t simply disappear when season ends. Summer can be a great time to catch a performance without the winter-season rush.
🌴 UTC Fun
Night markets, movies, live music and other recurring programming make UTC one of the easiest places to check when you’re looking for something casual to do.
🌴 Local Weekend Favorite
Sarasota Farmers Market
Every Saturday | 7 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Downtown Sarasota, Lemon Avenue and Main Street
Admission: Free
Some of Sarasota’s most enjoyable weekend experiences don’t require tickets or elaborate plans. The Sarasota Farmers Market has been a downtown tradition since 1979, bringing together local growers, specialty foods, fresh flowers, artisans, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a Saturday morning.
Grab a coffee, browse the vendors, and spend a little time exploring downtown. It’s a simple way to enjoy Sarasota beyond the weekend’s scheduled festivals and special events.
SARASOTA WEEKLY
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🌴 Before You Go...
Whether you’re heading to a festival, exploring somewhere new, or simply enjoying a familiar Sarasota favorite, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your weekend. You don’t have to fill every hour with plans. Sometimes the best part of living here is discovering something unexpected along the way.
Have a great weekend! 🙂
— Mike
📅 Upcoming Things to Do
A Few Sarasota Dates Worth Putting on Your Calendar
Some Sarasota events are worth knowing about more than a few days in advance. Here are a few coming up that have already landed on my calendar.
COMING SOON
🎨 Sarasota Fine Art Shows by Hot Works
Fridays, October 23, 2026–March 26, 2027 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
305 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota | Free
Start your Friday morning with The Market at Nathan Benderson Park, featuring local artists, boutique vendors, handmade goods and artisan foods.
The seasonal market takes place Fridays through March 26 in the field next to Homewood Suites in the UTC area, directly across from the Mote SEA parking area. Expect changing vendors, giveaways and other surprises throughout the season while supporting local small businesses.
🛍️ The Market at Nathan Benderson Park
October 31–November 1, 2026 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
J.D. Hamel Park | Downtown Sarasota | Free
Hot Works brings its juried fine art shows to Sarasota with professional artists selling original, personally handmade artwork across a variety of mediums and price ranges.
The first show of the season takes place at J.D. Hamel Park along the downtown bayfront, across from Marina Jack. Additional shows return to the bayfront in December and March, with a January weekend at St. Armands Circle.
Upcoming Dates
Oct. 31–Nov. 1 — J.D. Hamel Park, Downtown Sarasota
Dec. 19–20 — J.D. Hamel Park, Downtown Sarasota
Jan. 9–10, 2027 — St. Armands Circle
Mar. 6–7, 2027 — J.D. Hamel Park, Downtown Sarasota
🎃 AFTERLIFE: A Night to Die For — Sarasota Halloween Party
Saturday, October 31 | 9 p.m.–2 a.m. Sunday
Where: Venue 1927, 1927 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota
Admission: $30 | Ages 21+
Celebrate Halloween with Suncoast Social at Venue 1927. This party features two floors of music, immersive production, DJs from 8 Beats Deep on the main floor and Gorilla Luke upstairs. A costume contest includes funny, spooky, sexy, couples, and best overall categories. Costumes encouraged.
👻 Halloween on S. Lime: Madam Dementia's ABCs
Saturday, October 31 | 7–10 p.m.
Where: Enlightened Monkey Arts, 133 S. Lime Avenue, Sarasota
Admission: Free | All ages
Now in its seventh year, this family-friendly Halloween walk-through experience features handmade characters, projection mapping, animatronics, and interactive surprises. Explore Madam Dementia’s wicked alphabet, the Haunted Midway with games, the Haunted Cinema, and Singing Pumpkins. Parking is available at the city parking garage beside Payne Park and along Ringling Boulevard. Please respect neighboring homes and private property.
🎨 18th Bi-Annual Le Marché Marketplace
Saturday, November 7 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Five Points Park | Downtown Sarasota | Free
Downtown Sarasota gets a little Parisian flair when Le Marché Marketplace returns to Five Points Park.
The 18th edition of this outdoor market brings together a curated selection of local artists and makers offering original art, handcrafted goods, artisan products, specialty treats and unique gifts.
Because it’s right at Five Points in the heart of downtown, this is another event that lends itself to making a day of it—browse the market and then walk to one of downtown Sarasota’s restaurants or shops.
🖼️ Monumental Two-Day Fine Art, Sterling Silver, Americana & Antiques Auction
Upcoming Dates:
November 14-15, 2026
January 23–24, 2027
April 3–4, 2027
November 6–7, 2027
Time: 11 AM–7 PM each day
Location: Sarasota Estate Auction, 522 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota
Admission: Free
Sarasota Estate Auction presents three upcoming two-day auction weekends featuring more than 2,000 lots of fine art, sterling silver, art glass, jewelry, antiques, Oriental rugs, sculptures, bronzes, Asian antiques, furniture and an extensive collection of porcelain.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply enjoy discovering unusual and beautiful pieces, these auctions offer an opportunity to explore a wide variety of art, antiques and collectibles in downtown Sarasota.
Parking Tip: Limited parking is available alongside the building. Look for the large red Jorge Blanco sculpture.
Event Details & Auction Catalog
🎄 A Country Christmas Jubilee
Saturday, December 5 • 10 AM–2 PM • EIO Rescue Ranch, Myakka City • Free
Spend a festive day on the ranch with 20+ local vendors, live acoustic Christmas music, adoptable dogs and puppies, rescue horses in the Christmas Barn, mini dog photo sessions, holiday photo ops, BBQ, coffee, sweet treats, raffles, and more. This family- and dog-friendly holiday market supports the work of EIO Rescue Ranch.
🔮 Spirit Fest Sarasota: Metaphysical, Holistic & Crystal Expo
December 5–6, 2026
Hours: Saturday 10 AM–6 PM | Sunday 10 AM–5:30 PM
Location: Sarasota County Fairgrounds & Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota
Admission: $12 per day or $18 for a weekend pass | Children 12 and under free
Parking: Free
Spirit Fest Sarasota returns with a two-day indoor expo featuring crystals, gemstones, jewelry, holistic wellness products and a variety of specialty vendors. Visitors can explore exhibits, meet practitioners and attend presentations covering topics such as meditation, energy healing, intuitive practices and personal wellness.
The event also features artists, handmade merchandise, books, natural skincare products and demonstrations. Guest speakers are included with admission, and food will be available for purchase.
🍷 Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival
January 23–24, 2027 | Sarasota
Celebrating its 20th year, Forks & Corks showcases locally owned independent restaurants from Sarasota and Manatee counties alongside winery owners and winemakers from around the world. The festival is Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ largest annual fundraiser.
Saturday, Jan. 23 — Forks & Corks University
10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Michael’s On East | $75–$100
Guided 90-minute Master Classes include 12 wine tastings and a pairing plate of light bites.
Sunday, Jan. 24 — Grand Tasting
11 a.m.–4 p.m. | The Ringling | $225–$550
More than 40 member restaurants and over 350 wines come together for the festival’s signature tasting event.
Tickets: VIP and Early Access go on sale November 3 at 9 a.m.; General Admission follows November 10 at 7 p.m.
📅 Hosting an Event in Sarasota?
Have a festival, concert, community event, performance or other local experience you’d like considered for an upcoming edition of Sarasota Weekly?
Send me the event name, date and time, location, short description, admission information, website or ticket link, and a high-quality photo.
Thank you,
-Mike Payne
Planning More Time in Sarasota?
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