October in Sarasota and its surrounding areas is packed with a lineup of fantastic fall events for everyone to enjoy. From outdoor festivals to spooky Halloween celebrations, there’s something for everyone this month. Here’s a roundup of all the upcoming events that you won’t want to miss!
October 1–31, 2024: Second Anniversary Celebration at Bay Park
Celebrate Bay Park’s Second Anniversary all month long with nearly 70 free and exciting events! Highlights include Bark-toberfest, Boo! at The Bay, Park-toberfest, Cinema at The Bay, live performances like Average White Band with WBTT’s “Sistas in the Name of Soul,” and Taste of The Bay presented by Sarasota-Manatee Originals. Head over to 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL, for a packed month of fun, food, and festivities.
October 2, 2024: Atlanta Braves Farmer’s Market
The first Atlanta Braves Farmer’s Market of the season takes place from 8 a.m. to 12 noon in CoolToday Park’s parking lot, Venice, FL. Running every Wednesday from October through March, this market offers fresh local produce and artisanal goods, all while maintaining social distancing protocols.
October 2, 2024: Phillippi Farmhouse Market
The Phillippi Farmhouse Market returns, running every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Enjoy USDA-certified organic produce, plants, herbs, baked goods, and live music. Free admission makes it the perfect mid-week outing!
October 3, 2024: Ringling Underground
Experience an evening of art and music at Ringling Underground, held from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. This event brings together an eclectic mix of live bands and art displays in the Museum of Art Courtyard. Tickets are $15, but students and museum members get in free!
October 4, 2024: Fresh Fridays – OctoberFresh
Celebrate the start of the fall season with OctoberFresh from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Sarasota. This event will feature local eateries, live music from Society Hill, and plenty of parking at nearby garages. Say farewell to summer and welcome the crisp vibes of fall!
October 4, 2024: 1st Friday Sip & Shop
From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., downtown Sarasota transforms into a vibrant marketplace with live music, delicious food, and local vendors. The 1st Friday Sip & Shop is a perfect way to explore the charm of downtown Sarasota.
October 5, 2024: Repticon Sarasota 2024
Join reptile lovers at Repticon Sarasota 2024 for a day full of reptile shows, events, and sales. The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sahib Shrine Center, 600 N Beneva Rd., Sarasota. Tickets are only available online, so don’t wait to grab yours!
October 5, 2024: Sharktoberfest at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Raise a glass at Sharktoberfest from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. This craft beer festival features local brews, live entertainment, and special experiences throughout the aquarium. Tickets range from $55 to $125, and guests must be 21 or older.
October 5, 2024: Autumn Harvest Dinner at All Faiths Food Bank
Support the Autumn Harvest Campaign at this long-table dinner held at All Faiths Food Bank’s Warehouse. Proceeds help fund programs providing fresh produce to those in need. Enjoy an exquisite farm-to-table dinner from Michael’s on East, starting at 6:30 p.m. RSVP is required to be put on the waiting list.
October 5–6, 2024: Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest
It’s back! The 36th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin painting, and much more. Free admission and parking make it an affordable family day out. Don’t forget to visit the petting zoo and join the children’s costume contest at 2 p.m.!
October 5–6, 2024: Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival
Head to downtown Sarasota for the 28th Annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. This festival showcases pottery, jewelry, plants, and handmade goods. Free admission makes it a great way to explore local artistry.
October 5–6, 2024: Venice Home Show
Looking to renovate or upgrade your home? Visit the Venice Home Show at the Venice Community Center to interact with builders, contractors, and industry professionals. The show is free to attend and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
October 6, 2024: Sarasota Firemen’s Benevolent Fund Chili Cook-Off
Taste some of the best chili in Sarasota at the 24th Annual Morton’s Firehouse Chili Cook-Off. From 1:45 p.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy live music, celebrity judges, and $10 tickets to sample chili from local firehouses. Proceeds benefit the Sarasota Firemen’s Benevolent Fund.
October 9–31, 2024: Lights at Spooky Point
Step into a glowing world at Lights at Spooky Point from October 9th through the 31st at Historic Spanish Point. This Halloween-themed walk takes you through an eerily lit path with spooky decorations and glowing orchids. Various ticket prices are available, and early entry begins at 6:30 p.m.
October 11, 2024: Witches Night Out
Witches and wizards, gather for Witches Night Out at Phillippi Estate Park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The evening includes music, dancing, tarot readings, and a costume contest. Tickets are $35 and include a swag bag, tasty treats, and more.
October 12, 2024: Sarasota Oktoberfest
Join the fun at Sarasota Oktoberfest from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park. Enjoy live German music, delicious brews, and a day of rowing events. There will be something for everyone, from Biergartens to family-friendly activities.
October 12, 2024: International CultureFEST
Celebrate global unity at the 6th Annual International CultureFEST at Fishermen’s Village from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. This festival features a parade of nations, cultural dance performances, and delicious international cuisine. Admission is free!
October 12–13, 2024: Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
The 33rd Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival is back with hayrides, live music, pioneer trades, and a pumpkin patch. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy family-friendly fun for $15 per person (children under 10 are free).
October 18–20, 2024: Sun Fiesta
The annual Sun Fiesta kicks off on October 18th and runs all weekend long in downtown Venice. Enjoy the fun bed races, parade, and live entertainment. Free admission and parking make it a great way to spend a fall weekend.
October 19–20, 2024: Arcadia Fall PRCA Rodeo
For two days of rodeo fun, head to the Arcadia Fall PRCA Rodeo at Mosaic Arena. Bull riding, team roping, and more rodeo events will keep the crowd cheering. Tickets range from $35 to $65, with parking available for $10.
October 19, 2024: Mall at UTC Trick-or-Treat
Bring the whole family to the Mall at UTC Trick-or-Treat from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on October 19th. Kids can collect candy from mall stores, meet characters, and enjoy bounce houses and games.
October 26, 2024: Boo Run 5K
Get into the Halloween spirit with the 21st Annual Boo Run 5K at Lakewood Ranch. Runners of all ages can participate in this family-friendly 5K, and there’s even a Kids’ Boo Dash! Registration includes a finisher’s medal, bib, and race shirt.
October 26, 2024: Halloween Bar Crawl
If you’re looking for a spookier evening, check out the Halloween Bar Crawl in downtown Sarasota. For just $16–$20, you’ll enjoy trick-or-treat drinks, eerie tunes, and a costume contest with great prizes. The event runs from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
October 27, 2024: Bill’s Beer Run Marathon
End the weekend with the 36th Anniversary Bill’s Beer Run Marathon on Casey Key. This 5-mile run is a beloved Sarasota tradition with beer, costumes, and Halloween fun! The race kicks off at 8 a.m., and costumes are encouraged. Registration fills up fast, so don’t delay!
October 31, 2024: Downtown Halloween Strut in Venice
Celebrate Halloween with the Downtown Halloween Strut in Venice from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Trick-or-treat at local businesses, enjoy DJ Steve’s tunes, and show off your costume in this fun, all-ages event.