Halloween is right around the corner, and Sarasota County is gearing up for a series of family-friendly events filled with candy, costumes, and lots of spooky fun! Whether you’re a local looking for the best places to trick-or-treat or a visitor wanting to experience a Sarasota-style Halloween, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top Halloween events happening this October in Sarasota County!
Trunk or Treat at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex
Kick off your Halloween celebrations early at the Trunk or Treat event hosted at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex. This fun-filled evening promises a safe and spooky environment where families can enjoy games, candy, and creative costumes. Not only will kids of all ages love the variety of activities, but there will also be prizes awarded for the best costumes and the most creatively decorated trunks!
When: October 30, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers Street, Sarasota, FL
Cost: Free, no registration required
Tip: Arrive early to explore all the decorated trunks and get a good spot for the costume contest.
Halloween on South Lime Ave
For a truly unique and artistic Halloween experience, head over to the 5th annual Halloween on South Lime Ave. This one-of-a-kind event, created by local artists Dave Gordon and Elln Hagney, is full of fun surprises, including animatronics, special effects, games, and even a scavenger hunt. This year’s theme is “Deathsota National Park: The Afterlife with a View,” so prepare for a spooky tour through the park with its native unnatural wildlife and historic cemetery. It’s an event filled with creativity, humor, and just a little bit of edge, making it perfect for families.
When: October 30-31, 2024, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: 133 South Lime Ave, Sarasota, FL
Cost: Free
Tip: Bring a flashlight—it adds to the eerie ambiance of the event, and it’s helpful during the scavenger hunt!
Trick-or-Treat in the Village of the Arts
Get ready for a magical Halloween night at the Village of the Arts! This quaint and artistic neighborhood comes alive with Halloween spirit, offering a fun trick-or-treating experience for families. Wander the streets as local galleries and residents hand out candy and showcase their Halloween decorations. It’s a fantastic event for all ages and a great way to meet the vibrant community of artists in the area.
When: October 31, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: 1227 12th St. W, Bradenton, FL
Cost: Free
Tip: Street parking is available, but it can get busy—plan to arrive a little early to find a good spot.
Fright Night on St. Armands Circle
If you’re in the mood for a more upscale trick-or-treat experience, head to St. Armands Circle for the 16th annual Fright Night. The Circle’s charming shops and restaurants get into the Halloween spirit with haunted store fronts and costumed characters lurking around every corner. Kids can trick-or-treat while parents enjoy the unique atmosphere and perhaps stop in for a spooky treat or two at a local restaurant.
When: October 31, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL
Cost: Free
Tip: Make a dinner reservation if you plan to dine on the Circle—it’s a popular night!
Siesta Key Safe Treats
For a more traditional yet scenic Halloween experience, take the family to Siesta Key for the 40th Annual Safe Treats event. Merchants in Siesta Village and South Siesta Key will be handing out candy, providing a safe and fun environment for trick-or-treaters. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Siesta Key while gathering sweet treats. Don’t forget to hop on the free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley for a full island adventure!
When: October 31, 2024, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Siesta Key, FL
Cost: Free
Tip: Look for festive balloons in front of participating merchants to make sure you’re hitting all the best candy spots.
Downtown Halloween Strut in Venice
If you’re looking for a lively trick-or-treat event with a small-town feel, the Downtown Halloween Strut in Venice is perfect for you! All ages are invited to show off their costumes as they trick-or-treat at participating stores in downtown Venice. You can enjoy live music, courtesy of DJ Steve, and take part in a trunk-or-treat event located in the Merchants of Venice parking lot.
When: October 31, 2024, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Where: Downtown Venice, FL
Cost: Free
Tip: While the traditional parade has been replaced by the Strut, there’s still plenty of fun to be had—bring your best costume!
Spooktacular Sounds at SCF
For something a bit different this Halloween, head to State College of Florida for their annual Spooktacular Sounds concert. This extravaganza features spine-chilling music productions by SCF’s music program, with compositions and jazz performances that are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit.
When: October 31, 2024, 7:30 PM
Where: SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, Bradenton, FL
Cost: $15 for general admission, $5 for SCF students and staff
Tip: Tickets can be purchased in advance at SCF.edu/Neel—don’t wait, as this event sells out quickly!
Trunk or Treat at First Baptist Church in Venice
Looking for another fun and safe option for trick-or-treating? Head to the Trunk or Treat event at First Baptist Church in Venice. This event offers free candy, games, and creatively decorated trunks. It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween in a community-focused environment.
When: October 31, 2024, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: First Baptist Church, 312 Miami Ave W, Venice, FL
Cost: Free
Tip: Take advantage of the earlier hours to get a jump on your trick-or-treating adventures.
No matter which event you choose, Sarasota County offers plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween with fun, creativity, and of course—lots of candy! Happy trick-or-treating!