Celebrate Fall with Sarasota’s Exciting Fall Events in 2024!
Sarasota is gearing up for a season packed with fun, festivities, and family-friendly events. Here’s a lineup of fall events in Sarasota that you won’t want to miss:
October 5: Sharktoberfest at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Raise a glass at Sharktoberfest on Saturday, October 5th, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. This after-hours craft beer festival at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium features local and regional breweries, live entertainment, food stations, and special experiences provided by Mote’s Education department. Tickets range from $55 to $125 (VIP) and include beer sampling and access to the aquarium. This event is for ages 21 and older.
Location: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL.
October 9 – 31: Lights at Spooky Point
Experience Lights at Spooky Point at Historic Spanish Point from October 9th to 31st. This enchanting event features a lit pathway through the woods, showcasing fantastic creatures, cute light creations, and familiar historic sites in an eerie glow. You’ll encounter flying “ghost orchids,” vine-twisted skeletons, plenty of pumpkins, and other surprises. The event ends with a hay maze before guests return to the gazebo. Tickets are available for various age groups and must be purchased in advance.
Location: Historic Spanish Point, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL.
October 12-13, 19-20, 26-27: Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Patch
Head to Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Patch for a full day of fall fun on October 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Pumpkin Festival includes a craft show, live music, kids’ pumpkin games, a pioneer trades village, hayrides, pony rides, a corn maze, scarecrow displays, homemade ice cream, and so much more. Prices vary for different activities, making it a fantastic outing for families.
Location: Hunsader Farms, 5500 CR-675, Bradenton, FL.
October 17-20: Fall Festival & Carnival at The Mall at University Town Center
Join us for the Fall Festival & Carnival at The Mall at University Town Center from October 17th to 20th, with the main festival days being October 19th & 20th. Featuring Dreamland Amusements Carnival Rides, enjoy a weekend of fun-packed activities, including live entertainment sponsored by T-Mobile, delicious food trucks, a kids’ zone with bounce houses and pony rides, costume contests for kids and pets, and a Trunk or Treat on Sunday sponsored by Florida Blue. This event is free to enter and park, making it an excellent opportunity to connect with the community and celebrate the festive spirit of fall!
Location: The Mall at University Town Center, Sarasota, FL.
October 19-20: Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival
Don’t miss the Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival on October 19th & 20th. This event offers free admission and includes a petting zoo, playground, live music, the Torres Family Circus, decorated photo spots, and costume contests. Individual rides and activities like pony rides, rock climbing, bounce houses, and pumpkin painting range from $1 to $10. Some vendors accept cards, but many are cash-only, so it’s wise to come prepared. ATMs will be available on-site.
Location: Fruitville Grove, 7410 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL.
October 31: Witches Night Out
End the month with a bewitching evening at Witches Night Out on October 31st from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Historic Edson Keith Mansion in Phillippi Estate Park. This adults-only event (18 and older) invites guests to dress in their favorite witch or wizard attire and enjoy music, dancing, shopping, tarot card readings, and more. Your $35 advance reservation includes a swag bag, live DJ, photo booth pictures, and a costume contest entry. Advance registration is required, and no tickets will be sold at the door.
Location: Historic Edson Keith Mansion, Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL.
From thrilling carnival rides and creative costume contests to pumpkin patches and spooky evening walks, Sarasota has a full calendar of fall festivities catering to all ages and interests. Gather your family, friends, and even your pets, and join the community in celebrating the vibrant spirit of fall this season!