Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween season in Sarasota! There are numerous exciting events you won’t want to miss. Sarasota is buzzing with Halloween spirit, offering everything from family-friendly activities to thrilling celebrations for all ages. Whether you’re seeking a haunted adventure, family fun, or costume contests, this vibrant coastal city has it all. Join us as we explore the most enchanting Halloween events that Sarasota has to offer.
Sarasota Halloween Events
From October 13 to 31, 2023: Lights at Spooky Point‘
Lights at Spooky Point’ at Historic Spanish Point in Osprey, FL, featuring illuminated creatures and cute creations along an eerie wooded path. Entry times at 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., with ticket prices ranging from $15 to $30. A family-friendly, not-too-scary event for all ages.
From October 27 to 29, 2023: Haunted Fish Camp
Jiggs Landing transforms into the ‘Haunted Fish Camp.’ Children (12 and under) enter for free, while all others are $5. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St E, Bradenton, FL.
On October 28, 2023:
- Spooktacular Halloween Market
Don’t miss the downtown Sarasota Farmer’s Market, transformed into a spooktacular Halloween market! Vendors will compete in a creative booth decorating contest. Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Downtown Sarasota, FL.
- The 20th Annual Boo Run
Join the 20th Annual Boo Run in Lakewood Ranch, a family-oriented 5K run or walk with a new certified course, starting at 8:00 a.m., with a separate 5K for pups at 8:05 a.m., and a Boo Dash at 7:30 a.m. Race entry includes a chip-timed 5K, bib, finisher medal, and race shirt, with awards for age group winners and additional festivities like a Sponsor Village, Tervis Tumblers, and a Costume Contest.
- 16th Annual Sarasota Dog-A-Ween costume contest
Is back at the Sarasota Farmers Market Halloween Festival, featuring a doggie costume contest and parade. Check-in and registration take place from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. at Lemon Ave. & 1st Street in Downtown Sarasota. Pre-registration is available online for $15, with proceeds benefiting the Donte’s Den Foundation. The parade begins at 10 a.m., followed by the contest at 10:15 a.m
- Halloween at the Market from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Bradenton Public Market is hosting a family-friendly “Halloween at the Market” event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include trick-or-treating with vendors, face painting by the Manatee School for the Arts Academic Team from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and a dance performance by Slick Motion Studios at 10:00 a.m. The event takes place at Bradenton Public Market, 400 Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL
- Cemetery Tours in Manatee Village Historical Park
Manatee Village Historical Park offers free ‘Cemetery Tours’ at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., providing insights into the 1850 Manatee Burying Grounds and the history of Manatee’s Founding Period, with limited availability and outdoor exploration. 941) 749-7165. Manatee Village Historical Park,1404 Manatee Avenue East (State Road 64) Bradenton, FL.
- Boo! At the Bazaar
Experience ‘Boo! at The Bazaar’, where everyone is welcome to join in the Halloween fun by wearing costumes and enjoying free indoor trick-or-treating from 10 a.m. More than 20 stops offer candy, surprises, and activities at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Avenue, Sarasota, FL.
- Dragon Egg Hunt at the Children’s Garden
The Children’s Garden hosts Snuffy’s DRAGON EGG HUNT, a costume-friendly scavenger hunt with dragon eggs filled with treasures, accompanied by crafting, storytelling, and a chance to win special prizes by finding the decorated dragon egg. Admission: free for children aged 0-2 and going up to $10 for teens and adults, with free ice cream scoops from Sarasota Ben & Jerry’s while supplies last. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. at The Children’s Garden, 1670 10th Way, Sarasota, FL.
- Spooktacular Halloween-themed movie
Enjoy a Spooktacular Halloween event at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, FL. Watch “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on the outfield video board at 7 p.m. Before the movie, from 5 to 6:45 p.m., there are free children’s activities. Join the Halloween costume parade at 6:45 p.m. Admission is one non-perishable food item, and coolers are not allowed. Open to all ages, with entry starting at 5 p.m. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St, Sarasota, FL Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com
- Main Street Live Halloween Celebration Block Party
Live music on stage, food trucks and vendors. 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Old Main Street, downtown Bradenton, FL.
- Neon Terror 80s Halloween Dance Party at Art Ovation Hotel
Live music plus DJ, haunted ballroom with laser dance floor and 80s horror decor, 3 bars, costume contest with $1,500 grand prize and more. $20 advance/$40 at the door. 8 p.m. Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL.
- Joyland Live’s 27th Annual Boo Bash
Featuring Scareland Haunted House plus yearly costume contest with $3,500 in prizes. Give-aways, food and drink specials, music with live DJ. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Party starts at 9 p.m.. Cover charge. Joyland Live, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota FL.
- Gator Club’s Annual Halloween Block Party
2 live bands. Outside live music by 22N. Inside music will be by Johnny Diamond and DJ, Kelly Crawford. 2 costume contests. $1500 in cash and prizes plus food trucks outside with Smokin Mama Lora’s Barbecue, fo’cheesy and Killicks kitchen. 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. The Gator Club, 1490 Main Street, Sarasota, FL. 941-366-5969.
- El Melvin Day of the Dead Block Party!
Outdoor food drinks and live music. $1,000 cash giveaway to winner of the costume contest. Starts at 4 p.m., live band 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., costume contest 9 p.m. – 10 .p. m, DJ 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. El Melvin Cocina Mexican, 1355 Main Street, Sarasota, FL. 941-366-1618. Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com
On October 29, 2023:
- Children’s Garden’s “Bubble and Brew
Enjoy a Witchy Halloween at The Children’s Garden, featuring a Halloween Nature Scavenger Hunt, Bubble & Brew Station, crafting black cat ear headbands, storytelling, and witch tea sipping from 10 a.m. to noon. The event is included with admission and free for members while supplies last. Admission ranges from free for 0-2 years old to $10 for teens and adults. The Children’s Garden is located at 1670 10th Way, Sarasota, FL.
- Trick or Triples tennis event
Join the first-ever Trick or Triples tennis event at Payne Park Tennis Center on October 28, 2023, from 9 a.m. to noon. Wear your costume, enjoy tennis, and enter a costume contest with prizes sponsored by the USTA. Admission is free for pass holders, $10 for non-pass holders (costumed attendees save $5). Pre-register due to limited space at 2050 Adams Ln., Sarasota, FL.
- Selby Gardens Spooktacular
Join the family-friendly Selby Gardens Spooktacular on October 28, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy traditional Halloween activities, with members getting in for free, member’s guests for $11, and regular admission at $26 for adults and $11 for kids aged 5-17. Located at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota, FL.
Pumpkin Festival October 28 – 29, 2023:
- The 35th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest offers family-friendly activities like hay rides, pony rides, pumpkin painting, and more, with prices ranging from $1 to $10 for individual rides and game activity booths. Free admission, parking, and various entertainment. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.
- The 32nd Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival offers a variety of family activities, with admission at $15 (kids 10 & under are free) and parking for $5 (cash only). It’s open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on multiple dates, including Oct 29 – 30, and features a craft show, live music, and more. The festival is located at Hunsader Farms on C.R. 675, 10 miles east of I-75, between S.R. 64 & S.R. 70.
October 30 – 31, 2023: Join the family-friendly “Halloween on S. Lime Ave” on Halloween night, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Local artists have transformed their cul-de-sac into a free event featuring multiple haunted areas, special effects, games, and interactive experiences. Enjoy a unique mass wedding celebration, entertainment, and more at 133 S Lime Ave, Sarasota, FL.
Sarasota Halloween Events
October 31, 2023:
- Safe Treats at Siesta Key
Siesta Key’s 39th annual “Safe Treats” event on Halloween from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. provides a safe and fun trick-or-treating experience for children and families in Siesta Village and on South Siesta Key. Look for participating members with festive balloons, and use the free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley for easy transportation.
- Trail of Treats at Anna Maria Island
Join the “TRAIL OF TREATS” on Anna Maria Island, starting at the AMI Chamber of Commerce at 5313 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The event includes a costume contest for ages up to 11 at 4:00 p.m., followed by safe trick-or-treating at local businesses in Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Anna Maria from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It’s a fun Halloween tradition for families!
- 15th Annual Fright Night on St Armand’s Circle
The 15th Annual Fright Night on St. Armand’s Circle is your destination for Halloween fun. Enjoy haunted store fronts, spooky characters, and Halloween-themed statues. Kids can go trick-or-treating around The Circle with various shops and restaurants offering Halloween promotions. The event is free and takes place from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on St. Armand’s Key, Sarasota, FL.
- Gator Club Presents their Halloween Party
Live music from DJ Ryan & DJ Kelly Crawford starting at 10 p.m. Costume contest with cash prizes. No Cover charge. 6 p.m. – late. The Gator Club, 1490 Main St, Sarasota, FL
November 3 – 4, 2023: Annual Dia de los Muertos / Festival of the Skeletons
The annual Dia de los Muertos / Festival of the Skeletons is a colorful celebration inspired by the traditional Day of the Dead. This event takes place on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Village of the Arts at 1227 12th St W, Bradenton, FL. Enjoy art, galleries, shops, live music, delicious treats, and the vibrant atmosphere during this beloved Bradenton event.
Get ready for a fantastic Halloween season in Sarasota, full of spooktacular events and fun for all ages! Enjoy a wide range of activities, from trick-or-treating to family-friendly festivals. Sarasota has something for everyone, so don’t miss out on the Halloween fun!