Local Events for October 2019 in Sarasota and Manatee

Hello Fall! Take time this October to get out and enjoy the many local events that this beautiful time of year brings to the area.

October 2, 2019: Phillippi Farmhouse Market Every Wednesday, from October through April this market features locally grown fruits and vegetables, plants, herbs, flowers, baked goods, with plenty of foods and beverage vendors, arts and crafts, and live music from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Located at 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. Free event.

October 3, 2019: Paint a Pumpkin Night The Arts A Blaze Studio presents Paint a Pumpkin Night! Choose from a variety of pumpkin themed pieces to paint. Pricing for this event varies based on the piece of object you choose to paint ranging from $14.00 – $40.00. The fun begins at 6 p.m., all ages are welcome to attend the event. Located at 8111 Lakewood Main Street, Unit 107, Bradenton, FL

October 4, 2019: Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Live music by St. Petersburg’s Funk and Soul sextet, The HeadTones, wine, beer, and food available! The event will benefit the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County. Dogs are welcome to attend. Located on Lakewood Ranch Main Street off of University Parkway east of I-75.

October 5, 2019: Sarasota Pirates & Rum Festival What better way to celebrate “International Rum Day” than at the Sarasota Pirates and Rum Festival at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall!  Spend the day enjoying live music, exotic cuisines, soul food, pirates, and rums from around the world. Tickets range from $10.00 – $20.00. General admission includes rum samples and access to every stage.  This even will take place from 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.

October 12, 2019: Howl-O-Ween Move Night Spooktacular Bring the whole family to Ed Smith Stadium for spooktacular Halloween fun featuring Children’s games, costume parade, activities, photo ops, and a family-friendly Halloween-themed movie will be shown on the outfield video board. This event is open to all ages. Admission is free just by donating one non-perishable food item at the gate. 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St, Sarasota FL.

October 12 – 13, 2019: Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest Hayrides, pony rides, face painting, pumpkin painting, petting zoo, mini train rides, and many more. Some activities range in price from $1-$7. Food is available for purchase. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Additional dates include Oct 19-20 and Oct 26-27. Free admission and parking. Located at 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota FL

October 12 – 13, 2019: Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival Fun for all ages including craft booths, live music, pioneer trades village, scarecrow displays, hayrides, pony rides, petting zoo, rock climbing wall, face paint, and much more. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $10.00 , kids 10 and under get in free. Parking $5.00.  Additional dates include Oct 19-20 and Oct 26-27 Located at Hunsader Farms C.R. 675, between S.R. 64 & S.R. 70, 10 miles east of I-75.

October 16, 2019: Siesta Key Oyster Bar Pumpkin Carving Contest Come show off your pumpkin craving skills! Contests have three hours to carve or paint a pumpkin. Pumpkins are available to purchase at the event, carving and painting supplies will be provided but contents are welcome to bring their own.  Judging will take place between 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. and the winner will be announced at 8 p.m.! There will be food and drink specials available with some sweet treats. Free admissions. Adults and kids are both welcome to join. 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Siesta Key Oyster Bar 5238 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key FL.

October 18 – 19, 2019: Tombstone Tours A guided tour of the 1850 Manatee Burying Grounds. You’ll experience the historic grounds by torchlight, led by a costumed interpreter. History of the burying grounds will be explained as well as personal histories of those buried there. The 1850 Manatee Burying Grounds is the oldest public cemetery in Manatee County. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with tours beginning at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased online or by calling Manatee Village. 1404 Manatee Ave East, Bradenton FL.

October 19, 2019: Anna Maria Island Bay Fest A fun-filled day on Anna Maria Island at the Bay Fest featuring live music, a classic car show,  kids zone with kid’s games, arts and crafts. Try a taste of island foods at the food court with local restaurant vendors. Soda, water, beer, wine and rum drinks will be available. Free admission. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Pine Ave, Anna Maria Island FL.

October 19 – 20, 2019: St. Armands Boat Show Walk around Circle Park to enjoy a wide variety of boats to see. There is sure to be one boat that you can’t resist and maybe purchase. Free admission. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. St. Armand’s Circle Park, Sarasota FL.

October 23, 2019: Taste of Sarasota Enjoy 15 terrific local restaurants serving up great tastes. Tickets will include all food tasting. Cash bar. This event is $15.00. Tasting starts at 5:30 p.m. Located at 600 N Beneva Road, Sarasota FL.

October 26, 2019: Boo Run 5K & Boo Dash: Over 1200 runners, walkers, and dog walkers will take the streets for a fun family friendly event. The event starts at 8:00 A.M. and located at 8100 Lakewood Ranch Main St, Bradenton, FL

October 31, 2019: Main Street Live Downtown Halloween Street Party This spooky street party takes place on Historic Old Main Street in Bradenton from 6 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. This event will have live music and dancing in the street. Food and drink vendors as well as arts and craft will be available for purchase. No charge to attend.