From pumpkins to palm trees, art, and architecture, the MSC Blog and the Saunders in 60 are bringing you a mix of October festivals in Sarasota and beyond that are sure to keep you celebrating fall throughout the entire month. Watch our video for top picks and then view the list below for more information.
Pumpkin Festivals
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival near the Lakewood Ranch area: October 17-18, 24-25 Annual Sarasota Pumpkin Festival in Payne Park: October 23, 24, 25 Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest in East Sarasota: October, 17-18, 24-25, & 31
Fall Festivals
Ringling International Arts Festival: Oct 15 -18 Join artists and audiences from around the globe for four days of contemporary music, theatre, and dance. For more information and to purchase tickets, view The Ringling website. Lakewood Ranch Main Street Block Party: Oct 16 Celebrating it's 10th anniversary, Lakewood Ranch will be throwing a free block party from 6-9 pm, featuring the music of Shaman, a kids zone, vendor booths, and a beer tent alongside the lively shopping and dining destinations for which the street has become known. Keep an eye out for our Lakewood Ranch agents, who will be there in support of the momentous milestone. Click here for more information. Bayfest on Anna Maria Island: October 17 Anna Maria Island is hosting one of its most popular annual music, food, arts, and crafts festivals October 17th from 10am – 10pm. Taking place on Pine Avenue, get the full scoop on the Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce website. Art of Food Festival: October 17 The Junior League of Sarasota is hosting a scrumptious soiree where Sarasota's finest Chefs create world premiere tastings based on inspirations they take from Sarasota's world class arts venues. Proceeds will go towards fighting hunger. For ticket information and details, check out the Art of Food Festival website. ShrimptoberFest: October 17-18 From crab races to arts and crafts, Placida is presenting a more tropical version of fall festivals with ShimptoberFest. View the image below to learn more.
Fall Extravaganza in Port Charlotte: October 24 Held on the Charlotte County Fairgrounds, crafts, games, music, hayrides, food, and entertainment will provide family-friend fun for free from 9am – 5pm. 21st Annual Downtown Sarasota Arts & Craft Festival: October 24-25 Head to Main Street in downtown Sarasota for contemporary crafts from more than 100 artisans. Enjoy free admission from 10am – 5pm.
Halloween
For a comprehensive list of Halloween-related events including BooFest in Lakewood Ranch, we recommend this Halloween Event Guide from Ticket Sarasota.
Architecture Festivals
Architecture and Design Month: Check website for dates The Center for Architecture is hosting talks with leaders in the field of design. SarasotaMod Weekend: November 6-9 The Sarasota Architectural Foundation is hosting SarasotaMod Weekend including lectures and walking tours of modern mecca, Lido Shores.
Did we miss any amazing October festivals? Tell us about it in the comments!
