There are so many events this October in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties, it’s almost as if fall festivals are falling from the sky! We are bringing you a selection of some of our top picks along Florida's Gulf Coast happening in the weeks ahead.
Bradenton:
3rd Annual 'Ghost 5K Run' and Poker Walk Get on your running shoes and head to Old Main Street in Bradenton for their family-oriented 5K Ghost Run through picturesque downtown Bradenton and along the Riverwalk. For more information on the Ghost 5K and to sign up visit this website. Hunsader Farms 25th Annual Pumpkin Festival: October 22, 23 & 29, 30, 2016 One of the biggest pumpkin festivals around located in East Manatee, enjoy craft booths, live music, pumpkins, hayrides, pony rides, a corn maze, homemade ice cream, face painting, zip line and more. 
Lakewood Ranch
2nd Annual Block Party on Main: October 21, 2016 Celebrate all things Lakewood Ranch from 6:00-9:00pm with an evening of family fun, live music, local food, dancing and complete with a Kid's Zone. 8th Annual Pumpkin Festival in Lakewood Ranch: October 28, 29, 30, 2016 Head to Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch for their 8th annual pumpkin festival. Pie eating contests, free shows, rides, games, performances and craft vendors will ensure there are plenty of ways to celebrate the fall season. Boo Fest on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch: October 28, 2016 Expect a Wizard of Oz-themed event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Boofest! Enjoy a costume contest, maze, trick or treating, music, and local dance academies will be providing entertainment. Admission is free! 13th Annual Boo Run in Lakewood Ranch: October 29, 2016 The Lakewood Ranch running club is hosting the family-oriented Boo-Run with costume contest and awards! Find more information and register here.
Sarasota
A Night of Fish, Fun & Fright at Mote Aquarium: October 21, 2016 Buoys and ghouls of all ages are invited to dress up in costume for a Night of Fish, Fun & Fright from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. held at Mote Marine Aquarium on Lido Key.
Mote Marine Aquarium
The 28th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival: October 22-23, 29-30, 2016 From scarecrows to hay bales, this 28th annual festival offers a rock wall, playground, live music and free admission taking place in Sarasota (East of I-75).
Venice
The Annual Sun Fiesta: October 21-23, 2016 Visit historic downtown Venice for a weekend of arts and crafts, live music and entertainment, a parade, funny bed races, and the Miss Sun Fiesta Pageant culminating in a young woman being selected to win a $1,000 scholarship. Free admission and free parking. Venice Ghost Walk Tour: October 26-27, 2016 Join the Venice Gondolier's Kim Cool for a walking tour of downtown Venice where you'll learn about sightings and stories of ghosts at several properties. Tours begin at 4:30pm and 5:30 pm each day and last about 45 minutes. Tickets are $15. Meet at the Gazebo at Centennial Park in downtown Venice. 
Port Charlotte
Fall Extravaganza in Port Charlotte: October 22, 2016 Held on the Charlotte County Fairgrounds in Port Charlotte, crafts, games, music, hayrides, food, and entertainment will provide family-friendly fun for free from 10am – 5pm.
Englewood
Halloween Safe Walk on Dearborn Street: October 31, 2016 Set along scenic Dearborn Street in Englewood from 5:00pm-7:00pm, the family-friendly Halloween Safe Walk is a festive environment for costumes, trick-or-treating, and contests for all ages.
Punta Gorda
Scarecrows on Parade: Through October 31, 2016 Fisherman's Village in Punta Gorda is displaying scarecrows of all themes, shapes, and sizes while the merchants will debut their decoratting talents. The public is invited to vote for their favorites.
Boca Grande
Halloween Carnival: October 29, 2016 From 1:00pm - 3:00pm at the Boca Grande Community Center, kids of all ages will enjoy the costume contest with carnival games, a dunk tank, and cake walk.
Besides visiting haunted houses this month, why not visit some open houses? Check out Sarasota real estate and open houses happening each Sunday from 1-4pm on MichaelSaunders.com. For more October festivals, visit the Escape to Sarasota website.
