Things to do in Sarasota this Halloween

October 1- 31, 2022: Are there ghosts in Sarasota? Find out for yourself on a guided, dark and creepy, 75-minute Sarasota ghost walk. Experience the spirited and sinister side of Sarasota on this one-of-a-kind walking tour to learn more about the area and some of the residents who still call it home – many, many, many years later. Hear the haunting tales and feel the chill in the air. Boo! Reservations required – Parental discretion is advised – not recommended for small children. $18.95. Sarasota Sun Coast Tours, 301 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL. 941-893-4664.

October 1 - 31, 2022. Check out the Spooktacular Ghost Tour. If you’re looking for something truly unique, take the Haunted History Tour. This 75 minute tour is packed with history and ghost stories. We’ll also share ghost hunting tips and tricks. Hear live audio of a disembodied voice in a local Venice building. You’ll even have an opportunity to catch your own ghost by using real paranormal investigation tools. You'll leave wanting to find your own local haunts. $20 per person. Venice, FL. 817-714-6092. [email protected]

October 14 - 31, 2022: You're invited “Lights at Spooky Point,” which features an array of fantastic creatures and cute creations designed with lights along an eerily lit path through the woods at the preserve and outdoor museum of Historic Spanish Point. Visitors also will see familiar historic sites like Mary’s Chapel and the Pioneer Graveyard in a mysterious (but not too scary) new light during this event for all ages. There will be a one-way path from the Welcome Center Gazebo through several popular areas on the Historic Spanish Point bathed in the glow of orange, purple, and red lights. Along the way, guests will encounter flying “ghost orchids,” webs with “spider orchids,” giant “bat orchids,” vine-twisted skeletons, plenty of pumpkins, and other surprises. This nighttime walk through the woods will finish at a hay maze before guests return to the gazebo to exit.Selby Gardens will offer two entry times each evening for Lights at Spooky Point: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. A limited number of tickets will be available for each entry time and must be purchased in advance, either through the Selby Gardens website or at the Welcome Center on either campus. Ticket prices are $20 for Selby Gardens members, $25 for non-members, $15 for ages 5 to 17, and free for children 4 and under. Food, beverages, and other items will be sold separately on site. Historic Spanish Point, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL.

October 28, 2022: It's been announced that BooFest is officially back on Lakewood Ranch's Main Street! The family-friendly fun includes entertainment, food and drink vendors, and more. This event is FREE to the public. Have your children bring their trick-or-treat bags to collect the many treats that will be given out from generous sponsors and merchants. Don’t forget to dress up for their children’s costume parade! Get ready to get spooky, you’re bound to have a HOWLING good time! 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL.

October 28, 2022: It's the 21st Annual Clancy's Halloween Party and Costume Contest. They'll be giving away $500 in cash and prizes for best costume in the categories: Scariest, Funniest, Sexiest, Most Original and Best Dressed Couple.The entertainment will be Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio from 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. Open 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Clancy's, 6218 Cortez Rd., West, Bradenton, FL. More info: 941-794-2489.

October 28 - 30, 2022: Jiggs Landing turns into the "HAUNTED FISH CAMP." See Jiggs himself come back just for Halloween and other scary creatures lurking in the pavilion. Even the kid's play area is spooky. The giant wolf spider may be seen on the giant web. Tales of Halloween from the 1940s will be shared around the fire. Smores can be eaten under the night sky. Children (12 and under) are free, all others are $5. 8:00 p.m. Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St E, Bradenton, FL

October 29, 2022: The 19th Annual Boo Run is a family oriented 5K run or walk. There is also a Virtual 5K Run or Walk. Exciting changes this year with a brand new certified 5k course in Lakewood Ranch! In-Person Option - Saturday, October 29th - 5k run or walk with pups at 8:05 am 5k run or walk with Humans starts at 8:00 am., Boo Dash starts at 7:30 a.m. Your race entry includes a chip-timed 5k, bib, finisher medal, and race shirt. Overall M/F and Age Group awards will be available to age group winners. Sponsor Village, along Tervis Tumblers and Costume Contest! Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

October 29, 2022: It's their 2nd Annual Halloween at the Farm with free Halloween Trunk or Treat event at Inverness Farm. Enjoy horse and pony rides ($10) and visiting the many animals that live on the farm; goats, geese, bunny, ducks, mini horses, horses and so many more.There will be a 50/50 raffle, decorations, picture booth ($3), vendors and food trucks. Free admission. Parking $1. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Inverness Farm, 377 Inverness Farm, Inverness Rd, Venice, FL

Sarasota Halloween Events

October 29, 2022: The 14th Annual Sarasota Dog-A-Ween costume contest returns to the Sarasota Farmers Market Halloween Festival. All proceeds benefit the Donte’s Den Foundation. Guest moderator: Tyler Butler with Out & About. After the event dogs in costume can go to Wet Noses with their human to pick out a free toy donated by Wet Noses. Pre-register online by October 27, 2022. Check-in: 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Get entry number at Lemon Ave & 1st St downtown Sarasota. Parade starts at 10 a.m. at the bus station and parades through the Farmer's Market. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes. You can also Preregister on Saturday, October 22nd outside Wet Noses between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Fee is $15 (please preregister by Oct. 27th).

October 29, 2022: Check out the Bradenton Public Market for a spooktacular good time with Trick or Treating at market vendors, free face painting from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm at the intersection of Old Main Street and 4th Ave W., pottery demonstrations in a booth along Old Main Street, and dance students will be performing Halloween themed dance routines starting at 10 a.m. located on 3rd Ave W. Come dressed up for a fun family time. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 400 Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL. (941) 621-6471. Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

October 29, 2022: It's their Annual Nature Halloween Party at Sarasota Children's Garden! Embark on a Spooky Scavenger Hunt and search high and low, then visit their Witch Garden for your trick-or-treat bag … but be brave! Decorate a friendly leaf ghost to bring home at the Nature Craft Station, dance at the Monster Mash Stage, and enjoy a spider sandwich! This event is included in admission and free for garden members while supplies last. 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m. 0-2 Yrs. Free., 3-12 Yrs. $6 + tax., Teens-Adults $10 + tax., 60+Seniors $9+ tax Sarasota Children's Garden, 1670 10th Way, Sarasota, FL. (941) 330 -1711. The Children’s Garden is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit public charitable organization.

October 29, 2022: It's the 2022 Boo! at The Bazaar with Free Trick or Treating (inside). They don't care your age - just come in your Halloween costume and have fun.. All of their Bazaar Family will be giving out candy. Live Music by Sean Adam Walsh. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Avenue, Sarasota, FL. Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

Sarasota Halloween Events

October 29, 2022: There's a Halloween Block Party in downtown Sarasota as El Melvin's Day of the Dead outdoor party will feature live music, food and drinks throughout the day, street tacos, outdoor bars and seating. Party begins at Noon. DJ and live band begins at 6pm. Halloween costume party, large cash prize for best costume. Noon - 2 a.m. El Melvin Cocina Mexican, 1355 Main Street, Sarasota, FL. 941-366-1618. Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

October 29, 2022: It's Fisherman’s Village's Spooktacular Halloween! Another year of fun, family-friendly activities during its Village Trick-or-Treat event and Village Brewhouse’s Zombie Prom! There will be trick-or-treating around the village from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. plus face painting, tarot card reading, live music, a costume contest for children, teens and adults and raffles. Registration for this year's costume contest is open from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Winners will be announced at Center Court at 7:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners, as well as best overall costume winner! 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. Admission and parking for this event are free to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend! Fishermen's Village, 1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL.

October 29, 2022: Calling all goblins and ghouls...join us for frightfully fun Halloween Trick-or-Treating at The Mall at University Town Center! Dress in your favorite costume* and follow the Trick-or-Treat Trail throughout the mall, scaring up goodies from your favorite stores along the way. The wicked good-time will also include: Fangtastic Character Meet & Greets, A Spooktacular Dance Party, Howl-oween Bounce Houses, Eerie-sistible Crafts, Games & More. The event takes place mall-wide & outside at The Mall at University Town Center’s East Grand Entrance. *No toy weapons permitted. 5:30 pm. - 7:30 p.m. The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL

October 29, 2022: It's Boo! at the Bishop! Go Trick or Treating at the Bishop for safe, family fun. You’ll leave with candy and plenty of memories! Costumes are encouraged, however we ask that they be family friendly. This event will take you through parts of the Museum while visiting tables for candy. Please bring a bag to hold candy in that you collect. We will have elevator access available for those with strollers or who need assistance. Admission: $7. Free for kids under 4. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.  p.m. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St., W., Bradenton, FL.

October 29, 2022: The Main Street Live Downtown Halloween Street Party kicks off its new season for the first time in 2 years and it takes place on Historic Old Main Street in Bradenton from 6 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. with a Halloween-themed event featuring the band Stormbringer and dancing in the street throughout the night. The event also features food and drink vendors and arts and crafts. No charge to attend. Old Main Street, Downtown, Bradenton, FL.

October 29, 2022: Check out Boos & Brews: Halloween at Motorworks Brewing. Costume contests, craft Halloween cocktails & jello shots, live music, and Candy & Beer Pairing Flights curated for you by our own brewing team! It's gonna be a blast. You don't wanna miss it! 6 p.m. - 12 a.m. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 9th Street, Bradenton, FL.

October 29, 2022: It's the Joyland Live's 26th Annual Boo Bash with their first ever Haunted House plus $2,500 in prizes for Best Overall Costume, Best Couple Costume, and Sexiest Costume. 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. Cover charge. Joyland Live, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota FL.

October 29, 2022: It's the Gator Club's Annual Halloween Block Party with 2 live bands,  22N and Johnny Diamond. Costume contests. Win cash and prizes. Also food trucks, Smokin Mama's will be there. 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. The Gator Club, 1490 Main Street, Sarasota, FL. 941-366-5969. Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

Sarasota Halloween Events

October 29 - 30, 2022: The 34th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest features hay rides, pony rides, pumpkin painting, face painting, mini train rides, a petting zoo and more. Lots of Halloween decorations for sale, too, from scarecrows to hay bales. Admission, Parking, Petting zoo, playground, live music, and decorated photo spots are FREE! Individual rides and game activity booth, including pony rides, unicorn encounter, hug a goat and pumpkin painting, has their own set price ranging from $1 – $10. Children’s Costume Contest every Saturday at 2 p.m. in front of the animal barn and free to participate in. Torres Family Circus and Extreme Riders Free daily showtimes each weekend 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. While some vendor booths may accept cards, many are cash only so please be prepared. For your convenience they will have ATMs setup. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission and parking. East of I-75 off exit 210, on the right. 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL. Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

October 29 - 30, 2022: Get into the 31st Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival featuring fun for all including craft show, live music, live shows, pioneer trades village, scarecrow displays, charity pumpkin games, hayrides, pony rides, petting zoo, frog jumping championships, kids train ride, fresh roasted sweet corn, rock climbing wall, face painting and more. Additional dates: Oct 29 - 30. Admission $15, kids 10 & under free, parking $5. Cash only. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Hunsader Farms: C.R. 675, halfway between S.R. 64 & S.R. 70, 10 miles east of I-75. Heading north on I-75 from Sarasota take exit 217A or heading south on I-75 take exit 220. 941-322-2168. Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

October 29 - 30, 2022: The Big Cat Habitat is excited to be hosting annual Wild-O-Ween! Join them for the wildest family-friendly Halloween event in town! Fun Halloween activities including Pumpkin Painting, Pumpkin Bowling, Mummy Wrapping , Costume Contests, Pony Rides, Wild Prizes and More! Trick-or-Treat stations will be placed throughout the park! Don't forget to add that extra special touch to your costume by getting your face painted! Wild-O-Ween event is a part of regular admission price! Noon - 4 p.m. Adult (12yrs & Up): $25, Child (3-12yrs):$10, Toddler (2yrs & Under): FREE, Active Military & Veterans (w/ I.D.): FREE. Big Cat Habitat is a 501c3 dedicated to providing a safe, permanent home to exotic and domestic animals in need. Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Blvd,, Sarasota, FL

October 30, 2022: Enjoy the Selby Gardens Spooktacular with the whole family. With fun and not too scary festivities, bring your camera for pictures of your costumed family! There will be Trick or Treating, arts and crafts, fun and educational activities, as well as more frightening (but not too scary) options for older children including an inflatable corn maze and storytelling. Children are encouraged to dress in costume and bring their own trick-or-treat bags to collect their goodies.10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Members: Free, Member's Guests: $10. Regular admission: Adults $20, kids 5 - 17 $10. 4 and under are free. Food available for purchase. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL. Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

Sarasota Halloween Events

October 30 - 31, 2022: This Halloween, once again, local artists Dave Gordon and Elln Hagney, will transform the cul-de-sac in front of their home into A FREE family-friendly walk about Halloween experience, Halloween on S. Lime Ave! From Toddlers to Adults, all ages welcome! This year, many of our decoration will be on display from October 10th on, but...The real main events are October 30 - 31. Trick-or-treaters, families, and fun adults are invited to stroll our decorations and enjoy. At our 360 Haunted Midway display see what our Swamp Monsters, Skeletons, Pumpkin Men, Aliens, and mice are up to this Halloween. In addition to the main display this year features....​​​Singing Pumpkins, Midway Games, Multiple Animatronics, Western Style Cemetery, Nerf Animatronic Shooting Gallery, Lawn Games, Outdoor Movies, Look and Find Scavenger Hunt, Giant Projections and more! 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Halloween on South Lime Ave, 133 S Lime Ave, Sarasota, FL. For more information call 617-823-5081. Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

October 31, 2022: For the 38th year Siesta Key will host the “Safe Treats.” This FREE event provides a safe venue for children to trick-or-treat and is a fun afternoon for the entire family. The event includes merchants in Siesta Village and on South Siesta Key. Bring your little ones to trick or treat and look for participating members displaying  festive balloons. Don’t forget to hop on the free Siesta Key  Breeze Trolley which makes a continuous loop between the Siesta Key Village and Turtle Beach, with multiple stops along the way. 3 - 6 p.m. Siesta Key, FL. Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

October 31, 2022: Time for ghosts and goblins, witches and monsters, tricks or treats! The AMI Chamber is excited to announce the annual "TRAIL OF TREATS." This super fun event will kick off at the AMI Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. A costume contest for ages 0-12 will be judged promptly at 4:00 p.m. and participants should plan to check in at the Chamber at 3:30 p.m. There will be 4 age groups for the contest, with trophies awarded! After the judging and snacks, kids will have the opportunity to safely trick or treat at area businesses in Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. AMI Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island, FL.

October 31, 2022:  It's the Children's Costume and Halloween Parade in downtown Venice in Centennial Park. Meet at the Gazebo at 4 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.Parade line up is at 4:30 p.m.  The parade down West Venice Avenue will begin promptly at 5pm led by the Lions Club of Venice float and members.More than 500 children are expected to receive candy treats from its members. Following the brief parade, children will be free to trick or treat for more goodies at participating locations along the avenues. Historic Downtown Venice, FL. Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

October 31, 2022: It's the 14th Annual Fright Night on St Armand's Circle for Halloween fun. There will be haunted store fronts, frightening characters around every corner and statues dressed in the Halloween spirit. Kids can trick-or-treat around The Circle with numerous shops and restaurants contributing to the Halloween spirit with customized promotions. Free. 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. St. Armand's Circle, St. Armand's Key, Sarasota, FL. Sarasota Halloween Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

November 4 - 5, 2022: It's the annual Dia de los Muertos / Festival of the Skeletons! This year marks the 17th festival and they are planning a party for the whole community! Grab your friends and come on out to explore the art during our biggest event of the year - Festival of the Skeletons!!! Enjoy the galleries, shops, restaurants, live music, and tasty treats during one of Bradenton's favorite events. Friday 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Village of the Arts, 1227 12th St W, Bradenton, FL