As summer goes and fall moves in, residents in Manatee and Sarasota Counties are searching for things to do in the couple of weeks we have nice weather in hopes for feelings of autumn. If you’re looking for activities you can participate in with your friends, family, or partner, here are some of the top ways to celebrate the season!
PUMPKINS
If you’re big on carving pumpkins, pumpkin-flavored foods, and photo-shoots in pumpkin patches, you’ll fit right in at these local farms and pumpkin patches this October!
In its 32nd year, the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival attracts people of all ages with its wide variety of activities ranging from craft shows, chainsaw sculpting, and live music, to train rides, a huge corn maze, and a petting zoo. Included in admission, you can also participate in the Pioneer Trades Village, hayrides, photo backdrops, a barnyard playground, and a live juggling performance. They also offer a rock wall, bounce houses, and pumpkin painting for additional costs. Be prepared with plenty of cash because it costs $5 for parking and $15 per person for admission. If you’re worried about getting hungry, know there will be plenty of food trucks!
This festival takes place the last 3 weekends in October and goes from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Looking for a way to spend time without spending money? The Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival is FREE every weekend starting September 30th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. You’ll be able to enjoy the petting zoo, playground, live music, and decorated photo spots. The Torres Family Circus performs 2 shows every Saturday and Sunday at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Want to participate in a free costume contest? They’re held every Saturday at 2:00 pm, so bring your best! Although there is plenty to do, there are some other activities that are available to pay for: rides, pony rides, a rock wall, bounce houses, pumpkin painting, vendors, and food trucks.
Do you know anyone that likes trains? The Pumpkin Patch Express hosted by the Florida Railroad Museum is a 2.5-hour experience that includes hayrides, arts and crafts, Lincoln log building, games, and a fresh pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Food and beverages will be available to purchase on the train.
This event is held every weekend with the choice of 11:00 am or 3:00 pm rides. Tickets are available for purchase starting at $20.
Last, but not least, in our pumpkin category, we have the Pumpkin Spice Fest that’s held annually at Parrish’s Gamble Creek Farms, an organic, 26-acre farm. This event is FREE and features pumpkin painting, hayrides, live music, and pumpkin-flavored baked goods. Feel free to come out November 18th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm to enjoy the festivities!
NATURE GARDENS
Are you a plant person looking for a great way to celebrate the season by exploring your favorite local botanical gardens?
Palma Sola Botanical Park in Northwest Bradenton is offering 2 special events this year. If you’re looking for plants, artisans, food, and fun, check out their FREE Fall Plants & More Sale on October 22nd from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
On October 29th, visit the park from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm for their Art in the Park & Trunk-Or-Treat event! Admission is FREE and includes a New Artisan Reception featuring new art exhibits, complimentary lite bites and beverage tastings by the Tea Tree Cafe, and trunk-or-treating for the littles!
If you’re looking for something unique, check out the inflatable corn maze at Selby Spooktacular located in Downtown Sarasota. Admission is free for Selby Gardens’ Members and is included with General Admission (adults: $26, teens: $11). Be prepared for trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, and storytelling!
This event is on October 29th and goes from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
SCARY
If you’re older and are interested in experiences a little more frightening, check out these local haunted trails and tours!
You’ve probably been to a few haunted houses, but have you ever been to a Haunted Fish Camp? Jiggs Landing Outpost invites you to get spooked by their cast of characters: the Creepy Camper, the Ghost Pirate of Ward Lake, and the half-man/half-fish Fisherman. You’ll take a guided tour down a haunted trail to the end of the dock, where you’ll encounter the spooky Old Man Jiggs himself. Once you’ve returned safely, you’ll have the chance to roast s’mores over the campfire while listening to live music.
This event runs October 27th-29th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Admission costs $5 per person and children under 12 years can attend for FREE.
If you’re looking for another hair-raising experience, buy your tickets for the Haunted Walking Tour of Sarasota powered by Sarasota Suncoast Tours. This 75-minute walking tour in the dark features haunted and gruesome tales of murders and Sarasota ghosts. You may learn disturbing things you never knew! All tours start at 8:00 pm and run from October 1st through October 31st every Wednesday and Thursday night. Tickets are $25 a person.
Manatee Village Historical Park is hosting “Cemetery Tours”, a FREE hour-long tour led by a member of the staff. This tour will highlight the 1850 Manatee Burying Grounds. These tours will be given October 14th and 18th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Tickets are first come, first served basis, so make sure to have your entire party ready to check in at the Wiggins General Store on the morning of the tour to receive your free wristbands.
Although we may not be able to indulge in crisp, cool air and fall-colored leaves, there’s no doubt in the fact that there’s plenty of ways to celebrate fall this year in our area!
