Pick out pumpkins, drink apple cider and hop on a hay ride at these fun local fall festivals.
Fruitville Grove
Every weekend in October, 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, (941) 377-0896
Festival hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission includes access to the playground and petting zoo, live music, the Torres Family Circus show, photo opportunities and costume contests. Enjoy hay and pony rides, a bounce house and vendor booths, too. The farmers market will be open, too. Admission is free; parking is $5.
North Port Fall Fest
Saturday, October 2, 4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port
Meet on the City of North Port’s front lawn for a fall-themed fair from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Browse local vendors, purchase crafts and goods, and enjoy food trucks and drinks. A children’s costume parade will take place at 12 p.m., with prizes
Old Miakka Fall Hootenanny
Sunday, October 3, 15800 Wilson Road, Sarasota
From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. featuring a silent auction, vendor booths, live music by the Dunn Deal and more.
The Meadows Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 16, 3101 Longmeadow, Sarasota, (941) 371-6000
Fall festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5 for ages 10 and up; children under 10 are free. Kids will enjoy a bounce house, hay rides, face painting and games. Live entertainment and crafts for the whole family.
Hunsader Farms
Saturday-Sunday, October 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, 5500 County Road 675, Bradenton, (941) 322-2168
The 30th annual pumpkin festival at Hunsader Farms will take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy crafts, live music and shows, pumpkin patches, games for the kids and more. Admission is $12 and parking is $5; children 10 and under are free.
Fall Festival at University Town Center
Saturday-Sunday, October 23-24, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, (727) 674-1464
This first annual fall festival will take place at the University Town Center Mall and will feature carnival rides, a pumpkin patch, trunk-or-treat options for the kids, a pumpkin pageant show, pet costumer contest and market vendors. Enjoy food trucks and a beer garden, too. Admission is free.
Humane Society Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 23, 2515 14th St. W., Bradenton, (941) 747-8808
The Humane Society of Manatee County is hosting a harvest festival from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pets can join in on the family fun, with $5 pet costume contests, raffles, festival games and picture stations and local vendors. Pet food donations will be accepted. Admission is free.
Halloween Food Truck Friday Night
Friday, October 29, 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey, (941) 918-2100
Join for a spooky food truck night at the Bay Preserve headquarters. The event is free and will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wear costumes and have kids enter a contest at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy dessert and Mexican food trucks. RSVP here.
