Here's your go to guide for the top fall events in Sarasota and Manatee Counties for 2025 including some hyperlocal favorites you won't want to miss.
Fall is a special time here on Florida's Gulf Coast. The air gets a little crisper (by Florida standards), and our communities come alive with local festivals, cultural celebrations, and outdoor markets. Whether you're a local homeowner or house hunting in Sarasota or Manatee County, these events are a perfect way to explore the lifestyle this area offers and honestly, they're some of my favorite times to show clients around because you can truly feel the heart of our communities.
Sarasota County Fall Festivals
St. Armands Circle Art Festival
📍 1 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236
🗓 September 13-14
This juried art show is one of the largest of the year in Sarasota. Located in the heart of historic St. Armands Circle, expect works from top regional artists, a curated craft marketplace, and the vibrant backdrop of one of Sarasota's most charming coastal spots. Pro tip: Arrive early for easier parking and first pick of unique pieces.
Hispanic Heritage Fiesta - Lakewood Ranch
📍 7051 Wireless Ct, Sarasota, FL 34240
🗓 September 17
Celebrate culture and cuisine at this inaugural event at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. Enjoy mariachi music, a live cooking demo with Chef Amalia, and endless street tacos. It's also a beautiful nod to Sarasota's Sister City, Mérida, Mexico a connection that reflects our area's rich cultural diversity.
Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival
📍 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
🗓 September 27
- This elegant event supports the Sarasota Youth Opera with top local food vendors and a carefully curated wine selection. Held at the historic Sarasota Opera House, it's an upscale yet relaxed evening in the heart of downtown Sarasota perfect for culture loving clients exploring the downtown lifestyle.
ROCKtoberfest Sarasota
📍 199 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
🗓 October 17-19
Live music, food trucks, and waterfront views combine at this free event featuring craft vendors and high energy bands on Sarasota's scenic Bayfront Park. The setting showcases exactly why Bayfront properties are so coveted you're steps away from this kind of community energy year-round.
Wellen Park Oktoberfest - Venice
📍 12275 Mercado Dr, Venice, FL 34293
🗓 October 4
Back for its second year, this festive celebration includes keg tapping, authentic German eats, stein hoisting contests, and polka from the DeLeon Family Band. Family friendly with a great mix of music and community spirit that perfectly captures Wellen Park's neighborhood vibe.
Fall Arts & Crafts Fest at Cool Today Park - Venice
📍 18800 W Villages Pkwy, Venice, FL 34293
🗓 October 11
A kid friendly, craft lover's paradise at the Atlanta Braves' Spring Training stadium. You'll find handmade treasures, food concessions, and children's activities perfect for a Saturday family outing and a great way to experience The Villages of Venice lifestyle.
Sarasota Water Lantern Festival
📍 Nathan Benderson Park
🗓 October 25
Experience the magic as thousands of lanterns illuminate the water, creating a breathtaking display of floating lights carrying messages of love, hope, and happiness. This family friendly evening event includes food trucks, live music, and one of the most Instagram worthy moments you'll find in Sarasota.
Sarasota Fall Carnival
📍 The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr
🗓 October 31 - November 2
Perfect Halloween weekend fun with rides, games, and treats right in the heart of University Town Center. It's a great way for families in the UTC area to celebrate the season without traveling far from home.
Manatee County Fall Favorites
Bradenton Blues Festival
📍 Downtown Bradenton Riverwalk
🗓 September 28
While technically a pre-fall kickoff, this music filled event is a true gem. Talented blues artists, diverse food vendors, and the stunning backdrop of the Manatee River create the perfect atmosphere. The Riverwalk setting really showcases why downtown Bradenton living has become so popular.
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival - Bradenton
📍 5500 CR 675, Bradenton, FL 34211
🗓 October 11-12, 18-19, 25-26
A beloved Manatee County fall tradition that I personally recommend to every family I work with. This family run farm offers hayrides, petting zoos, craft vendors, live music, pony rides, and incredible food. Admission is affordable, parking is easy, and the fun is unmatched for all ages. It's the kind of place that makes you fall in love with rural Manatee County living.
Palmetto Historical Park Fall Heritage Festival - Palmetto
📍 515 10th Ave W, Palmetto, FL 34221
🗓 October 19
Step back in time at this community event that celebrates Palmetto's rich roots. Live reenactments, vintage crafts, old fashioned games, and local storytellers make it an enriching historical experience for all generations. Perfect for history buffs considering Palmetto's charming neighborhoods.
Mixon's Harvest Festival - Bradenton
📍 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208
🗓 October 26–27
Hosted by the iconic Mixon Fruit Farms, this laid-back event features train rides through the citrus groves, wildlife rescue tours, fresh squeezed juice, and local vendors. It's a true slice of authentic Manatee charm and showcases the agricultural heritage that makes this area so special.
Phantoms of Palmetto: Ghosts, Legends & Haunted History Tours
📍 Historic Downtown Palmetto
🗓 Various dates through October
For those who love a good ghost story, these walking tours explore Palmetto's spookier side with local legends and haunted history. It's a fun way to discover the character and stories behind this historic riverfront community.
Why These Events Matter for Your Home Search
As someone who's helped hundreds of families find their perfect home in this area, I've learned that choosing a neighborhood isn't just about the house it's about the lifestyle and community connections you'll build. These fall festivals showcase the heart of what makes Sarasota and Manatee Counties such special places to call home.
From the sophisticated arts scene in downtown Sarasota to the family friendly agricultural traditions in rural Bradenton, from the waterfront celebrations along our rivers to the intimate community gatherings in historic Palmetto, each event reflects the unique character of its neighborhood.
Live Here. Love It Here.
These fall festivals highlight everything we cherish about Sarasota and Manatee Counties culture, community, creativity, and coastal charm. Whether you're just visiting or considering making this your home, these events let you experience firsthand what it feels like to be part of this vibrant region.
When I'm working with clients, I often suggest they attend local events in neighborhoods they're considering. There's no better way to get a feel for a community than to experience it during one of these celebrations.
Be sure to confirm event dates and times, as schedules may change due to weather or unexpected circumstances.
Ready to explore homes near all this action?
Let's connect and talk about how I can help you find the key to your real estate dreams right here in Sarasota or Manatee County. I'd love to help you discover not just a house, but a community where you'll truly belong.
Have questions about specific neighborhoods or want to know which communities host the events you're most excited about? I'm here to help connect your lifestyle preferences with the perfect location.
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