Week of October 5th
October 5 – October 11, 2026
Hey there! October is here and Fall is in full swing this week. Fall festivals are kicking off, several Oktoberfest events are taking place throughout this week and next weekend, and there is some spooky fun to be had IF you are looking for that this early in the month.
Also, Baywatch in Sarasota bay, a dolphin and its speedo and the Bro's are making their first appearance in Manatee County.
This weekend, we spent most of our time on I-4 and I-75 driving back and forth to soccer games, hopefully you had a great weekend and got out to some of the fun events that were going on. A lot to get through this week so lets dive in.
🌟 Don't Miss This

Sarasota Oktoberfest at NBP
Saturday, October 10 · 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Get Directions →Two days of paddles, oars & pours on the lake — a family-friendly Kinder Zone, two German bands, authentic German food, stein-holding contests, and best-dressed awards. Plus the Benderson Chase Regatta with youth and masters rowing and dragon boat racing. Free admission; parking $20/car, no advance tickets required. Runs Sat & Sun, Oct 10–11.
More info →⭐ Top Picks

Witches Night Out at Phillippi Estate Park
Friday, October 9 · 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Get Directions →The 4th annual Witches Night Out takes over the spooky (and perhaps haunted) Edson Keith Mansion. Dress as your favorite witch or wizard for a costume contest with cash prizes, a live DJ, dancing, a photo booth and an expanded Witches Mart of seasonal vendors. Psychic and tarot readings are available for a small extra charge. Ages 18 and up, $40 per person.
More info →
Special Cinema at The Bay: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Friday, October 9 · 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Get Directions →Grab your friends and embrace the midnight madness! This beloved cult classic returns for its annual outdoor screening under the stars at The Bay's scenic Oval.

Cruise for a Cure at Sarasota Cars & Coffee
Saturday, October 10 · 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Get Directions →Hundreds of incredible cars on display in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with complimentary coffee from Mademoiselle Paris and Chick-fil-A, plus energy drinks and bottled water from sponsors. Show car gates open at 6:30 AM. Show car parking $10 cash and motorcycle parking $5 cash (Lot 5); spectator parking is free in Lots 6, 7, and the grass area north of Popstroke.
🎉 Special Events
Fall Festival Season

Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
Oct 10 – Oct 11 · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Get Directions →A full day of fall fun: craft show, live music and shows, pumpkins, kids' pumpkin games, Tiny Town, Pioneer Trades Village, hayrides, butterfly garden, pony rides, petting zoo, corn maze, and more. $15 ages 10+, $5 children 5–9, free under 5; $5 parking. Cash only (some vendors accept cards). Also runs Oct 17–18 and 24–25.

Lights at Spooky Point
Oct 1 – Oct 31 · 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Get Directions →An illuminated evening walk through the Historic Spanish Point campus, with two entry times (6:30 and 7:45 p.m.); event ends at 9 p.m. Runs nightly October 1–31. Free for members and kids 4 and under; $12 member guests and ages 5–17; $20 adults.
More info →
Sarasota Oktoberfest at NBP
Saturday, October 10 · 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Get Directions →Two days of paddles, oars & pours on the lake — a family-friendly Kinder Zone, two German bands, authentic German food, stein-holding contests, and best-dressed awards. Plus the Benderson Chase Regatta with youth and masters rowing and dragon boat racing. Free admission; parking $20/car, no advance tickets required. Runs Sat & Sun, Oct 10–11.
More info →
Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival
Oct 10 – Oct 11 · 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Get Directions →The 38th annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival returns every weekend in October with a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, local vendor booths, and circus performances. Admission and some activities are free; other activities range from $1–$10.
More info →
3rd Annual Harvest Festival
Oct 10 – Oct 11 · 10:00 AM
Get Directions →A full day on the farm with a corn maze, hayrides, live music, food trucks, animal interactions, and a pumpkin cannon. $20 per person, kids 5 and under free, free parking.
More info →
Danger Ranger 9000 at Freedom Factory
Saturday, October 10 · Spectator gates 2:00 PM · Racing 6:00 PM
Get Directions →Door-to-door racing is back! The night opens with the Pro Truck Freedom 40, then purpose-built Ford Rangers battle for 60 laps on the 3/8 asphalt oval, and it all ends with the Altima 600, a 100-lap enduro for clapped-out Nissan Altimas. This event WILL sell out, so grab tickets early. Adult general admission is $25, kids 12 & under are free, and a Saturday-only pit pass is $35. Practice and qualifying run from the afternoon, with the national anthem at 6:00 PM. Friday Oct 9 is Ranger and Pro Truck practice (pit gates 2:00 PM, practice 4:00 PM, $25). Can't make it? Watch the live stream at frdmplus.com.
More info →💼 Local Spotlight

Walt's Fish Market
We first discovered Walt's about 5 or 6 years ago when we came down for an anniversary trip (before we moved here), we instatntly fell in love with the atmosphere, the vibe and most importantly the food. We have been recommending Walt's to anyone coming down to visit us ever since and we havent gotten a complaint yet. It can be a little pricey especially if we take the whole family but we always have a great meal. Also, the merch has become a staple in our household, if you run into us there's a 90% chance one of us will be wearing a Walt's shirt. If you have never been, its absolutely worth a trip.
📍 4144 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231Visit their site →🧠 Weekly Trivia
John Ringling died in New York City in 1936 intending to be buried on the grounds of his namesake Sarasota museum. How many years passed before he actually was?
55 years. John and Mable Ringling — along with his sister, Ida Ringling North — weren't reinterred at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art until 1991, in a secret garden just beside their mansion, Ca' d'Zan.
🐾 Pet of the Week
Lobo
Dog (Siberian Husky)
An 11-year-old Siberian Husky looking for a quiet place to spend his golden years. Senior dogs like Lobo are often overlooked, but they come past the puppy chaos and ready to settle in. If you've got a comfy couch and a soft spot for a silver-muzzled sweetheart, Lobo could be your new best friend.
Available at Manatee County Animal Services
Meet Lobo →📰 Local Buzz
🎉 New BusinessThe Bro's are coming to town
Dutch Brothers, the super popular coffee and soda chain is getting its first Manatee County location in Lakewood Ranch. Construction has started on the 1000 sq ft building that will feature a 2 lane drive up window, a walk up window and an area to sit, relax and enjoy your favorite Dutch beverage. We are huge Dutch fans so this is one we have been hoping would come to the area, looking forward to having a dragonslayer soda in hand in the next few months.
Read more →
📣 Local NewsHumane Society of Manatee County plans major campus expansion
A new adoption center, expanded cat housing, and storm-resilient kennels are coming in phases over the next couple of years, thanks to a major gift from a past adopter.
Read more →
📣 Local NewsSarasota Bay Watch surveys scallop population
95 volunteers with Sarasota Bay Watch took to boats, kayaks, and snorkels to count scallops — a hands-on check on the bay's health.
Read more →
🎉 Just for Fun
🐬 A Sarasota Bay dolphin just marked 20 years since his Speedo rescue
Scrappy, a 28-year-old bottlenose dolphin, can't swim backward — which is exactly how he once got stuck in an extra-large men's swimsuit that wrapped around his body in the bay.
Read more →
📅 This Week's Events
Monday, October 5
Pick-Up Tennis at Summerfield Park
9:00 AM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →A casual, unstructured way to play tennis — participants organize their own games and matchups.
1st Zumba® Fitness Class in the Kiwanis Ballroom
9:30 AM
Details & directions
Get Directions →A new Zumba Mondays series kicks off in Downtown Bradenton, open to all fitness levels. $5 for the first class.
More info →Live DJ at Mat Pilates
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Get your core strong and your groove on! Join an energizing mat pilates class with live DJ Johnny Speed spinning the beats.
Mat Pilates at The Bay
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Join a free hour of mat pilates at Common Ground at The Bay Park with BodyBar Pilates Sarasota. Perfect for beginners and all levels!
Monday Night Bingo at Florida Provisions
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →Join Florida Provisions every Monday for Bingo Night — cold beer and prizes.
Trivia Night at Good Liquid Brewing Company
7:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →Gather your friends, challenge your brain, and savor a beer at Good Liquid Brewing Company for Trivia Night every Monday.
Karaoke at The Freckled Fin Irish Pub
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →Sing your heart out every Monday at The Freckled Fin Irish Pub on Anna Maria Island.
More info →
Tuesday, October 6
The Y: Primetime+
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Get your heart pumping with this gentle, low-impact cardio and strength class perfect for seniors and anyone just starting out. Join us at Sunset Deck!
Anna Maria Community Farmers Market
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →Fresh food, local art, and good vibes every Tuesday at the Anna Maria Community Farmers Market.
More info →Fashion Show for a Cause
6:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →A runway show featuring cancer survivors as models, with raffle baskets, food, and local vendors — all benefiting the Team Tony Cancer Foundation. RSVP recommended, space is limited.
More info →Bootcamp
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Get fit in 45 minutes with body-weight exercises and intervals designed to boost your strength and conditioning at Sarasota Garden Club.
Music Bingo at The Peculiar Pub
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →A night of singing, dancing, and prizes set to your favorite hits, paired with scratch-kitchen food, handcrafted cocktails, and craft beer.
Trivia Night at Ed's Tavern
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →Hosted by Steve-O, general trivia covering current events, sports, holidays, and more — compete for bragging rights, pitchers of beer, and gift cards.
Karaoke Night at The Lounge by Good Liquid Distilling Co.
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →A laid-back night of singing your favorite songs, cheering on friends, and half-off margaritas.
Poker Night at Ed's Tavern
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →Free Texas Hold 'Em — no cost to play. Weekly winner takes home a $50 Ed's gift card, plus a chance at a seat in the One-Eyed Jacks tournament at Sarasota Kennel Club.
Wednesday, October 7
Tai Chi | Qigong
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Join Gail at the Sarasota Garden Club to learn and practice the peaceful, flowing movements of Tai Chi and Qigong—ancient Chinese exercises perfect for relaxation and wellness.
Pick-Up Tennis at Summerfield Park
9:00 AM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →A casual, unstructured way to play tennis — participants organize their own games and matchups.
Coquina Beach Market
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ WeeklySunset Volleyball
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →Roulette-style pickup volleyball for players ready to jump in and play without instruction.
Salsa & Sunsets 4th Anniversary Community Celebration
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Join Salsa & Sunsets for their 4th anniversary bash! Enjoy champagne, live Latin music by Bri Rivera & Friends, and dancing as the sun sets over The Bay Park.
Thursday, October 8
The Y: Primetime+
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Get your heart pumping with this low-impact cardio and resistance class perfect for seniors and anyone just starting out. Join us at Sunset Deck at The Bay Park!
Casual Cornhole at Waterside Place
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →A fun morning of casual cornhole for all skill levels — grab a partner or go solo, beanbags and boards provided.
Namaste at The Bay Yoga
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Join us for an hour of mindful yoga in a beautiful waterfront setting at Common Ground at The Bay Park. Flow, stretch, and find your zen!
Live Music at Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →Enjoy live music by various artists every Thursday and Saturday evening at Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar.
Friday, October 9
Ride and Paddle at The Bay (Guided Kayak Tour)
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Paddle through The Bay's beautiful waters on a guided kayak tour—perfect for exploring Sarasota from a whole new perspective!
Coquina Beach Market
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ WeeklyAndrew Ford Antique Valuation Show & Luncheon
11:30 AM
Details & directions
Get Directions →The Palm-Aire Women's Club hosts an elegant luncheon featuring free verbal appraisals from antiques expert Andrew Ford — bring a small antique or collectible to have it appraised on the spot. $38 members, $40 non-members, lunch included.
More info →Pumpkin Patch at UTC
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →The annual Pumpkin Patch, presented by Detwiler's Farm Market, takes over The Green. Every pumpkin purchase benefits Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center, a Lakewood Ranch nonprofit caring for homeless and at-risk dogs and cats. Pumpkins available while supplies last.
Witches Night Out at Phillippi Estate Park
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →The 4th annual Witches Night Out takes over the spooky (and perhaps haunted) Edson Keith Mansion. Dress as your favorite witch or wizard for a costume contest with cash prizes, a live DJ, dancing, a photo booth and an expanded Witches Mart of seasonal vendors. Psychic and tarot readings are available for a small extra charge. Ages 18 and up, $40 per person.
Holmes Beach Drum Circle
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →A weekly gathering for drumming, dancing, and community as the sun goes down on Anna Maria Island. The circle begins one hour before sunset, so the exact start time shifts through the season.
Movie in the Park: Wicked
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →A family-friendly movie night under the stars, with showtime at sunset. Grace Community Church is giving a free burger with chips from Two Guys To Go to the first 130 attendees and a free Florida Pops popsicle to the first 260.
Friday Night Concert Series
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Free live music at the gazebo in historic downtown Venice, hosted by Venice MainStreet and sponsored by Neal Communities. Bring your own chairs or picnic blankets. The series runs the second and fourth Friday of each month.
More info →Special Cinema at The Bay: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Grab your friends and embrace the midnight madness! This beloved cult classic returns for its annual outdoor screening under the stars at The Bay's scenic Oval.
Saturday, October 10
Bootcamp
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Get strong and energized in this 45-minute bootcamp using bodyweight exercises and intervals. Perfect for all fitness levels!
Cruise for a Cure at Sarasota Cars & Coffee
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Hundreds of incredible cars on display in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with complimentary coffee from Mademoiselle Paris and Chick-fil-A, plus energy drinks and bottled water from sponsors. Show car gates open at 6:30 AM. Show car parking $10 cash and motorcycle parking $5 cash (Lot 5); spectator parking is free in Lots 6, 7, and the grass area north of Popstroke.
Namaste at The Bay Yoga
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Join us for a peaceful hour of yoga at Common Ground at The Bay Park. Let's find our flow together and start the day centered and calm.
Ride and Paddle at The Bay (Guided Kayak Tour)
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Paddle through the beautiful waters of Sarasota Bay on a guided kayak tour. Perfect for exploring nature and getting some exercise on the water!
Bradenton Public Market
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →Fresh produce, local art, music, and free family activities from local farmers, artisans, and chefs on Old Main Street.
Main Street Market at Lakewood Ranch
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →An elevated outdoor shopping market with high-quality local vendors. It returns one Saturday a month through April.
More info →Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →The 38th annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival returns every weekend in October with a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, local vendor booths, and circus performances. Admission and some activities are free; other activities range from $1–$10.
More info →3rd Annual Harvest Festival
10:00 AM
Details & directions
Get Directions →A full day on the farm with a corn maze, hayrides, live music, food trucks, animal interactions, and a pumpkin cannon. $20 per person, kids 5 and under free, free parking.
More info →Library Pop-Up and Storytime at The Bay
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Join us at The Bay Park for stories, fun, and community! No sign-up needed—just bring the kids and enjoy free storytime under the sun.
Country Critters Fall Festival
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →A small farm day with a pumpkin patch, pony rides, face painting and hands-on animal fun. Admission is $15 (ages 2 and up). It also runs Oct 17 and 24.
Pumpkin Patch at UTC
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →The annual Pumpkin Patch, presented by Detwiler's Farm Market, takes over The Green. Every pumpkin purchase benefits Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center, a Lakewood Ranch nonprofit caring for homeless and at-risk dogs and cats. Pumpkins available while supplies last.
Waypoint Artisan Market
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →40+ local artists and small businesses set up shop for this season's fall and Halloween-themed market, with live music, a book exchange, free kids' activities, and a pet-friendly atmosphere.
More info →Fundraising event for the short film, El Pinero
12:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →A fundraiser screening and event supporting El Pinero, a short film following an American's journey to Cuba.
More info →Art Center Sarasota | Free Family Saturdays
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Join us for free art-making fun every Saturday at Art Center Sarasota! All ages welcome to create, explore, and play together.
Danger Ranger 9000 at Freedom Factory
Spectator gates 2:00 PM · Racing 6:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Door-to-door racing is back! The night opens with the Pro Truck Freedom 40, then purpose-built Ford Rangers battle for 60 laps on the 3/8 asphalt oval, and it all ends with the Altima 600, a 100-lap enduro for clapped-out Nissan Altimas. This event WILL sell out, so grab tickets early. Adult general admission is $25, kids 12 & under are free, and a Saturday-only pit pass is $35. Practice and qualifying run from the afternoon, with the national anthem at 6:00 PM. Friday Oct 9 is Ranger and Pro Truck practice (pit gates 2:00 PM, practice 4:00 PM, $25). Can't make it? Watch the live stream at frdmplus.com.
More info →Live Music at Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →Enjoy live music by various artists every Thursday and Saturday evening at Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar.
Sunday, October 11
Mixon Farms Market
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →A weekly Sunday market at Mixon Fruit Farms, running through the season from late September to the end of May.
Sarasota TCG Trade Day
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →Explore, collect, and connect at a trading card game trade day with vendors and fellow collectors. Admission is free, but you are encouraged to register online ahead of time and reserve a free ticket for each person coming. Vendors and products may vary.
More info →Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →Local produce, baked goods, and live music every Sunday at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.
More info →Coquina Beach Market
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ WeeklyPumpkin Patch at UTC
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →The annual Pumpkin Patch, presented by Detwiler's Farm Market, takes over The Green. Every pumpkin purchase benefits Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center, a Lakewood Ranch nonprofit caring for homeless and at-risk dogs and cats. Pumpkins available while supplies last.
Sundays at Loaded Cannon Distillery
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →A relaxed Sunday afternoon with a food truck (2-6 PM) and open mic featuring local musicians and performers (3-6 PM). Tours and tastings available 12-3 PM by reservation.
More info →Community Fall Festival
4:00 PM
Details & directions
Get Directions →A free community fall festival at Parrish United Methodist Church.
Siesta Key Drum Circle
Starts 1 hour before sunset
↻ WeeklyDetails & directions
Get Directions →A vibrant weekly drum circle on Siesta Beach every Sunday evening, beginning an hour before sunset. Locals and visitors gather for rhythm, dancing, and sunset on the sand.
We are working on getting a live music section setup on the newsletter and on the webpage, look for that in the next few weeks.
As always thanks for reading! Feel free to reach out with any suggestions on things to add/remove or change to make this a more enjoyable read for you. See you out there.
Did we miss something? Want your event added? It’s free! Just reply to this email and let us know.

