October 26 – November 1, 2026
The Weekly Wave · Sunday, October 25It's Halloween week, and just like that, October is almost over. Somewhere between the pumpkin patches and the haunted everything, the month got away from us. If you've been waiting for the right week to put on a costume, this is the one. Heads up, we also get an extra hour of sleep this weekend. Clocks fall back at 2:00 AM Sunday, Nov 1, so Saturday night's Halloween festivities can run a little later than usual. Plenty to dig into this week, so let's get into it.
In this week's wave:
- Halloween night, from bar crawls to block parties to trick or treating
- A haunted boat ride on Ward Lake
- A tribute to Queen
- Scary good donuts and coffee
- Live music and everything else
A haunted boat ride? Count us in. We haven't been to Jiggs Landing before, but we're always looking for a reason to get out on the water. Tickets are just $10 per person, so it's a budget-friendly night out for the whole family, and the haunted walking trail is free. If you make it out there, tell us how it went!
Tuesday, October 27 · 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Get Directions →Jiggs Landing takes its Halloween scares onto Ward Lake with a nighttime cruise past dark water, wooded shoreline and a few unsettling surprises. Tickets are limited, so book ahead online. $10 per person.
More info →Last chance this weekend to get over to Fruitville Grove for the pumpkin festival.
Saturday, October 31 · 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 →
Saturday, October 31 · 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Get Directions →AMI South End presents a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration with costumes, candy, entertainment, games and activities for all ages. Local vendors and trick-or-treating for your little ghosts and goblins.
More info →
Sunday, November 1 · 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Get Directions →Kick back and enjoy a full day of live music featuring talented regional artists and surprise performances at this laid-back festival on the Boulevard of the Arts.
More info →Halloween week special events, we've got bar crawls, trunk or treat's and a Queen tribute band this week.
Tuesday, October 27 · 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Get Directions →A tribute band that has mastered the sound of Queen, blending heavy metal, glam rock, opera and hard rock. Features an all-star lineup from national touring acts. Tickets $37–$49.50.
More info →Oct 27 – Oct 31 · 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Get Directions →Jiggs Landing takes its Halloween scares onto Ward Lake with a nighttime cruise past dark water, wooded shoreline and a few unsettling surprises. Tickets are limited, so book ahead online. $10 per person.
More info →
Friday, October 30 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Get Directions →Free Halloween trunk or treat presented with School for Constructive Play. Palm Avenue behind The Center closes so families can walk around, visit decorated trunks and tables, and collect treats. Local businesses and individuals can host a car or table for free. Registration is required and setup starts at 5:00 PM. Call (941) 778-1908.
More info →
Saturday, October 31 · 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Get Directions →Spend Halloween night in Downtown Bradenton with live music from local band City Loud, costumes and community fun along Old Main Street. Dress up and bring your friends.
More info →Saturday, October 31 · 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Get Directions →AMI South End presents a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration with costumes, candy, entertainment, games and activities for all ages. Local vendors and trick-or-treating for your little ghosts and goblins.
More info →
Oct 28 – Nov 1 · Showtimes vary, check the website
Get Directions →Stand-up comedian, father and teacher Mike Rivera, crowned America's Most Hilarious Teacher on ABC's The View, brings fast-paced observational comedy about fatherhood, teaching and relationships. Seen on HBO and SHOWTIME. Rated AS. Tickets $26. Call 941-925-FUNY (3869).
More info →Oct 31 – Nov 1 · 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 →
Oct 29 – Nov 1 · 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM (Fri & Sat), 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM (Sun)
Get Directions →Runs Oct 16–18, Oct 22-25, Oct 29-Nov 1. One $28 general admission ticket covers the music, Halloween atmosphere and entertainment, plus both haunted attractions: Virus and Tomb of Terror.
More info →
Wednesday, October 21 · 7:30 PM
Get Directions →Multiple perfomances between 10-15 and 11-01, check box office for days and showtimes. Experience the chilling, electrifying stage adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. This powerful musical explores bullying and isolation through intense drama and a gripping score.
More info →
Oct 22 – Nov 1 · 7:30 PM (multiple show dates)
Get Directions →The Tony-winning musical about feeling invisible and longing to belong, with a book by Steven Levenson and a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of The Greatest Showman and La La Land. Shows run Oct 22 through Nov 1. Check the box office site for exact dates and tickets.
More info →
Saturday, October 31 · 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Get Directions →Crawl 6+ downtown Sarasota bars in costume with $3 beers, $4–$5 shots and $6 haunted cocktails. Tickets include two shots, a map and lanyard, and entry to the after party at Raffurty's. Best costume wins $100 at the 8 PM Best Dressed contest at Fat Rabbit. Registration is 3–6 PM at Raffurty's. Stops: The Office (4–7), Evie's Tavern (5–9), Joe's On Main (6–9), Fat Rabbit (7–10).
More info →
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 →There's something about these donuts.
Tucked away over in a parking lot off of Cattlemen is the Sun Soaked Coffee Company. A little mobile coffee stand with great coffee and in our opinion probably some of the best donuts around. We often like to stop by on our way down to Lido key, grab a 4 pack of donuts and one of the boutique coffee flavors on the menu. Many different coffee flavors are available, they have everything from the typical iced coffee, espresso, americano etc. and right now they have some Autumn specials featuring a pumpkin cheesecake latte and a French Toast Breve among other. The donuts are simply specatacular, soft, warm and fried up daily choose from regular or the churro donut which is available for a limited time only. The donuts are very soft and flaky, almost like a soft croissant and very sweet. Stop by, grab a few donuts and a coffee and let us know what you think.
📍 719 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232Visit their site →Spooky trivia, Halloween week edition.
The Ghost Hotel! Ringling spent about $650,000 before the Florida land boom collapsed and work stopped that November. The unfinished building stood for decades before it was torn down in the early 1960s, and legend says it's haunted.
Dog
Beetlejuice is a 2-year-old male dog, and with Halloween a week away, his name is a perfect fit. He's been at Manatee County Animal Services since early October and is waiting for a home. Just don't say his name three times unless you're ready to take him home!
Available at Manatee County Animal Services
Meet Beetlejuice →Live music around Bradenton and Sarasota this week
Local stories for you
The nonprofit welcomed its first guests on Oct. 22 at its new visitor center. The space is meant to help recruit volunteers and connect with donors.
Read more →The grant supports the Bradenton nonprofit's Benevolent Food Program, which serves Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties.
Read more →Here is your full Halloween week events list. We update this list periodically throughout the week if new events popup.
12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Burn energy and have fun with live DJ beats during an energizing Mat Pilates class! Perfect for getting your workout in with awesome music.
9:00 AM
↻ WeeklyA casual, unstructured way to play tennis — participants organize their own games and matchups.
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
Join BodyBar Pilates Sarasota for a free hour of mat Pilates at Common Ground. Get a great workout in a beautiful park setting!
7:00 PM
Experience the electrifying stage adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie at the Manatee Performing Arts Center—a haunting musical that tackles bullying and belonging with intense drama and a powerful contemporary score.
7:00 PM
Follow Evan Hansen, a shy teen caught in an unexpected web of lies after a tragedy, as he navigates friendship, family, and finding his place in the world. A powerful musical about connection and growing up.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
↻ WeeklyJoin Florida Provisions every Monday for Bingo Night — cold beer and prizes.
7:00 PM
↻ WeeklyGather your friends, challenge your brain, and savor a beer at Good Liquid Brewing Company for Trivia Night every Monday.
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
↻ WeeklySing your heart out every Monday at The Freckled Fin Irish Pub on Anna Maria Island.
More info →7:30 AM – 8:15 AM
Get moving with this low-impact cardio and resistance class perfect for seniors and beginners. Build strength without overworking your joints!
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ WeeklyFresh food, local art, and good vibes every Tuesday at the Anna Maria Community Farmers Market.
More info →2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Queen tribute show with two performances. Tickets $37–$49.50.
More info →6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
Get fit in 45 minutes with body-weight exercises and intervals designed to build strength and endurance. Join us at Sarasota Garden Club at The Bay Park!
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
↻ WeeklyA night of singing, dancing, and prizes set to your favorite hits, paired with scratch-kitchen food, handcrafted cocktails, and craft beer.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
↻ WeeklyHosted by Steve-O, general trivia covering current events, sports, holidays, and more — compete for bragging rights, pitchers of beer, and gift cards.
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
↻ WeeklyA laid-back night of singing your favorite songs, cheering on friends, and half-off margaritas.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
↻ WeeklyFree 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.
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Join Gail for a peaceful morning of Tai Chi and Qigong at the Sarasota Garden Club. These gentle Chinese exercises are perfect for building balance, calm, and wellness.
9:00 AM
↻ WeeklyA casual, unstructured way to play tennis — participants organize their own games and matchups.
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Learn to make cheese from scratch in this hands-on class celebrating Florida's dairy heritage. Perfect for anyone curious about traditional cheesemaking techniques!
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ Weekly6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
↻ WeeklyRoulette-style pickup volleyball for players ready to jump in and play without instruction.
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Dance to your own beat at sunset with wireless headphones at this unique silent disco experience along beautiful Sarasota Bay.
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM
Get your heart pumping with this gentle, low-impact cardio and resistance class perfect for seniors and fitness newcomers. Meet us at sunset for a fun, energizing workout!
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
↻ WeeklyA fun morning of casual cornhole for all skill levels — grab a partner or go solo, beanbags and boards provided.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Join us for a peaceful hour of yoga at The Bay—perfect for centering yourself and finding your flow in a beautiful park setting.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Kick back with live music from talented local artists at Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar. Great vibes, good food, and cold drinks!
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
↻ WeeklyEnjoy live music by various artists every Thursday and Saturday evening at Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar.
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Catch this thriller classic under the stars for free! Silence of the Lambs celebrates its 35th anniversary at The Oval at The Bay.
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Paddle through the beautiful waters of Sarasota Bay on a guided kayak tour. Perfect for exploring local wildlife and scenery from a unique perspective!
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ Weekly5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
↻ WeeklyA 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.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Free family trunk or treat with decorated trunks and tables. Palm Ave behind The Center is closed for the event.
More info →8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Get stronger in 45 minutes with body-weight exercises and intervals at this fun outdoor bootcamp. Perfect for all fitness levels!
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Join us for a peaceful hour of yoga at Common Ground at The Bay Park. Perfect for clearing your mind and finding your flow in a beautiful waterfront setting.
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Paddle through beautiful Sarasota Bay on a guided kayak tour. Perfect for getting on the water and seeing The Bay from a whole new perspective!
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ WeeklyFresh produce, local art, music, and free family activities from local farmers, artisans, and chefs on Old Main Street.
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Browse local artisans and handcrafted goods at this monthly outdoor market on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Running October through April with dates throughout fall and spring.
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Join us every third Saturday at the Village of the Arts for shopping, local galleries, great food, and family fun. Stroll through, meet artists, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere!
1:30 PM
Get ready to laugh with Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue at Van Wezel Hall! This adults-only comedy show celebrates the beloved series with hilarious moments and nostalgia.
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Come trick-or-treat, play games, and enjoy Halloween fun with the whole family at this free Bradenton Beach celebration! Costumes, candy, local vendors, and entertainment for all ages.
3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Costumed downtown bar crawl with drink specials, a costume contest and an after party.
5:00 PM – 11:59 PM
Annual Halloween block party with live music, food, drinks and costumes.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Catch live music from talented local artists at Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar. Great food, drinks, and vibes!
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dress up and trick-or-treat through the Village of the Arts on Halloween! Saturday, October 31st, 6–8pm brings costumes, candy, and 12 years of spooky fun to this Bradenton neighborhood.
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
↻ WeeklyEnjoy live music by various artists every Thursday and Saturday evening at Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar.
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Live music from City Loud, costumes and Halloween fun between Manatee Ave and 3rd Ave W.
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ WeeklyA weekly Sunday market at Mixon Fruit Farms, running through the season from late September to the end of May.
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ WeeklyLocal produce, baked goods, and live music every Sunday at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.
More info →10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
↻ Weekly1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Kick back and enjoy a full day of live music featuring talented regional artists and surprise performances at this laid-back festival on the Boulevard of the Arts.
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
↻ WeeklyA 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 →Starts 1 hour before sunset
↻ WeeklyA 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.
That's a wrap on October! Have a safe and spooky Halloween, enjoy the extra hour of sleep, and if you found something fun in here, pass us along to a friend. See you next Sunday!
