BEST BETS
THURSDAY
Manatee Technical Institute's 16th annual Chili Cook Off: Manatee Technical Institute, 5603 34th St. W., Bradenton
Manatee Technical Institute's annual Chili Cook Off "No benches. No half-times. No time-outs. Game On!" will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 1 featuring MTI crews representing their favorite game. There will be a foot race battle in hand-crafted, cardboard vehicles, and live music by the Gumbo Boogie Band. Tickets: $5. Proceeds will benefit United Way of Manatee County. Information: 941-751-7900, ext. 2243.
FRIDAY
Music on Main: Main Street, Lakewood Ranch
Main Street at Lakewood Ranch will host a Music on Main concert 6-9 p.m. Nov. 2 featuring live music by the Shotgun Justice. Beer, wine and food sales benefit Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy. Bring chairs and blankets. No coolers allowed. Dogs on short leashes are permitted. Admission is free. Information: 941-907-9243 or visit www.mainstreetatlakewoodranch.com.
First Fridays Car & Bike Show: Slick's Garage, 923 Fifth St. W., Palmetto
Slick's Garage hosts a First Fridays Car & Bike Show and community party 5-11 p.m. the first Friday of each month. The event features live music, food and drink vendors, children's entertainment, charity auctions and more. Information: 941-776-7298.
"Live from downtown, it's Friday Night": Palm Avenue Main and First streets, Sarasota
"Live from downtown, it's Friday Night" will be 6-9 p.m. Nov. 2 and every first Friday of the month featuring live performances by Sarasota's premier entertainers and performing arts organizations and enjoy shopping at a unique mix of boutiques, galleries and salons. Businesses will be open with extended hours. Admission is free. Information: 941-366-7040 or www.DSAsarasota.com.
The Powel Crosley Estate "House of Horrors": Powel Crosley Estate, One Seagate Dr., 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Explore the ghastly and ghoulish as the Crosley Estate Foundation presents the "House of Horrors," based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe 7-11 p.m. Nov. 2-4. Revelers will have the opportunity to tour 13 rooms of Gothic gore, creep through the Crosley Cemetery and squirm through terrifying performances as the Master of the Macabre himself recounts his hauntingly horrible tales Enjoy poisons and potions as well as a few snacks. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 students and seniors. Information: 941-729-0177, ext. 243 or visit www.powelcrosleyestate.com.
SATURDAY
"Flight to the North Pole" Third annual Benefit Car and Motorcycle Show: Manatee County Sheriff's Department, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton
The Third Annual Benefit Car and Motorcycle Show "Flight to the North Pole," will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 3 featuring prize drawings, door prizes, 50/50 jackpot, silent auction, show trophies, DJ and music, food and beverage vendors, face painting and a kids arcade. Proceeds will benefit terminally ill children. Admission: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Information: 941-747-3011, ext. 2273.


Best bets: April 11-17
Best bets: May 16-22

