BEST BETS

Taste of Manatee: Riverwalk, downtown Bradenton

The 26th annual Taste of Manatee is 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 4 at the all new Bradenton Riverwalk at Rossi Park. Two days of tasting fine cuisine from local restaurants, live entertainment from area bands, including Mark Wright Band, Trevor Bystrom, MSA Jazz Band, The Northwest, Koko Ray and The Soul Providers, The Jake Castro Band, Shaman, Matt Waldon, Cordova, Gamble Creek Band, Big Daddy, and the Tony Tyler and Come Back Alice bands, arts and crafts, children's stage and other activities for the entire family. The Taste of Manatee is hosted by the Rotary Club of West Bradenton and supports many local charities and non-profits. Information: 941-773-2126 or visit www.TasteOfManatee.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. 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.

Sarasota Chalk Festival 2012 "Circus City": Along Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota

The 2012 Sarasota Chalk Festival, themed "Circus City," starts 10 a.m. daily through Nov. 6, is a cultural performance event with over 250 world-famous artists transforming Pinapple Avenue into a museum in motion using the street surface as their canvas and chalk as their medium. Artist Kurt Wenner will create a large 3D masterpiece. Street performers and musicians participate with dozens of circus performers giving you the feel of being at the greatest show on earth. One city block is just for kids. There will be appearancess during the festival there will be appearances by legendary daredevil Nik Wallenda, Cirque du Soleil La Nouba, Ringling Brothers Circus Acts and Animals, local musicians, singers, street performers and much, much more! Information: https://chalkfestival.org.