Fall events 2025: Pumpkin fests, Oktoberfests and more around Manatee County

It’s officially autumn, and fall festivities planned around Bradenton and Sarasota are here to help you celebrate.

Pumpkin festivals, Oktoberfests, farmers markets and outdoor concerts are among the seasonal traditions returning to Southwest Florida in 2025.

There’s something for all ages, including free and family-friendly events.

Here’s a guide to happy harvest times near you.

Pumpkin farm festivals

Fruitville Grove Farm Market’s 37th annual Pumpkin Festival will feature a free petting zoo, playground, live music, circus performances, craft vendors, decorated photo spots and costume contests. Admission is also free.

Activities in the $1 to $10 range include pony rides, a rock-climbing wall bounce houses and pumpkin painting.

Food trucks and food vendors will be on-site every day of the festival.

• Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays in October (Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26). Fruitville Grove, 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Free admission. $5 parking.
• Info: FruitvilleGroveFarm.com

Hunsader Farms 34th annual Pumpkin Festival is a family-friendly event offering crafts, entertainment and harvest fun.

Live music and entertainment, juggling shows, hayrides, scarecrow displays, a petting zoo, pumpkin games and playground access are included with admission.

Activities available for an additional charge include a corn maze, train rides, pony rides and face painting.

Fall food and desserts for sale will include roasted sweet corn, homemade ice cream and pumpkin pie.

• Details: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Sunday, Oct. 12, Saturday, Oct. 18, Sunday, Oct. 19, Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26. Hunsader Farms, 5500 County Road 675, Bradenton. Admission: $15. Ages 5-9: $5. Ages 4 and under: Free. Parking: $5. Cash only.
• Info: HunsaderFarms.com

The second annual Dakin Dairy Farms Harvest Festival will bring family fun to Myakka City throughout the month of October.

The event includes food trucks, vendors, live music, pumpkin shopping and a kids zone.

Among events included with admission are a corn maze, lawn mower race viewing and “touch a tractor” experience.

Activities available for an additional charge include a U-pick sunflower field, a pumpkin cannon, calf cuddles, kids ATV rides and rides on the “Moo Train.”

• Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in October (Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26). Dakin Dairy Farms, 30771 Betts Road, Myakka City. Admission: $20 per person. Ages 5 and under: Free. Free parking.
• Info: DakinDairyFarms.com.

Oktoberfests

Oktoberfest at Edelweiss: The Edelweiss Restaurant in Old Manatee is marking its 13th annual Oktoberfest this year with a whole month of festivities.

The restaurant invites guests to enjoy a beer tent, live music and traditional German food and beer. The family-friendly Oktoberfest includes daily food and drink specials, plus giveaways and best dressed contests on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Details: Friday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Oct. 26. Restaurant open noon to 8 p.m. daily. Edelweiss Restaurant, 611 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Free admission.
• Info: EdelweissBradenton.com

Oktoberfest at Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa: A two-day Oktoberfest in Palmetto hosted by local company Geier’s Sausages, the Hernando De Soto Historical Society and others will feature traditional and craft beers, authentic German food, live music and entertainment and family-friendly fun.

• Details: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, 600 U.S. 41, Palmetto. Free entry and parking.
• Info: DeSotoHQ.com

Rocktoberfest: Downtown Sarasota will host a three-day celebration in J.D. Hamel Park that combines elements of a traditional Oktoberfest with a music festival.

Rock, jazz and pop performers will provide nonstop music, organizers say.

This year’s event will also feature food and drink vendors, including some seasonal treats, as well as a local arts and crafts marketplace and a kids zone.

Admission is free, and the event is family and dog friendly.

• Details: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota. Free admission.
• Info: DestinationDowntownSarasota.com

Celtoberfest at Motorworks: Motorworks Brewing’s 10th annual “Celtoberfest” will fuse Celtic and German traditions for a day of drinking, music and fun.

Motorworks’ biergarten will welcome a market of vendors, bagpipers and four live bands playing Celtic-inspired music.

Celebratory food, drink specials and Oktoberfest games are also in the mix.

The party is family and dog-friendly. Kilts, dirndl and lederhosen are highly encouraged.

• Details: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. General admission: $10.
• Info: MotorworksBrewing.com

Fall church festivals

Fall-A-Palooza at Woodland Community Church: Woodland will welcome families for a fall festival with a candy trail, face painting, costumed characters, live music and entertainers. Food will include hot dogs, popcorn, candy and fall treats. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes.

• Details: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. Woodland Community Church, 9607 E. S.R. 70, Bradenton. Free admission. Registration required.
• Info: GoWoodland.com

Fall Festival at Peace Presbyterian Church: Peace Presbyterian’s fall celebration will feature kids’ games and crafts, a bounce house, a decorated fall path, music and food trucks.

• Details: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64 E., Lakewood Ranch. Free admission.
• Info: PeacePCUSA.com

Farmers markets and art fests

Village of the Arts Art Walk: Bradenton’s Village of the Arts is welcoming visitors to “Fall in Love with Art” at its October Art Walk and Market.

“You’ll find everything from fine and folk art to crystals, candles, pottery, glass, handmade crafts and more,” organizers say.

“Local restaurants and food vendors will be serving up plenty of delicious bites, and you’ll also get to shop from pop-up artist vendors bringing in even more unique finds,” an event preview says. “Live music throughout the Village will add to the fun and make it a weekend you won’t want to miss.”

• Details: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Village of the Arts, 1227 12th St. W., Bradenton. Free admission.
• Info: Facebook.com/VillageOfTheArts

Bradenton Public Market will return for its 2025-26 season on Oct. 4.

The weekly market is a community gathering place that welcomes vendors offering fresh local produce, meat, pantry and home goods, packaged foods, plants, clothing, accessories and more.

Food, drink and dessert vendors make the market a great place to grab a tasty snack.

The market hosts about 100 vendors each week, including a core group of businesses and some rotating selections.

The market also features live music by different regional artists each week. Kid’s activities, special events and cooking demonstrations add to the fun throughout the season.

• Details: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, October to May. Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free.
• Info: RealizeBradenton.com/bradenton-market

The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch welcomes nearly 150 regional vendors to Waterside Place each Sunday.

Offerings include produce, meat and seafood, prepared foods and breads, crafts, jewelry, plants and pet treats. Live music from a rotation of local musicians and yoga sessions are another regular feature at the market.

• Details: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Free.
• Info: LakewoodRanch.com

Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival: The 29th annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival will bring a display of handmade jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting, clothing and more to Five Points Park in downtown Sarasota.

A “Green Market” will feature plants, orchids, exotic flora, handmade soaps, gourmet spices and kettle corn.

Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19. Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave., Sarasota. Free admission. Info: ArtFestival.com

Bradenton Fall Craft Fair: A craft market hosted by Buckler Shows will bring homemade goods of all kinds to the Bradenton Area Convention Center for two days.

Vendors will sell items including custom home and holiday decor, Pinterest-inspired crafts, clothes and accessories, candles, soap and skincare products, pottery, woodwork and other art, yard decor, desserts, pantry items, pet goods and much more.

• Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Admission: $6 cash, $7 credit. Ages 12 and under free.
• Info: BucklerShows.com/Bradenton

More family-friendly events

Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch: Music on Main brings family-friendly fun to the heart of Lakewood Ranch on the first Friday of every month.

Food vendors, beer trucks, booths and kids activities will line the street.

Each month’s event benefits a different local charity.

Guests are welcome to bring chairs and dogs on short leashes.

• Details: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, and Dec. 5. 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch. Free.
• Info: LakewoodRanch.com

Cardboard Challenge at Palmetto Historical Park: This free event hosted by Manatee County Agricultural Museum, Palmetto Historical Park and Soar in 4 Manatee will challenge families to work together and create their most imaginative art using cardboard, recycled materials and art supplies.

Supplies are provided, but families can bring their own craft supplies if they wish.

• Details: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, October 4. Palmetto Historical Park, 515 10th Ave. W., Palmetto. Free. No reservations required.
• Info: PalmettoHistoricalPark.com

Friendly City Art Festival: The minds behind the Friendly City Flea at Oscura in Old Manatee are reimagining the event as a monthly art festival this fall.

“Over the last year, our team has been dreaming of changing into a more art-centric event for the Bradenton/Sarasota community,” organizers said in a recent announcement. “This fall we have decided to change things up to focus on a more active art experience and showcase for independent artists wanting to sell and a make a living off of their work.”

The new Friendly City Art Festival will feature live art experiences, a live mural fest, raku pottery firing, printmaking stations, an artist gallery, flower installations and more. Food and drink, music and live performances are also planned.

• Details: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14. Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Free admission.
• Info: Facebook.com/FriendlyCityFlea

Anna Maria Island’s BayFest: Billed as Anna Maria Island’s “largest and longest-running festival,” BayFest features a day of live music from local rock and blues acts.

A food court and arts and crafts vendors are part of the party, and a classic car show is planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Details: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. Festival takes place on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Free admission.
• Info: Facebook.com/amichamber

Gulfcoast Pride: Formerly Sarasota Pride, this annual tradition celebrates arts, culture and LGBTQ+ community in downtown Sarasota.

This year’s Pride will include live entertainment by local and regional artists, over 100 vendors and food from local restaurants.

Indie pop-rock singer Zee Machine will return this year for another headline performance.

• Details: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Boulevard of the Arts and Florida Avenue, downtown Sarasota. Free admission.
• Info: PPSRQ.org

Water Lantern Festival: At the Water Lantern Festival, thousands of illuminated, floating lanterns will make for a memorable display on the lake at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

Entry includes a kit to create your own water lantern and customize it with a personal message.

Food trucks and live music are also part of the festival.

• Details: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. $30.99-$57.99.
• Info: WaterLanternFestival.com

Sarasota Medieval Fair: Step back into the Middle Ages and partake in a day of medieval merriment at the 21st annual Sarasota Medieval Fair.

The event includes costumed actors, fair food and vendors, jousting, comedy, rides, games and period music.

This is the fair’s fifth year at the “Woods of Mallaranny,” a 47-acre festival grounds in Myakka City.

The theme for the 2025 event is “Battle of Halidon Hill,” and it will revisit an epic 1300s clash between Scotland and England.

• Details: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 1 through Nov. 30. Rain or shine. 29847 S.R. 70 E., Myakka City. Ages 4-10: $16.95. Students, seniors and military with I.D.: $23.95. Adults: $26.95. Multi-day passes and add-ons available.
• Info: SarasotaMedievalFair.com

Plant sale

UF/IFAS Extension Plant Sale: The Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale at the Manatee County UF/IFAS Extension in Palmetto will offer a wide variety of Florida-friendly plants, including natives, flowering plants, wildflowers, herbs and vegetables. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and give helpful tips.

• Details: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 4. UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County,  1303 17th St. W., Palmetto. Admission is free. Early bird admission available from 8 to 9 a.m. for $10. Sales are cash or check only.
• Info: SFYL.IFAS.ufl.edu

Did we miss a local fall event? Send an email with details to rballogg@bradenton.com.

This story was originally published October 1, 2025 at 5:50 AM.