One of the many perks associated with living in paradise in the fall is, of course, the weather. As the temperature cools a bit, and the humidity lessens, we get excited about long mornings spent strolling through farmer’s markets, devouring caramel apples at pumpkin patches and finding our way through corn mazes. All of this remind us that it’s time to get outdoors and revel in all that an October event calendar in Sarasota has to offer. Whether you’re here for a day or here to stay, fall in Sarasota is fabulous.
If you are in the mood for pumpkins, corn mazes and festivals, you’re in luck! In the Sarasota area, there are several to choose from. The Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival runs every weekend through October and is a family-friendly event featuring pony rides, festival food, crafters, live music, a mini train ride and much more. Come pick out the perfect pumpkin from their pumpkin patch or enjoy a hand-dipped ice cream cone. The Sarasota Pumpkin Festival will be held at Payne Park on October 23, 24 and 25. This one features a corn maze, rides, games, pie eating contest, beer garden and safe trick-or-treating for the kids. A little further north, you’ll find Hunsader’s Pumpkin Festival which will be held the weekends of October 10 & 11, 17 & 18, and 24 & 25. A wide variety of activities make this one a family favorite and some of the more popular attractions include 100+ craft booths, a corn maze, hayrides, scarecrow displays, face painting and a train ride.
Exercise and a worthy cause meet up for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s which will be held on Saturday, October 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at J.D. Hamel Park and Ringling Bridge sidewalks. All proceeds raised from the event benefit the care, research and support efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Taste of St. Armand’s, a popular annual event featuring many of the fine restaurants found on the circle, will be held on October 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join other foodies as you get to experience delectable eats and tropical drinks, all while listening to the smooth sounds of an easy-listening acoustical guitar. Tickets for the event will be sold for $45.00 in advance and for $50.00 at the gate.
The Sarasota Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This popular hometown market has been going strong for 37 years and features over 70 vendors and 5,000 square feet of plants and produce. It’s a great way to start your weekend with a fresh coffee, beautiful flowers, and a healthy array of locally grown produce for a true farm-to-table eating experience. So, as you see, we have plenty to do in celebration of fall and in preparation for the ghosts and goblins to come out for Halloween. Enjoy the fall splendor of Sarasota, and remember, folks, you truly are living in paradise!
So, as you see, we have plenty to do in celebration of fall and in preparation for the ghosts and goblins to come out for Halloween. Enjoy the fall splendor of Sarasota, and remember, folks, you truly are living in paradise!