jack-o-lantern on the beach

6 Spooky Events in Siesta Key and Sarasota This Halloween

Whether you’re looking for a scare or family friendly fun this Halloween, Sarasota has something for everyone near our Siesta Key resort hotel. From outdoor theatre to haunted walks to festivals, Halloween this year is sure to be a treat–or trick.

3 jack o lanterns
Photo: Pixabay

Spirit Voices from Old Manatee

This immersive outdoor theatre takes the audience from a wake in an 1887 Victorian church to a torch-lit tour of a cemetery, where the history of early pioneers is relived. Stories are based on true events and legends from the area, and ticket sales help support public programming and preservation of the Manatee Village Historic Park.

When: October 6-7, 12-15, and 19-22, 7 p.m.
Where: 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton
Cost: $20 per person. Tickets: at the park Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by phone: 941-749-7165.
Great for: Older kids (10+)

Ghost Hunting Tours

Historic Spanish Point’s after dark walking tours will take you on a search for paranormal activity–if you dare. Investigate the sinister side of the 30-acre outdoor museum’s chapel, cemetery, and packing house.

Don’t forget to download a paranormal activity detection app before you go. Who knows? Maybe you do believe in ghosts. (If that’s not eerie enough, you can also mourn with a grieving widow at a Victorian-themed funeral on October 27.)

When: October 20 and October 29, 7 p.m. (family-friendly), 8 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Where: 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey
Cost: Members: $15 per adult, $5 per child. Non-members: $20 per adult, $10 per child. Tickets: online or by phone (941) 966-5214, ext. 2600
Great for: Older kids (8+)

Haunted Trails of Oscar Scherer State Park

For the fifth year in a row, terror and fun meet at Oscar Scherer State Park. With a haunted trail and haunted house for those looking for a scare, a trick-or-treat trail for the younger witches and ghosts, and costume contests and food for all, this is guaranteed to be an evening the whole family can enjoy.

When: October 20-21, 8 to 10 p.m.
Where: Oscar Scherer State Park, Rt 41, Osprey
Cost: $10 per adult (13+), $5 per child (6-12). Tickets: online. For more info, contact (941) 483-5956
Great for: The whole family

29th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest

If ghosts and ghouls aren’t your thing, Fruitville Grove’s Pumpkin Festival might be. For younger kids, the outdoor festival offers pony rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, costume contests, and, of course, hay bales to play on. For older kids, a giant rock wall, bungee jump, and laser tag await. With something for everyone, this fall festival won’t disappoint.

When: Every weekend in October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 7410 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota
Cost: Free admission and parking. Games and activities priced from $2-$7.
Great for: The whole family

14th Annual Boo Run

In preparation for the pillowcases full of candy to come, a Halloween-inspired fun run might be just what’s needed to add a little bit of “healthy” to the season. The family-oriented 5K hosted by the Lakewood Running Club expects more than 1,200 runners and spectators this year, and includes and race for kids under 12. Come dressed to impress, as there will be a costume contest with categories for best couple, most creative, most funny, and best male/female kids under 10.

When: October 28, 8:30 a.m. (Late registration and bib pick-up at 6:30 a.m.; Boo Dash Kids’ Races at 7:45 a.m.)
Where: Main Street, Lakewood Ranch
Cost: $35 per person; $10 per child 12 and under (Boo Dash). Register online by October 26.
Great for: The whole family

Fright Night on St Armands

Looking for a thrill on the 31st? The shops and restaurants of St. Armands Circle come out to play for Fright Night, offering special promotions (and ghoulish decorations) as frightening characters lurk around every corner. Kids will have the opportunity to trick-or-treat, and the night will end with a performance of “Thriller” by Sarasota High School drama students.

When: October 31, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
Cost: Free!
Great for: The whole family

As you plan for your stay on Siesta Key, perhaps for a brief Halloween getaway or to escape cooler weather in the rest of the country, call our Siesta Key resort hotel for more information about lodging or some of the other exciting family friendly events this time of year!

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