Halloween is here and Manatee County is gearing up to celebrate. Whether you’re looking for fun places to trick-or-treat pumpkin patches, costume parties, or festivals, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we explore the top ways to celebrate Halloween in Manatee County this year.
NOTE: We will be updating this article regularly as more events are announced, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back often!
Pumpkin Patch at UTC
October 8th to October 27th at various times
The Green at UTC: 125 N Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34243
The Pumpkin Patch at The Green is returning to UTC from October 8 to October 27, offering a chance to pick the perfect pumpkin. Proceeds from every purchase will go to Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center, a non-profit organization in Lakewood Ranch that helps find loving homes for homeless cats and dogs.
Pumpkin Patch hours are Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM, while supplies last.
Goblin Gathering
Friday, October 11th from 5 PM to 8 PM
G.T. Bray Park: 5502 33rd Ave Dr W, Bradenton, FL 34209
Calling all little and big goblins alike to the Goblin Gathering for a spooktacular outdoor event for all ages. This event will have plenty of sweet treats handed out by local businesses and exciting costume contests. New this year, the bounce houses are free to enter – no wristbands needed! More details are coming, so keep an eye out for updates.
This event takes place at GT Bray Park, easily accessible from both 59th Street West and 51st Street West. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or a chance to show off your best costume, the Goblin Gathering is the place to be.
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
Weekends in October from 9 AM to 5 PM
Hunsader Farms: 5500 County Road 675 E, Bradenton, FL 34211
Hunsader Farms welcomes everyone to their 33rd Annual Pumpkin Festival, a family favorite event that is full of fun and fall festivities. With a $15 admission fee and $5 parking, you can enjoy a variety of activities, like a craft show, live music, and pumpkin games for the kids. Plus, children 10 and under get in for free.
Enjoy tasty treats like farm-roasted sweet corn, homemade ice cream, and pumpkin pie, and explore the Pioneer Trades Village and petting zoo. There will also be hayrides, pony rides, and a corn maze for just $2. Don’t forget to bring cash for admission, though some vendors accept cards. With something for everyone, including friendly dogs on leashes, this festival is the perfect way to enjoy the fall season.
The Pumpkin Patch
Saturday, October 19th at 9 AM
Southern Magnolia Acres: 4315 89th St. E, Palmetto, FL, 34221
Celebrate the season at the Southern Magnolia Acres 2024 Pumpkin Patch! This event is packed with activities for all ages, from pumpkin painting and face painting to tractor hay rides and dunk tanks – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, you’ll find holiday and craft vendors offering unique goods, and plenty of tasty treats to make the day even sweeter.
What makes this Pumpkin Patch even more special is that all proceeds will go to support a local school. By joining you’ll get to have fun with your family & friends and contribute to a great cause.
BooFest On Main Street
Friday, October 25th from 6 PM to 9 PM
Lakewood Ranch Main Street: 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202
BoosFest on Main Street is just around the corner, and it’s set to be bigger and better! Presented by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, this free event offers plenty of entertainment, food and drinks, and lots of treats for the kids. Make sure to bring your trick-or-treat bags and collect goodies from all the generous sponsors and local businesses.
Wear your best Halloween costume and join in the fun! Highlights include a Kids Korner sponsored by Baby Fox Academy, live shows on a stage sponsored by Fence Fanatics, LLC, and exciting performances sponsored by Music Compound. This is a great way to celebrate Halloween!
Trick-or-Treat in Old Manatee
Saturday, October 26th from 11 AM to 2 PM
Segunda Vida: 708 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208
Prepare your best costumes for a spooktacular day of Halloween fun in Old Manatee! Watch the neighborhood transform into a festive and spooky venue for trick-or-treating. Kids can roam around the streets wearing their best costumes and collect candy from local businesses and residences.
Grab a map from participating businesses and get stamped along the way! Special treats and activities at different spots!
Restaurant Edelweiss * Segunda Vida * Vernona Gourmet * Loving Hands Thrift Store * Oscura * Riverside Cuts Barbershop * Vintage Vine Market * Bat City Comics * Central Cafe * E&M Beauty Salon * MORE TO COME!
Halloween at the Market
Saturday, October 26th from 9 AM to 2 PM
Bradenton Public Market
Get into the Halloween spirit at Halloween at the Market by Realize Bradenton! Dress up your kids in their best Halloween costumes while they trick-or-treat with the Market Friendors, who will be giving out candy throughout the market. In addition to treats, there will be live entertainment with Slick Motion performing spooky dance routines, adding extra fun to the festive atmosphere.
For even more excitement, the Manatee School for the Arts will offer creative face painting to get everyone into the Halloween mood. This annual event is a fantastic way to enjoy some safe, family-friendly fun while exploring the market’s offerings.
Batastic Halloween Celebration
Saturday, October 26th from 11 AM to 4 PM
Bat City Comic Professionals: 915 Manatee Ave E. Bradenton, FL 34208
Bat City Comic Professionals invites everyone to the Batastic Halloween Celebration, a day full of comics, candy, and Halloween fun! a day full of comics, candy, and Halloween fun. The event also features a Kids Costume Parade at 2 p.m., where young trick-or-treaters can show off their spooky outfits.
Adults are welcome to join the fun too, with prizes up for grabs for anyone in costume. During the celebration, all comics under $10 will be available at a 31% discount. Don’t forget to explore the nearby shops and restaurants in the Old Manatee Historic District, where Trick-or-Treating will take place from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Halloween Doggy Costume Party
Sunday, October 27th from 1 PM to 4 PM
Pineapple Kitchen: 4914 Lena Road, Unit 104, Lakewood Ranch FL 34211
Have a tail-wagging good time at the Halloween Doggy Costume Party, benefiting the Whiskers & Wags Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping animals in need by providing financial assistance for emergency medical treatments and finding furever homes!
Bring your dogs in their best costume and join in the fun with a costume contest, Halloween cookie decorating, and a special fall-tasting event. The costume contest will feature prizes for the top dogs, including gift certificates and doggy gift baskets. Don’t forget to trick-or-treat around Pineapple Kitchen from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM for some sweet Halloween treats!
Register here for a day of festive fun and give back to our four-legged friends at the Halloween Doggy Costume Party!
NBP Trick or Treat on the Lake – Presented by Oak & Stone
Tuesday, October 29th from 5:30 PM to 8 PM
Nathan Benderson Park: 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle Sarasota, FL 34235
NBP Trick or Treat on the Lake, presented by Oak & Stone, is a fun event for the whole family at Regatta Island. Kids and adults can enjoy trick-or-treating along a candy trail with booths decorated by local businesses and groups. Everyone is welcome to wear their best costumes, whether spooky or fun. The evening also includes live music, storytelling, interactive play, and a Halloween movie on the big screen.
Thanks to silver sponsor Meadows Dental Associates, this spooktacular event is free to attend, with parking available on Regatta Island for $10 per vehicle. Businesses and organizations can still sign up to host a booth on the Candy Trail, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit Nathan Benderson Park’s website or contact info@nathanbendersonpark.org.
10th Annual Halloween Trick or Treat in the Village
Thursday, October 31st from 6 PM to 8 PM
Village of the Arts: 1227 12th St. W Bradenton, FL 34205
The 10th Annual Trick or Treat in the Village of Arts is set to bring Halloween magic to life! Everyone is invited to join this spooktacular night of costumes, candy, and community spirit.
On Halloween Night, watch the Village of Arts transform into a wonderland of spooky fun. Kids and adults alike can enjoy dressing up in their favorite costumes as local galleries and friendly neighbors will hand out candies and treats along the streets.
21st Annual Halloween Safe Kids Night
Thursday, October 31st from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Manatee County Fairgrounds: 1402 14th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221
Celebrate Halloween with the whole family at the 21st Annual Halloween Safe Kids Night at the Manatee Fairgrounds!
This free community event is packed with fun activities, plenty of candy, and exciting games for everyone. Dress your kids up in their best costumes to win prizes. This is a safe and entertaining way for families to enjoy Halloween together.
Local civic organizations, churches, public safety agencies, and non-profits are also invited to participate by setting up booths at the event. This amazing event is a great way to give back, meet local families, and take part in one of the area’s favorite Halloween celebrations.
1,000 Pieces of Candy
Thursday, October 31st from 6 PM to 9 PM
Village of the Arts: 1302 12th Avenue West
Calling all candy fanatics! Get ready for the 8th Annual 1,000 Pieces of Candy event hosted by Alcover Massage at the Village of the Arts. This spooktacular evening will feature over 1,000 pieces of candy, and take home free children’s books as part of this festive tradition. The event runs alongside the Village’s Trick-Or-Treat, blending sweet treats with spooky Halloween excitement.
Along with the candy distribution, local organizations such as Drug Free Manatee, ALSO Youth, and the Bradenton Police Department will have booths, engaging with attendees and sharing goodies. New this year, the Lady’s Oriental Shrine Sar-I from Sarasota will entertain little goblins under 13 with face painting. As a Teal Pumpkin Project participant, the event will also provide gluten-free, peanut-free, and non-candy treats, ensuring all kids can safely enjoy the spooky celebration!
Festivals of the Skeletons – Dia de los Muertos
Friday, November 1st from 11 AM to 4 PM & 6 PM to 9:30 PM
Saturday, November 2nd from 11 AM to 4 PM
Village of the Arts: 1227 12th St. W Bradenton, FL 34205
Halloween might technically be over, but there’s still more fun to be had! The Village of the Arts is celebrating its 20th Annual Festival of the Skeletons and this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Stroll around the Village to explore beautifully decorated shrines and altars, including a Community Shrine dedicated to honoring family, friends, and pets. This festive event offers live music, an amazing marketplace with local vendors, and mouth-watering food from various restaurants.
Everyone is encouraged to wear their best Dia de los Muertos costumes to join in the fun. The family-friendly festival also offers many activities for all ages, making it the perfect way to enjoy this beautiful celebration of life and memory. Be part of this incredible cultural tradition!
There you have it, our round-up of the top ways to celebrate Halloween in Manatee County this year! We’ll be updating this all month long as more events come out, so don’t forget to bookmark this page and check back often!
