🎃 Boo! at The Bay

Saturday, Oct. 18, 1055 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota, 6-8:45 p.m.

The fourth annual Boo! at The Bay is a not-so-scary evening of trick-or-treating and pumpkin picking (6-7:30 p.m.), games, a not-really-haunted decorated trail, a screening of A Minecraft Movie (7-8:45 p.m.) and food trucks from 5-8:30 pm. Costumes are encouraged but not required, and pumpkins are available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 1,800 children. Click here for tickets and more information.

🎨 BAM!Fest Artists’ Reception 

Thursday, Oct. 16, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  

Check out the work of  local artists at Realize Bradenton's BAM!Fest at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature's, meet some of them and learn more about their inspiration and process at this free reception. Plus, you can view the full catalog online and place a bid on any art that catches your eye between now and December online. Proceeds benefit Realize Bradenton and its mission of enhancing downtown Bradenton through community engagement and events. Click here for tickets and more information.

🏳️‍🌈 "Change Is Gonna Come"

Thursday, Oct. 16, 3650 17th St., Sarasota, 6-7:30 p.m.

LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit Project Pride SRQ (PPSRQ) presents a community-wide event and fundraiser called "Change Is Gonna Come" at Harvest Sarasota featuring Tim McCarthy, author of PPSRQ's strategic plan. The co-recipient of the 2015 National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama, McCarthy has devoted his life to public service and social justice. PPSRQ executive director Tom Edwards will introduce McCarthy about his experience being on the front lines of negotiations with the federal government (with billions in grants on the line) over DEI programs, admissions policies and allegations of inadequately addressing anti-Semitism on campuses. The evening will also include a performance by the Harvest Band and light refreshments. Tickets are $35 for general admission and free for students. Advance registration is required. Click here for tickets and more information.

👐 "Clay Is for Everyone": A Virtual Workshop With Osa Atoe 

Saturday, Oct. 25, 1-3:30 p.m. 

In this virtual workshop, Sarasota-based potter Osa Atoe will explain how to take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of working with clay at minimal cost. The first half of the workshop will cover where to get clay and what kind to get, creating a workspace in your home (all you need is a table or counter), safety, basic hand-building methods, handmade tools vs. commercial tools, surface decoration options, glazing, firing options and much more. In the second half of the workshop, Atoe will demonstrate simple handbuilding methods to get you started making pots you can use. The workshop will be conducted via Zoom, and attendees will receive a link via email after purchasing a ticket. The workshop will be recorded and available on Atoe's website for 90 days. Click here for more information.  

🖼️ “Reflection, Transition, Rebirth: A Journey of the Soul"

Friday, Oct. 17- Monday, Nov. 10, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. 

Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s (SBAC) initiative continues its exploration of Black artistry with the sixth exhibition in its series “Beyond Regional Boundaries” series. Reflection, Transition, Rebirth: A Journey of the Soul, featuring work by Curtis Anderson Jr., will be on view Friday, Oct. 17- Monday, Nov. 10, at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. A reception with the artist will be held Sunday, Oct. 19, from 5–6:30 p.m., following WBTT’s production of Purlie, a Tony award-winning comedic Broadway play about a charismatic self-taught Black preacher who returns to his home in the Jim Crow South (read our review here). Click here for more information.

🌎 "Voices of Immigration 2”

Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct 18, at 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at 5 p.m., 1913 Northgate Blvd., Sarasota

CreArte Latino Cultural Center presents Voices of Immigration 2, a dramatized reading of testimonies of immigrants living in the region performed in Spanish with English subtitles, offering an intimate glimpse into their experiences of leaving their homeland, navigating challenges and building a new life. The series invites audiences to reflect on the courage, resilience and hope that define the immigrant experience and the ways their stories shape our community. Tickets are $25. Click here for more information.

⭐ Limelight Market at the Bazaar on Apricot and Lime

Saturday, Oct. 18, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 

Enjoy live music by Jason Bender, food from Hamlet’s Eatery and guest vendors at this monthly market. Guest vendors include including Meigs Art's gourd sculptures, Bogeen’s handcrafted woodworking pieces and watercolors from The Artful Fish. There will also be adoptable puppies on-site from TenderHeart Charities. Click here for more information.