Venice Ghost Walk Tour

October 27

These walking tours around downtown inform sightseers of sightings or stories of ghosts at numerous properties. Tours are limited to 15 people at 4:30 and 5:30 pm. Tickets are $15. Meet at the Gazebo at Centennial Park, Downtown Venice.

The 25th Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival

29-30

Hunsader Falls celebrates its 25th anniversary with the return of its Pumpkin Festival. This family-fun event includes pumpkin games for children, a zoo, pony rides, scarecrow displays, craft booths, live music, food and much more. 5500 Co Road 675, Bradenton 

8th Annual Haunted House Event

October 26-29

The Hellton Inn returns to Venice with witches, ghosts, mummies, Dracula, Frankenstein and numerous other spooky monsters. Catch 'em all from 7-10 p.m; admission is $3. Lakeside Pavilion at State College of Florida's Venice campus, 8000 S. Tamiami Trail.

11th Annual Boo Fest Halloween Festival

October 28

This festival on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch features trick or treating, a haunted house, pumpkin patches, face painting, music, a maze and more. Dress in your best costume and make sure to bring a bag to collect candy. A "haunted" trolley will also be open for rides. 6-9 p.m. Main Street, Lakewood Ranch

21st Annual Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza

October 28

Benefiting the Sarasota YMCA Youth Shelter, Gecko’s at the Landings presents this Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza. There will be prizes for the best pumpkins, games, trivia, and even hand selected craft beers for adults. Kicks off at 6pm

8th Annual Sarasota Pumpkin Festival

October 28-30

Come see all things pumpkin at Lakewood Ranch’s Premier Sports Campus from 12 p.m-10 p.m. Everyone is welcome to participate in the fall-themed activities, including a pumpkin maze, free hayrides, pony rides, carnival rides, safe trick or treating, games, pie-eating contests and costume contests. There are also craft vendors and a beer garden for adults. Admissions is $10 for adults, $7 for students, and $5 for kids. All rides at the fair require a ticket sold separately; proceeds benefit the Lazarus Foundation Inc. Find more information here.  5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch

Safe Sex Halloween Bash 2016: Haunted Hollywood

October 29

Head over to Michael’s On East for the annual Safe Sex Halloween Bash presented by Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. The night includes an open bar, DJ, dancing, live entertainment, Planned Parenthood's famous “shag bags” and other surprises. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 1212 S. East Avenue

5th Annual Doggie & Kitty Halloween Festival and Costume Contest

October 29

Dogs of all shapes and sizes are invited to show off their best costumes to participate in downtown Sarasota's DogaWeen costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for the pets, as well as refreshments, raffles, music, games, exhibits and treats for their owners; it all culminates in a pet parade. Animal adoptions will also take place. Registration is $5; all proceeds benefit local animal shelters. Find more information here. Five Points Park, downtown Sarasota.

Main Street Live Downtown Street Party

October 29

Kick off Halloween weekend with a Halloween party on Historic Old Main Street in Bradenton. There will be live music (including the Del Couch Foundation and Seven Years Past), plenty of food and drink, and arts and craft activities. 

Halloween Costume Party for Adults

October 29

The Italian American Club of Venice hosts an adults-only costume party where attendees are encouraged to show off their best costumes. There will be a "Boo-B-Q" buffet at 6:30 p.m, cash bar and music by Robert Larza. Admission is $20 for members and $24 for non-members. 1375 Ringling Drive, Venice

Desoween VIII: The 13 Ghosts of Desoween

October 29

Put on your costume and hit the haunted trail: DeSoto Paranormal Investigation has brought in 13 of Florida’s most terrifying ghosts--visitors can view them through a protective grid for a scary and intense experience. But what happens when the grids come down? 7:30-10 p.m; more information here. 8300 DeSoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton  

Selby Gardens' Spooktacular

October 30

Take the family and dress up for a not-so-scary Halloween party with floral festivities and lights from 10 a.m-5 p.m. Free for members; $20 for non-members. Find more information here. 900 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota.

Children’s Costume and Halloween Parade

October 31

Join other local families and put on your Halloween best for this community event at the gazebo in Centennial Park in downtown Venice. The parade starts at 4:30 p.m.

Safe Treats Halloween

October 31

Go trick-or-treating in Siesta Key Village, where participating establishments will have orange and black balloons and pumpkin flyers displayed in their windows from 3-6 p.m.

Community Trick-or-Treat Stroll

October 31

Take the kids out for family-friendly, safe trick or treating in the Village of the Arts, where there will be decorations and participating Villagers passing out treats. 6-8 p.m.Village of the Arts 1113 12th St. W., Bradenton

Marina Jack Halloween Costume Party

October 31

Head to Marina Jack's Deep Six Lounge for a costume party, where there will be raffles and prizes for the best and most creative costume. Rock Lee will be performing on the piano. 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota

Fright Night on St. Armand’s Circle

October 31

The entire circle is participating this holiday seasons, with haunted storefronts and statues getting into the Halloween spirit. Children can trick or treat at participating shops and restaurants, which will also be offering special promotions from 6-8:30 p.m. Sarasota High School's drama department will be also put on a special performance of “Thriller” in the middle of the circle at 8 pm. More information here.