Fruitville Grove

Every weekend in October, 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, (941) 377-0896

The 2021 Pumpkin Fest at Fruitville Grove is scheduled for every Saturday-Sunday of October. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission includes access to the playground and petting zoo, live music, the Torres Family Circus show, photo opportunities and costume contests. Enjoy hay and pony rides, a bounce house and vendor booths, too. The farm market will be open, too. Admission is free; parking is $5.

North Port Fall Fest

Saturday, October 2, 4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port

Meet on the City of North Port's front lawn for a fall-themed fair from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Browse local vendors, purchase crafts and goods, and enjoy food trucks and drinks. A children's costume parade will take place at 12 p.m., with prizes for first, second and third place.

Old Miakka Fall Hootenanny

Sunday, October 3, 15800 Wilson Road, Sarasota

The Old Miakka Schoolhouse will put on an event on Sunday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. featuring a silent auction, vendor booths, live music by the Dunn Deal and more. The event will benefit the restoration of the old school house. Admission is free.

Hay Maze at Nathan Benderson Park

Friday, October 8, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, (941) 358-7275

The annual hay maze at Nathan Benderson Park will be installed adjacent to the playground and event garden on Friday, October 8. Volunteers will build the 40-foot by 50-foot maze for young children. The maze will remain at the park for free until Thanksgiving.

The Meadows Fall Festival

Saturday, Oct. 16, 3101 Longmeadow, Sarasota, (941) 371-6000

The Meadows Country Club will put on a Fall festival on Saturday, October 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5 for ages 10 and up; children under 10 are free. Kids will enjoy a bounce house, hay rides, face painting and games. Live entertainment and crafts for the whole family. Food and drink available for purchase. Register here.

Hunsader Farms

Saturday-Sunday, October 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, 5500 County Road 675, Bradenton, (941) 322-2168

The 30th annual pumpkin festival at Hunsader Farms will take place Saturday-Sunday, October 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy crafts, live music and shows, pumpkin patches, games for the kids and more. Admission is $12 and parking is $5; children 10 and under are free.

Fall Festival at University Town Center

Saturday-Sunday, October 23-24, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, (727) 674-1464

This first annual fall festival will take place at the University Town Center Mall and will feature carnival rides, a pumpkin patch, trunk-or-treat options for the kids, a pumpkin pageant show, pet costumer contest and market vendors. Enjoy food trucks and a beer garden, too. Admission is free.

Humane Society Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 23, 2515 14th St. W., Bradenton, (941) 747-8808

The Humane Society of Manatee County is hosting a harvest festival on Saturday, October 23 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pets can join in on the family fun, with $5 pet costume contests, raffles, festival games and picture stations and local vendors. Pet food donations will be accepted. Admission is free.

Halloween Food Truck Friday Night

Friday, October 29, 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey, (941) 918-2100

Join the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for a spooky food truck night at the Bay Preserve headquarters in Osprey. The event is free and will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wear costumes and have kids enter a contest at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy dessert and Mexican food trucks. RSVP here.