Retrobaked's Third Anniversary Bash / Village of the Arts ArtWalk
October 7
6-9:30pm

In celebration of its third anniversary, Retrobaked is throwing a party in Village of the Arts. The evening will be full of fall treats from both Retrobaked, a vegan, gluten-free bakery, and local vendors such as Ray’s Vegan Soul and Sunshine Canning, as well as giveaways and free cake. More than 30 galleries, shops and eateries will be participating in that evening's Art Walk, as well, along with live music to kick off the fall season. More info here. 

Eat Like a Local Restaurant Week
October 3-9

In the first annual Sarasota-Manatee Originals Eat Like a Local Restaurant Week, nearly 50 local and independently owned restaurants have created their own, hand crafted and specialty menus to showcase what they do best. The restaurants span over Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Longboat Key, Sarasota, Siesta Key and Venice – no culinary cuisine or location is out of your reach. There will be breakfast, lunch and dinner menus at a fixed price ranging from $9, $19, $29, and $39.

Beer, Boats & Bacon
October 8

At the sixth annual Beer, Boats and Bacon presented by Brewed Life, local restaurants and caterers serve a selection of bacon-centric food. Wine and draft beer, including sampling from over 60 craft beers from local and international breweries, will be available for purchase. Live music and free rowing lessons will also take place. Price ranges from $5-$35.

Taste of St. Armands
October 8
5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

St. Armands Circle presents the 7^th annual Taste of St. Armands with over 19 restaurants participating in this flavorful event. From seafood to Italian to Spanish and Cuban, there is a variety of cuisines where each of the selected restaurants will provide a sampling of its specialties. A silent auction benefiting Take Stock in Children as well as a 50/50 raffle will take place. Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door.

Woody’s Octoberfest Celebration
Woody’s River Roo
October 15
12 p.m.-10 p.m.

Enjoy live music, great food and plenty of beer while enjoying fantastic scenery at Woody’s River Roo to celebrate the fall season.

A Taste of Sarasota
October 18
5-8 p.m.

The popular foodie event has been expanded to two events, one in the fall and one in the spring. Taste and enjoy food from 14-plus local restaurants and eateries at The Devyn, including Mozarella Fella, Angelo’s, Curry Station, Sol’s Delicatessen and many more. A cash bar will be provided by White Buffalo Saloon. Must be over 21 to attend. Tickets are $8; more info here.

Eat Local Week
October 22-30

To celebrate the best of local food and farming in Sarasota and Manatee county, Transition Sarasota presents the sixth annual Eat Local Week. This year’s theme is “Food Changes Everything,” which explores that discusses the relationships between food and diverse topics such as the natural environment, art and culture, social justice, the economy and more. Dozens of partners offer numerous events including farm-to-fork dinners, educational programs, community discussions garden and farm tours, workshops, festivals and more.

Sip the Sunshine All Florida Craft Beer Festival
October 29
12-9 p.m.

Suncoast Festivals presents their newest event, Sip the Sunshine All-Florida Craft Beer Festival at Nathan Benderson Park. This event showcases the products of not only award-winning breweries but also up and coming breweries with 50 Florida Craft Breweries and over 100 different types of beer. Florida inspired cuisine will be available from local chefs and caterers as well as a VIP experience including a 5-Course Beer Pairing luncheon. Live music will be present with band such as Blues Traveler, Have Gun Will Travel and Heavy Pets. Admission is $45 and VIP is $125