5 Spooktacular Events Around Bradenton and Sarasota

Pumpkins sitting on porches, witches dancing down the street and black cats around every corner...that time of year is here! It's almost Halloween, and there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate in the Bradenton and Sarasota area.

1. SKOB's Pumpkin Carving Party
5238 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota

Carving pumpkins is a Halloween tradition, and what better place to do it than at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar? This annual pumpkin carving competition lasts from 7 – 10 p.m. on October 24. Admission is $10 per person, and guests will each get to carve their own pumpkin while enjoying some sweet treats. Awards will be given to the participants with the best pumpkins, and all carving tools are provided by the venue.

2. Pumpkin Painting at Whole Foods
1451 1st St, Sarasota

This is a great one for parents! On Saturday, October 21, Whole Foods is offering a pumpkin painting party between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission is free for children, and the first 18 children to reserve tickets will be given free pumpkins to paint creatively. You can do a little fall grocery shopping while you're there, too.

3. Boo Fest
Main St, Lakewood

Held along Main Street in Lakewood, Boo Fest is a fun way to enjoy Halloween events while in costume. There's a Spooktacular Maze you can wander through, along with trick-or-treating for the kids. Live music will set the mood, and there will be local vendors selling everything from crafts to candy. There's a costume competition, so make sure you wear something really creative! The event lasts from 6 – 9 p.m. on Friday, October 27.

4. Halloween Horror Punk and Side Show
536 12th St W, Bradenton

If you're looking for a more adult-oriented way to celebrate Halloween, head to Council's Burgers, Beer, Billiards for this annual party. There will be live bands on stage including Pig Pen and Sacred Owls, along with plenty of side-show-inspired costumes. Drink specials last all night, and the burgers are always delicious. The event starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 28 and should last well into the night.

5. Spooktacular at Selby Gardens
900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota

If you haven't made it to the Selby Botanical Gardens yet this year, here’s your chance to enjoy the beauty of nature while also celebrating Halloween. Selby Spooktacular lasts from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on October 29 and offers goodie bags, pumpkin decorating and plenty of delicious food from vendors like Michael's on East and B's Cool Treats. The Botanical Gardens is only a quick drive from Springs at Bee Ridge Apartments in Sarasota, making this a great event to attend.

Whether you dress up in costume or just enjoy the day with some candy and pumpkin carving, Halloween is such a fun holiday. Do you plan on attending any of these events, or do you know of another one we forgot? Let us know in the comments section.