News & Insights

Get ready for a spook­tacular season! Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the region, this guide will help you navigate the best family-friendly Halloween and trick-or-treat events in Sarasota and Manatee counties — from safe candy trails and trunk-or-treats to pumpkin festivals and haunted fun.

Related Article: YOUR GUIDE TO THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF SARASOTA, FLORIDA

Key Dates & Trick-or-Treat Timing

Unlike some places that observe a formal “Beggars’ Night,” in Sarasota and Manatee counties the trick-or-treating often happens on Halloween night (Oct 31) or at individual events scheduled in the days leading up.

Here are a few highlights:

• On Tuesday, October 28, 2025 between 5:30 pm–8:00 pm the event Nathan Benderson Park (5851 Nathan Benderson Cir., Sarasota) is hosting a “Trick or Treat on the Lake” candy trail.
• On Friday, October 24, 2025 from 6:00pm–9:00pm the event BooFest on Main Street – Lakewood Ranch (Lakewood Main St, Lakewood Ranch) invites children to trick-or-treat along merchant booths

Highlight Family-Friendly Events in 2025

Here are several great picks happening this year — perfect for children and families.

1. Trick or Treat on the Lake – Nathan Benderson Park (Sarasota)

• Date & Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
• Location: Regatta Island at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir., Sarasota, FL 34235
• What to expect: A candy trail where families walk from booth to booth along the lake, interactive play areas for younger children, storytelling corner, live music and costumed fun.
• Pro tip: Bring a candy bucket or tote and plan to arrive early to secure parking. Costumes welcomed!
• Why it’s worth going: The lake-front setting makes for a memorable backdrop, combining community spirit with Halloween fun in a safe and organized environment.
  
  

2. BooFest on Main Street – Lakewood Ranch (Manatee County)

• Date & Time: Friday, October 24, 2025 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
• Location: 8100 Lakewood Main St (or 8131 Lakewood Main Street), Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
• What to expect: A large community event where children trick-or-treat along Main Street merchant booths, enjoy a Kids’ Zone with balloon twisting, face painting, interactive shows like a “Mad Scientist” and magic show, plus live music on stage.
• Pro tip: Costumes encouraged, plan to arrive at 5:45pm to have time to get the free trick-or-treat pumpkin tote (first 1,500 attendees).
• Why it’s worth going: The energetic street-festival vibe gives families more than just candy — you get entertainment, photo ops and a robust Halloween experience.
  
  

3. Goblin Gathering – Bradenton (Manatee County)

• Date & Time: Friday, October 17, 2025 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm.
• Location: G.T. Bray Recreation Center, 2910 51st St W (or 5503 33rd Avenue Dr W?), Bradenton, FL 34209. (Note: check the exact address locally.)
• What to expect: A safe, family-friendly alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating: local businesses pass out treats, and there are bounce houses, petting zoo, face painting, costume contests and more.
• Pro tip: Early start time (4pm) is great for younger children and allows more time before bed.
• Why it’s worth going: For families who prefer an organized event with lots of activities in one place, this delivers convenience and fun.
  
  

4. Other Notable Events & Attractions

• Boo! at The Bazaar (Sarasota) – Free indoor trick-or-treating, Sunday Oct 25, 11am – 3pm at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime in Sarasota.
• Siesta Key Safe Treats – Free afternoon trick-or-treating on Oct 31 from 3-6pm along South Siesta Key.
• Local pumpkin patches and fall festivals with haunted attractions: Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival (weekends in October, Sarasota) and Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival (Oct 11–26, Bradenton)
• Haunted tours and adult-friendly Halloween fun: ghost tours in downtown Sarasota & Bradenton, and themed events for older kids.
  
  

Halloween Safety & Neighborhood Tips

• Check your neighborhood status: Some subdivisions or HOAs may set their own trick-or-treat hours or designate special nights.
• Stick with daylight or early evening hours: Most family trick-or-treating ends by 8–9pm. Along Florida’s Gulf coast, earlier is often better for younger children.
• Be visible & safe: If trick-or-treating as it gets darker, use reflective tape, LED light wands or stay in well-lit areas.
• Candy check: Inspect candy at home before children eat it.
• Costume fit matters: Ensure costumes are safe to walk in, not too long to avoid trips, and that vision is clear.
• Expect weather changes: Even in October, coastal Florida can have unexpected showers — a light rain jacket or umbrella may come in handy.
• Celebrate responsibly at home: For families not doing door-to-door, trunk-or-treat events or local festival happenings are fun and safer alternatives.

Quick Cheat Sheet Table

Final Thoughts

Mark your calendar, pull out the costumes, and get ready for a Halloween season full of fun in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, visiting a pumpkin patch, or joining a community festival, there’s something for every age and style.