October Events in Sarasota: All Treats, No Tricks at Lakewood Ranch!

October in Sarasota is packed with family fun, live entertainment, and fall festivities you won’t want to miss! From creative kids showing off their big ideas to spooky movie nights and toe-tapping line dancing under the stars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month at Lakewood Ranch and surrounding Sarasota spots.

Whether you’re a local or visiting for the weekend, here’s your guide to all the exciting events happening this October:

👧 Children’s Entrepreneurship Market @ Music on Main

📍 Main Street | 📅 Friday, October 3 | 🕕 6 PM – 9 PM
Support the next generation of innovators! Local kids will showcase their handmade goods, baked treats, and creative business ideas during this fun, family-friendly market.

🎣 Youth Fishing Tournament

📍 Main Street | 📅 Saturday, October 4 | 🕗 8 AM – 12 PM
Grab your fishing gear and cast your line! Young anglers can enjoy a morning of friendly competition while learning the joy of fishing in a relaxed community setting.

💃 Ranch Nite Wednesdays

📍 Waterside Place | 📅 Every Wednesday (October – May) | 🕕 6 PM – 9 PM
Line dance, relax, and enjoy live music under the stars! This midweek celebration at Waterside Place is the perfect way to unwind and connect with your neighbors.

🎬 Movie in the Park: Hotel Transylvania

📍 Waterside Place | 📅 Friday, October 10 | 🕕 6 PM – 9 PM
Pack your picnic blankets and enjoy a Halloween favorite under the night sky. It’s the perfect fall evening for families, friends, and a few friendly monsters!

🚙 Jeeps on Main

📍 Main Street | 📅 Sunday, October 12 | 🕛 12 PM – 5 PM
Calling all Jeep lovers! Explore rows of rugged rides, meet fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy a day full of adventure and community spirit.

🎭 Sights and Sounds: Alice in Wonderland by Asolo Rep on Tour

📍 Waterside Place | 📅 Friday, October 17 | 🕕 6 PM – 7 PM
Step into a magical world with a live performance of Alice in Wonderland. Bring the kids for a night of imagination, laughter, and wonder.

🎸 ROCKtoberfest

📍 Lakewood Ranch | 📅 Friday–Sunday, October 17–19
Get ready to rock all weekend long! Enjoy live bands, great food, and good vibes at this annual celebration of music and community.

🍰 La Dolce Vita: Model Grand Opening at Calusa Country Club

📍 Calusa Country Club | 📅 Saturday, October 18 | 🕐 1 PM – 3 PM
Celebrate la dolce vita (the sweet life) at the grand opening of Calusa Country Club’s stunning new model homes. Tour the properties, enjoy refreshments, and take in the beautiful design inspiration.

🎃 Pumpkin Splash at Arlington Park

📍 Arlington Park | 📅 Saturday, October 18
A unique Sarasota twist on pumpkin picking — in the pool! Families can swim, splash, and pick their perfect pumpkin to take home.

🍬 Trick-Or-Treat Trail at UTC

📍 University Town Center | 📅 Saturday, October 18 | 🕠 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Costumes on and candy bags ready! Stroll the UTC Trick-Or-Treat Trail for a safe, fun-filled evening of sweets and spooky delights.

👻 BooFest on Main Street

📍 Main Street | 📅 Friday, October 24 | 🕕 6 PM – 9 PM
End the month with a spooktacular celebration! BooFest brings out the best costumes, family games, live music, and Halloween fun for all ages. Don’t miss it!

October in Sarasota truly captures the spirit of community where neighbors come together to celebrate creativity, connection, and fun under the Florida sun. Whether you’re exploring Lakewood Ranch for the first time or have called it home for years, these events are a wonderful reminder of why Sarasota is such a special place to live. So grab your calendar, gather your loved ones, and make the most of this festive fall season — there’s no better time to enjoy all that Sarasota has to offer!