Sarasota Halloween Weekend of October 29th Through 31st

Hopefully you’ve chosen a costume, stocked up on candy, and are ready for the Halloween holiday, as there are lots of spooky things to do this weekend in Sarasota! Halloween is always a special holiday for the kids, although there are lots of upcoming events in Sarasota you might enjoy just with the grownups as well.

Check out this quick list of upcoming events in Sarasota you can enjoy over the weekend. Be sure to visit websites or otherwise call ahead before going out, as you don’t want to arrive anywhere only to find that a show is sold out or has been cancelled for any reason! A quick check before walking out the door will ensure nothing gets in the way of enjoying your weekend events in 2021.

Friday-Saturday, October 29th-30th: Stranger Things Drive-In Laser Show

If you’re a fan of the hit show Stranger Things, and even if you’ve never seen an episode, you’re sure to love this drive-in laser show this weekend! Stranger Things is the story of a young boy missing from a small town, and how the many searches for him uncover government conspiracies, portals to other worlds, scary monsters, and much more.

This weekend’s laser show, held at the Sarasota fairgrounds, allows you to stay in your car while enjoying a family-friendly viewing of lasers and lights. Admission is $29 per car and shows are 8:30 and 10 p.m. both nights. To find out more including a map to the grounds, visit:

https://www.visitsarasota.com/stranger-things-drive

Saturday-Sunday, October 30th-31st: Repticon

If you love reptiles and other exotic pets, you’ll love this weekend’s Repticon. This conference features a number of live animals for purchase as well as all the accessories you need to take care of snakes, lizards, turtles, and other such pets in your home.

You’ll also find plenty of experts on hand to answer all your questions about your pets. Also held at the Sarasota fairgrounds, the conference runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Tickets are only sold online, not at the door, so it’s vital you get yours in advance! For ticket prices and all the other information you need to know, check out the Facebook events page:

https://m.facebook.com/events/robarts-arena-sarasota-fairgrounds-3000-ringling-blvd-sarasota-florida-34237/repticon-sarasota/2716890785279229/

Saturday, October 30th: BOO Bash!

Held at the favorite dance club Joyland, BOO Bash is an excellent choice for those looking for things to do in Sarasota at night, and without the kids! Featuring live music and costume contests with over $2000 in prizes, BOO Bash is the place for the grownups to be this weekend.

Joyland is located on Lockwood Road in Sarasota, and this weekend’s party starts at 8 p.m. If you’re interested in getting tickets or want to browse the club’s menu before you arrive, follow the links at the Facebook events page:

https://m.facebook.com/events/8341-lockwood-ridge-rd-sarasota-fl-34243-4322-united-states/boo-bash-returns-at-joyland-live/338634734682823/

Saturday, October 30th: Halloween GHOSTED Masquerade Party

If you’re looking for some LGBTQ-friendly weekend events in 2021, check out the Halloween GHOSTED Masquerade Party this Saturday the 30th at hotspot Luna. The party starts at 9 p.m. and runs until 2 a.m., so you know you’re sure to have a great time!

The party will feature plenty of costume contests with lots of cash prizes, as well as drag performances and live music. You can also purchase VIP booths and tables for the night, so you know everyone will enjoy themselves. To find out more or to get a map to Luna, check out the website:

https://www.lunastpete.com/events/sarasota-county/sarasotaoutcom-presents-ghosted-a-halloween-masquerade-experience-5399241

Saturday, October 30th: Halloween Block Party

If you need some things to do in Sarasota at night this weekend, be sure to check out the Halloween block party, hosted by The Gator Club on Main Street. This party will feature lots of live music and food trucks where you can fill up on your favorite snacks.

The block party will also have costume contests with $2000 in cash prizes, as well as beer and cocktails for the adults. The party starts at 6 p.m. and is free to attend! For more information as well as a map of where to find the party and park, check out the Facebook events page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/173857841569603/

Saturday, October 30th: Halloween Parade

There are even more great Halloween-themed upcoming events in Sarasota you can enjoy, including a parade at The Mall at University Town Center. This family-friendly event starts at 5 p.m. with a pre-party at the east grand entrance to the mall parking lot, and the parade itself starts at 5:30.

The parade should last about an hour and then you can enjoy a meet and greet with characters and parade participants. Admission and parking is free, on a first come first serve basis. For a map to the mall and other vital information, check out their website:

https://mallatutc.com/events/the-mall-at-university-town-center-fightfully-fun-trick-or-treat-parade

Sunday, October 31st: Halloween Spooktacular at Selby Gardens

If you need some family friendly things to do this weekend in Sarasota to get prepared for the holiday, check out the Halloween Spooktacular at Selby Gardens. This event offers lots to do with the kids, including pumpkin decorating, seed planting, and a mad scientist experiment center.

Have the kids bring their treat bags to keep track of their goodies and be sure to dress comfortably for the outdoor garden environment. Food will be available for purchase. To find out more including directions to the event and where to park, visit the website:

Saturday, October 30th: Trick or Treat at Sarasota Farmers Market

The Sarasota Farmers Market is a great place to visit with the entire family! The market always showcases a number of vendors offering freshly grown food items, locally harvested honey, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothes, and much more.

This Saturday, you can enjoy a great trick or treat event at the market, perfect for the entire family. Vendors will be providing lots of various treats as well as their standard fare, so ensure the kids bring their treat bags so they can load up and enjoy some sweets!

The market hours run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the trick or treat event runs from 8 a.m. to noon. There is no admission to the market itself so feel free to bring the entire family. For more information about the event or directions to the market, visit the Facebook events page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/858717371514966/

Now through November 27th: Cinderella

Catch up on this classic story this weekend at the Florida Studio Theatre. The story of Cinderella is brought to life in this show with a contemporary twist you’re sure to love, and featuring lots of slapstick comedy, audience interaction, and even some modern day hit songs!

Showtimes and ticket prices for this weekend’s production vary. Visit their Facebook events page to find out more including the theater’s location, and get your tickets in advance:

https://m.facebook.com/events/florida-studio-theatre/cinderella/393022055681155/

Did you find some great upcoming events in Sarasota you definitely want to check out? If so, be sure to share this list with family and friends and on social media, so others can make their weekend and Halloween plans too!

Remember when choosing your weekend plans that it’s still recommended you bring masks for indoor events. This is especially important for crowded venues where social distancing might be difficult.

You might also check for red tide warnings before hitting the beaches in Sarasota this weekend as well. These simple steps can ensure nothing gets in the way of having a great time around the beautiful city of Sarasota.