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October Festivals in Sarasota & Bradenton

| Laura Bell Adams |

October kicks off fall and there are plenty of things to do in Sarasota and Bradenton area. Now that the days are just a little cooler, and Octoberfest is upon us, here are a few October events around the Sarasota area to enjoy.

October 10th-14th: Oktoberfest at Edelweiss Restaurant, 611 Manatee Ave, 941-748-3838. The times vary so call them or visit their FB by clicking here What could be better than kicking off Oktoberfest at the 6th annual event? There will be a beer tent, filled with good German beer, I am sure. There will be a special menu served during the festivities with traditional foods, live music, contests, and raffles.

October 12th & 13th: Giving Hunger the Blues & Jazz on the Bay, Van Wezel, 777 N. Tamiami Trail. This popular 22nd annual 2-day music event will feature 16 musical artists. 100% of the proceeds go to supporting local hungry families over the holiday season. Tickets start at just under $20. Come and enjoy great music with a beautiful view and fight local hunger. Local area restaurants will be serving lite bites and other treats.

October 13th & 14th: Sarasota Hungarian Festival, Sarasota County Fairgrounds. Saturday (doors open at 10 AM). Sunday (doors open at Noon). Tickets, Adults $12, Youth $5 Children under 12 Free. If you haven’t tried Hungarian food, you are missing out on something special. I was lucky enough to spend 10 days in Budapest with a friend of mine that grew up there. I still cannot get her Mom’s Chicken Paprikash out of my mind. There will be cooking contests and some of the best pastries in this city available for you to eat. Live music and children’s activities too.

There are several Octoberfest Beer Festivals in the Sarasota/Bradenton area to enjoy.October 13th: Keltober Fest at Motorworks Brewing, 1014 9th St, West Bradenton, 4PM-11PM. Let the fun begin with Kilts and Lederhosen! Live music by the Black Velvet Band. Great seasonal brews will be flowing and you can compete for the best authentic German & Celtic attire, best beard, and King & Queen of Keltober Fest. Something is always brewing at Motorworks.

October 20th: 3rd Annual “Big Mama’s Collard Greens Fest”, 12 PM-6 PM. Robert Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St, Sarasota. Anytime I can get Caribbean, Cajun or Creole food, count me in! However, I think I make the best plate of greens in this city. So, I’ll have to go and check out my competition. Chefs from the area restaurants will be serving up the best greens along with various specialty foods.

October 20th: 18th Annual Bayfest Anna Maria Island, 10 AM-9 PM, Pine Ave. If you haven’t been to an island festivity, you’re not going to want to miss this one. Check out the classic car show from 10 AM-3 PM. There will be live music, food vendors and a kid’s zone. If you are looking for island art, don’t forget to stop by the arts & crafts tent. Visit the FB page for more info Click here Enter the Island Experience raffle.

Anna Maria Island, FL is having its 18th Annual Bayfest this fall.October 27-28th: Sarasota Oktoberfest, downtown Sarasota, 33 Gulfstream Ave, 10 AM-8 PM. The Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association together with Paragon Festivals will be hosting all the fun. Come down for the German food and stay for the live music and Bavarian dancing. There will also be arts, crafts and other goodies to buy.

October 30th: 30th Annual Pumpkin Festival, Fruitville Grove, 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. This event will be held every weekend in October from 10 AM-4 PM. Admission is free, but some of the activities such as the hayrides, pumpkin painting, and bounce house will have a fee.

As our weather starts to cool and we celebrate fall, Florida style, enjoy the festivals and good times Sarasota and the Bradenton areas have to offer. Cheers!

Photos from Shutterstock and Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

 

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