100-plus fun things to do in October in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties

As we near the end of the month and approach the return of snowbird season here in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, October will offer a bevy of fun things to do locally, with this month's event guide featuring nearly twice as many events as September's list.

Our area will celebrate the arrival of autumn with several events, including multiple pumpkin festivals. There'll also be numerous local festivities celebrating Oktoberfest with German food and brews, and the month comes to a close with a multitude of Halloween events both on Oct. 31 proper and earlier.

Many of our local performing arts venues also begin their new seasons, including our area's largest, Van Wezel. And along with those concerts, stage productions, art exhibitions and stand-up shows, you'll find plenty of other fun things to do locally. Here are more than 100 events set to take place in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties in October. Event details are subject to change.

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Old Miakka Hootenanny

This event benefitting the preservation of the 1914 Old Miakka Schoolhouse will feature local artists, crafts, educational booths, live music, homemade soap and cards, book-signing by local authors, broomstick pony races, bubble gum blowing, rooster crowing and hog callin' contests, children's games, silent auction and more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 1; Old Miakka Schoolhouse, 15800 Wilson Road, Sarasota

St. Armands Circle Art Festival with Craft Marketplace

The festival features fine art in mediums including sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more, along with a craft marketplace on the street. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 1; St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; free admission; 561-746-6615; artfestival.com

NEXUS Chamber Music

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota launches its 28th season with a return visit from NEXUS Chamber Music, which first performed in the series last year. The trio features cellist and NEXUS co-founder Alexander Hersh and Marlboro Music Festival alums violinist Stephanie Zyzak and pianist Evren Ozel. 4 p.m. Oct. 1; First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota; $40; 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org

Parktoberfest at The Bay

The family-friendly Oktoberfest event will feature the DeLeon Family Band performing polka and more, chicken dance, cornhole, German-inspired and locally crafted brews courtesy of Sun King Brewery and The Nest (which'll also serve brats and soft pretzels with beer cheese sauce) and food trucks Currywurst and The Dawg Pound. 5-7 p.m. Oct. 1; The Oval at The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota; free admission; 941-203-5316; thebaysarasota.org

Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival

The 35th annual festival features daily activities including a food truck rally, craft show, live music, kids fun zone, hold-a-skunk, pony, mini-train and hay rides, hug-a-goat, wildflower maze, enchanted unicorn encounter, butterfly garden experience and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends Oct. 1 through Oct. 28-29; Fruitville Grove, 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota; free admission, certain rides and activities $1-$10, $5 parking; 941-377-0896; fruitvillegrovefarm.com

Sarasota Ski-A-Rees

The Sarasota group's free weekly water ski shows return for the fall season. 2 p.m. Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; free admission; 941-388-1666; skiarees.com

Hermitage Playwriting Workshop

Halley Feiffer, who describes herself as a writer, actor and flawed person based in Los Angeles, has earned a lot of attention for new plays at the Atlantic Theater Company, Playwrights Horizon and Williamstown Theatre Festival. She’s also the showrunner for the latest season of the FX series “American Horror Story — Delicate.” A daughter of satirist, cartoonist and writer Jules Feiffer, she will get audiences trying their hand at writing in this Hermitage program. 6 p.m. Oct. 5; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota; $5 registration fee required; hermitageartistretreat.org

Ringling Underground

The event held in The Ringling's courtyard with live music, up-and-coming artists and free admission for students continues in October with Movie Props, Noan Partly and Plastic City Robot-A. 8 p.m. Oct. 5; The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $15, free students with ID and members; 941-359-5700; ringling.org

‘Murder at the Howard Johnson’s’

Charlotte Players takes audiences to a Howard Johnson Motor Inn (remember those?) for this suspense comedy by Ron Clark and Sam Bobrick. It’s about a love triangle involving a woman, her lover and her husband, who they initially plot to kill, but the tables keep turning as the story develops. Oct. 5-15; Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte; $27, $14 students; 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org

Music on Main

The free monthly concert series and block party on Lakewood Ranch's Main Street features RJ Howson & Friends in October, along with food vendors, beer trucks and kids' games and activities. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 6; 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch; free; 941-907-9243; lakewoodranch.com

Fresh Fridays

The monthly event in downtown Sarasota returns with a Paint the Town Fresh theme in October, featuring food from downtown restaurants, fun and games, giveaways and live music from The Brett Foreman Band. 7-10 p.m. Oct. 6; Main Street, Sarasota; downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays

'Free Family Concert: Ferret in the Orchestra'

Sarasota Orchestra kicks off its 75th anniversary season by inviting families to come out for a free, one-hour performance of symphonic music in a narrated concert specially designed for elementary and middle school aged audiences. The live orchestra will entertain listeners of all ages with high-energy classical music and favorite popular tunes. 7 p.m. Oct. 6; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; free;sarasotaorchestra.org/Family-Concert

J.P. Soars and the Red Hots

South Florida guitarist and singer-songwriter J.P. Soars and his band the Red Hots received four Blues Music Awards nominations last year: Band of the Year, B.B. King Entertainer and Instrumentalist — Guitar for Soars, and Instrumentalist — Drums for his bandmate Chris Peet. 8 p.m. Oct. 6; Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; 941-916-9115; celticray.net; 7 p.m. Oct. 7; Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, 1114 12th St. W., Bradenton; 941-243-3735; facebook.com/cottonmouthSOUL

Cortez Nautical Flea Market

The free, family-friendly event with deals on fishing gear, marine equipment and more will be held alongside a Nautical Arts & Crafts sale. 8 a.m.-noon Oct. 7; Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez and Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Bradenton; free; 941-708-6120; floridamaritimemuseum.org

‘Cuban Project: Historias’

Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, co-founder and artistic director of Sarasota Contemporary Dance, brings back her personal dance piece based on her own family history, exploring her parents’ forced migration from Cuba through the Operación Pedro Pan exodus of children in the early 1960s, after a series of performances in Miami. 8 p.m. Oct. 7; Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; $38; 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com

Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival

The 27th annual outdoor craft festival will take place in the heart of downtown Sarasota in Five Points Park on Central Avenue and First Street. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 7-8; Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave., Sarasota; free admission; 561-746-6615; artfestival.com

‘Rare Gems’

This Sarasota Orchestra Chamber Soiree features pieces for strings and piano, including Mahler’s Piano Quartet and Debussy’s String Quartet. The Mahler piece was rediscovered in the 1960s and is Mahler’s sole surviving work for chamber ensemble. It was featured in the Martin Scorsese film “Shutter Island.” 4 p.m. Oct. 8; Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $42 and up; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org

‘Romeo & Juliet’

The powerful romance of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” is told through dance in a production from the International Ballet of Florida, featuring principal guest artists from the National Ballet of Ukraine, Lithuania Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and more. Choreographed by Vadim Fedotov, set to traditional music by Sergei Prokofiev, it tells the story of young love fighting to survive against family objections. 5 p.m. Oct. 8; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $30-$89; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Burns Court Cinemas 30th Anniversary Fundraiser

The movie theater celebrates its 30th anniversary, with the ticket price including unlimited drinks, hors d'oeuvres, prizes, raffles, games, popcorn, music, and the opportunity to choose one of three films to watch: "Much Ado About Nothing," "The King's Speech" and "Three Identical Strangers." 4 p.m. Oct. 9; Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Court, Sarasota; $50 per person; 941-955-3456; filmsociety.org

Ilya Yakushev

The New York Times said that Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev “can do just about anything he wants.” Sarasota audiences will get to hear what that means when he performs for Artist Series Concerts in a program that also features a quartet that includes Daniel Jordan, concertmaster of the Sarasota Orchestra, in a performance of the Shostakovich Piano Quintet and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” There will also be images of artwork displayed on a screen. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10; Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $30-$50; 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org

‘New York, New York’

Sarasota Orchestra’s Great Escapes series takes audiences on a trip to the Big Apple with music from Broadway, jazz, pop and more, and selections by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Scott Joplin, Leonard Bernstein and more. David Alan Miller conducts. Oct. 11-14; Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $44-$63; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org

Oktoberfest at Edelweiss

The German restaurant celebrates the holiday with an open-air beer tent, live entertainment, Oktoberfest food and beer, dancers, DJ, contests, face-painting, games and more, kicking off with a 5 p.m. Oct. 11 keg-tapping ceremony featuring the owners and the Apple Strudel Band. Oct. 11-15; Edelweiss, 611 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; 941-748-3838; facebook.com/edelweiss941

Lynne Koplitz

The comedian grew up in Sarasota prior to starting her stand-up career, including the 2017 Netflix special "Hormonal Beast." 7 p.m. Oct. 11-12 and 15, 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. Oct. 13-14; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $25; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com

‘Write, Edit, Translate, Publish!’

Kristen Renee Miller, translator of award-winning poet Marie-Andrée Gill and the editor in chief of Sarabande Books in Louisville, will read from selected works and discuss her career in this Hermitage Artist Retreat program. 6 p.m. Oct. 12; Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $5 registration required; hermitageartistretreat.org

Art Center Sarasota season opens

Four new exhibitions kick off the Art Center Sarasota season, including Randy Globus' "Personifications"; Clifford McDonald’s “Soundtrack”; Zach Gilliland’s “Agglutinated Moments” and the juried show “Storytelling: A Visual Narrative.” A series of artist talks will be held through the run of the exhibitions, Oct. 12-Nov. 11, and an opening reception is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 12; Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-365-2032; artsarasota.org

Ringling College Art Walk

All the galleries on the Ringling College campus will be open for a fall art walk. Among the shows still up through Oct. 20 are “Teaching and Learning,” a donor photography exhibition, the 2023 Annual Summer Exhibition, “Creatures, Characters and Curious Places” (a first-year student exhibit) and the 2023 Annual Faculty Exhibition. 5-8 p.m. Oct. 13; Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-359-7563; ringling.edu/galleries

Bored Teachers Comedy Tour

The school year is just getting underway, but Bored Teachers are ready to share their humorous look at the challenges and frustrations of the job in this “We Can’t Make This Stuff Up” tour. It features some of the funniest teacher-comedians around trying to ease the stress of a challenging job. 7 p.m. Oct. 13; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $35-$65; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Spyro Gyra

The 13-time Grammy-nominated jazz fusion group (whose former members include Sarasota resident Gerardo Velez) perform with the Jeremy Carter Quartet at this concert presented by Jazz Club of Sarasota. 7 p.m. Oct. 13; Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota; $60-$150, 20% discount for Jazz Club members; 941-260-9951; jazzclubsarasota.org

Driftwood

The upstate New York Americana band most recently released the 2019 album "Tree of Shade." 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show Oct. 13; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $24, $20 members, $12 students ages 13 and up; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org

'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'

Sarasota Opera's Movies at the Opera House series screens Robert Zemeckis' 1988 film, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, which won three Oscars including Best Visual Effects for its blend of live-action and animation. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $12; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org

Celtoberfest

The New World Celts and Motorworks Brewing reteam for this annual festival fusing Celtic and Bavarian culture, featuring live bands, bagpipers, vendors, food specials, steins for sale and more. Oct. 13-14; Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton; $15-$45; 941-567-6218; motorworksbrewing.com

‘Bachtoberfest’

Key Chorale undertakes one of its most ambitious projects yet with this series of four concerts over three days built around the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and featuring such guest artists as soprano Mary Wilson, trumpeter Aaron Romm, mezzo Thea Lobo, tenor Matt Morgan and bass David Tinervia. All concerts will be held at Church of the Redeemer, with the festival closing with a Biergarten experience featuring German food, beers from Calusa Brewing and Bill Milner’s Oompah Band. Oct. 13-15; Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota; $15-$200, with passes and single tickets available; 941-552-8768; keychorale.org

Sarasota Rocktoberfest

Paragon Festivals and the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association present this three-day Oktoberfest experience featuring live music, food including German dishes, and a marketplace of arts, crafts and select fine products and services. 4-10 p.m. Oct. 13, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 14, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 15; J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota; free admission; 941-487-8061; paragonfestivals.com

‘Red’

Audiences get an inside look at the artist Mark Rothko and his creative process in John Logan’s Tony Award-winning play “Red,” which opens the inaugural season of Katherine Michelle Tanner’s Tree Fort Productions Projects, inside the Crossings at Siesta Key shopping mall, with Tanner directing. Oct. 13-29; Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $40; treefortproductionsprojects.com

Halloween Notte

This Halloween event features multiple haunted houses — The Haunting of Grin Hollow, Zombie Barn and Scarecrow's Scream — as well a bounce house, rides and food. Oct. 13-15, 20-22 and 27-31; Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte; free admission, $5 parking, $15-$40 haunted house tickets, $20 maze and moon bounce tickets; 941-416-2548; halloweennotte.com

Lights at Spooky Point

The Halloween-themed light show is back for a second year, with food and beverages also available for purchase. Oct. 13-31; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey; $30 adults, $20 members, $15 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and under (guests under age 18 must be accompanied by adult ticket holder); 941-366-5731; selby.org

‘The Addams Family’

They’re creepy and they’re kooky. And they also sing in Andrew Lippa’s musical about the unusual family created by cartoonist Charles Addams who later became the subject of a TV series and several films. Katrina Ploof directs a cast headed by Randy Ronco as Gomez and Erica Jade Drew as Morticia, with Brennan Reisinger as Pugsley, Sophie Buchmeier as Wednesday and Ross Boehringer as Fester. Oct. 13-Nov. 12; Venice Theatre Raymond Center, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice; $37, $22 college students, $15 youth; 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org

Ben Prestage

The Florida-raised "Deep South Swamp Music" performer is known for his inventive approach to instrumentation, simultaneously playing multiple instruments, including the diddley bow, which earned him a Blues Music Award nomination for Instrumentalist — Other. 4 p.m. Oct. 14; Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; 941-916-9115; celticray.net

Sharktoberfest

The craft beer festival held after hours in the aquarium will feature samples from local and regional breweries, live entertainment, food stations, vendors and special experiences provided by Mote’s education department. Each guest will receive a commemorative tasting glass and branded gift bag, with a limited number of VIP tasting tickets available as well. 7-10 p.m. Oct. 14; Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; $55, $125 VIP; 941-388-4441; mote.org

Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival

The 32nd annual festival features live music, shows, pumpkins and kid's pumpkin games, Pioneer Trades Village, hayrides and pony rides, corn maze, scarecrow displays, homemade ice cream, farm roasted sweet corn, pumpkin pie, chainsaw sculpting, petting zoo, barnyard playground, arm painting, children's and big train rides, juggling, fresh produce and butterfly experience. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29; Hunsader Farms, 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton; $15 admission, $5 parking, free ages 10 and under (cash only); 941-322-2168; hunsaderfarms.com

Italian art at The Ringling

The Ringling opens two exhibitions with a focus on Italian art. In “Friar with a Gold Earring,” it explores a rare portrait by the Italian Baroque painter Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri), which the museum acquired in 2015. The exhibit features 35 works that explore the portrait by revealing the life of its sitter, Fra Bonaventura Bisi, known as Il Pittorino. The exhibit is on display Oct. 14-Jan. 7. The museum also is presenting “500 Years of Italian Drawings from the Princeton University Art Museum,” which features 95 works from the late 15th century to early 20th century. It is open Oct. 14-Jan. 21; The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; 941-359-5700; ringling.org

Friendly City Flea

The curated outdoor market of makers, musicians and creatives in downtown Bradenton features more than 70 artisan vendors, brunch/coffee/cocktails, live music and local nonprofits. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 15; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; free admission; 941-201-4950; oscura.live

Morton's Firehouse Chili Cookoff

The 23rd annual event features more than a dozen firehouses competing for the best chili, with celebrity judges, live music, raffle prizes, beer, fun for the kids and more, with proceeds benefiting the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund. 1:45-5 p.m. Oct. 15; Morton's Gourmet Market, 1924 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; free admission, $10 to sample all chili; 941-955-9856; mortonsmarket.com

Blair Crimmins and the Hookers

The multi-instrumentalist plays guitar, banjo and piano and writes songs and arrangements for a New Orleans-style horn section consisting of trumpet, clarinet and trombone. 6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show Oct. 15; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $22, $18 members, $11 students ages 13 and up; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org

James Suggs and Friends

Jazz Club of Sarasota's Monday Night Jazz Cabaret series continues with trumpeter James Suggs and musician friends. 6:30 p.m. doors, dinner/drinks, 7:30 p.m. show Oct. 16; John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota; $34-$39; 941-260-9951; jazzclubsarasota.org

Singer Joseph Parris

The bass-baritone Joseph Parrish joins pianist Joseph Holt for an Artist Series Concerts dinner program. Parrish has performed in major opera houses and concert halls. He was the winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International auditions. His program will include traditional spirituals, opera arias and Broadway songs. Holt is the former director of artistic programs for Artist Series and the artistic director Choral Artists of Sarasota. 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18; Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice; $78; 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org

Once an Outlaw

The Sarasota-raised Chris Anderson, a former member of the Tampa-formed Southern rock band the Outlaws ("There Goes Another Love Song," "Green Grass & High Tides") fronts this group. 7 p.m. Oct. 18; Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; $15, $200 VIP table for eight; 941-371-2939; bigtopbrewing.com

The Bay Turns One

Downtown Sarasota park The Bay celebrates its one-year anniversary with a five-day schedule of events such as a concert by former Journey lead singer Steve Augeri, a multicultural festival, and Boo! at the Bay. Oct. 18-22; The Bay Park, 655 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; free; thebayturnsone.org

‘Let’s Murder Marsha’

Marsha is a happy housewife who loves reading murder mysteries, but all that reading is going to her head. In Monk Ferris’ comical mystery, Marsha overhears her husband planning a birthday surprise with an interior decorator, but Marsha gets mixed signals and thinks they’re cooking up a plot to kill her. Oct. 18-Nov. 5; Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood; $25, $20 students; 941-474-9610; lemonbayplayhouse.com

‘Nature’s Voice’

Diane Cook, author of such works as “The New Wilderness” and “Man V. Nature,” joins with vocalist Carmina Escobar, who finds inspiration from the natural world, for this Hermitage Artist Retreat program as they touch on the connection between art and nature. 6 p.m. Oct. 19; Conservation Foundation’s Bay Preserve, 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey; $5 registration required; hermitageartistretreat.org

Bryan Martin

The country singer released the album "Poets & Old Souls" earlier this year, featuring tracks such as "We Ride," which currently has more than 60 million plays on Spotify and was recently named one of 7 Must-Hear New Country Songs by Billboard. 6 p.m. Oct. 19; Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; $20; 941-371-2939; bigtopbrewing.com

‘Newsies’

Extra! Extra! The newsboys are clashing with their publishers once again in the lively Tony Award-winning musical, which features a score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. This production features a young cast that are part of the Rise Above Arts program and it is directed with Broadway star and Tony nominee Kerry Butler, who was featured in the original casts of “Hairspray” and “Xanadu,” among other shows. The cast is led by Joseph Tricarico as Jack Kelly. Oct. 19-29; Rise Above Performing Arts, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Suite 1105; $25-$35; 941-702-4747; riseabovearts.com

‘The Rocky Horror Show’

The musical many know from a film version showed at special midnight screenings comes to the Manatee Performing Arts Center for the first time, live on stage, with the couple Brad and Janet getting tangled up with some experiments led by the off-kilter mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Oct. 19-31; Manatee Performing Arts Center Kiwanis Studio Theatre, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; $27; 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com

La Dame Blanche White Hot Fete

The Ringling kicks off the cultural arts season and its own Art of Performance series with a big party in the courtyard featuring La Dame Blanche with DJ Moses Belanger. It’s a white party with neo-Latin and techno dance music. Food and drinks are available for purchase with general admission tickets and are included in VIP tickets. 7 p.m. Oct. 20; The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $35, $31.50 members, $125 VIP; 941-360-7399; ringling.org

Ellis Paul

The Maine-born singer-songwriter's music has appeared in fellow New Englanders the Farrelly brothers' films, including his track "The World Ain't Slowin' Down" in 2000's "Me, Myself & Irene." 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show Oct. 20; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $24, $20 members, $12 students ages 13 and up; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org

Nick Carter

After headlining both Tampa's Amalie Arena and MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre with the Backstreet Boys last year, Nick Carter — raised in the Tampa Bay area himself — returns to the area to play the considerably more intimate Van Wezel on his solo tour. 8 p.m. Oct. 20; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $55-$110; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Sun Fiesta

The annual event sponsored and organized by, and raising funds for, Women's Sertoma Club of Venice features live music and entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, a bed race and more. Oct. 20-22; Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice; free admission; womenssertoma.com/sun-fiesta

Back to Angola Festival

The festival honoring the Angola maroon (escaped slave) community that lived by Manatee Mineral Springs Park from 1812 to 1821 will feature discussions with historians, archaeologists and descendants; basket weaving and wood carving demonstrations; music; costume workshop; and native Bahamian dishes such as conch fritters, conch salad and fried fish. Oct 20-22; Manatee Mineral Springs Park, 1312 Second Ave. E., Bradenton; free admission; 941-933-0430; eventbrite.com

Sarasota Ballet: ‘Progression in Rep’

The Sarasota Ballet opens a new season with a world premiere by Gemma Bond, set to music by Alberto Ginastera, on a program with Frederick Ashton’s “Varii Capricci” and Johan Kobborg’s “Salute.” A year ago, the company presented another Bond premiere called “Excursions.” Sarasota Ballet helped save “Varii Capricci,” described as a self-parody of the Royal Ballet’s traditions. And Kobborg’s “Salute” is a humorous piece about soldiers going off to war and the women they leave behind. Oct. 20-22; FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $40-$125; 941-359-0099; sarasotaballet.org

‘Winter Flowers’

Lily Rusek’s play deals with the challenges faced by Delphie, a woman who has spent most of her life caring for her adult younger sister, who has the mental ability of a child. But Delphie has some health challenges of her own and must determine how best to care for Rosie, while she still has time, even though the sister refuses to leave their family home. Oct. 20-29; Players Studio Black Box Theatre, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 200, Sarasota; $27; 941-365-2494; theplayers.org

‘The Sound Inside’

Urbanite Theatre opens its 10th season with the regional premiere of Adam Rapp’s recent Broadway drama about the relationship between a Yale University creative writing professor and one of her brilliant students, and a request that challenges their bond and his abilities. Kristin Clippard directs a production that features Vicki Daignault. Oct. 20-Dec. 3; Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St., Sarasota; $42, $28 under age 40, $5 students; 941-321-1397; urbanitetheatre.com

Taste of North Port Food & Fall Fest

The event features vendors, arts and crafts, food trucks and more, with a children's costume contest for ages 12 and under. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 21; North Port City Hall Center Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port; free admission

Sarasota Pride

Local LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Project Pride SRQ presents this festival featuring live entertainment including Thorgy Thor of "RuPaul's Drag Race" fame, food and beverage village, community resource fair, art and craft vendors and Community Pride Bike Rally. Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 21; Boulevard of the Arts and Florida Avenue, Sarasota; ppsrq.org

Big Mama’s Collard Greens Festival

The seventh annual festival features a collard greens cookoff, as well as soul food cuisine from local chefs and vendors. Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 21; Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers St., Sarasota; newtownnation.com

Water Lantern Festival

Design and launch a water lantern at this festival that also features food trucks, music and other fun. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 21; Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota; $35.99-$55.99; waterlanternfestival.com/sarasota.php

‘London Calling’

Sarasota Orchestra launches a new season of its Discoveries concerts, roughly hour-long programs that provide a bit more connection between the conductor, musicians and the audience. Conductor Nicholas McGegan leads this program that features Richard Strauss’ Serenade, Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro for String Quartet and Strings, and Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 (London). 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $35-$79; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org

St. Armands Fall Festival of the Arts

Artisans from Florida and beyond will showcase original works in mediums including painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 21-22; St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; free admission; 941-487-8061; paragonfestivals.com

Fall Festival at University Town Center

The third annual fall fest will feature carnival rides, pumpkin patch, trunk or treat (4-6 p.m. Oct. 22), pet costume contest, community performances, food and beer trucks, fall-themed activities and photo stops and more. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 21-22; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; free admission; 727-674-1464; floridapenguinproductions.com

Hungarian Festival

The 17th annual festival features traditional Hungarian cuisine, live music and entertainment, kids' corner, games, rides, shows, exhibits and arts and crafts. Oct. 21-22; Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; 941-320-8253; hungarianfestivalsarasota.com

Tour de North Port

The 12th annual bicycle ride among pine flatwoods forests offers on-road routes of either 15, 35 or 65 miles, with each route having its own color-coded road markings. 7 a.m. Oct. 22; Imagine School, 2757 Sycamore St., North Port; $50 per rider, $55 day of, $10 under age 10, $45 each groups of six or more; runsignup.com/Race/FL/NorthPort/TourdeNorthPort

Sebastian Maniscalco

One of today's most popular stand-up comedians, Sebastian Maniscalco visits Van Wezel for two shows shortly after his first starring role in a film, "About My Father." 5 and 8 p.m. Oct. 22; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; both shows sold out as of press time; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Hard Heart Burlesque

Hard Heart celebrates Halloween, their favorite time of the year, with "some of the most enchanting glamour ghouls, spooky side show surprises, and haunting vocalists that the state of Florida has to offer." 8 p.m. Oct. 22; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $37; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com

Juana Valdés: Embodied Memories, Ancestral Histories

Cuban-born artist Juana Valdés has been turning her ideas, thoughts and feelings into works of art that are anchored in stories, often from her own personal experiences. The Sarasota Art Museum opens an exhibit that allows Valdés to explore her Caribbean identity, her Cuban roots and her African ancestry. Oct. 22-Feb. 11; Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org

‘Contemporary/Traditional’

Over the years, Richard and Barbara Basch have built an impressive collection of glass work. In this new exhibit, the Sarasota Art Museum will be displaying contemporary glass art from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It will feature more than 20 works from some of the world’s leading glass artists. Oct. 22-Feb. 11; Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org

‘Beyond the Veil’

ensembleNEWSRQ begins its eighth season with an assortment of haunting works for string quartet and piano representing some of the newest voices in contemporary classical music. It features works by Nia Imani Franklin, Julia Adolphe, Chris Rogerson and Philippe Manoury. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23; First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota; $25, $10 livestream; ensrq.org

Trick or Treat on the Lake

Nathan Benderson Park once again hosts this early trick-or-treating event along a candy trail with not-too-spooky themed booths decorated by community organizations. There will also be an area for interactive play, storytelling, live music and a Halloween movie playing on a large video screen. 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 26; Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota; free admission, $10 parking per vehicle; 941-358-7275; nathanbendersonpark.org

Andrew Dice Clay

The comedian rose to fame with his deliberately offensive "The Diceman" persona in the '80s and '90s, becoming the first stand-up comic to sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row. He still performs stand-up today, as well as acting, appearing recently in the Oscar-winning film "A Star is Born" and Emmy-nominated miniseries "Pam & Tommy." 7 p.m. Oct. 26-27; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $123; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com

‘The Drowsy Chaperone’

The Manatee Players stage a new production of this hit musical about a lonely, musical-loving man, who plays a recording of his favorite old musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” which suddenly comes to life inside his small apartment. Cory Boyas directs a cast that includes some longtime Manatee Players performers such as Rodd Dyer as the Man in the Chair, Sarah Yonko as Janet van de Graafff and Ellen Kleinschmidt as Mrs. Tottendale. Oct. 26-Nov. 5; Manatee Players, Stone Hall, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; $38; 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com

‘Siddhartha: A Hermitage Collaboration of Words and Music’

Herman Hesse’s iconic work “Siddhartha” about the search for the meaning of life and spiritual fulfillment provides the inspiration for a Hermitage Artist Retreat collaboration between poet Melissa Studdard and Grammy-nominated composer Christopher Theofanidis. They will present an early sharing of an oratorio they are creating together. 6 p.m. Oct. 27; Hermitage Artist Retreat beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood; $5 registration fee; hermitageartistretreat.org

BooFest

The family-friendly Halloween event on Lakewood Ranch's Main Street features entertainment, food and drink vendors and more, with children encouraged to bring trick-or-treat bags to collect the treats given out by merchants and sponsors, and to dress up for a children's costume parade. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 27; Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton; free; lakewoodranch.com

'The Addams Family'

Sarasota Opera's Movies at the Opera House series concludes with a Halloween season-suitable screening of the Oscar-nominated 1991 film starring Anjelica Huston, Raúl Juliá, Christina Ricci and Christopher Lloyd. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $12; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org

‘Star Wars: A New Hope’

You can probably already hear John Williams’ music in your head. In this special event, the Sarasota Orchestra plays Williams’ score to the original “Star Wars” movie that introduced audiences to a battle of forces in a galaxy far, far away. The music will be played live during a screening of the film (now Chapter 4 in the series.) 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27-28; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $49-$110; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org

‘Pickleball’

Playwright Jeff Daniels (yes, the famous actor), taps into the national obsession with this screwball comedy about the game that has swept the country. Ric Goodwin directs a cast that includes such familiar actors as Joseph Giglia, Lynne Doyle and Neil Kasanofsky, among others. Oct. 27-Nov. 19; Venice Theatre, Pinkerton Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice; $35, $22 college students, $15 youth; 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org

Sarasota Dog-A-Ween Costume Contest

The 16th annual dog costume contest and parade benefits the Donte’s Den Foundation. 9 a.m. check-in, 10 a.m. parade, 10:15 a.m. contest Oct. 28; Sarasota Farmers Market, Lemon Avenue and Main Street, Sarasota; $15 pre-registration fee; destinationdowntownsarasota.com

Jaguar Festival d’Elegance

The annual festival attracts Jaguar automobiles, including antiques, current classics and modified prototypes, with Jaguar owners encouraged to register and participating vehicles awarded in a variety of classes. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 28; St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; free admission; suncoastjaguarclub.com

Haunted Mansion Party

Downtown Sarasota's Sage, a restaurant and rooftop bar housed in the historic Sarasota Times building, will be transformed into a haunted mansion with two floors of entertainment, cash bar, photo booth, costume contest with cash and prizes up to $500, live DJ, and passed hors d'oeuvres. VIP tickets include exclusive rooftop access, a buffet crafted by Sage's culinary team, two complimentary drink tickets and more. 5 p.m. Oct. 28; Sage, 1216 First St., Sarasota; $50, $150 VIP (21-and-up only); 941-445-5660; sagesrq.com

Drag Queen Bingo Extravaganza

Tamiami Trails and special guest stars perform at this variety show that also includes three games of bingo called throughout the show. 8 p.m. Oct. 29; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $25; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com

Artist Series salon

Cellist Amit Peled is joined by Solomon Eichner for this Artist Series Concerts salon. The New York Times has said Peled has “a glowing tone, a seductive timbre and an emotionally pointed approach to phrasing that made you want to hear him again.” The two artists will be performing a variety of music by American composers. 4 p.m. Oct. 29-30; Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota; $60; 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org

Halloween on S. Lime Ave.

Artists Dave Gordon and Elln Hagney of Enlightened Monkey Arts transform their yard and home into a free, family-friendly Halloween experience once again, this year offering a mass wedding-inspired walkabout with multiple distinct haunted areas for guests to enjoy and features, projection mapping, custom-made animatronics, special effects, games, interactives, a scavenger hunt and more. 7-10 p.m. Oct. 30-31; 133 S. Lime Ave., Sarasota; free, donations encouraged; enlightenedmonkeyarts.com

Siesta Key Safe Treats

The annual Halloween event features trick-and-treating, with participating members displaying festive balloons. 3-6 p.m. Oct. 31; Siesta Key; free; 941-349-3800; siestakeychamber.com

Children's Halloween Parade

The annual Halloween event starts at 4:30 p.m. in Centennial Park, with the parade down West Venice Avenue beginning promptly at 5 p.m. and more than 500 children expected to receive candy treats. Following the brief parade, children will be free to trick-or-treat for more goodies at participating locations along the avenues. 4:30-6 p.m. Oct. 31; Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice; 941-484-6722; visitvenicefl.org

Fright Night on St. Armands Circle

The 15th annual Halloween event features decorated storefronts and frightening characters as well as trick-or-treating, with numerous retailers and restaurants offering candy, games and customized promotions. 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 31; St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; free; 941-388-1554; starmandscircleassoc.com

Continuing

Florida Studio Theatre

“Up on the Roof,” which runs through Feb. 4, is the recently opened cabaret revue that features highlights of the creative output of songwriters working in the iconic Brill Building, like Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Burt Bacharach, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. And the FST Children’s Theatre production of “The Velveteen Rabbit,” which kicks off a new season of productions aimed at young audiences, continues through Oct. 15. Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org

‘Peter Pan’

A new adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic story about the boy who did not want to grow up is being presented by the Dingbat Theatre Project. It is an immersive production that has been inspired by Brechtian and story theater techniques. Luke Manual McFatrich directs and designs the scenery. Gretchen Beaumier plays Peter Pan, Kim Kollar is Mrs. Darling and Captain Hook, Liz Pascoe plays Wendy and McFatrich plays Tinker Bell. Through Oct. 15; Loveland Center Performing Arts Theatre, 157 S. Havana Road, Venice; $12-$40; dingbattheatre.org

‘Ruthless’

The Players presents the Off-Broadway and cult favorite musical about an 8-year-old girl who is willing to kill to become a theater star, even as her mother tries to give her a normal childhood. This musical is described as a cross between “Gypsy” and “The Bad Seed.” Through Oct. 15; The Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota; $30, $13 students ages 24 and younger; 941-365-2494; theplayers.org

‘Reefer Madness’

A campy and subversive musical that pokes fun at the 1936 cult favorite film that warned of the dangers of marijuana returns with a cast of familiar performers including Jason Ellis, Caitlin Ellis, Patrick Mounce, Vera Samuels and Steven O’Dea. Through Oct. 8; Venice Theatre’s Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice; $37, $22 college students, $15 youth (who must be at least 18); 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org

Ringling Museum

In addition to new shows, continuing Ringling exhibits include “Lorna Bieber: Natural World,” featuring work built on the principles of appropriating, recycling and manipulating imagery, through Oct. 15 in the Monda Gallery; “Art Deco Lacquer and Textiles from Japan” continues through Oct. 22 in the Chao Gallery; and “As long as there is sun, as long as there is light. Selections from the Bring Gift and The Ringling Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art” continues through Jan. 7 in the Searing Wing; The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; 941-360-7399; ringling.org

Sarasota Art Museum

At the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College, work by multimedia artist Chakaia Booker, who manipulates unconventional materials into new compositions, is on display in “Surface Pressure” through Oct. 29. The installation “Reassembling Spilt Light” by multimedia artist Carlos Bunga also runs through Oct. 29. Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org

Farmers markets for Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties

Sarasota Farmers Market

The year-round market in downtown Sarasota features vendors selling produce, plants, artisan goods, and food and drink, also featuring live music and other entertainment. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays; 1 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota; sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Venice Farmers Market

The year-round market features farm, food-related, artisan and greenery vendors. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays October-March, 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays April-September; 401 W. Venice Ave., Venice; thevenicefarmersmarket.org

Downtown Bradenton Public Market

The market on downtown Bradenton's Old Main Street features fresh produce, local art, music, local chef demonstrations and free family activities. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays October-May; Old Main Street, Bradenton; realizebradenton.com/public-market

Newtown Farmers Market

The market offers fresh local produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, and other goods. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and first and third Fridays; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota; newtownnation.com

Siesta Key Farmers Market

The market located in Siesta Village features fresh produce, art, clothing and more. 8 a.m.-noon Sundays; 5124 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key; facebook.com/siestakeyfarmersmarket

Fresh Harvest Farmers Market

The Downtown Wellen farmers market features nearly 40 different vendor booths offering locally grown and produced food including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages, as well as a limited selection of craft vendors. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays; Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice; wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market

Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch

The year-round market features more than 100 local vendors offering organic produce, flowers, specialty spices/rubs, honey, bread and other baked goods, prepared foods, pet products, jewelry and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays; 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch; themarketlwr.com

Phillippi Farmhouse Market

The mid-week market offers local produce and plants, prepared foods, specialty and sustainable items, and Florida agriculturally-related products. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays October-April; Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; farmhousemarket.org

Englewood Farmers Market

The market features local and organic fresh produce, baked goods, meats, seafood, dairy, plants, herbs, prepared foods, honey, syrups, sauces, salsa and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays October-May; 335 W. Dearborn St., Englewood; englewoodfarmersmarket.org

Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Follow Jay Handelman on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Contact him at jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Fun Sarasota Bradenton Venice Charlotte things to do, events October