Fall Festivities, Public Forums, and Halloween Happenings Fill Manatee County’s Final Full Week of October
Manatee County is alive with activity this week — from civic engagement and live theater to harvest celebrations, rodeo excitement, and Halloween fun. Between October 20–27, residents will find opportunities to connect with local leaders, enjoy outdoor festivals, and celebrate the season.
🏛️ County & City Engagements
Speak With Your Commissioner — Jason Bearden (District 6, At-Large)
Commissioner Jason Bearden will host a community conversation on Wednesday, October 22, from 6–8 p.m. at the South Manatee Branch Library (6081 26th St. W., Bradenton). The session invites residents to share questions, feedback, and concerns directly with their at-large county representative in an informal setting.
City of Bradenton – Fire Station 2 Open House
Also on October 22, the City of Bradenton will celebrate the grand opening of its new Fire Station 2 at 2233 Manatee Ave. E. The free, family-friendly event runs from 5:30–7:30 p.m. and includes Touch-a-Truck activities, a Little Heroes costume contest, refreshments, giveaways, and city project displays.
🎃 Family Fun & Fall Festivals
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
The annual Pumpkin Festival continues October 18–19 and 25–26 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5–9, and free for children under 5. Parking is $5 (cash only). Enjoy hayrides, craft vendors, pumpkin picking, and live entertainment.
Dakin Dairy Harvest Festival
Dakin Dairy Farms in Myakka City (30771 Betts Rd.) hosts its Harvest Festival October 25–26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., featuring a corn maze, petting area, live music, and pumpkin cannon. Admission is $20 for adults, and children 5 and under are free.
Palmetto Marriott Fall Festival
The Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa invites families to its first-ever Fall Festival on Saturday, October 25, from 2:30–6:30 p.m. Festivities include trunk-or-treating, games, music, and entertainment, all free to attend.
MCSO Spooktactical Night
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office hosts its annual Spooktactical Night on Thursday, October 23, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at its Operations Center (600 301 Blvd. W, Bradenton). Families can enjoy trick-or-treating, unit demos, food trucks, and free hot dogs and water while supplies last.
Halloween at the Market
Downtown Bradenton’s Public Market (Old Main St.) gets a spooky twist on Saturday, October 25, starting at 9 a.m.with trick-or-treating, kids’ activities, and live music.
🎭 Arts & Entertainment
Manatee Performing Arts Center
Two dynamic shows are running concurrently:
“Misery” – the chilling stage adaptation of Stephen King’s thriller continues through November 2.
“Hello, Dolly!” – the Broadway favorite opens October 23, bringing humor and heart through November 2.
Tickets available at tickets.flculturalgroup.org.
UCW Wrestling: Masters of the Universe
Live professional wrestling comes to Bradenton with UCW’s Masters of the Universe on Saturday, October 25, promising high-energy matches and themed entertainment. Tickets at ucwverse.com.
Fiorelli Winery’s “Music in the Vines”
Enjoy wine, sunshine, and live local music in East Manatee. On Saturday, October 25, Santiago’s Solo Soundsperforms from 1–5 p.m., followed by Sara Nelms on Sunday, October 26.
🌊 Community & Outdoor Events
Suncoast Aqua Ventures – Reef & Beach Cleanup
Help preserve local waterways during the 9th Annual Reef & Beach Cleanup on Saturday, October 25, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., at Sea Breeze Park (55 Horseshoe Loop Rd., Terra Ceia). Volunteers receive supplies, T-shirts (while supplies last), and can enjoy raffles, food trucks, and family fun.
October Cemetery Tours
Manatee County’s historic cemetery tours return Saturday, October 25, with free guided sessions at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Space is limited to 30 participants per tour on a first-come, first-served basis.
🐴 Big Shows & Fundraisers
Manatee Pro Rodeo – Fairgrounds, Palmetto
Rodeo fans can catch all the action October 24–25 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds (1402 14th Ave. W.). Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. VIP seating and weekend passes are available at manateeprorodeo.com.
Foxbrook Car Show – Parrish United Methodist Church
The Foxbrook Car Show benefits the Suncoast Blood Center on Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Forty trophies will be awarded, including Best of Show and People’s Choice. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations.
Pour for a Cause – Flamingo Bay Brewing
On Saturday, October 25, from 12–4 p.m., Flamingo Bay Brewing (1910 14th St. W., Bradenton) hosts a beer-tasting fundraiser for the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s. Tickets are $35 and include tastings, music by the Divebombers, and food truck fare.
From local leadership and volunteerism to rodeo thrills and harvest fun, Manatee County offers a full lineup of events that capture the spirit of fall and community connection.