Manatee County Celebrates a Week of Fall Festivals, Community Events, and Coastal Flavors
Manatee County is buzzing with events this week as Halloween festivities transition into a full lineup of cultural, community, and charitable gatherings from October 27 through November 3, 2025. Residents can enjoy everything from haunted happenings and live theater to groundbreaking ceremonies and charity dinners.
Tuesday, October 28
The Manatee County Transit Division hosts a Transit Operator Job Fair from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 2411 Tallevast Road, Sarasota. CDL training is provided for new hires.
Later that day, island vibes take over the Manatee Performing Arts Center (MPAC) with The Aquaholics Band, performing two Jimmy Buffett-inspired shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 30
The State College of Florida will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Parrish Campus on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
The same day, the Manatee Tiger Bay Club will hold a luncheon at MPAC featuring Commissioner Amanda Ballard and community leaders discussing affordable and workforce housing.
In the evening, Palma Sola Botanical Park offers “Sssnakes of Southwest Florida,” an educational and family-friendly seminar exploring the region’s native reptiles.
The evening also brings music and Halloween magic to the Riverview Performing Arts Center, where The Pops Orchestra presents a Hocus Pocus Concert featuring spooky favorites such as Thriller and Ghostbusters.
Friday, October 31 – Halloween
Downtown Bradenton comes alive with the Bradenton Alive Halloween Block Party from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. on Old Main Street, complete with food trucks, live music, and costumes.
Families can also stop by the Manatee Crime Stoppers Safe Kids Night at the Manatee County Fairgrounds Mosaic Arena from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. for a safe trick-or-treating experience.
Saturday, November 1
The 27th Annual Manatee County Stand Down takes place from 8 a.m. – noon at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto. The free event connects veterans and community members to critical services such as healthcare screenings, career resources, and legal aid.
Also that morning, anglers will cast off in the Redfish Spot Tournament in Cortez Village to benefit the Children’s Coalition of Sarasota/Manatee Counties and the CCA Redfish Stock Enrichment Program.
Sunday, November 2
Anna Maria Oyster Bar Landside will host the Crustacean Dinner, a five-course coastal seafood fundraiser benefiting the Dive Into Reading summer literacy program. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes live music, raffles, and wine pairings.
Monday, November 3
The week concludes with the Manatee Police Athletic League’s 15th Annual Golf Classic at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club in Sarasota. The tournament begins at 11:30 a.m. to support PAL’s youth mentoring and athletic programs.
Continuing Performances
At the Manatee Performing Arts Center, audiences can still catch two productions running through November 2: the suspenseful thriller Misery and the beloved musical Hello, Dolly!—both featuring MPAC’s talented volunteer performers.
From civic engagement to live entertainment, Manatee County’s weeklong lineup showcases the best of community spirit, fall fun, and local generosity.