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Welcome to Fall in Sarasota
Sarasota might not have changing leaves, but it makes up for it with sunsets that light up the sky in brilliant reds, oranges and golds.
With warm, sunny days and cooler evenings, fall invites you to slow down and enjoy the best of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Balmy days make for prime golfing at one of our championship courses, or fishing, kayaking or just enjoying the sea breeze on our award-winning beaches. Dine al fresco at waterfront restaurants or charming downtown cafés. Stroll through open-air shopping districts like St. Armands Circle and University Town Center, where you’ll find boutiques, galleries and local treasures.
During the evening, enjoy stunning sunsets over the water, or head to a festive local event celebrating food, art, music and the vibrant culture of Florida’s Cultural Coast®.
Things to Do During the Fall in Sarasota
Fall Outdoor Activities
While fall may not be the first season that comes to mind when planning a beach vacation, it might just be the perfect one. Cooler temperatures on land and at sea, fewer thunderstorms and less-crowded beaches are just a few of the perks of a fall getaway to Sarasota. Stroll the quartz-crystal sand of Siesta Beach, recently named #1 Best Beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ Awards, or hunt shark teeth at the world-famous Venice Beach. Enjoy a canvas-worthy sunset at the secluded Stump Pass Beach on Manasota Key. As you explore Sarasota’s beaches, unlock the Beach Pass to earn exclusive prizes!
Other outdoor activities benefit from fall’s moderate temps. Take a free kayak tour with experienced guides at The Bay, or book a nighttime paddleboarding tour — illuminated by brightly colored underwater lights — on the Bay or Gulf with Sarasota Paddleboard Company.
Fall is prime time for birding in Sarasota. Sarasota Audubon Society’s Nature Center is located in the heart of the Celery Fields — the county’s premier bird-watching destination. Spot tree swallows and barn swallows, European starlings, palm warblers, belted kingfishers and sharp-eyed bird-watchers may note a broad-winged hawk or white-winged dove passing through.
Arts & Culture
Fall marks the beginning of Sarasota’s renowned performing arts season — in fact, it’s practically a county-wide holiday! Venice Theatre’s season starts in late August, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has shows beginning in October and Asolo Repertory Theatre’s “Hope, Heart & Rock n’ Roll” season begins in November.
Key Chorale’s 41st concert season offers a royal beginning in late September, while the Venice Symphony features a not-so-scary start to the season with “A Symphonic Spooktacular” in October. The Sarasota Orchestra — the oldest continuously operating orchestra in the state — offers concerts beginning in September, and the Pops Orchestra kicks off its 50th season with “Hocus Pocus Pops” in late October.
Sarasota Opera’s annual Food & Wine Festival in late September brings a variety of local eateries to the opera, each offering tasty food samples and wine tastings — all benefiting the nationally recognized Sarasota Youth Opera.
Sarasota Fall Events
Sarasota Fall Festivals
Celebrate all things fall at one of Sarasota’s family-friendly fall festivals. The Sarasota Fall Carnival at the University Town Center features classic carnival rides and games, plus local food trucks and deep-fried favorites (think funnel cakes and fried Oreos). In Downtown Sarasota, attend ROCKtoberfest — three days of free live music, local vendors, delicious food and craft beverages.
Looking for more Oktoberfest celebrations? Nathan Benderson Park hosts Oktoberfest – a Day of Oars & Pours, where every member of the family can enjoy classic German fare, music and refreshing beers while watching the Benderson Chase regatta on the lake. The Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa’s Oktoberfest offers two days of cold beer, authentic German food from Geier’s Sausages and live music all weekend.
Or maybe you’re searching for pumpkin patches in Sarasota. Yes, they’re a thing — and we even have pumpkin festivals! Hunsader Farms’ Pumpkin Festival is practically a fall institution, with a craft show, live music, kids pumpkin games, scarecrow displays, a petting zoo and more. At Fruitville Grove, the annual Pumpkin Festival features rides and activities, bounce houses, pumpkin painting, a rock wall — and a walk-through haunted house with live scare actors.
Halloween Events
Get in the Halloween spirit at both family-friendly and adults-only events. Fright Night on St. Armands Circle transforms the area from relaxing island vacation to frightfully fun Halloween. Families can trick-or-treat at retailers and restaurants throughout the circle — and you never know which Halloween character might be hiding around the corner! The Selby Gardens Historic Spanish Point campus glimmers with colorful lights, ghoulish creations and delightfully eerie decorations during Lights at Spooky Point. And did you know Sarasota’s untold history might include a few skeletons in the closet? Learn about famous murders, haunted buildings and unsolved crimes during a Haunted Sarasota Trolley Tour.
Fall Weather in Sarasota
The ocean breeze feels a little cooler during the fall, sometimes even reaching lows of 57.7° F (14.3 °C). However, the golden Florida sunshine still warms the sand — and the water. This shoulder season is perfect for outside activities, community events and local markets. From Labor Day weekend into early December, enjoy the great outdoors, including cooler water temps. We recommend packing beachwear and light layers for sunny afternoons, plus a sweater or jacket for chilly mornings and evenings.
