October in Sarasota: the return of the cultural & events season
There are a variety of events to enjoy, from immersive exhibitions and fine art festivals to beloved community traditions and Halloween celebrations. Whether you're interested in orchids, outdoor performances, live rock bands on the bayfront, captivating opera, or a parade of dogs in costumes, Sarasota has something for everyone in the Fall.
Cultural Highlights
The Orchid Show 2025: Rebecca Louise Law
October 11 – December 7 | Selby Gardens, downtown campus.
More info: https://selby.org/dsc/dsc-exhibitions/the-orchid-show-2025-rebecca-louise-law/
Bijayini Satpathy: Dohā
October 18–19 | Ringling's Historic Asolo Theater.
A dazzling dance performance that launches the season.
More info: https://www.ringling.org/explore/art-of-performance/
St. Armands Fall Fine Art Festival
October 18–19 | St. Armands Circle
An outdoor showcase of fine art, crafts, and jewelry.
More info: https://www.paragonfestivals.com/festival/st-armands-fine-art-festival-2/
Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens
October 23 | Selby Gardens, downtown campus
An evening of music and performance in the gardens.
More info: https://hermitageartistretreat.org/hermitage-sunsets-selby-gardens-2025-2026-dates/
Sarasota Ballet: Program One
Relative Works | October 25 – 27, 2024 | FSU Center for the Performing Arts
Napoli Act III | Choreography by Johan Kobborg | Music by Edvard Helsted and Holger Simon Paulli
Amorosa | Choreography by Ricardo Graziano | Music by Antonio Vivaldi
A Time of Beauty (World Premiere) | Choreography by Jessica Lang | Music by George Frideric Handel
More info: https://www.sarasotaballet.org/productions/p1-relative-works/
Sarasota Opera: Fall Season Opens
October 31 - November 15 | Sarasota Opera House
The opening night of Sarasota Opera's fall productions. Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte. More info: https://www.sarasotaopera.org/
Community favorites add even more excitement to the month of October.
Lights at Spooky Point
October 3 - November 1. Select evenings in October | Selby Gardens, Historic Spanish Point, Osprey
A Halloween light spectacular transforms the historic gardens into a glowing, family-friendly nighttime adventure. More info.: https://selby.org/hsp/hsp-special-events/lights-at-spooky-point/
ROCKtoberfest Sarasota
October 17–19 | JD Hamel Park
Celebrating its fifth year, this free bayfront festival features high-energy rock music, a lively German beer garden, authentic food, and artisan vendors.
More info: https://destinationdowntownsarasota.com/rocktoberfest/
Dog-A-Ween Costume Contest & Parade
October 25 | Sarasota Farmers Market, downtown
A family favorite! Registration begins at 9:00 AM, with the parade and costume contest starting at 10:00 AM. More info.: destinationdowntownsarasota.com/sarasota-dog-a-ween-costume-contest
With numerous ways to celebrate—from world-class performances to community festivals—October truly marks the beginning of Sarasota's cultural season.
