On Siesta Key, Halloween is more than a one-day celebration.

October brings a month of fall fun, from creative scarecrows and trick-or-treating on the Key to festivals, costumes and spooky nighttime adventures nearby. With cooler weather arriving and the holiday season approaching, there are plenty of ways for children, families and adults to get into the Halloween spirit.

Siesta Key celebrates 

Scarecrows

Once again, the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce is presenting the Siesta Key Scarecrow Stroll. The monthlong, family-friendly seasonal event returns for its second year.

Local businesses are invited to create homemade scarecrows to adorn Siesta Key storefronts, putting the Key in the fall and Halloween spirit.

“The displays are meant to encourage everyone to come out to the Key to enjoy our shops and restaurants as the fall and holiday season kicks off,” said Sarah Firstenberger, CEO of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

Businesses are encouraged to create their most imaginative scarecrows and incorporate their wares into the designs, creating plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Everyone can get in on the fun by casting an online vote on the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce website for a favorite scarecrow. After Halloween, the chamber will tally the votes and announce the winner on its website and Facebook page.

Last year, Lenny’z Pizza on Midnight Pass Road took the top prize. Who will earn the honors this year?

Turtle Beach campers

The12th annual Turtle Beach Campground Family Fall Fest will be held Oct. 23-25. Campers can enjoy a weekend filled with family-friendly activities.

Campsite availability is limited. Reserve a spot by calling the Turtle Beach Campground office at 941-861-2267 or emailing turtlebeachcampground@scgov.net.

Trick-or-treating with Safe Treats

This Halloween, Siesta Key will once again welcome little ghosts and goblins and their families for an afternoon of trick-or-treating.

The free 41st annual Safe Treats event will run from 4 to 6 p.m. on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31.

Local businesses are encouraged to sign up with the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce to participate in the longstanding Siesta Key Halloween tradition. There is no fee for businesses to register, and families do not need to register.

All participating Safe Treats businesses will be listed on the chamber’s website. Businesses displaying the official 2026 Safe Treats sign will have Halloween treats available for children.

Parents are reminded that the free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley provides an easy way to travel with trick-or-treaters and visit participating businesses up and down the Key.

“This free Siesta Key community event provides a safe venue for children to trick-or-treat, and it will be a fun afternoon for the entire family,” Firstenberger said.

Visit the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce website for more information.

Just off the Key

Phillippi Estate Park

Adults can get in on the Halloween fun, too, during the fourth annual Witches Night Out, from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Phillippi Estate Park. The event is presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.

For the evening, the Edson Keith Mansion will be transformed into a magical witch’s home.

Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite witch or wizard attire and enjoy a spirited evening. A costume contest with cash prizes for best costume, most enchanted hat and best-dressed coven will be among the highlights.

A live DJ will spin witchy tunes for dancing, and a photo booth will be available to capture memories. The Witch’s Mart will feature seasonal treasures and treats, while psychic and tarot card readings will be available for an additional fee.

Tickets are $40 per person and must be purchased in advance online.

Spooky Point in Osprey

Every evening during October, Historic Spanish Point in Osprey will transform into Spooky Point.

Selby Gardens Lights at Spooky Point is a nighttime Halloween experience featuring an illuminated path filled with decorations and spooky creatures.

Tickets are available for entry at either 6:30 or 7:45 p.m., and the event ends at 9 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Guests younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Adult tickets are $34, while Selby Gardens members pay $24. Tickets for children ages 5-17 are $19. Children 4 and younger are admitted free.

Visit the Selby Gardens website for more information.