By Jane Bartnett
Halloween Day Safe Treats for Kids Event
Good news! On Halloween Day, Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., the annual Siesta Key Safe Treats for Kids event will return to Siesta Key! Last year’s event had to be cancelled as Siesta Key recovered from the hurricanes. For Halloween 2025, organizers expect this year’s Safe Treats for Kids afternoon event to be even bigger, better, spookier and as much fun as any little trick-or-treater could ever ask for!
Sponsored by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the Siesta Key Safe Treats for Kids happening gives children and their families the chance to trick-or-treat at participating Siesta Key businesses. Trick-or-Treaters and their families should look for festive balloons and decorations that will decorate the exteriors of participating businesses. There, the many pint-sized costumed witches, ghosts and goblins, along with their friends and families, will be welcomed.
Businesses interested in participating in this year’s fun Halloween event can enroll with the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce at mysiestakeychamber.com. Trick-or-treaters and their friends and families do not need to register in advance of Halloween day. Kids are urged to bring a bag to hold all the trick-of-treating goodies that they will gather along the way during the Halloween celebration. Learn more at the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Siesta Key’s Inaugural Scarecrow Stroll
On Siesta Key, Halloween is a month-long celebration, from north to south. This year, there’s something new for everyone to enjoy. It’s easy and free and a great way to get in on the fun of the fall holiday. All anyone must do is either take the Siesta Key Scarecrow Stroll by foot, by car or bike, and check out the creative scarecrow decorations that will be gracing many Siesta Key shops and businesses during this month of pumpkins, goblins and all things spooky and magical.
From October 1-31, participating local Siesta Key businesses are lining their storefronts and walkways with homemade scarecrows. The inventive scarecrow displays are intended to bring the spooky and festive spirit of Halloween to the island. Everyone is invited to enjoy the inaugural Siesta Key Scarecrow Stroll. Cast a vote for your favorite scarecrow on the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. The winner will be announced on November 1.
Let the season begin!
The 16th year of the seasonal Phillippi Farmhouse Market begins on Wednesday, Oct. 1, when one of the best farmers markets in Sarasota springs back to life. The market is open every Wednesday through April 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At the Phillippi market, visitors will discover an abundance of local produce, freshly cut flowers, food trucks, arts and crafts, as well as more than 50 small business vendors. Live music fills the air on the beautiful grounds of this Sarasota treasure. On market days, there are free docent-led tours of the Edson Keith Mansion at 10 a.m. and tours of the 1916 Keith Farmhouse begin at 11 a.m. There is ample free parking on the grounds and dogs, along with their two-legged friends, are welcome. To learn more, call Sarasota County at 311 or visit https://loom.ly/54vlLG0.
Siesta Sand Live Podcast
Siesta Sand Live, the Siesta Sand’s hyper-local podcast broadcast from Captain Curt’s Village on Siesta Key, is a good way to keep up on local issues impacting the community and to hear directly from leading government, local business leaders, and people impacting life on Siesta Key. Watch on YouTube at the Siesta Sand’s dedicated channel.
Beyond the Beach
On Wednesday, October 8, MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s long-awaited, new MOTE Science Education Aquarium will open to the public at Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota. Siesta Key played an important role in MOTE’s history. Founded in 1955 by world renowned ichthyologist and Siesta Key resident Dr. Eugenie Clark, in Placida, FL, MOTE’s Cape Haze Marine Laboratory was relocated to Siesta Key on Midnight Pass in 1960 prior to its renaming in honor of William R. Mote. In 1978, the lab was moved again from Siesta Key to Sarasota’s City Island location. In 2022, a commemorative U.S. stamp was issued in Dr. Clark’s honor and to pay tribute to MOTE. For tickets to the new MOTE aquarium, visit mote.org/tickets for reserved and general admission tickets.
Don’t miss the free 19th Annual Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale and EdFest on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 8:30 a.m – 3:00 p.m., at the UF/IFAS extension Sarasota County offices in Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota. Note: cash or checks only. No credit cards. Hundreds of Florida-friendly plants will be for sale including flowering and non-flowering potted plants, shrubs, trees, palms and herbs. Gardening experts will be on hand for questions. Plant sale proceeds benefit the Master Gardeners Chapter of the Friends of Sarasota County Parks, which supports Master Gardener Volunteer education outreach programs in Sarasota County. Call 941-861-5000, or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu to learn more.
Classes, events and other programs are offered at the new Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Greenhouse at the same site as the plant sale. Visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota.
Mark your November calendars for the Sarasota County Libraries Literary Celebration. Internationally acclaimed author Amy Tan (The Joy Luck Club) will speak about her books at the Riverview High School Performing Arts Center on Friday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. During November’s Off the Page Literary Celebration, other well-known authors will also make appearances around the county. All events are free and open to the public. For the full November schedule, visit OffthepageFL.org.
Sarasota County’s Mosquito Management team is offering a video with tips on how to protect your home from these nasty creatures and to learn how to prevent them from breeding. scgov.net/mosquito.
Sustainable Communities Workshop
The 20th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop will be held on November 6 from 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m at Harvest House, 3650 17th Street, Sarasota. Community members and experts will have an opportunity to meet and discuss key sustainability priorities. Get tickets at: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_scw2025
