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With fall weather fast approaching, are you looking for an escape to warmer weather? Imagine daily 80-degree temperatures, turquoise waters, and romantic beachside sunsets. All of this and more will greet you in Siesta Key. And if endless lazy beach days aren’t enough, during the fall season there are plenty of events in Siesta Key to keep you and your loved ones occupied. Consider spending the whole season in the area with Siesta Key monthly rentals.
Fun, Fish, & Fright at Mote Aquarium
The first major holiday of the season, locals take Halloween seriously with plenty for kids and adults alike. On October 18, buoys and ghouls of all ages are invited to Mote Aquarium for a Night of Fun, Fish, & Fright! Dress up for the occasion and enjoy spooky Halloween-themed activities throughout the Aquarium. In “Coffin Creek,” there will be shark teeth to unearth, and “Diner of the Dead” will include some delicious sea delights. One of the highlights of the event is the underwater pumpkin carving in the shark habitats.
Until October 17, tickets cost $12 for members and non-members. On the day of the event, ticket prices will increase to $14 for members and $16 for non-members. The Mote Aquarium is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Parking is free!
Oktoberfest
German food, music, and beer – it sounds a lot like Oktoberfest! From October 18-20, join in Sarasota’s 2nd Annual Oktoberfest in downtown Sarasota in JD Hamel Park at Gulfstream and Main Street. Hours are Friday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., and admission is free! Come stuff yourself with smoked sausages, roasted meats, sauerkraut, cabbage, pretzels, and big pints of beer. There will also be live German music and dancers as well as performances in rock, soul, big band, and more.
Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
Hoping to make room for that Thanksgiving turkey? Not to worry, Sarasota hosts the annual Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot. Start your morning burning calories with friends and family. This 5K takes you from the Hyatt Regency over the beautiful John Ringling Bridge and back. All participants receive a race t-shirt, a finisher medal, and a tasty treat at the finish line. After working up a sweat, you’ll appreciate that special Thanksgiving meal all the more!
Tickets can be purchased here for $35.
Lights in Bloom
Thanksgiving and Christmas have a habit of blending together; as soon as festivities for one are over, the others begin! Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to Marie Selby Botanical Garden’s Christmas traditional light extravaganza, Lights in Bloom. Year-round, the garden is known for its tropical, urban oasis, serving as a living museum and center for education, research, and conservation of tropical plants, especially bromeliads and orchids.
From December 14 to January 4, between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., pay a visit to this beautiful garden for an extraordinary display where the gardens and walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels. The experience will include a visit from Santa and his elves (on Christmas Eve), children’s arts and crafts activities and games, and live entertainment. Food will be available at the Selby House Café or Michael’s.
Tickets cost $20 for members, $25 for non-members, and $7 for children between 5 and 12.
EPIC New Year’s Eve
Finally, welcome in the New Year with Sarasota’s EPIC New Year’s Eve celebration at the Municipal Auditorium-Recreation Club, or spend the evening at the classic New Year’s Pineapple Drop on Main Street, which offers amusement rides, food and beer, live music, fireworks, and a pineapple drop at midnight.
Siesta Key Vacation Rentals
With plenty of exciting activities through the fall and Christmas seasons, Siesta Key and the nearby town of Sarasota is the right place to spend your vacation! If you love the area enough, you may even want to invest in property, such as Siesta Key condos for sale. Book now for your perfect fall getaway! Whatever holiday you’re around for, it’s sure to be a memorable one!
