Pumpkin patches sprout up around Sarasota

Fruitville Grove

Take in the full fall experience during weekends at Fruitville Grove. Every Saturday and Sunday through the month of October families can enjoy the Pumpkin Festival complete with hayrides, crafts and pumpkin flavored favorites. 

Where: Fruitville Grove, 7410 Fruitville Road
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 & 18, Oct. 24 & 25
Admission:  Free for all ages

Tip: Scope out the variety of pumpkin types offered. Round and orange pumpkins are the holiday favorite, but take the opportunity to bring home a funky warty gourd or an albino pumpkin. 

Sarasota Pumpkin Festival

Get into the Halloween spirit with live performances and carnival rides. This the festival has added a high-flying trapeze show to the lineup. If you’re in it for the food there will be a variety of carnival favorites as well as a pie eating contest. 

Where: Payne Park, 2050 Adams Lane
When: noon to 10 p.m. Oct 23 & 24, noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 25
Admission: $5 for Children ages 4 to 12; $7 for Students, $10 for Adults

Tip: Pick up your pumpkin at the end of your visit. Resist the urge to pick out the perfect pumpkin to take in the rides, festivities and trick-or-treating without the weight of carrying around your pumpkin all day. 

360 Church Pumpkin Patches

From pumpkins small enough to fit into little hands to some that are the size of a small child, there are pumpkins of all sizes at the 360 Church Pumpkin Patches. There are two locations with pumpkins a plenty for you pick out, plus the proceeds benefit the youth program at 360 Church. 

Where: Northwest corner of Stickney Point Road and Tamiami Trail; and 4641 Bee Ridge Road next to Evie’s Tavern on the Range
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily 
Prices: Ranges from $2 to $20 depending on the size of the pumpkin. 

Tip: Young children get a miniature pumpkin for free. Ask for stickers to decorate your new festive friend.