Looking for some family-friendly fun in the sun this October near Siesta Key? You can’t miss one of the best Siesta Key events: Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest. With a petting zoo, pony rides, hay rides, bounce houses, and more, this free festival is the perfect way to get into the fall spirit.
While Siesta Key offers loads of attractions like drum circles, Turtle Beach, and delicious dessert shops, October visitors can attend this fun festival nearby on Saturdays and Sundays all month long.
Let’s dig into the specifics of the Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest so you can plan the perfect trip while staying at our luxurious vacation rentals this fall.
What is Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest, Siesta Key?
If there’s one place that bottles up the magic of fall and pours it straight into your soul (with a sprinkle of kettle corn on top), it’s the Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival in Sarasota.
The pumpkin festival has been a beloved fall celebration for over thirty years. Hosted by the family-run Fruitville Grove Farm, the festival transforms the farm into a magical realm every year.
Visitors can explore a delightful pumpkin patch, choosing from a wide selection of pumpkins to take home and carve. Enjoy a nostalgic hay ride through the picturesque farm landscape, and indulge in seasonal treats at the farm market.
Pathways are lined with hay bales, scarecrows, and cornstalks, creating a charming and festive atmosphere. The diversity of pumpkins, from mini to giant, white ghost, heirloom, and designer decorative varieties, adds to the visual feast.
The Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the simple joys of the harvest season.
Where & When Is The Festival?
- Address: Fruitfille Grove Farm, 7410 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
- 2025 Festival Dates: October 4th & 5th, 11th & 12th, 18th & 18th, 25th & 26th, 2025
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Just a short drive east from downtown Sarasota, the Pumpkin Fest is your go-to spot for festive fun. The farm is located off Fruitville Road just east of the town, making it convenient to reach from Siesta Key and Sarasota.
The festival operates between 10 AM and 5 PM every weekend in October, come rain or shine, ensuring that you can enjoy the festivities regardless of the weather.
How Much is Admission?
Admission to the festival is free, which makes it an accessible event for everyone. However, please note there is a parking fee of $5.
Included in the free admission is access to the petting zoo, playground, live music, the Torres Family Circus, and costume contests. Other individual rides, activities, and attractions are priced individually and range between $1 and $10 each.
Although some accept cards, most vendors are cash-only, so be sure to have plenty of cash on hand. There are ATMs on site.
Activities at Pumpkin Fest
Activities at the Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival include scenic hay rides suitable for all ages, lively costume contests, and a variety of food trucks serving seasonal dishes and treats.
Children will love the pony rides, pumpkin painting, and petting zoo. The petting zoo, in particular, provides memorable experiences as kids get to interact with a variety of farm animals.
For those seeking a bit of adventure, the corn maze offers a fun and challenging activity that the whole family can enjoy. You can also look forward to:
- Haunted house
- Wandering magician and balloon artist
- Butterly garden
- Enchanted unicorn experience
- Craft show
- Hug-a-goat experience
- Zip line
- Mini train ride
Free live music performances and mini circus shows, such as those by the Torres Family Circus and Extreme Riders, are scheduled throughout the weekends, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening.
Activities Made For Kids
A paradise for kids, the Pumpkin Festival offers a range of activities to keep them entertained.
The Kids Fun Zone features bounce houses and mini train rides, providing hours of fun for the little ones. Pumpkin painting is another popular activity, allowing children to express their creativity and take home a personalized souvenir.
Children’s costume contests are held every Saturday at 2 PM, adding an element of friendly competition to the festival.
Craft and Vendor Fair
The festival’s Craft and Vendor Fair is a treasure trove of unique items and handmade goods. Local artisans showcase their talents through a variety of crafts, offering everything from seasonal decorations to one-of-a-kind gifts.
This fair is an excellent opportunity to support local businesses and find special items that you won’t see anywhere else.
Live Music and Entertainment
Live music is a vibrant and essential part of the festival experience, and it’s free to watch for all visitors.
Every weekend from 11 AM to 3 PM, a rotating lineup of talented local musicians takes to the stage, filling the air with festive tunes that enhance the joyful atmosphere and keep spirits high throughout the day.
Food Truck Rally and Fall Treats
No festival experience is complete without delicious food, and the Fruitville Grove festival does not disappoint. The Food Truck Rally features a diverse selection of cuisines, catering to a wide range of tastes. Bring your appetite, because this is where fall flavors meet foodie heaven.
Expect a mouthwatering lineup of local food trucks serving everything from wood-fired pizza and street tacos to roasted corn and hand-dipped beef corndogs. For drinks, expect fresh squeezed lemonade, apple cider, and milkshakes.
Let’s not forget the over-the-top desserts and sweet treats on offer. You can look forward to funnel cakes, caramel apples, cotton candy, kettle corn, pumpkin pie, hand-dipped ice cream, popsicles, and snow cones.
The Farmers Market is a charming treasure trove of local goods, handcrafted treats, and seasonal delights. Nestled among the festival fun, you’ll discover everything from fresh produce and homemade jams to artisan cheeses, local honey, handmade soaps, and fall-themed décor.
Guests can stroll through stalls brimming with color, sample small-batch goodies, and take home a taste of Florida farm life. It’s the perfect place to stock up on gifts—or just treat yourself to something uniquely local and delicious.
Fall Fun Fiesta: Your Pumpkin Festival Wrap-Up
The Pumpkin Festival is a delightful celebration of all things autumn, and it’s just one of several popular events in Siesta Key during the fall season. Be sure to include Fruitfille Grove in your itinerary for a truly memorable visit.
Looking for somewhere to stay to experience the autumnal charm of Siesta Key? Our cozy cozy accommodations make the perfect home base for your fall adventure.
