City Parks and Recreation to host festive October events

Sept. 23, 2026

Sarasota, FL: Community members are invited to participate in festive, family-friendly events throughout October hosted by the City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation Department. Activities include free outdoor events and will feature games, recreation, creativity and fun seasonal traditions such as Halloween costume contests.

Arlington Recreation Center and Park

First Fridays market-at-the-trail
Friday, Oct. 2 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • First event in a new community market series at the Arlington Park walking trail, where attendees can shop with local vendors offering handmade goods, food and more.
  • Free to attend
  • Location: Arlington Park, 2650 Waldemere St.

Haunted Trail Carnival and Bark-o-Ween costume contest
Friday, Oct. 23 | 4-7 p.m.

  • Haunted Trail Carnival: Family-friendly Halloween event along the Arlington Park walking trail including free carnival-style games and treats.
  • Bark-o-Ween: Canine costume contest offering the chance to win dog-friendly prizes. Contestants and their owners will check in at the trail entrance and are invited to walk the Haunted Trail using a leash. 
  • Free to attend
  • Location: Arlington Park, 2650 Waldemere St.

Pumpkin Splash
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 12-2 p.m.

  • Pumpkin carving and decorating event where attendees can swim and choose a pumpkin from the Arlington Recreation Center instructional pool. Carving and decorating supplies will be provided.
  • $10 per pumpkin, including swim fee
  • Registration will be available via eTrak and must be completed by Tuesday, Oct. 20.
  • Location: Arlington Recreation Center, 2650 Waldemere St.

Robert L. Taylor Community Complex

Trunk-or-Treat
Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 5-8 p.m.

  • Family-friendly trick-or-treating event where participants can win prizes for the best trunk decorations and costumes, and enjoy a haunted house.  
  • Interested volunteers must register to decorate a vehicle trunk and pass out candy by emailing Mark.Horvath@SarasotaFL.gov
  • Free to attend
  • Location: Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St.

Payne Park Tennis Center

Trick-or-Triples
Friday, Oct. 30 | 6-9 p.m.

  • Halloween-themed tennis tournament for teams of 3-4 people open to all skill levels. Participants must register as a team and are encouraged to come in costume. Light bites will be offered at Court Thirteen on site, and prizes will be awarded to the triples champions and the team with the best costumes.
  • $50 per team
  • Register in person at Payne Park Tennis Center by Wednesday, Oct. 21.
  • Location: Payne Park Tennis Center, 2050 Adams Lane

Find additional event information at https://www.letsplaysarasota.com/about/calendar/-curm-10/-cury-2026

Media contact: News@sarasotafl.gov

Parks and Rec Halloween logo

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About the City of Sarasota: The City of Sarasota is a diverse and inclusive community located on Florida’s Suncoast with 59,000 year-round residents, internationally recognized cultural arts venues, stunning sunsets along Lido Beach, restored Donald Ross-designed municipal golf course, and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles. Learn more about us at www.SarasotaFL.Gov

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