The smell of cinnamon and pumpkin pie fills the chilled brisk air, and the leaves begin to change color—just as if fall is upon us. With this seasonal change come all the festivals to get people in the mood for fall.

In Sarasota, different companies and places hold events that anyone and everyone can go to as a community, with kids or without, to have a good time and meet new people.

Starting in October, there is the Fruitville Grove Annual Pumpkin Festival, which is where a family sets up huge tents on a small patch of land, and there are pumpkins as far as the eye can see in all different shapes and sizes. People to go and pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve, eat or just to admire.

If you’re looking for more fun or more excitement, then the Hunsader Farm is where to go. The Hunsader family sets up their farm with small carnival games, tons of food, live music and much more. People come from across the state to experience the magic of getting their family together for endless fun.

After getting your pumpkins and have an amazing day at Hunsader’s farm, you can go run all that off at the fall 5K at Phillippi Shores. This event offers a 5K run for adults and a 1K run for kids.

Cameron Crawford ‘21 said he looks forward to all of the fun fall brings.

“I can’t wait for all the joys and perks that come with fall. The temperature is cooler, and I always love going to pick out pumpkins with my family. Also, pumpkin pie has always been my favorite, so fall gives me the perfect excuse to eat as much as I want,” he said.

Go enjoy fall with the many festivals happening around Sarasota in October and November. Bring your family, your friends, even your dog and go make memories that can last a lifetime. Celebrate the wonders of autumn while you still can.