Have you noticed a spooky vibe in the air lately? It's not just you. Halloween is just around the corner, and the Sarasota area is starting celebrations early with plenty of haunted houses and other scary attractions. If you're in the mood for a good fright, here are some of the top spots our real estate agents recommend checking out.

Haunted Attractions in Bradenton and Sarasota

Bradenton Ghost Tours

Address: 606 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205

You won't believe the ghostly mysteries that exist among the streets and buildings of Bradenton. On a Bradenton Ghost Tour, you'll hear about them all. This walking tour takes about an hour. It begins at the Mosaic Riverwalk Amphitheater and follows an approximately 1-mile path through the surrounding streets.

Stops along this tour include the Hampton Inn and the Manatee County Clerk's office. There will be plenty of opportunities for spooky pictures. Tours are held nightly during Halloween season.

Sarasota Frightfest

Address: 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237

Head over to the Sarasota Fairgrounds for Sarasota Frightfest, an annual tradition that is sure to make you shriek. The event is scheduled for October 22-25 this year. With a General Admission ticket, you get to see two haunted attractions: Virus Haunted Attraction and the Tomb of Terror Haunted Attraction.

There are also VIP tickets available for this event, which include a drink, a free snack, private seating, and an additional immersive horror experience. Plus, with a Fast Pass, you can skip the lines!

Lights at Spooky Point

Address: 401 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229

Head over to Selby Gardens: Historic Spanish Point for one of the spookiest experiences of 2026: Lights at Spooky Point! The event will be open from October 1-31 this year, so there are plenty of opportunities to attend. 

During Lights at Spooky Point, you can walk along an eerie trail, encountering scary creatures and decor with every step. All ages are welcome; this is more of a low-key, spooky experience than a terrorizing one. Tickets are available on the event website starting at just $34 for adults.

38th Annual Pumpkin Fest

Address: 7410 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34240

For a less-scary Halloween experience, visit the Annual Pumpkin Fest at Fruitville Grove. It takes place every Saturday and Sunday in October, lasting from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is just $5 per person, and there is no charge for parking.

At the Pumpkin Fest, guests can enjoy a bubble booth, a Mermaid Encounter, a petting zoo, and more. There will also be a child-appropriate haunted house along with pony rides and a rock wall. The whole family can enjoy an afternoon of fun.

A Ghoulish Gathering

Address: 1 Indian Ave. Building 5, Venice, FL 34285

If you're in the area looking at Venice homes for sale, then consider attending A Ghoulish Gathering at Venice Performing Arts Center. This orchestra performance is scheduled for October 9th and 10th, with tickets for both dates available on the event website. Friday's show begins at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday's at 3:30 p.m.

Pieces performed at A Ghoulish Gathering will include:

•  The Witches of Eastwick by John Williams
• The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Weber
• The Nightmare Before Christmas by Danny Elfman

We hope you get a chance to enjoy some of these spooky events this October. Don't forget to contact us if you're looking for Sarasota homes for sale or Bradenton homes for sale. We're happy to guide you.