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10 must-try Sarasota food and drink events this fall 2025. See the list

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 12:11 GMT by Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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Fall Food & Drink Festivities Heat Up Sarasota and Bradenton

As the leaves begin to turn and the Gulf Coast’s summer heat begins to wane, the culinary calendars of Sarasota and Bradenton are ablaze with a cornucopia of food‑and‑drink events that promise to satisfy both locals and travelers alike. The Herald‑Tribune’s latest roundup (see the original article for full details) charts a fall itinerary that spans tasting menus, wine tastings, seafood celebrations, craft‑beer pairings, and immersive cooking classes—each designed to showcase the region’s robust agricultural bounty, artisanal spirits, and storied culinary heritage.

1. Sarasota Food & Wine Festival (SFWF) – October 10‑12

The marquee event of the season, the Sarasota Food & Wine Festival takes place every first weekend of October at the Sarasota County Convention Center and the surrounding luxury hotels. The festival’s 2025 edition promises a three‑day immersion in gourmet cuisine and fine vintages, featuring:

• Chef‑Run Tastings: A rotating lineup of Sarasota’s top chefs—ranging from Michelin‑starred chef Miguel Alvarez (La Playa) to culinary educator Julie Haines (Sarasota Culinary Institute)—will present fall‑themed menus that incorporate local produce, heirloom tomatoes, and freshly‑harvested pumpkins.
• Winery Walk‑Throughs: Partnering with Florida Grape Harvest, the festival offers guided tastings of locally produced wines, with a spotlight on the region’s emerging Gulf Coast Rieslings and Zinfandels.
• Kids’ Kitchen: A dedicated workshop for families, led by culinary school instructors, where children can create their own “mini‑mash” of seasonal vegetables.
• Wine & Food Pairing Masterclass: Hosted by Omar Al‑Haddad, a seasoned sommelier from The Ritz‑Carlton Sarasota, the session focuses on how to pair bold, fall‑seasonal dishes with appropriate wine profiles.

Tickets begin at $30 for general admission, with a $60 early‑bird package that includes a complimentary tasting of the featured “Harvest Brunch” menu on Saturday. For more information, visit the festival’s official website: [ Sarasota Food & Wine Festival ].

2. Sarasota Harvest Gala – November 2

A black‑tie affair hosted by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the Harvest Gala takes place at the historic Parker House on Bayshore Boulevard. The event celebrates the region’s autumn harvest and features:

• Dinner & Live Music: A nine‑course meal curated by Chef Leila Khandwala (Coco’s Kitchen) paired with local craft brews from the Sarasota Brewing Company. The evening includes live performances by the Sarasota Symphonic Orchestra.
• Auction of Artisan Goods: Attendees can bid on local produce bundles, handmade pottery, and unique culinary tools. Proceeds support the Sarasota Food Bank.
• Meet & Greet: Opportunities to meet prominent local chefs, winemakers, and artisans.

Ticket prices are $125 per person, with a $250 VIP package that includes a private pre‑event cocktail hour and a personalized wine pairing guide. More details can be found on the event’s page: [ Sarasota Harvest Gala ].

3. Bradenton Bay Seafood & Wine Festival – October 22

In the neighboring city of Bradenton, the Bradenton Bay Seafood & Wine Festival celebrates the Gulf’s bountiful catch. Taking place at the Bradenton Waterfront Pavilion, the festival offers:

• Seafood Cook‑Off: Local chefs and home cooks compete for the title of “Seafood Chef of the Year.” Participants must use only the bay’s fresh fish, shrimp, and crabs.
• Wine Tasting Tent: Hosted by Florida’s Coastal Vineyards, the tent features a curated selection of wines that complement seafood, including a “Sea‑Side Chardonnay” tasting.
• Kids’ Seafood Lab: A hands‑on cooking class for children aged 7‑12, focusing on sustainable seafood practices.

Tickets are priced at $20 per adult and $10 for children. Early‑bird discounts are available through the festival’s official site: [ Bradenton Bay Seafood & Wine Festival ].

4. Sarasota Craft Beer & Food Pairing – October 30

The Sarasota Craft Beer & Food Pairing event is hosted at the Sarasota Brewing Co. and showcases a series of beer‑and‑food pairings led by the brewery’s head brewer, Nina Patel. Highlights include:

• Seasonal Beer Menu: A lineup of fall‑season beers—spiced pumpkin ale, dark stout, and crisp amber lager—paired with carefully selected dishes.
• Local Food Trucks: Collaborations with three local food trucks that specialize in Cajun‑inspired tacos, smoked turkey sliders, and vegan jackfruit enchiladas.
• Interactive Sessions: Attendees can participate in a “brew‑and‑cook” workshop where they learn to brew a small batch of beer at home and then pair it with a signature dish.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. The event details can be found at: [ Sarasota Craft Beer & Food Pairing ].

5. Sarasota Culinary Institute Fall Workshop Series – October 15‑28

The Sarasota Culinary Institute (SCI) offers a fall workshop series that explores the art of Seasonal Cooking. The workshops, held at SCI’s state‑of‑the‑art kitchen, cover:

• Harvest Ingredient Spotlight: Sessions on how to prepare and cook with pumpkins, squashes, apples, and locally sourced herbs.
• Sustainable Kitchen Practices: Techniques to reduce waste and incorporate local, organic ingredients.
• Chef Q&A Panels: Live discussions with industry professionals, including Chef Anthony Romano of Sarasota Grill.

Pricing for the full series is $200 per participant, with a $180 early‑bird rate. More information is available on the institute’s website: [ Sarasota Culinary Institute ].

6. Bradenton Art & Food Festival – November 5

Bringing together the city’s vibrant arts community and culinary scene, the Bradenton Art & Food Festival takes place in the Bradenton Art Center and the Miller Park. The festival offers:

• Gallery Walk: Exhibits by local painters, sculptors, and photographers depicting the Gulf Coast’s seasonal landscape.
• Culinary Pop‑Ups: A series of pop‑up restaurants featuring rotating chefs that emphasize farm‑to‑table cuisine.
• Live Music & Food Trucks: Live jazz and acoustic performances alongside a curated selection of food trucks.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $25 for a VIP experience that includes a guided tour of the art installations and a complimentary tasting menu. The event’s official page can be found here: [ Bradenton Art & Food Festival ].

Why These Events Matter

The Herald‑Tribune’s comprehensive guide underscores how these fall festivals and gatherings are more than mere gastronomic indulgences—they serve as community touchstones that highlight sustainable practices, support local businesses, and celebrate the region’s cultural tapestry. By featuring a blend of high‑profile chefs, artisan producers, and community‑oriented workshops, the events embody the Gulf Coast’s ethos of blending tradition with innovation.

For those planning a culinary pilgrimage to the Sarasota‑Bradenton corridor, the above events represent an exciting lineup that covers everything from wine‑centric soirées to family‑friendly cooking classes. Whether you’re a seasoned food connoisseur or simply a curious traveler looking to taste the Gulf’s bounty, the fall season in this region promises an unforgettable feast for the senses.

Plan Your Visit

• Tickets: Many events offer early‑bird discounts, so check the linked official pages for pricing and availability.
• Accommodation: Both Sarasota and Bradenton boast a range of lodging options—from boutique hotels like The Ritz‑Carlton Sarasota to charming B&Bs such as Bayside Retreat.
• Transportation: Renting a car remains the most convenient way to hop between events, though many venues are within walking distance of downtown Sarasota and Bradenton.

Mark your calendars, reserve your spots, and prepare for a fall filled with flavor, community, and the unmistakable charm of the Gulf Coast.