Weekend Adventures in Bradenton, October 29-31

BRADENTON -- It's Halloween weekend and we've got zombies, pirates, cash costume contests and special screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show! So whether you're dressing up the kids and looking for a fun and safe venue -- or you're all grown up, but still want to trick-or-treat --  we've got you covered. Grab your candy corn, it's time for a Spooky Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

Still haven’t got your Halloween pumpkin? The Sertoma Club of Bradenton is currently operating its pumpkin patch near Miller Elementary School. This is the 34th year of their patch, and they have sold over 1.2 million pounds of pumpkins, while donating over $350,000 to various charities in Manatee County. Sertoma are the original pumpkin patch in Bradenton. The main thrust of the donations goes to hearing impaired charities. The pumpkin patch is open weekdays from 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

There are plenty of costume parties for the adult crowd with most local night clubs offering drink specials and cash prizes for the best costumes. Check out the festivities at the Polo Grill and Ed’s Tavern in Lakewood Ranch; Mattison’s or Smitty’s in Bradenton; or head down to the 5 O’Clock Club, the Rustic Grill, or the Gator Club in Sarasota.  

Saturday is the 2nd Annual Zombie Stumble downtown on old Main Street from 7 p.m. - midnight. Live music will be provided by Bootleg, so get downtown and get ”zombified“ by professional artists at Classic Ink, 306 Main St., beginning at 5 p.m. There’ll be all kinds of action downtown Saturday night and Southeast’s reunion is sure to bring an even bigger crowd.

The 5th Annual Bradenton Haunted Trail is open from dusk until 11 p.m. this Saturday and dusk until 10:30 p.m. Sunday at 1218 18th Street West. A $5 donation is requested. This is some serious fright fun for the whole family.

If you’re a real Rocky Horror fanatic, but hate the looks you get when going to the midnight screening in costume, this is the perfect weekend to blend in. A two-night showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be held at 11 p.m. both Friday and Saturday at the Manatee Players, 102 Old Main Street. Admission is $8. Tickets are available online or by calling 748-5875.

On Saturday, the Bradenton Marauders will host Trunk or Treat for kids at McKechnie Field from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. The event will feature local restaurants, civic groups and other organizations passing out goodies from the trunks of their vehicles. Come on out for a fun and safe way to trick-or-treat with the kids.

Then it’s the big day. You can always just take the kids through the neighborhood, but if you live in a lame area with few lights on, have no fear. Manatee County Crimestoppers will host its 8th Annual Halloween Safe Kids Night from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday at the Bradenton Municipal Auditorium at Old Main Street and Third Avenue West. There’ll be plenty of fun, games and candy, so dress up and stop by this family-friendly event.