On October 12, 1810, the city of Munich staged a festival to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghhausen. In the years since, the festival has grown into an annual event called Oktoberfest that combines a beer festival with a fun fair. This annual extravaganza runs from mid-September to October 3rd and attracts about seven million visitors. It has also inspired similar events all over the world. For many years, Geier’s Sausage Kitchen hosted their own Oktoberfest celebration right here in Sarasota. Now, after more than a decade away, Geier’s Oktoberfest will make its highly anticipated return on October 4–5, 2025, at The Yard at South Bay, Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa.

“We are thrilled to bring Geier’s Oktoberfest back to the community,” said Nakita Chadwick, Geier’s operations manager. “It’s not only a chance to celebrate Bavarian culture—it’s a way for us to share our family’s heritage and thank the community that has supported us for more than 40 years.”

At Geier’s Oktoberfest, guests can enjoy Bavarian fare handcrafted by Geier’s Sausage Kitchen. Drinks will be provided by Gold Coast Eagle Distributing and the Marriott mixology team (guests are encouraged to bring their own steins). Entertainment will include traditional German music and dance by Manni Daum Trio & Tahja International Productions and a car show showcasing new and classic German automobiles courtesy of Sarasota German Car Club. This family-friendly event will also include a Kinderecke Kids Corner sponsored by Early Learning of Manatee County as well as artisan vendors and festive games. Parking and admission is free, and guests who want to stay on site at Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa October 3-4 can receive 20% off accommodations with the promo code E6780.

Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, 600 US-41, Palmetto, 941-304-3115. 

Pictured: After over a decade away, Geier's Oktoberfest makes its return at Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa.

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to open its 2025-26 Children’s Theatre Series with Peter Pan, a magical retelling of James Matthew Barrie’s cherished classic, adapted by Caroline Saldivar and Ben Liebert. This lively adventure begins Sept. 20 and runs through Oct. 25 in FST’s Keating Theatre. Audiences of all ages are invited to take flight with Peter, Wendy, and Tinker Bell on a journey to Neverland – where pirates roam, fairies sparkle, and kids never grow up! With all the magic, mischief, and heart of the original story, this lively new adaptation brings Peter Pan’s world to life on stage like never before. 

Beachside Hospitality Group is continuing its longstanding partnership with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) through its annual September fundraiser in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. For every signature Rum Bucket purchased across any of Beachside Hospitality Group’s restaurants throughout the month, one dollar will be donated to NPCF. Beachside Hospitality Group, based in St. Petersburg, owns and operates 12 restaurant brands across Florida with a focus on waterfront dining experiences. Since 2014, Beachside Hospitality Group has raised more than $75,000 to support the NPCF’s mission to fund research and clinical trials aimed at ending childhood cancer.  For more information on Beachside Hospitality Group, visit www.bshgrp.com.  

Arts Advocates is pleased to announce its schedule of 2025-2026 programs and events, including a new Talkback Tuesdays guest speaker series, monthly
luncheon programs, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall tours, and the continuation of the Sarasota Art Colony and Florida Highwaymen exhibit in the Arts Advocates Gallery. Other events and exhibits will be added throughout the season as they are booked. To learn more about or become a member of
Arts Advocates, or to register for programs and events, visit ArtsAdvocates.org. 

Join Key Chorale, world-class vocalists and a full orchestra on September 27th at Church of the Palms for Coronation—a radiant kickoff to the season featuring music fit for kings and queens. From the grandeur of King George II’s 1727 coronation to the recent ceremony of King Charles III, this program spans centuries of regal inspiration. Expect majestic works that stir the soul, plus modern tributes drawn from beloved royal dramas like The Crown, Henry V, and the 4-time Oscar-winning movie The King’s Speech. 

If you’ve ever found yourself doodling in the margins of a notebook, sketching while on the phone, or letting your creativity spill out in swirls, shapes, and squiggles — this day is for you! On Saturday, September 27 from 11am to 3pm, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime is hosting a community Doodle Day in honor of National Doodle Day. And we want YOU to be part of it.

Saturday, September 27, 11am-3pm, The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime. 

To learn more click here