Don’t Miss the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival in Bradenton this October!

If you’re looking for things to do in Bradenton, FL, during your fall vacation, you’ll love all the fall-themed events and activities that Anna Maria Island has to offer. Book your Anna Maria Island rental, then get ready to experience the beautiful fall weather on AMI and attend iconic fall festivals in the area, like the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival. 

Hunsader Farms started in 1967 when the three Hunsader Brothers settled in the Anna Maria Island area from Wisconsin. Over the years, they began to add events to their farm, expanding from a small farm to a community gathering center. They wanted to share their farming heritage with the community as well. The family here wants to bring a slower, sweeter, and simpler life to everyone visiting the farm. 

Here is what you should expect from the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival! 

General Festival

Before arriving at the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival, it’s essential to know this is a cash-only event. Additionally, some festival events include an extra charge; however, all children under the age of 10 can attend the festival completely free. The festival runs on October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31 from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. each day.

You can expect various events when attending the festival, including craft shows, live music, pumpkin shows, hayrides, a corn maze, and so much more. You can also take your children to the zoo, barnyard playground, or the children’s train ride. 

You can even bring your dog to the festival! Your dog must be friendly, on a leash, and properly cleaned up after. 

Kid running around in corn maze
Photo from Shutterstock

Entertainment 

There are many entertainment options at the festival as well! Many will perform throughout the festival, while some are only there for specific days. 

Throughout the Pumpkin Festival, you can watch the Fearless Flores perform motorcycle stunts or see Rick the Trickster’s Rocking Roadster Show. Check out the Squawk Vegas Birds bird show, the American Motor Dome motorcycle show, the Walker Brothers circus, and the Muttville Comix dog show; the fun opportunities are endless! Other events include Bruce Sarafin, the world record juggler, kids’ music with Mr. Harley or the Bob and Tom Variety Music band, and the Pumpkin Cannon shooting a pumpkin well over half a mile!

Check the event calendar so you don’t miss any of the entertainment you’d like to check out!

There is also a children’s costume contest! Please bring your children in their costumes for them to win a prize on Halloween! Children up to the age of 10 can take part in the costume contest. There are different times for children within different age groups. Any children in costume can participate in the trick or treating from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be signs marked throughout the grounds indicating where your children should go to trick or treating. 

Craft Vendors  

One of the main attractions of the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival would be the various craft vendors. These vendors specialize in handmade goods, so nothing here is from a substantial commercial business; everything comes from local artisans and small businesses.

If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, just ensure that you apply in time! Vendor spots fill up quickly, so apply and ensure you have your homemade items ready for the event. Please note that the festival does not condone any vendors selling food items.

Woman making homemade necklace for craft festival
Photo from Shutterstock

Additional Special Events

Hunsader Farms does host some special events outside of the Pumpkin Festival. If you’re traveling to Anna Maria Island in December, come to the Country Christmas event!

When you come to the Country Christmas, you and your family can witness the 300,000+ Christmas lights and enjoy the hayrides, train rides, kiddie train rides, photos with Santa, Christmas music, and more. Witness the Christmas village display and take your kids to the petting zoo. You can also buy food, enjoy a lovely dinner, go ax throwing, and explore the craft vendors. There will even be a snow tubing hill, and Christmas movies played on the big screen!

Plan Your Visit

Are you ready to book your Anna Maria Island resort stay? Contact us today to get the rental process started!

Your Anna Maria Island Rental

If you’re planning on staying on Anna Maria Island for an extended vacation and visiting the Pumpkin Festival, then you need to get an Anna Maria Island rental! With Anna Maria Beach Resort, you will have all the comforts of home right in your rental on Anna Maria Island. 

You will find a fully stocked kitchen, comfortable furnishings, and spacious interiors perfect for relaxing and kicking back after a long day exploring Anna Maria Island. No matter the size of your family, you can always spread out amongst our selection of Anna Maria Island resort rooms!

While you’re on vacation, if you have any questions or concerns about your rental or need help getting around Anna Maria Island, the staff here will be able to help you out with all your vacation needs. You’ll never have to worry about anything while on your trip. The team here will make sure everything is taken care of for you.