EVENTS
We'll post upcoming events here.
You can also sign up for our E-news for updates at the bottom of the page.
Want to see some of our wildlife releases?
Head to our YouTube Channel or any of our social media accounts on Fridays for our "Freedom Fridays" where we share some of our week's releases.
Saturday & Sunday, October 11th & 12th
from 10 am to 4 pm
Join us at the
Offshore Powerboat Association's
hosting the APBA Offshore World Championship
Englewood Beach Waterfest
Come find us under the Family Conservation Tent
See Parking Map Here​
Saturdays & Sundays:
October 11th & 12th,
18th & 19th and 25th & 26th
from 9 am to 5 pm
Located at: 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton, FL 34211
Every day of the Pumpkin Festival consists of:
Craft Show • Live Music • Live Shows • Pumpkins
Kid's Pumpkin Games • Tiny Town
Pioneer Trades Village • Hayrides • Pony Rides • Scarecrow Displays
Homemade Ice Cream • Farm Roasted Sweet Corn • Food Galore
Pumpkin Pie • Petting Zoo • Barnyard Playground • Face Painting
Pedal Carts • Corn Maze $2 • Children’s Train Ride $2
Big Train Ride $3• Juggler • Fresh Produce
*Everything above highlighted in orange is free with admission*
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*Dogs ARE allowed, as long as they are FRIENDLY, on a leash, and picked up after*
October is a month dedicated to celebrating and protecting the animal kingdom, hosting several observances that highlight both beloved and controversial species. This includes Bat Appreciation Month, which seeks to dispel myths and highlight the vital role of bats as pollinators and pest controllers, and Squirrel Awareness Month (sometimes called Squirrel Month), encouraging people to appreciate the quirky antics and ecological importance of these busy rodents. On the other end of the spectrum, it's also Feral Hog Month, which aims to raise awareness and control the destructive invasive populations of feral hogs. Finally, the month encompasses a broader focus with World Animal Month (often centered around World Animal Day on Oct 4th) for global animal welfare, and National Animal Safety and Protection Month, which reminds pet owners to prioritize the safety, health, and emergency preparedness for their domesticated companions.
October 1st is INTERNATIONAL
RACCOON APPRECIATION DAY
A day to acknowledge and celebrate these clever, masked mammals. Often recognized for their distinctive black eye markings and dexterity, raccoons are highly adaptable animals found across North and Central America, and increasingly in parts of Eurasia. They play a role in urban and natural ecosystems, known for their intelligence and curiosity, which sometimes leads to humorous—or messy—interactions with humans as they forage for food. This day encourages learning more about the species and appreciating their fascinating adaptability.
October 4th is WORLD ANIMAL DAY
& KINDNESS TO ANIMALS DAY
A day recognized globally as World Animal Day, a significant event that unites the animal welfare movement and serves as an international day of action for animal rights. This date was specifically chosen because it is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, whose legacy encourages people to treat all creatures with respect and compassion. Often referred to as "Kindness to Animals Day," it's a powerful call for individuals, organizations, and governments to raise awareness of animal welfare issues—from wildlife conservation and endangered species to the treatment of farm animals and domestic pets—and to advocate for better protection laws and humane treatment worldwide.
October 21st is NATIONAL REPTILE DAY
Observed annually to foster a greater appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures and to highlight the importance of their conservation. From the colossal crocodile to the tiniest gecko, reptiles—including snakes, turtles, and lizards—play a crucial role in maintaining balanced global ecosystems. The day encourages people to learn more about the diversity of the world's over 10,000 reptile species, understand the threats they face, like habitat loss, and support efforts to protect their natural environments, ultimately shedding their cold-blooded reputation in favor of conservation action.
October 24th is KICKS OFF BAT APPRECIATION WEEK
Bat Week is an annual, international celebration held from October 24th to October 31st, strategically concluding on Halloween to leverage the holiday's connection to bats. This event is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of bats to healthy ecosystems and the economy. Bats are vital for pollination, seed dispersal for plants like bananas and mangoes, and, most notably, natural pest control, as a single colony can consume millions of insects, like mosquitoes, annually. The week encourages learning and conservation efforts to protect these often-misunderstood flying mammals, which are currently facing serious threats such as habitat loss and White-Nose Syndrome, a devastating fungal disease.
