Sold-out Sharktoberfest packed to the gills

Hurricanes Milton and Helene have disrupted many area events, but attendees certainly didn’t leave Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium high and dry at its rescheduled “Sharktoberfest” Saturday evening.

Attendees packed the aquarium courtyard, where costumed stiltwalkers milled about, underwater divers waved their steins at onlookers while surrounded by moseying sharks, and of course, most of the craft beer vendors offered samples of the available brews.

Veronica Perrelli, Mote’s director of events and guest experience, said the center was grateful to all 625 ticket holders for adapting and continuing to support its conservation efforts, completely selling out the event. 

“For us, it’s all about educating the public,” she said. “We see this is a different group from those visiting the aquarium day to day, who want to come out for a night event. Educating but also having fun—that’s what we like to do.”

Marketing and Public Relations Manager Kaitlyn Fusco noted the center’s founder was a shark biologist, and the theme is also a nod to his efforts beginning in the 1950s to protect local marine life.

After hours

The third annual Sharktoberfest offers community members a unique after hours view of the center’s inhabitants, particularly those housed in the 135,000-gallon shark tank.

Mark Miller, an attendee who dressed for the occasion in his lederhosen, said he enjoyed the Oktoberfest spirit and appreciated having a unique event through which to sponsor the center.

“It brings the community together and helps people understand how important the estuaries are,” he added.

The aquarium is home to sharks and rays of all sizes, from the diminutive bonnethead sharks to the gentle giants that are nurse sharks.

Visitors had the opportunity to see the Shark Zone tank from above, chattering with delight as a speedy sandbar shark made its rounds at the water’s surface.

From the upper deck, the band Kettle of Fish kept spirits high while visitors took in the variety of entertainment. Some more adventurous attendees tested out the mechanical-bull-style shark ride. Others took photos with Cirque Vertigo performers, tested out virtual reality simulations and more, all while sampling the various beverages.

Brew selection

The event placed a premium on highlighting regional beers, along with a few offerings from afar like Elysian Brewing from Seattle and Kona Big Wave from Hawaii.

Closer to home is Big Top Brewing Co., which featured its signature Finhead Lager at its booth. The lighter, crisp beverage fittingly helps raise funds for Mote and its conservation efforts.

Justin Poppa said the brewery appreciates being able to support Mote in any way it can.

“We were here last year and did well, and we were excited to come back,” he said. “Sarasota is our home, and we love our community. We love doing everything we can do, and we love making great beer.”

For those seeking options other than beer, 221 B.C. Kombucha offered its berry hibiscus fermented tea.

Booth-runner Emerald Stoltzfus said the Sarasota-based business was happy to provide options for attendees, ensuring everyone could participate.

Mote plans to hold its official 2025 Sharktoberfest at the end of 2025 for the typical Oktoberfest season and will offer more details as it navigates the aquarium’s impending move.