Discover festivals, community events, and things to do in the Sarasota area.
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📅 Fri, Jan 9 - Sun, Jan 11 🕐 10am-7pm (Sun: 10am-5pm) 📍 Robarts Arena 💵 Free online ($10 at door)
Meet home improvement pros, compare services, and get inspired for your next renovation project. Register online for free passes—otherwise $10 at the door.
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📅 Fri, Jan 9 - Sun, Jan 11 🕐 11am-9pm (Fri: 4-9pm) 📍 Sarasota Fairgrounds
Reggae vibes meet local food vendors at the fairgrounds for a laid-back day of music and eats—island time in Sarasota.
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📅 Fri, Jan 9 🕐 5-9pm 📍 North Jetty Park
Food trucks, yard games, and live music at one of the area's best beach parks. A laid-back way to spend a Friday evening in Nokomis.
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📅 Fri, Jan 9 🕐 5-10pm 📍 Downtown Wellen Park
Decorate a luminary bag, place it along the lake, and settle in for live jazz and fireworks over the water.
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📅 Fri, Jan 9 🕐 6-9pm 📍 Waterside Park
Grab a blanket and catch a family-friendly flick under the stars at Waterside Park—different movie each month, plus inflatables for the kids.
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📅 Fri, Jan 9 🕐 7-10pm 📍 Main Street
Main Street comes alive with live music from Mylon & The Pop-Ups, local vendors, games, and light bites. A free, low-key way to kick off 2026.
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📅 Sat, Jan 10 🕐 12-3pm 📍 Art Center Sarasota
Make vision board collages and personalized intention stones while live music from Music Compound sets the vibe. All ages welcome.
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📅 Sat, Jan 10 🕐 8-10am 📍 The Mall at UTC
One of the biggest monthly car meets in Florida—exotics, classics, and everything in between. Free coffee, live music, and a different local charity each month. $10 show car parking.
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📅 Sat, Jan 10 🕐 10am-3pm 📍 Georgie's UTC Restaurant & Bar 💵 See menu
Garden-style brunch for moms and littles with mimosa flights, kids brunch boxes, and bottomless coffee. Reservations required.
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📅 Sat, Jan 10 🕐 10am-3pm 📍 The Mall at UTC
Free expo with 60+ vendors—medical pros, fitness trainers, holistic health experts, and even pet care. Demos and giveaways included.
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📅 Sat, Jan 10 🕐 10am-12pm 📍 The Bay Park
The mobile library van rolls in with books for all ages plus themed storytime for little ones—different theme each month.
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📅 Sat, Jan 10 🕐 3-10pm 📍 Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Youth ball hockey on Main Street followed by a big-screen watch party for Lightning vs. Flyers. Bring a chair, leave the cooler at home. Dogs welcome.
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📅 Tue, Jan 13 🕐 6-8pm 📍 The Green at UTC
Furry friends and their families gather for adoptable dogs, craft brews, live music, and pup-friendly vendors supporting Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center.
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📅 Thu, Jan 15 🕐 6-10pm 📍 Downtown Wellen Park
Two pianists go head-to-head playing crowd favorites at Solis Hall. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for the show.
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📅 Thu, Jan 15 🕐 6:30-9:30pm 📍 The Green at UTC
Shop local makers selling handmade goods, jewelry, and art while live music plays—happens every third Thursday of the month under the stars.
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📅 Thu, Jan 15 - Mon, Jan 19 🕐 Hours vary 📍 The Mall at UTC
Five days of carnival rides meet 50+ food vendors for MLK Weekend. Free admission—just pay for rides and all the lobster rolls you can handle.
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📅 Fri, Jan 16 🕐 7am-12pm 📍 Waterside Place 💵 $25-$50
A triathlon focused on mindfulness rather than speed—combining movement, meditation, and mental wellness challenges for a different kind of race experience.
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📅 Fri, Jan 16 🕐 6-8pm 📍 Centennial Park (Venice Ave)
Pixar's Elemental lights up Centennial Park for a free outdoor movie night. Grab chairs and blankets—downtown Venice makes a great backdrop.
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📅 Fri, Jan 16 🕐 7-10pm 📍 The Green at UTC
Singing is no longer just for your car or shower—rock the mic every third Friday of the month with friends. Show up early for dinner nearby.
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📅 Sat, Jan 17 🕐 9am-2pm 📍 St. Armands Circle
The Sarasota Yacht Club and St. Armands Circle mark their 100th anniversaries with a Main Street parade leading to a 175-vehicle car show extravaganza.
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📅 Tue, Jan 20 🕐 6-9pm 📍 Selby 5 Points Park 💵 $185
Five local chefs each prepare one course for a communal long table dinner in downtown—think progressive meal meets dinner party with Suncoast's talented kitchen crews.
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📅 Wed, Jan 21 🕐 6:30pm-7:30pm 📍 The Bay Park
Learn a new line dance each month with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's resident choreographer. No partner or experience needed—just show up and move.
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📅 Fri, Jan 23 🕐 6-7pm 📍 Waterside Place
Sarasota Opera performs outdoors at Waterside Place—a low-key way to catch some live opera without the formal setting.
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📅 Sat, Jan 24 🕐 6am-6pm 📍 Nathan Benderson Park
Support the outrigger canoe program while watching paddlers attempt 15 laps of 5k each over 12 hours—new lap every 45 minutes.
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📅 Sat, Jan 24 - Sun, Jan 25 🕐 10am-5pm 📍 West Venice Ave
Stroll West Venice Avenue browsing ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, and metalwork from crafters nationwide. Plus a green market with kettle corn and gourmet goodies.
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📅 Sat, Jan 24 🕐 10am-2pm 📍 T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Watch prescribed burns in action at Carlton Reserve, plus hay wagon rides, face painting, and free food for kids. A uniquely Florida family outing.
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📅 Sat, Jan 24 - Sun, Jan 25 🕐 10am-5pm 📍 Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Fine art from talented artists lines Main Street—paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more from creators across the region.
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📅 Sat, Jan 24 - Sun, Jan 25 🕐 10am-5pm 📍 St. Armands Circle
Gallery-style booths fill the park and South Blvd of Presidents with fine art in every medium—painting, sculpture, photography, and more.
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📅 Sat, Jan 24 - Sun, Jan 25 🕐 3-10pm 📍 J.D. Hamel Park
Thousands gather for two nights of Vietnamese music, glowing lanterns, and Lunar New Year festivities along the bay—authentic eats and cultural immersion.
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📅 Tue, Jan 27 🕐 7-10pm 📍 The Green at UTC 💵 $10
Grab a partner or come solo for cornhole action from novice to advanced players—HaoleNaut 941 will pair you up if needed, plus music and raffles.
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📅 Tue, Jan 27 🕐 6-7pm 📍 Downtown Wellen Park
Kick up your boots on the Grand Lawn for line dancing under the lights. No experience needed—just come ready to move and laugh through the missteps.
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📅 Fri, Jan 30 🕐 7:00pm-8:55pm 📍 The Bay Park
Pack blankets and snacks for this beloved Spielberg classic under the stars. Perfect family night with zero guilt about screen time.
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📅 Sat, Jan 31 🕐 8:30am-6:00pm 📍 Sarasota Fairgrounds 💵 $15-35
Highland games, bagpipe music, and Celtic culture come together thanks to Suncoast Scots—kilts encouraged but not required.
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📅 Sat, Jan 31 🕐 12pm-1pm 📍 The Bay Park
Strum along with fellow uke enthusiasts for a laid-back afternoon of music and community. Bring your own or just listen.
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📅 Wed, Feb 4 🕐 5-8pm 📍 Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Classic cars line Main Street with live music, food, and prizes. Bring your own ride for $10 or just come to admire.
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📅 Wed, Feb 4 🕐 6:30pm-8:00pm 📍 The Bay Park
Learn a few Latin dance moves, then hit the floor for a sunset dance party on the bay. Suitable for beginners and advanced dancers.
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📅 Fri, Feb 6 - Sat, Feb 7 🕐 10am-5pm 📍 Sarasota Fairgrounds
Browse shells, fossils, and ocean treasures from dealers and collectors—plus educational displays about marine life and shell identification.
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📅 Fri, Feb 6 🕐 10-11am 📍 The Bay Park
Get creative outdoors with hands-on art projects—different theme each month, supplies included, no experience needed.
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📅 Fri, Feb 6 🕐 6-9pm 📍 Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Live music, food vendors, and kids' activities take over Main Street—with a different band and local charity beneficiary each month.
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📅 Sat, Feb 7 🕐 7:30-10:30am 📍 Downtown Wellen Park
Grab half-off coffee at Foxtail and check out whatever rolls in—classics, customs, all makes welcome. A good early morning hang for car people.
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📅 Sat, Feb 7 🕐 8:30am-12:00pm 📍 Nathan Benderson Park 💵 $20+
A superhero-themed 5K and fun run with a kids zone, music, and food—all supporting foster care awareness. Costumes encouraged, capes optional.
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📅 Tue, Feb 10 🕐 6-8pm 📍 The Green at UTC
Bring your pup for craft brews, live music, and vendors supporting Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center—a tail-waggin' Valen-dog's Day celebration.
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📅 Thu, Feb 12 🕐 3:30-9:00pm 📍 Sarasota Fairgrounds
For One Life brings live performances by Aaron Stutzman Family and Jackson Heights plus a raffle to the fairgrounds for a night of entertainment.
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📅 Thu, Feb 12 🕐 5-8pm 📍 Historic Downtown Venice 💵 $10
Sip wine and sample chocolate treats as you stroll through downtown Venice shops. $10 wristband gets you tastings at participating locations. 21+.
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📅 Thu, Feb 12 🕐 6-9pm 📍 Downtown Wellen Park
Shop local artists and makers for home decor, fashion, art, and specialty food under the lights—with live music and a rotating vendor lineup each month.
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📅 Fri, Feb 13 - Sun, Feb 15 🕐 5pm (Gates open) 📍 Sarasota Fairgrounds 💵 $20+
The 28th annual three-day festival brings Night Ranger, 38 Special, and Montgomery Gentry plus hundreds of motorcycles for a classic combo of rock and chrome.
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📅 Fri, Feb 13 🕐 6-9pm 📍 Waterside Park
Grab a blanket and catch a family-friendly flick under the stars at Waterside Park—different movie each month, plus inflatables for the kids.
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📅 Sat, Feb 14 🕐 8-10am 📍 The Mall at UTC
One of the biggest monthly car meets in Florida—exotics, classics, and everything in between. Free coffee, live music, and a different local charity each month. $10 show car parking.
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📅 Sat, Feb 14 - Sun, Feb 15 🕐 10am-5pm 📍 Downtown Wellen Park
A solid excuse to wander Downtown Wellen and check out work from local artists—painting, sculpture, photography, and more spread across outdoor exhibits.
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📅 Sat, Feb 14 🕐 10am-12pm 📍 The Bay Park
The mobile library van rolls in with books for all ages plus themed storytime for little ones—different theme each month.
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📅 Sat, Feb 14 - Sun, Mar 8 🕐 Various showtimes 📍 Nathan Benderson Park 💵 $40+
World-class circus acts under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park. A Sarasota tradition with new performers each year—great for kids, fun for adults too.
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📅 Mon, Feb 16 - Thu, Feb 26 🕐 All day event 📍 Nathan Benderson Park
Student teams from around the world compete with autonomous robotic boats they designed and built themselves.
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📅 Tue, Feb 17 🕐 6-7pm 📍 Waterside Place
The Out-of-Door Academy's jazz band and guest artists play an outdoor set at Waterside. A nice excuse to grab dinner nearby and stick around.
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📅 Wed, Feb 18 🕐 6:30pm-7:30pm 📍 The Bay Park
Learn a new line dance each month with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's resident choreographer. No partner or experience needed—just show up and move.
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📅 Thu, Feb 19 🕐 6-10pm 📍 Downtown Wellen Park
Two pianists go head-to-head playing crowd favorites at Solis Hall. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for the show.
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📅 Fri, Feb 20 🕐 6:30-8:30pm 📍 Centennial Park (Venice Ave)
Catch IF—the heartwarming imaginary friends movie—under the stars at Centennial Park. Free admission, just bring chairs and blankets.
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📅 Fri, Feb 20 🕐 7-10pm 📍 The Green at UTC
Singing is no longer just for your car or shower—grab the mic every third Friday of the month with friends. Show up early for dinner from nearby spots.
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📅 Fri, Feb 20 - Sat, Feb 21 🕐 Fri 2–6pm, Sat 9am–3pm 📍 Sarasota Fairgrounds 💵 $10 (Free 14 & under)
A celebration of all things Florida—local vendors, crafts, food, and entertainment showcasing the quirky culture and history that makes this state unique.
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📅 Sat, Feb 21 🕐 9am (Event opens at 8am) 📍 Nathan Benderson Park
The American Heart Association's annual fundraising walk at Nathan Benderson Park. Walk, raise money for heart health research, and enjoy the morning out.
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📅 Sat, Feb 21 - Sun, Feb 22 🕐 3pm-9am (overnight) 📍 Greenbrook Adventure Park For Families 💵 $20
The annual Lakewood Ranch Community Campout brings families together for overnight camping, s'mores, and family-friendly movies under the stars.
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📅 Tue, Feb 24 🕐 6-7pm 📍 Downtown Wellen Park
Kick up your boots on the Grand Lawn for line dancing under the lights. No experience needed—just come ready to move and laugh through the missteps.
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📅 Fri, Feb 27 🕐 7-9pm 📍 The Bay Park
Grab a blanket for this live-action reimagining of the beloved Viking-and-dragon friendship tale—outdoor cinema perfect for the whole family.
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📅 Sat, Feb 28 🕐 9am-3pm 📍 Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Drool over Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other dream machines while they're parked and purring. Free car candy for the whole family.
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📅 Sat, Feb 28 - Sun, Mar 1 🕐 10am-5pm 📍 West Venice Ave
Juried artists from across the country take over West Venice Avenue with sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and ceramics.
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📅 Sat, Feb 28 🕐 1-3pm 📍 The Green at UTC 💵 $80/team
2nd annual charity cornhole tournament with guaranteed games, big payouts, and prizes—hosted by Haolenaut 941 Cornhole supporting local veterans. All skill levels welcome.
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📅 Wed, Mar 4 🕐 5-10pm 📍 Nathan Benderson Park 💵 $95
Buffalo wings, beef on weck, and all your favorite upstate New York eats and drinks—with all-inclusive pricing so you can sample everything guilt-free.
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📅 Wed, Mar 4 🕐 5-8pm 📍 Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Classic cars line Main Street with live music, food, and prizes. Bring your own ride for $10 or just come to admire.
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📅 Wed, Mar 4 🕐 6:30pm-8:00pm 📍 The Bay Park
Learn a few Latin dance moves, then hit the floor for a sunset dance party on the bay. Suitable for beginners and advanced dancers.
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📅 Sat, Mar 7 🕐 11:30am-3:00pm 📍 Greenbrook Adventure Park For Families
Irish food, beer, whiskey, and stage performances fill the afternoon—plus dancing for anyone ready to test their Celtic moves.
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📅 Sat, Mar 7 🕐 4-5pm 📍 Waterside Place
The Sarasota Ballet's studio company and conservatory students perform a mix of classical and contemporary dance outdoors at Waterside
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📅 Fri, Apr 10 🕐 6-9pm 📍 Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Lakewood Ranch's annual community celebration brings live music, beer trucks, and local businesses together for a free street party showcasing life on the Ranch.
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