Sarasota Events

Browse upcoming events across the Sarasota area, from live music and festivals to art shows, performances, and family-friendly happenings.

Today

📍 Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex 🕐 9:00am-10:30am 🏷️ Free

A ceremonial tree planting to mark the city's 40th year as a Tree City USA. Watch a native 'Florida Flame' red maple get planted near the nature trail, with a short Q&A and hands-on activity.

📍 Venice Performing Arts Center 🕐 3:30pm & 7:30pm showtimes 💵 $39+

An all-American program to close out the symphony's season, featuring Copland's Appalachian Spring, Bernstein's Times Square: 1944, and John Williams' Cowboys Overture. Andrea Ross joins as guest soloist

📍 Van Wezel 🕐 Various howtimes 💵 $41+

Experience the thrilling sounds of James Bond theme music and cinematic spy classics performed live by the orchestra, featuring iconic pieces that have defined decades of action-packed movie moments.

📍 Sahib Shrine Event Center 🕐 Fri 1pm–10pm, Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11am–9pm 💵 $25

Three days of live tattooing from 100+ award-winning artists alongside custom jewelry vendors, temporary tattoos, and food. Come to watch, shop, or get inked yourself.

Coming Up

📍 Sarasota Audubon Nature Center 🕐 9am-12pm 🏷️ Free

Learn to observe and document wildlife through guided drawing and writing at the Nature Center, then head to the Celery Fields boardwalk. All materials provided—perfect for beginners wanting to connect with nature.

📍 Robarts Arena 🕐 10:00am-5:30pm 💵 $12 (Kids 12 & under free)

Explore crystals, tarot readings, energy healing, and spiritual wellness vendors at this metaphysical fair. Perfect for curious minds seeking alternative healing practices and holistic lifestyle inspiration.

📍 Raining Berries - Southside Village 🕐 11am-2pm 🏷️ Free

Meet Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenneth Gainwell at his Raining Berries Southside Village location. Get your gear signed, snap a photo, and grab a bowl or smoothie while you're there.

📍 Manatee Avenue (Between 1st & 9th St W) 🕐 7:30pm 🏷️ Free

A Bradenton tradition drawing tens of thousands of spectators for 150+ illuminated floats along Manatee Avenue. Head down early for the 3:30pm Pre-Parade Block Party on Old Main Street with live music, vendors, and a kids zone.

Ride the Beaches 22nd Annual

📍 Sharky's On the Pier 🕐 7am 💵 $71

A long-running charity ride offering 15, 35, and 70-mile routes through Venice, Manasota Key, and the Legacy Trail. The 15-miler stays on the island and suits most riders. Breakfast and beach lunch at Sharky's, with proceeds benefiting three charities.

📍 The Bay Park 🕐 7-10am 💵 Free – $55

The third annual community tradition takes runners across the iconic Ringling Bridge with 5K, 10K, and family fun run options—whether you're seasoned or just looking for a scenic challenge.

📍 Venice Community Center 🕐 9am-1pm 🏷️ Free

Classic and vintage vehicles compete for 25 trophies at this long-running community benefit show. Gift basket raffle, 50/50 raffle, food and drinks on site. Proceeds benefit Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay.

📍 Van Wezel 🕐 2pm 💵 $46+

Elmo teaches kids (and parents) his favorite dance moves in this interactive live show packed with singing, movement, and Sesame Street fun at the Van Wezel.

📍 Phillippi Estate Park 🕐 4:30-6:30pm 🏷️ Free

Kids create handmade gifts for Mom while discovering Mother's Day history through fun, hands-on craft stations. Multiple projects to choose from, and everything goes home with the little ones.

📍 Siesta Beach 🕐 6-8pm 💵 $59

Pianist Murray Hidary performs live, improvised compositions on Siesta Beach while you listen through wireless headphones. Bring a blanket and experience this unique blend of music and mindfulness as the sun sets.

📍 Van Wezel 🕐 7pm 💵 $56+

The legendary rock duo brings their timeless hits like "A Horse with No Name" and "Sister Golden Hair" to Van Wezel's intimate setting for an unforgettable night of classic American folk rock.

📍 Multiple beaches 🕐 Times vary 🏷️ Free

The 6th annual Beach Blast Trifecta is a community beach cleanup hitting South Lido, Siesta Beach, and Turtle Beach. Volunteers who complete all three days are entered into a prize drawing. Registration required by Apr 28th.

📍 Robarts Arena 🕐 Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–3pm 🏷️ Free

Browse, buy, and connect with firearms vendors and collectors at one of the area's regular gun shows for enthusiasts.

SUP & Run 5K 11th Annual

📍 Nathan Benderson Park 🕐 8-11am 💵 $50 ($28 Ages 0 - 14)

Challenge yourself with stand-up paddleboarding followed by a 5K run at this world-class venue. Earn custom finisher medals, challenge coins, and celebrate at the post-race party with great prizes.

📍 CoolToday Park 🕐 11am-5pm 🏷️ Free

CoolToday Park's inaugural taco and tequila festival brings together local food trucks, a signature margarita bar, a beer garden with Mexican brews, and live music from Creek Trail Conspiracy and Johnny D & The Rocket 88's. Mini golf and family activities round it out.

📍 Downtown Wellen Park 🕐 4-10pm 🏷️ Free

Country music, food vendors, and live entertainment come together for a free day of boots-and-jeans fun in the heart of Wellen Park.