Sarasota Events

Discover festivals, community events, and things to do in the Sarasota area.

• Pineapple to Plate Long Table Dinner

  📅 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.

• Dance at The Bay: Dancing with Donald Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Forks & Corks

  📅 Thu, Jan 22 - Mon, Jan 26 🕐 11am-4pm 📍 The Ringling Museum 💵 $195+

  A multi-day food and wine festival featuring 40+ local restaurants, 350+ wines, winemaker dinners, and master classes—capped by a Grand Tasting at The Ringling. Tickets go fast.

• Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place: The Sarasota Opera Free

  📅 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.

• Movies Under The Stars: Freakier Friday Free Monthly

  📅 Fri, Jan 23 🕐 8-10pm 📍 The Green at UTC

  Body-swap comedy meets outdoor movie night with face painting, character visits, and concessions starting at 6 pm before the sunset screening.

• NBP Paddle-a-Thon: A Community Event in Support of our Paddlers Free

  📅 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.

• Repticon

  📅 Sat, Jan 24 🕐 10am-4pm 📍 Sahib Shrine Event Center 💵 $6+ (Kids 4 & under free)

  Snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more—see live reptiles from around the world, shop from expert breeders, and catch live animal seminars.

• Downtown Venice Craft Festival Free

  📅 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.

• Sarasota County's Fire Fest Free

  📅 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.

• Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival Free

  📅 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.

• St. Armands Circle Winter Art Festival and Sidewalk Sale Free

  📅 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.

• Saigon Night Market Lunar New Year Food and Music Festival Free

  📅 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.

• UTC Cornhole Tournament Monthly

  📅 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.

• Line Dancing on the Grand Lawn Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Family Movie Night at The Bay: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Free

  📅 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.

• Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Festival

  📅 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.

• Ukulele Celebration | Honoring World Ukulele Day Free

  📅 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.

• Classic Car Show Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Dance at The Bay: Salsa & Sunsets Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• UTC Live on the Green with Lost in Paris Free Monthly

  📅 Thu, Feb 5 🕐 6:30-9:30pm 📍 The Green at UTC

  High-energy Lost in Paris brings crowd-pleasing hits across multiple decades to celebrate the month of love—get ready to dance your heart out.

• Shell Show Free

  📅 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.

• Art in the Park Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Music on Main Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Cars & Caffeine Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Bridge A Life Superhero 5K & Fun Run

  📅 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.

• Barks & Brews Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• An Evening at the Fairgrounds! Free

  📅 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.

• Wine & Chocolate Walk

  📅 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+.

• Wellen Park Night Market Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Movie in the Park Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival

  📅 Fri, Feb 13 - Sun, Feb 15 🕐 Gates open at 5pm 📍 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.

• Sarasota Cars and Coffee Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Wellen Park Fine Arts Festival Free

  📅 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.

• Pop-Up Library and Storytime at The Bay Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Circus Sarasota

  📅 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.

• RoboBoat 2026 Free

  📅 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.

• Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place: Jazz Under the Stars - The Out-of-Door Academy Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Lunar New Year Celebration Free

  📅 Tue, Feb 17 🕐 7-9pm 📍 The Green at UTC

  Ring in the Year of the Horse with traditional lion and dragon dances, live music, and crafts in partnership with Sarasota Sister Cities.

• Dance at The Bay: Dancing with Donald Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Dueling Pianos Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Movie in the Park (IF) Free

  📅 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.

• Karaoke on The Green Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• 5th Annual FLoridiana Fest

  📅 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.

• Suncoast Heart Walk Free

  📅 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.

• The Lakewood Ranch Community Campout

  📅 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.

• Line Dancing on the Grand Lawn Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Family Movie Night at The Bay: How To Train Your Dragon (2025) Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Exotic Car Show Free

  📅 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.

• Downtown Venice Art Classic Free

  📅 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.

• UTC Charity Cornhole Tournament: SRQ Vets

  📅 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.

• 8th Annual Everything Buffalo Party

  📅 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.

• Classic Car Show Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Dance at The Bay: Salsa & Sunsets Free Monthly

  📅 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.

• Art in the Park Free Monthly

  📅 Fri, Mar 6 🕐 10-11am 📍 The Bay Park

  Get creative outdoors with hands-on art projects—different theme each month, supplies included, no experience needed.

• Music on Main Free Monthly

  📅 Fri, Mar 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.

• Cars & Caffeine Free Monthly

  📅 Sat, Mar 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.

• Irish Celtic Festival Free

  📅 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.

• Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place: The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company Free Monthly

  📅 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

• Sarasota Jazz Festival

  📅 Mon, Mar 9 - Sat, Mar 14 🕐 Check showtimes 📍 Sarasota Municipal Auditorium 💵 $32+

  A week-long celebration of jazz featuring main stage headliners, a downtown trolley pub crawl hitting 12 venues, and intimate cabaret performances throughout Sarasota.

• Wellen Park Night Market Free Monthly

  📅 Thu, Mar 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.

• Movie in the Park Free Monthly

  📅 Fri, Mar 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.

• Sarasota Cars and Coffee Free Monthly

  📅 Sat, Mar 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.

• Pop-Up Library and Storytime at The Bay Free Monthly

  📅 Sat, Mar 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.

• The Lakewood Ranch Block Party Free

  📅 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.

• Repticon

  📅 Sat, May 16 🕐 10am-4pm 📍 Sahib Shrine Event Center 💵 $6+ (Kids 4 & under free)

  Snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more—see live reptiles from around the world, shop from expert breeders, and catch live animal seminars.

• Repticon

  📅 Sat, Jul 11 🕐 10am-4pm 📍 Sahib Shrine Event Center 💵 $6+ (Kids 4 & under free)

  Snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more—see live reptiles from around the world, shop from expert breeders, and catch live animal seminars.

• Repticon

  📅 Sat, Oct 31 🕐 10am-4pm 📍 Sahib Shrine Event Center 💵 $6+ (Kids 4 & under free)

  Snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more—see live reptiles from around the world, shop from expert breeders, and catch live animal seminars.

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