Sarasota Events
Discover festivals, community events, and things to do in the Sarasota area.
Happening Now
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Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival
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.
Coming Up
Feb 14–20-
Sarasota Cars and Coffee Free Monthly
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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Braves Welcome Week Open House Free
The Braves kick off Spring Training with an open house—catch open workouts, meet new manager Walt Weiss, snag autographs, and get a first look at the stadium's new menu items and merch. Ends with a Meat Loaf tribute concert.
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Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Free
One of Florida's last true working fishing villages throws its annual waterfront party. Fresh-off-the-boat seafood, live music, nautical crafts, and cold beer along Sarasota Bay.
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Wellen Park Fine Arts Festival Free
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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Pop-Up Library and Storytime at The Bay Free Monthly
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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Circus Sarasota
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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KORE Lunar New Year Celebration at the Farmers' Market Free
KORE brings live tuna cutting, a 20-foot tuna roll tasting, and dragon dance to the farmers' market for Lunar New Year.
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Venice Jewish Food Festival Free
The 31st annual brings deli classics—corned beef, pastrami, stuffed cabbage, knishes, kugel, matzo ball soup—plus blintz soufflés, falafel, and homemade pastries. Vendors, entertainment, and a jewelry sale round it out.
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Ringling By the Bay
Live music and dancing on the bayfront at Ca' d'Zan—soulRcoaster brings the disco vibes. Food and drinks available for purchase; chairs provided.
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RoboBoat 2026 Free
Student teams from around the world compete with autonomous robotic boats they designed and built themselves.
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Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place: Jazz Under the Stars - The Out-of-Door Academy Free Monthly
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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Lunar New Year Celebration Free
Ring in the Year of the Horse with traditional lion and dragon dances, live music, and crafts in partnership with Sarasota Sister Cities.
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Dance at The Bay: Dancing with Donald Free Monthly
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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Venice Italian Feast & Carnival
The 37th annual returns with Italian eats, carnival rides, and four days of live music—including Eagles and Fleetwood Mac tributes.
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Dueling Pianos Free Monthly
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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UTC Night Market Free Monthly
Shop local makers selling handmade goods, jewelry, and art while enjoying live music under the stars—a monthly market with different vendors each time.
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Movie in the Park (IF) Free
Catch IF—the heartwarming imaginary friends movie—under the stars at Centennial Park. Free admission, just bring chairs and blankets.
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Karaoke on The Green Free Monthly
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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St. Barbara Greek Festival Free
Three days of Greek food, music, and dancing—gyros, moussaka, pastitsio, lamb shank, flaming saganaki, and a pastry table loaded with baklava and loukoumades.
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5th Annual FLoridiana Fest
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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Feb 21–27
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Suncoast Heart Walk Free
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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The Lakewood Ranch Community Campout
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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Line Dancing on the Grand Lawn Free Monthly
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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American Vintage Markets
Exceptional vendors bring vintage delights to this shopping extravaganza—passionate pickers, makers, collectors, and creators with unique finds you won't see elsewhere.
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Family Movie Night at The Bay: How To Train Your Dragon (2025) Free Monthly
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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Feb 28 – Mar 6
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Suncoast Stars Community: Stride to Thrive 5k & 1 Mile Walk Free
A family-friendly 5K and 1-mile walk supporting Suncoast STARS Community's Work & Enrichment Program for adults with developmental disabilities—second year running.
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Exotic Car Show Free
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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Sarasota Festival of the Arts Free
Original works from artisans and crafters across Florida and beyond fill the park for this two-day celebration of creativity and local art.
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Downtown Venice Art Classic Free
Juried artists from across the country take over West Venice Avenue with sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and ceramics.
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UTC Charity Cornhole Tournament: SRQ Vets
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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8th Annual Everything Buffalo Party
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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Classic Car Show Free Monthly
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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Dance at The Bay: Salsa & Sunsets Free Monthly
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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UTC Live on the Green with NoFilter Free
NoFilter brings hits from multiple decades and genres to the monthly outdoor concert series—grab your friends and get ready to dance the night away.
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Ringling Underground
Live music, local art, and food trucks in The Ringling's Museum of Art Courtyard. A rotating lineup of indie, punk, and experimental bands every season.
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Art in the Park Free Monthly
Get creative outdoors with hands-on art projects—different theme each month, supplies included, no experience needed.
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Music on Main Free Monthly
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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Silent Disco at The Bay Free
Dance to wireless beats while watching the sunset over Sarasota Bay—DJ Benny spins a musical journey designed to free your spirit through headphones.
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Mar 7–13
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Cars & Caffeine Free Monthly
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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Irish Celtic Festival Free
Irish food, beer, whiskey, and stage performances fill the afternoon—plus dancing for anyone ready to test their Celtic moves.
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Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place: The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company Free Monthly
The Sarasota Ballet's studio company and conservatory students perform a mix of classical and contemporary dance outdoors at Waterside
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Sarasota Suncoast Half Marathon & 5K
Take on one of the most scenic running courses in Florida with both half marathon and 5K options at this waterfront event.
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Sarasota Jazz Festival
A week-long celebration of jazz featuring main stage headliners, a downtown trolley pub crawl hitting 12 venues, and intimate cabaret performances throughout Sarasota.
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Wellen Park Night Market Free Monthly
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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St. Patrick’s Party & Clover’s Revenge Concert Free
Get your green on for live music by Clover's Revenge, festive drinks, face painting, and family fun—a shamrockin' good St. Patrick's celebration.
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Movie in the Park Free Monthly
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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Family Movie Night at The Bay: Free Willy Free
Grab a blanket for this classic whale tale under the stars—part of Good to Be Green Months celebrating friendship, freedom, and World Water Day.
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Sarasota County Fair
Ten days of rides, fair food, live entertainment, and livestock exhibits at the fairgrounds. New midway this year from Deggeller Attractions. Look for $2 Monday deals.
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