Celebrate New Year's Eve in Sarasota County

As the year draws to a close, Sarasota is buzzing with talk of fireworks and festive falling fruits; planning champagne toasts with sparkling bruts.

From swanky soirees to casual beach bashes, block parties and family-friendly marshmallow roasts—there are all kinds of ways to say "goodbye" to 2017 and welcome the New Year in Sarasota County.

Where will you be when the clock strikes midnight in 2018

Downtown Sarasota Pineapple Drop

Sarasota County's biggest New Year's Eve event attracts more than 20,000 visitors downtown for the annual "Pineapple Drop" that rings in the New Year with tropical flair. The block party on Main Street kicks off at 1:00 p.m. on Dec. 31, featuring live bands, food and beer vendors, kids games, and a midway—and culminates in the New Year countdown and Sarasota's hallmark N.Y.E. "Pineapple Drop" at midnight.

New Year's Eve Charity Party at the Municipal Auditorium

Full Moon Promotions will host this exclusive New Year's Eve Charity Party at Sarasota's Municipal Auditorium. This N.Y.E. celebration, supporting the Mayors Feed the Hungry Program, features a red carpet entrance and valet parking, an open top-shelf bar, bottomless champagne, catered appetizers and JPAN Sushi, a huge dance floor, and live music from Reverend Barry and the Funk. Tickets sell for $125 through Dec. 15, $140 from Dec. 16-30, and (if available) $160 day-of and at the door. 

N.Y.E. Fireworks Celebration at Marina Jack

Bring in the New Year with a "bang" and a dazzling shower of colors and light at the annual Marina Jack fireworks show over the Sarasota bayfront. All areas of the restaurant will open for lunch at 11:00 a.m., and in the evening will transition to special menus and entertainment. The fireworks display taking place at midnight is a collaboration between Suncoast Charities for Children, Marina Jack, and the City of Sarasota. 

New Year's Eve at Selby Gardens

This signature black tie event is among the most sophisticated New Year's Eve affairs in Sarasota. New Year's Eve at Selby Gardens features a private journey through the holiday-lit tropical gardens, passed hor d'oeuvres, a seated four-course dinner, and live entertainment and dancing at Michael's on the Bay. When the clock strikes midnight, close out 2017 and welcome the New Year with a breathtaking view from the bayside Gardens of the fireworks. Tickets for this adults-only affair are $250.

Speakeasy Soiree at the Powel Crosley Estate

Is this the eve of the New Year, 2018, or is it 1922? It's tough to know for sure, once you're swept away by the glitz and glam of the 'Roaring '20s'-style New Year's Eve Gala at the waterfront Powel Crosley estate. This swanky affair features live jazz and dancing, delectable dining, speakeasy card games, a cash bar (1920's Prohibition laws not applicable) and a complimentary champagne toast coinciding with the Time's Square Ball Drop at midnight. Ticket prices are $135 for dinner and after-party; $38 for after-party only.

New Year's Eve Gala at the Venice Ramada

The Venice Ramada Resort will host its annual New Year's Eve Gala. The gala features a cocktail reception and hor d'oeuvres, photo booth, grand buffet and dessert station, live entertainment from the Shift Change Band, and raffle prizes throughout the night. Celebrate with a champagne toast at midnight as the party livestreams the Times Square Ball Drop. Gala tickets are $80 per person or $150 per couple. Venice Ramada also offers a $269 per couple N.Y.E. package that includes the gala, overnight guest room, and breakfast on the morning of New Year's Day. 

Sharky's New Year's Eve Beach Bash

Say "goodbye" to 2017 and ring in the New Year with fireworks on the beach at the annual Sharky's on the Pier New Year's Eve Beach Bash. The event kicks off at 8:00 p.m., featuring live music from Chameleon and a huge dance floor on the beach, and culminates in a midnight fireworks show. There is a $10 fee at the door to enter the beach area.

Historic Spanish Point "Starlight and Fire" Family Party

The Starlight and Fire Family Party taking place on New Year's Eve at Historic Spanish Point during the "Holly Days and Mangrove Lights" celebration is an opportunity for the whole family to celebrate New Year's Eve together—and still have the littlest ones tucked in before the clock strikes midnight. Taking place at White Cottage from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. on Dec. 31, the party features a bonfire for roasting marshmallows, hot cider, popcorn and crafts—and promises an unusual Florida forecast with a 100% chance of snow. Tots get in for free, kids 5-12 for $5; teens and adults for $10.

Olde Englewood Village New Year's Lemon Drop

South Sarasota County's historic Englewood Village celebrates the New Year with its Lemon Drop celebration in Pioneer Park (300 W. Dearborn Street). The festival kicks off at 1:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve and continues until 1:00 a.m. after the clock strikes 2018. Enjoy food, drinks, and live music from Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio as Englewood counts down to the midnight Lemon Drop.

WSLR New Year's Eve Surf Bash at Fogartyville

Join Sarasota community radio station, 96.5 WSLR, in saying "cowabunga, dude" as you catch a wave into 2018 at the WSLR New Year's Eve Surf Bash at Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center. This laidback N.Y.E. celebration kicks off at 8:00 p.m. and features totally mellow vibes—including the Surf Tones playing all the great instrumental surf tunes from the 60's and beyond. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 the day of the show.