Guide to Free Activities & Events in Sarasota's Outdoor Spaces

From waterfront parks to dynamic town centers, these spaces bring people together with free weekly activities you can join regularly, annual events and programming for all ages. Whether you’re looking to get active, enjoy live music or attend cultural and holiday events, there’s something for everyone at Sarasota's master-planned outdoor spaces. 

(Days and times of the following events/activities are subject to change throughout the year)

The Bay Park, Sarasota

The Bay Park, a stunning 53-acre waterfront park located along Sarasota Bay, is a growing gem of a destination that’s become a beloved community gathering spot that includes everything from a manmade beach setting with Adirondack seating, a larger-than-life kids' playground, kayak/SUP launch, walking trails, a great Green Lawn, The Nest Cafe, public art displays and more. As the park continues to expand and elevate its amenities, it continues to strengthen its programming and offerings, combining natural beauty with engaging activities.

Free Weekly Activities:

• The Y Bootcamp: On Tuesdays and Saturdays, get your sweat on with body-weight exercises in a 45-minute fitness workout of conditioning circuits. Please bring a mat or towel and a water bottle for hydration.
• Sunday Serenades: Every Sunday evening, enjoy a free concert series to end your busy weekend. Sing along to classic tunes and favorite songs, played by local artists and musicians, as they take the stage of the The Lawn to perform a range of music genres.
• Namaste at the Bay: Weekly wellness happens here with free bayfront yoga sessions held every Thursday evening, 6pm-7pm, and Saturday morning, 9am-10am, inviting participants to practice in an hour-long mindful stretch in nature and open to the public.
• Ride & Paddle: Hard to believe it's free, but you can experience The Bay from the water and its restored mangroves from kayak on Fridays and Saturdays. The intermediate-level guided kayak tour is led by Ride & Paddle guides. Kayaks and lifeguard jackets are provided. (Registration is required and accepted only 4 weeks in advance). 
• Plein Air Painting: Capture Sarasota’s picture-perfect natural beauty by learning, or enhancing, your open-air painting skills under the guidance and instruction of talented local artists. Basic student-grade supplies are provided for free for beginners. For those more experienced, bring your own materials. Unlike other programming, this is not an ongoing series or weekly offering, but more of a one-time class held once a month during season. (Due to popular demand, registrations are accepted only 4 weeks in advance).

Special Events:

• 2nd Anniversary Community Celebration: Mark your calendar for a grand celebration throughout the entire month of October. The Bay will bring in its 2nd anniversary with live music, food vendors, kids’ activities and performances that honor the public park’s vibrant role in the community.
• Boo! at The Bay: This annual family-friendly Halloween celebration is a favorite amongst locals. Held on the last Friday of October, this not-so-scary event is filled with trick-or-treating for the kids, plus free pumpkin pickings, yard games, a "haunted" trail and a spooky outdoor movie showing. 
• Cinema at the Bay: On select Thursdays of the month during season, 7pm-9pm, enjoy free outdoor, family-friendly movies on the big screen. You can count on the Nest Cafe to serve up popcorn, margaritas and other refreshments. 

Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch

Waterside Place is Lakewood Ranch’s central hub for shopping, dining and outdoor activities, nestled around the water's edge of scenic Kingfisher Lake. This walkable town center is buzzing with energy, combining green spaces with arts and entertainment, as well as wellness, leisure and community experiences. Extremely walkable, you'll find an 8-acre island park just over the pedestrian bridge with amenities ranging from a kids' playground and Splash Pad, volleyball nets and exercise pods to hammocks, pavilions and walking paths. 

Free Weekly Activities:

• Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market: Held every Sunday, from 10am-2pm year-round, find a curated mix of fresh produce, artisanal goods and local food and drink vendors at the Farmers' Market, providing a perfect opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying the lake views.
• Yoga & Pilates in the Park: Earlier on Sunday mornings, 9am-10am, catch a  gentle, free yoga session on the green lawn before walking across the bridge to shop the market. Also a popular activity for locals looking to start their weekend on a healthy note is a free, mat-based pilates class on Saturday mornings, 8:30am-9:30am.
• Live Music at the Plaza: Check out the live performances every Friday evening, from 6pm-9pm. Grab a drink from a nearby restaurant and enjoy the show under the pavilion and stars.
• Sunset Volleyball: Head to the sandy courts of Island Cove Terrace in Waterside Place to join roulette-style pickup volleyball games, designed for players who are ready to jump in every Wednesday evening at 6pm. 

Special Events:

• Ranch Nite Wednesdays: From October to May, 6pm-9pm, head to Waterside Place on Wednesday nights for a weeknight hangout, including a rotating lineup of food and dessert trucks lined down the main street of the Town Center. Weekly live music is always playing, outdoor bars post up for to-go drinks, and the largest recreation cornhole league hosts games on closed-off streets. 
• Movie in the Park: On the 2nd Friday of the month for part of the year, 7pm-10pm, grab the family for an outdoor movie on a giant projector screen. Showtimes begin at sunset and seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. (Bring a blanket and/or lawn chair for seating).
• Winter on the Waterside: Come holiday season, join in on a community-wide winter celebration throughout the months of December and January. From a ceremonial tree lighting to Santa appearances, holiday markets and a New Year's Eve party, it's a magical time to be at Waterside Place. (Details for this year to be announced). 
   

Downtown Wellen Park, North Port

Courtesy of City of North Port, Florida

North Port’s vibrant Downtown Wellen Park has rapidly become a focal point for community engagement and entertainment with its awesome amenities and beautifully designed public spaces. With loads of dining and shopping options along the Grand Lake, plus beautiful murals, a Splash Pad, kayak/SUP launch, expansive amphitheater and wide boardwalks for strolling, Wellen Park is a must-visit for families and visitors.

Free Weekly Activities:

• Daily Live Music Series: Enjoy a rotating lineup of free live music daily on stage from local musicians and artists while relaxing on the sprawling community lawn or under the Heritage Tree. The live music series takes place from 6:00pm-10:00pm, except Sundays when it occurs from 9am-1pm (bring your lawn chair and blankets for seating).  
• Wellen Wednesday's Cornhole: Head to Wellen Park every Wednesday evening for drop-in cornhole tournaments with fellow neighbors and tossers. Cornhole draw time will be precisely at 6:30pm with a $5 fee.
• Yoga & Fitness Classes: Stay active and healthy while enjoying the scenic surroundings of Wellen Park and finding fellow community members. From Zumba classes on Mondays to Tai Chi on Tuesdays and Yoga on Saturdays, there are some awesome opportunities to find your rhythm and new morning workout regime on The Great Lawn. 
• Walking/Running Group Meet-Up: Need to find some walking buddies? Every Saturday morning, 9am-10am, meet in front of Kind Vibes Outfitters for a communal stroll. More of a jogger? Mondays, 6pm-7pm, runners meet in the same spot to hit the pavement. 
• Fresh Harvest Farmers Market: Every Sunday, from 9am-1pm, shop Wellen Park's weekly market for fresh fruit and veggies to house plants, seafood, jewelry, desserts and more. 

Special Events:

• Cars & Caffeine: Co-sponsored by Foxtail Coffee and Antique Automobile Club of America-Venice Region, Wellen Park plays as the hosting ground to amazingly vintage cars on the first Saturday of the month as admirers walk the grounds with their morning brews. All Cars & Caffeine attendees receive 50% off of drip, iced, and cold brew coffee from 7am-10am at Foxtail Coffee.
• Wellen Park Oktoberfest: Having celebrated its inaugural Oktoberfest celebration this past September, be sure to catch next year's festive fall event blending German flavors and traditions with local talent!
• Wellen Park Wine Festival: This inaugural event in November celebrates distinguished vintners and the culinary talents of area restauranteurs as attendees sip, sample and shop a variety of wines.
• Tree Lighting & Wellen Wonderland: The holiday season lights up with a festive display of Christmas sights and sounds. From photo ops with Santa, group choir performances, a tree lighting ceremony, ornament decorating, hot chocolate booth and more, December sure is a holly time to be in Downtown Wellen Park. 
• Half Marathon & 5K: Held every March, runners, walkers and leashed dogs are all welcome for a half marathon and 5k-pres, starting and finishing on Wellen Park Blvd. 

Payne Park, Downtown Sarasota

Payne Park is an urban oasis offering 29 acres of green space, home to the Payne Park Tennis Center, Skate Park, both gravel and paved trails for biking and walking, the Circus Park playground, and a café/restaurant. This park located in the heart of downtown Sarasota blends recreational amenities with fitness and leisure.

Free Activities:

• Skate Park Sessions: The skate park is free to use and you can often find local skateboarders honing their skills throughout the ramp and bowl. It's a great place for teens and active individuals (enjoy at your own risk).

• Social Tennis Matches: Though not technically free, a small fee of $5 allows co-ed teams to participate in a friendly adult game of social doubles at Payne Park Tennis Center on Wednesday and Thursday evenings (pre-registration is required).