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

From waterfront parks to dynamic town centers, these spaces bring people together with free 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 expands and elevates 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: Most Sunday evenings, 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 Oval to perform a range of music genres.
• Namaste at the Bay: Wellness happens here with free bayfront yoga sessions held on select Thursday evenings, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday mornings, 9 a.m.-10 a.m., 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).
• Dance at the Bay: Move and groove on the waterfront. Instructors lead you in Zumba, salsa, disco and almost any other style you can think of most Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m.

Special Events:

• Boo! at The Bay: This annual family-friendly Halloween celebration is a favorite among locals. Held in mid- to late 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, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., 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. An extremely walkable community, 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: Find a curated mix of fresh produce, artisanal goods and local food and drink vendors at the Farmers' Market, every Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. year-round. It’s a perfect opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying the lake views.
• Live Music at the Plaza: Check out the live performances every Friday and Saturday evening, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 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 6 p.m. 

Special Events:

• Ranch Nite Wednesdays: From October to May, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., 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 second Friday of the month for part of the year, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., 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. 
   

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 p.m.-10 p.m., except Sundays when it occurs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (bring your lawn chair and blankets for seating).  
• 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 and Thursdays to Yoga on Tuesdays and 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, 9 a.m.-10 a.m., meet in front of The Outfitters for a communal stroll. More of a jogger? Join the Running Group on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. near Solis Hall.
• Fresh Harvest Farmers Market: Every Sunday, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 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 (September-June) as admirers walk the grounds with their morning brews. All Cars & Caffeine attendees receive 50 percent off of drip, iced and cold brew coffee from 7 a.m.-10 a.m. at Foxtail Coffee.
• Wellen Park Oktoberfest: Transport yourself to Germany during the Oktoberfest. The festive fall event blends German flavors and traditions with local talent!
• 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.

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).

• Tennis Matches: Though not technically free, a small fee of $10 per player lets you join in on Tennis Triples fun on Friday evenings (5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.) and Sunday mornings (9 a.m.-noon). Tennis Triples is cardio tennis using an orange tennis ball that bounces 50 percent less than a yellow tennis ball. All levels of tennis players are welcome.