It's Festival Season on the Suncoast

From blues and jazz festivals, film screenings and tennis competitions, to food and wine tastings, an annual PRIDE festival and a day dedicated to shark teeth—festivals are where it's at on Florida's Cultural Coast®! Whether here for spring break, a weekend trip or a local looking for some fun, there is ample opportunity to find something exciting happening in Sarasota County this year. Things quiet down in the summertime, but gear up for plenty of fun throughout the rest of the year.

January

Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival

With a variety of different events over the course of five days, including Master Classes and wine pairing dinners, foodies near and far flock to Sarasota for one of the biggest food and wine festivals in Florida. Hosted by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, the main event of Forks & Corks Festival is the Grand Tasting, which takes place every year at The Ringling Museum. Showcasing Sarasota's locally-owned restaurants along with wineries and winemakers from all over the world, stations are set up for guests to have their fill of delicious bites while swirling glasses of fine grape juice.

Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival

This festival blends the finest ingredients to create an unforgettable experience at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Indulge in a wide selection of dishes including fresh seafood, meats, and vegetarian options, all cooked on-site. Relax and enjoy the live musical performances featuring some of Florida’s and the region’s top talents.

February

Sarasota Festival of the Arts

With over 70 artisans presenting their creations, the Bayfront Park will transform into an outdoor gallery featuring spectacular artwork. Discover a diversity of styles, techniques, and materials, each guided by the unique visions of the artisans at the Sarasota Festival of the Arts.

March

Cirque des Voix®: Circus of the Voices

Cirque des Voix® (aka Circus of Voices) is Key Chorale’s dynamic collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory at the iconic Sailor Circus Arena. Experience this unique fusion of the circus and musical arts in a performance unlike any other. Become a spectator of world-class circus artists, combined with the 100+ voices of Key Chorale and the musical mastery of the 40-piece Cirque Orchestra. It will surely be a night to remember!

Sarasota Jazz Festival

Presented by the Jazz Club of Sarasota, enjoy live music in and around the University Town Center—including the UTC Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl at the UTC Mall and a Jazz Film Nights at Nathan Benderson Park. Ticketing and festival info, including schedule and performers, can be found on the Sarasota Jazz Festival website.

Sarasota County Agricultural Fair

The Sarasota Fairgrounds features its annual Sarasota County Agricultural Fair, which is a 10-day event each March and features rides, entertainment, crafts, horticulture, Science Fair and more. The benefits of this annual event go to promoting the 4-H and FFA.

April

Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open

If you're a fan of tennis and elite athleticism, you do not want to miss the Sarasota Open, one of the top Challenger Events of the ATP Calendar, at Downtown Sarasota's Payne Park Tennis Center.

Suncoast Boat Show 

Make your way down to Bayfront Park for a beautiful boat show at the luxurious waterfront of Marina Jack. The annual Suncoast Boat Show includes cruisers, runabouts, center consoles, motor yachts and more. Shop tents full of electronics, accessories, jewelry, art and clothing all in a festive atmosphere with food, drinks, music and more. Meanwhile, Captain Don will host demos of fishing techniques and showcase fish species for the kids.

Venice Sharks Tooth Festival

A Venice favorite, the Sharks Tooth Festival celebrates the area's prehistoric treasures. Located at Centennial Park in Historic Downtown Venice, enjoy live music, food trucks, educational speakers, merchandise and fossil vendors, a kids corner and more. Admission is free and open to the public. Visit the festival's website for further event details.

Sarasota Film Festival

The Sarasota Film Festival will hit the big screens in Downtown Sarasotas's Rosemary District in April. Emphasizing the best in cinema alongside exciting programs and events, catch any number of 200 films screened each year—including features, documentaries, shorts and kid-friendly picks.

May

Annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival

This popular craft festival has garnered crowds of fine craft lovers each year. Taking place in the heart of Downtown Sarasota, discover a variety of jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting, clothing and much more. There will also be an expansive green market with plants, orchids, exotic flora, handmade soaps, gourmet spices and freshly popped kettle corn.

Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival

Get ready for a thrilling day of paddling, passion, and community spirit at the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival. This event brings together fierce competition and festival fun in one unforgettable experience at Nathan Benderson Park. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a newcomer to the sport, the festival offers racing opportunities for all.

September

Englewood Pioneer Days

An annual tradition every Labor Day, Englewood Pioneer Days features a variety of events like cardboard boat racing and diaper derby for the family. Enjoy the festive parade and tuck into a pie-eating or a watermelon-eating contest with friends. It’s an ideal opportunity to gather with visitors and neighbors for days of fun.

October

Gulf Coast Pride Festival

Gulf Coast Pride brings together an afternoon and evening celebration of community and connection. While there, you can explore local vendors and nonprofit organizations while enjoying live music and performances from local organizations. This family event features plenty of food and an awesome Kid Zone for children to enjoy. 

Sarasota Water Lantern Festival

Held at Nathan Benderson Park, upon arrival you’ll receive a lantern kit, and step into a vibrant festival atmosphere filled with live music, food, and activities. Personalize your lantern with a message or intention, and take time to share meaningful moments with the people around you. At sunset, release your lanterns together across the water in a powerful shared moment, then take in the beauty of thousands of lights reflecting back.

MOD Weekend

Presented by Architecture Sarasota, MOD Weekend showcases Sarasota’s most important architecture through a variety of guided and self-guided tours, events and speaking engagements. Visitors flock to Sarasota to marvel at our architecture, many of which was established by the Sarasota School of Architecture during the mid-century era.

November

Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Festival

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Festival is an internationally recognized sand sculpting event held each year on the white sands of Siesta Beach, Florida. This four-day event brings together talented master sand sculptors from around the world to transform Siesta’s famous sand into stunning, large-scale works of art.

Sarasota Medieval Fair

The festival is more than just an event. The Sarasota Medieval Fair brings together local artisans, performers, and vendors, and serves as a fundraiser to multiple non-profit organizations. It’s a creative forum for learning about the history of the Medieval era through a wide range of family-friendly activities, and an occasion through which our community has made lasting friendships and lifelong memories.

Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival

The outdoor gallery at the Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival features artwork from talented local, regional, and national artisans. Their creative visions transform the venue into a unique and extraordinary display of fine art and crafts. The festival will showcase a diverse palette of works. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, speak with the artists about commissioning a custom piece created specifically for you or your business.

December

Atomic Holiday Bazaar

In the past twenty years, the Atomic Holiday Bazaar has grown into a robust two-day show at Sarasota’s Municipal Auditorium. The shopping event brings vendors who bring a fresh shot of what's new for a terminally cool, experience.