Top New Year's Eve Celebrations in Sarasota

Cheers to another year in the books! Send it off right on New Years Eve with some of the most beloved annual celebrations on Florida's Cultural Coast. So put on a sparkly getup, grab a pair of "2025" glasses and something bubbly to ring in the new year – Sarasota-style. 

New Year’s Eve at Waterside Place

Photo courtesy of Lakewood Ranch

Celebrate New Year's Eve lakeside at the Waterside Place Plaza in Lakewood Ranch from 6pm to midnight! Grab dinner and drinks at one of the many new restaurants around the outdoor town center. Then get ready to ring in the new year with a LIVE Drone Light Show, beginning around 11:45 PM before dancing the night away with live music by DJ Truth. You'll also be able to grab dinner at tasty food trucks and drinks throughout the evening and enjoy games for all ages. Kids are welcome to have a party of their party in the Kids' Korner!

NYE Block Party & Sarasota Pineapple Drop

The 25th annual Sarasota New Year's Eve Pineapple Drop returns! The fun kicks off early on December 31st with a family-friendly block party starting at 1pm in Downtown Sarasota (along Main Street and Lemon Avenue). Find amusement games and carnival rides at Selby Five Points Park, live music from local bands and tons of options for food and drink (including spots with a full bar) throughout. Per tradition, it all culminates with the illuminated Pineapple Drop, a giant glowing pineapple of lights, at midnight and the spectacular fireworks display over the bayfront that follows that you can view right from the party! Hop around and explore live concert performances at the multiple outdoor stages till the festivities culminate at 1:30am. This event is free and open to the public. 

Sharky's New Year's Eve Beach Bash

Photo courtesy of Sharky's on the Pier

Kick off your shoes and dip your toes in the sand of Venice Beach as 2025 has its own kick-off. Back for its highly-anticipated annual New Year's Eve Beach Bash, Sharky's on the Pier hosts an exuberant night of dancing to the live tunes of Scarlet Drive, a Gulf Coast-based five-piece and female-fronted band that specializes in high-energy covers (from the 70s to now) and original tunes. Enjoy bites from Sharky's Snack Shack Food Truck before it all culminates in a breathtaking fireworks show at midnight, silhouetted by the iconic Venice Fishing Pier. The evening will only get better from there. Gates open at 7pm, live music starts at 8pm. Purchase your tickets and learn more about NYE Beach Bash here.  

New Year’s Eve Gala and Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens

Make New Year’s Eve a sophisticated black-tie affair at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota Campus. Begin the night with private access and a tour of the award-winning Lights in Bloom®, open-air holiday light show. Indulge in passed hors d’oeuvres and a seated four-course dinner by Michael's on East. After, get ready for a show of incredible performances by The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory, and dancing to DJ Karim. The countdown to the new year culminates with a champagne toast and a perfect view of the fireworks overlooking Sarasota Bay when the clock strikes midnight. The New Year's Eve Gala runs from 7pm-1am. Find more event details and snag your gala tickets here.

New Year's Rooftop Soiree at The Westin

Head to one if the tallest buildings of Downtown Sarasota at The Westin's rooftop for a sensational soiree. Bring in the New Year right with the stunning rooftop views of downtown and arguably one of the best views of the firework show that will take place at Sarasota Bayfront Park. The Rooftop Soiree is 21+ and will feature a DJ, two bars, a dance floor, party favors and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. The event runs 9pm-1am. Tickets can be purchased here.