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 "2026" 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 7pm to midnight! Grab dinner and drinks at one of the many new restaurants around the outdoor town center while listening to a live DJ set up under the pavilion. Then get ready to ring in the new year with an annual LIVE Drone Light Show. You'll also be able to grab bites and drinks at tasty food trucks throughout the evening and enjoy games for all ages. Kids are welcome to have a party of their own in the Kids' Korner!

NYE Block Party & Sarasota Pineapple Drop

If you want to celebrate 2026 in true Sarasota style, then your place to be on Dec. 31 is Downtown Sarasota. That's because the 26th annual Sarasota New Year's Eve Pineapple Drop returns! The fun kicks off early 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 1am. 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 2026 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 Bay Kings Band, blending today's hits and classic tunes. Enjoy bites from Sharky's Snack Shack Food Truck before the celebration 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. Early Bird pricing is available until Dec. 21, while General Admission and VIP Experiences are available after Dec. 21. 

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 which runs through the month of December until Jan. 3. For New Year's Eve night, secure coveted tickets to indulge in passed hors d’oeuvres and a seated four-course dinner by Michael's on the Bay. After, get ready for a show of incredible performances by The Sarasota Ballet's 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 before they sell out.

New Year's Rooftop Soiree at The Westin

Head to one of 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 the marina and John Ringling Bridge, with arguably one of the best views of the firework show that will take place at Sarasota Bayfront Park. The 2026 NYE Rooftop Soiree is 21+ and will feature a DJ, open bar, garden-inspired decor, a dance floor, party favors and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. The event runs 9pm-1am. Tickets can be purchased online now leading up to the event.

New Year's Eve Moonlight Masquerade at Art Ovation

Nearby, the Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar, located at the top of Art Ovation Hotel, shares a similar vantage point but at a different angle of the marina and downtown skyline. The Moonlight Masquerade encourages attendees to don a mask while raising their glass and toasting to 2026! The hotel's special event will feature a live DJ, limited fireworks views and a late-night buffet with chicken tenders, French fries, Margherita flatbread and beef sliders. Tickets can be purchased online now leading up to the event.

And Just Beyond New Year's…the Luminescence Festival

The Luminescence Festival is a must-share, even though it takes place in the new year. On Saturday, Jan. 9, head to Downtown Wellen Park as soon as night falls to receive a glowing paper bag. Personalize and decorate your bag before placing it on surface of Grand Lake to float into the darkness with similar bags to create a visually beautiful display. Come light up the night, listen to live music, remember a loved one or make a wish for the new year.