Venice Turns 100: A Coastal Centennial Worth Celebrating

Venice, Florida, is stepping into its next century. As the city marks its 100th anniversary, residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the history, architecture, culture and spirit that make this quaint Gulf-side city one of Sarasota County’s most timeless gems. 

With a full calendar of parades, exhibitions, historic tributes, community festivals and special centennial programming, Venice’s milestone year is the perfect moment to revisit “Your City on the Gulf”—and experience how it has grown, evolved and stayed true to its roots since 1926.

A City Built with Vision: Honoring 100 Years of Venice

Planned by famed landscape architect John Nolen and shaped by the Seaboard Air Line Railway boom of the 1920s, Venice is one of Florida’s rare cities designed from the ground up. Its unmistakable Mediterranean Revival architecture, historic walkable downtown and brick-lined charm didn’t happen by accident—and the Centennial celebrations shine a spotlight on the people and ideas that built this seaside community.

Across 2026 and 2027, visitors can expect downtown exhibitions, performances and guided events that trace Venice’s journey from planned paradise to a beloved coastal hometown—or vacation destination.

Key Centennial Events and Exhibits

Venice MainStreet in Historic Downtown

Centennial Kickoff & Holiday Parade

The festivities officially launched on November 29, 2025, during Venice’s 49th Annual Holiday Parade. This year’s theme, "All Aboard the Centennial," paid tribute to the railroads, pioneers and early settlers who shaped the city’s first era. With thousands of participants, parade entertainment, festive floats and local school groups marching downtown, the event doubled as a holiday tradition and centennial kickoff. Mark your calendar for November 2026's holiday parade!

“Together Through Time: Venice at 100” 

This once-in-a-century celebration brings residents, businesses and community leaders together for a special evening of music, cocktails, dancing, storytelling and reflection. A curated dinner invites you to savor a “Taste of the Times,” inspired by the flavors of Venice’s history, accompanied by the sounds of The Venice Symphony. This event takes place on January 21, 2026, as the perfect way to toast the city’s remarkable 100-year journey and legacy. Tickets are now available. 

John Nolen Statue Unveiling

In a tribute to the visionary planner who mapped Venice’s iconic layout, a commemorative all-bronze statue of John Nolen will be unveiled in Centennial Park on February 18, 2026—a nod to the city’s meticulous origins and enduring design. While at the park, be sure to take in the other public art—most notably, a series of 10 small bronze shark sculptures scattered throughout the downtown area as part of the public art installation Shark Spotting, symbolizing Venice Island as the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World."

“Venice Turns 100!” Exhibit at the Venice Museum

Now open and running through August 2026, "Venice Turns 100! Celebrating the City on the Gulf’s Centennial" brings the city’s story to life, drawing back to its humble beginnings in 1926 through historic photographs, rare artifacts, oral histories and archival materials. Held inside the historic Triangle Inn at Venice Museum, this specially curated exhibit invites visitors to explore Venice's past, transformation and the thriving community it is today in an iconic building that’s part of the story itself. 

More Centennial-Themed Community Events

• Special-edition car shows in Centennial Park
• Library lecture series and oral history nights
• A community picnic and block party celebration
• Fourth of July festivities, with even more to celebrate as part of America's 250th anniversary
   

Why Venice’s 100-Year Celebration Matters

Brohard Paw Park and Venice Fishing Pier

The centennial isn’t just an anniversary—it’s a reflection of Venice, FL's thoughtfully designed beginnings, its strong sense of community and the generations of people who’ve made this seaside city what it is today. This milestone is a moment to honor the past, celebrate the present and imagine the next 100 years of this treasure on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Whether you’re returning to Venice for another visit or discovering it for the first time, 2026-27 offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to commemorate a century of coastal character.

Get Involved: The Centennial Pass

During your next trip to the island of Venice, take part in a mobile experience mapping out the city's most historic and iconic destinations through our Centennial Pass here.