100 Ways to Celebrate Venice’s 100th Birthday

Officially incorporated on July 1, 1926, the City of Venice is marking its centennial through spring 2027 with festivals, performances, public art and community events.

From historic landmarks and waterfront dining to beach days and a curated self-guided tour, here are 100 ways to experience the city during a once-in-a-century celebration.

Centennial Events & Historic Experiences

Cycling the south Sarasota County portion of the Legacy Trail

1. Explore Centennial Park, a downtown staple surrounded by shops and restaurants.
2. Explore Venice Museum & Archives, housed in the 1927 Triangle Inn, and its “Venice Turns 100!” exhibit.
3. See a new statue of John Nolen, who designed the city in the mid-1920’s.
4. Take a guided walking tour with Venice Suncoast Tours through Historic Downtown Venice.
5. Browse archives and exhibits from the Venice Area Historical Society at the Venice Train Depot from 1927.
6. While there, explore the adjacent Circus Car Museum, a restored 1921 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey train car that celebrates the city's enduring circus legacy.
7. Cycle and read historical markers along the paved Legacy Trail (terminus located behind the Train Depot).
8. Attend centennial lectures hosted at the Venice Community Center.
9. Watch the annual Venice Holiday Parade along Miami Avenue.

10. Celebrate Venice July 4th Parade & Picnic festivities at West Blalock Park and through downtown.

    West Venice Avenue in Historic Downtown Venice

11. Admire Mediterranean Revival architecture of the storefronts along West Venice Avenue.
12. Visit the historic Lord-Higel House, now a coffee shop overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
13. Explore centennial-themed art installations throughout downtown Venice.
14. Attend community storytelling events at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Public Library.
15. Admire the Renaissance Revival architecture of the former Hotel Venice, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
16. See the iconic Venice Avenue clock tower at Venice City Hall.
17. While there, head inside City Hall to view a dedicated public art and artifact collection.
18. See Old Betsy Museum, an open-view exhibit on the city's Cultural Campus that houses Venice's first fire engine: a restored 1926 American LaFrance Type 75 pumper
19. Explore Nokomis Avenue. Designed in 1926, this stunning thoroughfare integrates nature with urban structures.
20. Discover the city's rich past on your own self-guided mobile tour with Venice Centennial Pass.

Beach Days & Outdoor Adventures

Beach access at Service Club Park

1. Watch a marvelous Gulf Coast sunset at Maxine Barritt Park.
2. Grab bait at Papa’s Bait & Snack Shop and cast a line from the Venice Fishing Pier.
3. Hunt for fossilized sharks teeth at Caspersen Beach or Venice Beach, aka the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World."
4. Rent electric bikes from Bicycles International to explore scenic stretches of the Legacy Trail.
5. Launch a canoe/kayak for a river paddle from scenic Snook Haven Park.
6. Stroll or take a jog on the Venetian Waterway Park trail.
7. Go horseback riding through wilderness trails then camp out at Carlton Reserve.
8. Paddleboard through blue waterways from Higel Marine Park.
9. Picnic beneath the palms at Humphris Park and watch the boats cruise in and out of the jetties.
10. Book a dolphin-watching sailboat cruise with Sail Venice.

11. Bring your pup to play at Brohard Beach and Paw Park, Sarasota County’s only dog-friendly beach.

    Sunset with fur friends at Brohard Beach Paw Park

12. Explore native flora and fauna on the trails of Curry Creek Preserve.
13. Watch manatees and seabirds gather near North Jetty Beach.
14. Take a sunrise swim or play beach volleyball at Service Club Park.
15. Check out the Venice Area Audubon Rookery, a free, peaceful nature area to spot nesting birds, alligators and turtles.
16. Search for seashells along the shoreline at Chauncy Howard Park beach access.
17. Take a horseback riding tour through Deer Prairie Creek Preserve with Epic Equine Adventures.
18. Book a group-friendly banana boat ride with Venice Boat Rental.
19. Catch a morning flow or sunset yoga daily on the beach with Yoga With Elin.
20. Hit the seas on a megalodon shark tooth dive charter with Keys Huka Dive. 

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Venice Institute for the Performing Arts

1. Grab tickets to see touring tribute artists/bands perform at the Venice Institute for the Performing Arts.
2. Browse local artist exhibitions or take a painting workshop at the Venice Art Center.
3. Attend The Venice Chorale season to hear the voices of a multi-generational choir.
4. Listen to show tunes, marches and featured instrumental and vocal soloists through the Venice Concert Band concert series.
5. Attend the Downtown Venice Art Classic.
6. Explore contemporary and coastal-inspired art galleries throughout the city.
7. Listen to Venice Symphony's professional orchestra play traditional classical masterworks to Hollywood film scores.
8. Connect with art and nature at the Monty Andrews Arboretum, including 100+ trees and palms as well as numerous sculptures of native Florida wildlife.
9. Enjoy year-round events, craft fairs, festivals and concerts hosted by Venice MainStreet.
10. Discover the spectacular "Healing in the Enchanted Garden" 3D mural painted at Founder's Way in downtown. 

11. Attend a Broadway-style musical, drama or comedy at Venice Theatre. 

    Performers on stage at Venice Theatre

12. Sip a cocktail while listening to jazz and acoustic music at Made in Italy.
13. Take a self-guided walking tour to discover public works, including the Endangered Animal Sculptures at West Blalock Park.
14. Catch free Friday Night Concerts at the gazebo at Centennial Park every second and fourth Friday.
15. Browse vintage finds at antique shops along Miami Avenue and West Venice Avenue.
16. Find the new Venice Circus Mural, a vibrant 240-foot-long artwork that celebrates the rich heritage of the circus in Venice.
17. Attend the Venice AACA Antique Classic Car Show for one of the best antique and classic car shows in Southwest Florida.
18. Listen to lively local musicians at Harbor Bistro and Lounge in the historic Caspersen House.
19. Take a Tai Chi or Qugong class, or attend a club meeting (from orchids to Corvettes) at Venice Community Center.
20. Spot the iconic Mermaids and Seahorses sculptures made by local artists and scattered around downtown. 

Food & Drink Experiences

Sharky's restaurants at the Venice Fishing Pier

1. Pair Gulf-caught seafood with front-row sunset views at Fins at Sharky’s.
2. After dinner, head next door to its sister restaurant, Sharky’s on the Pier, for live music and tiki drinks.
3. Enjoy authentic cuisine of Italy and housemade pastas at San Marco of Venice.
4. Grab fresh-baked pastries and quiches at Croissant & Co.
5. Sip craft cocktails by the marina at Dockside Waterfront Grill.
6. Indulge in surf-and-turf dishes at waterfront fixture, Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina.
7. Cool off with artisan gelato from Ciao Gelato downtown.
8. Sample sushi and Asian fusion dishes at Bushido Sushi.
9. Try different flavored frozen daiquiris along the tap wall at Daiquiri Deck Island of Venice. 

10. Catch daily happy hour at The Old Salty Dog Venice.

    Photo courtesy of Bodrum Restaurant

11. Go family-style at Bodrum Restaurant, where Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors shine in vibrant dips and spreads.
12. Stop for locally roasted coffee, and grab a bag of beans to take home, at Black Gold Coffee Roasters.
13. Savor upscale cuisine on the scenic sidewalk of Café Venice Restaurant and Bar.
14. Sip and taste new wines with the wine experts at Venice Wine & Coffee Company.
15. Pick up picnic or cooking supplies from Venice Olive Oil Co.
16. Grab a healthy lunch at the Art Garden Cafe, set in a lush garden setting next to the Venice Art Center.
17. Check out old-fashioned cafe/diner, The Soda Fountain of Venice, for a quick slice of pizza and ice cream sundae.
18. Experience authentic celebrations of food and culture at festivals like Venice Italian Feast & Carnival.
19. Find fresh produce, gourmet goods and finger foods at the Venice Florida Farmers' Market.
20. Try the Smoothie of the Week or a superfood smoothie bowl at Mission Cafe. 

Multi-Gen Family Fun 

West Venice Avenue, the main artery of Historic Downtown Venice

1. Browse artisan goods and seasonal flowers on Saturdays at the year-round Venice Farmers' Market.
2. Shop beachwear, home decor, art and apparel at local retailers and boutiques throughout downtown.
3. Pick up a game of tennis at Shamrock Park and Nature Center, then check out its interpretive nature center.  
4. Tee off at one of the beautiful fairways of Golf in Venice.
5. Play racquetball, handball or shuffle board on the courts at Hecksher Park.
6. Get festive at the Venice Holiday Parade & Christmas Boat Parade.
7. Watch family-friendly outdoor movies at Centennial Park.
8. Find your next read at The Island Bookshop.
9. Visit the automobile showroom of Ideal Classic Cars Museum & Showroom.
10. Shop local art and home décor at downtown Venice boutiques.

11. Attend exciting equestrian competitions at Fox Lea Farm, including hunter/jumper, dressage and appaloosa shows.

    Equestrian competitor at Fox Lea Farm

12. Enjoy family bike rides along Venetian Waterway Park.
13. Spend the afternoon finding one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs from Venice Stationers.
14. Explore the paranormal on a Haunted History Ghost Tour by Venice Fun Tours.
15. Set off on a Shark Spotting adventure to spot all 10 shark sculptures around downtown, featuring native species of living and prehistoric sharks.
16. Let the kids cool off at the Intergenerational Fountain splash pad, located in Centennial Park.
17. Take sailing lessons (no sailboat required) with Venice Sailing Squadron.
18. Plan a weekend getaway at the luxurious, secluded Banyan House.
19. Photograph Venice’s picturesque palm-lined streets and historic buildings.
20. Rent beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers and corn hole games from Florida Bike & Beach Stuff Rentals for the ultimate family day out.
     

Celebrating 100 years of Venice is the perfect excuse to experience one of Florida’s most beloved Gulf Coast destinations during a truly unforgettable year! Call, text or stop by the Venice Visitors Center for additional travel help or have questions about your upcoming trip!