Festivals & Fairs

Sarasota is a destination for gatherings that glisten with prestige and purpose. Events run the gamut from celebrating our world-renowned botanic gardens to experiencing a robust and full spectrum of the arts.

Year-round guests flock in their season finery from all reaches of the world to join Sarasotans for a stream of toney and titillating parties, fundraising galas and exciting events. 

Sarasota's Rocktoberfest, set to rock this October, promises a day and night filled with music, food and vibrant downtown energy. 

Whether you're a rock music enthusiast or just looking for a fantastic weekend getaway, this festival is not to be missed. The authentic three-day Oktoberfest experience is coupled with fantastic live musical performances, big pints of beer and hearty good food! Be sure to bring your festival spirit, a comfortable lawn chair and a hefty appetite!

Fire up your appetite for a quintessential Florida afternoon filled with smoky flavors and soulful sounds.

From smoky barbecue joints and historic hangouts to lively festivals filled with guitars and fiddles, the region offers plenty of ways to soak up the soulful sounds of blues and bluegrass—with a plate of "low and slow" barbecue never far away.

If you’re looking for something hyper-local and special this spring, find an entire lineup of themed events and festivals on the calendar.

Spring on Florida’s Cultural Coast® brings warm sunshine, blooming landscap

Authentic food and tradition of Eastern European cultures that have become prevalent in Sarasota County’s southern City of North Port.

North Port, in Southeast Sarasota County, is a short 30-minute drive from Sarasota.  A little-known fact is that it is considered the hub of the Ukrainian community in Southwest Florida. European accents and languages can be heard everywhere -- in restaurants, shops and markets - it’s a microcosm of Eastern Europe. Here you’ll likely meet Ukrainians, Russians, Serbians and Poles – to name a few.

So, why North Port?

9 Sarasota Events in October You Won’t Want to Miss