Events & Festivals

Visiting Sarasota is more than fabulous beach days on pristine shorelines — there’s events offering an immersive way to connect with locals and to feel the creative energy of this welcoming destination. From waterfront gatherings and open-air markets to seasonal showcases and beloved parades, these experiences offer a chance to explore the region’s personality in unforgettable ways. 

No matter when you visit, you’ll find a mix of coastal charm and cultural excitement. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a solo adventure, a romantic getaway or a quick day trip, there’s always something happening here that’ll create everlasting memories.

Festivals & Events by Season

What Festivals & Events Happen in Fall

In fall, the Sarasota area has fewer crowds but keeps its wonderful warm weather. Stroll streets transformed into 3D works of art during the Sarasota Chalk Festival, or head to the beach for jaw-dropping sand sculptures at the Siesta Key Crystal Classic. Find knights, jousts and merriment at the Sarasota Medieval Fair, or experience the magic of thousands of lights illuminating the night sky at the Water Lantern Festival. Celebrate love and being your authentic self as the Gulfcoast Pride Festival takes over downtown Sarasota with music, food and family fun. 

Drive over to St. Armands Circle on Lido Key to marvel at masterpieces during the Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival, or admire the four-wheeled, high-performance beauties that highlight Ferraris on the Circle. See artisan creations made by locals during the Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival. Take a deep dive into midcentury style on tours of architecturally stunning spots throughout Sarasota County at MOD Weekend.

What Festivals & Events Happen in Winter

 In winter, the Sarasota area heats up with eclectic festivals along its pleasant coast. Celebrate local, regional and international artists creating works covering a wide range of art mediums and techniques at the St. Armands Circle Art Festival and the Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts. Find handmade, indie and offbeat creations from skilled tastemakers at the Atomic Holiday Bazaar, or during the Downtown Sarasota Fine Art and Craft Fair. Enjoy well-known classics and lesser-performed works during the multi-day Winter Opera Festival hosted by Sarasota Opera. Feel the rumble of motorcycles and live music as Thunder by the Bay takes over the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Enjoy athletic competitions, bagpipe performances and traditional foods at the Sarasota Highland Games & Celtic Festival.

What Festivals & Events Happen in Spring

In spring, the Sarasota area welcomes the sunnier weather with 10 days of rides, live entertainment, food vendors and agricultural contests at the Sarasota County Fair. Kids will love hunting for prehistoric treasures at the Venice Sharks Tooth Festival, or watching a free water skiing show put on by the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees. Venues around Sarasota County highlight the intimate beauty of small groups during La Musica Chamber Music Festival, and feature LGBTQ+ artists and performers during the FAB Arts & Music Festival. Sports fans will be delighted as two Major League Baseball teams, the Atlanta Braves and the Baltimore Orioles, hold their Spring Training at Sarasota stadiums.

Cheer on teams during the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival at Nathan Benderson Park, or groove to the chill vibes when the Myakka River Blues Festival takes over Venice’s Snook Haven. Downtown Sarasota Spring Craft Fair brings creatives and their handmade works to the city center, while The Ringling College of Art & Design puts on the annual Florida Creativity Conference for artists to polish their skills.

What Festivals & Events Happen in Summer

In summer, the Sarasota area welcomes visitors from all over to refresh in the cooling gulf waters. Celebrate the USA as colorful displays light up the night sky at Sarasota’s Fourth of July Fireworks, or with delicious foods at the Fourth of July All-American Cookout. Visitors of all ages will love the excitement and pageantry of the Summer Circus Spectacular. 

Enjoy the stunning waters by helping with the cleanup efforts during World Oceans Week at Mote, or by watching fast action of the athletes during the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix. Enjoy casino games, music and dancing at the Suncoast Summer Fest, and prepare to laugh as regional comedians take to the stage during FST Improv Fest. Those with a refined palette will delight with the elevated tastings at the Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival. Honor the heritage of a waterfront gem with parades, music and kid-friendly activities during Englewood Pioneer Days.

Festivals & Events for All Travelers

Festivals & Events for Holiday Lights Enthusiasts 

Around the holidays, the Sarasota area glistens and delights with family-friendly celebrations. Watch the water sparkle during the Venice or Sarasota Holiday Boat Parades, experience festive entertainment nightly at Holidays at UTC and Wonderland, or stroll through a tropical holiday light display at Selby Gardens’ Lights in Bloom. 

Festival & Events for Culture Seekers 

Sarasota is a cultural hub with first-class institutions hosting can’t-miss events. Cinephiles gather for new releases at the Sarasota Film Festival, and to watch stories amplifying LGBTQ+ voices during the Fabulous Independent Film Festival. The Living Arts Festival showcases live entertainment, while Sarasota Art and Dance Night highlights masterpieces and recitals. 

Festivals & Events for Families 

Find festivities catered for all ages. Celebrate Halloween without the spooks at Boo! At the Bay, and ring in the new year with family-friendly fun during the Sarasota Pineapple Drop. Try delicious meals that even the pickiest of eaters will love at the Suncoast Largest Food Truck Festival, and enjoy a whimsical time together at the Enchanted Garden Family Festival.

Festivals & Events for Foodies

Indulge in local flavors in Sarasota County. Savor Sarasota offers deals on multi-course menus at top restaurants throughout the region, while A Taste of Main Street showcases the exceptional culinary spots of Lakewood Ranch. Top chefs, winemakers and brewmasters serve up sensational foods at Forks & Corks, and vineyards are honored at the Wellen Park Wine Festival. 

Festivals & Events for Music Lovers 

Live music is something Sarasota does well. Enjoy a lineup of regional bands rocking out all weekend at Rocktoberfest, and a collection of world-class musicians performing during the Sarasota Jazz Festival. All types of melodies can be heard at numerous venues during the Sarasota Music Festival, and come hungry and ready to dance at the kid-friendly Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival.