Weekend Itinerary for the Siesta Key Crystal Classic

Start your morning with a fresh smoothie or house-brewed coffee from local roaster Mojo Risin, located in the heart of Siesta Key Village. Then head over to the festival for all the action, as the event kicks off with the opening of Vendor Village/Food Court, featuring everything from unique handmade wares to food truck snacks. As the sand sculptors progress their piles of sand into works of art, spend time in the Party Tent, with live music and a full bar open to the public every day of the festival. 

Not ready to leave the beach before sundown? After watching the Quick Sand Competition unfold—a fast-paced challenge of speed and skill—plan to jump on a sunset e-bike tour with Sarasota Bike Tours to cruise fat-tire electric bikes across Siesta's sands before darkness falls.

Once you've worked up an appetite, head back to the Village for dinner. There, find visitor-favorite The Old Salty Dog, a family-friendly restaurant boasting "a Florida Keys feel with a British twist." For something a bit more elevated, grab a table on the hidden back patio for cocktails and specialty dishes at The Cottage. Before heading back to your hotel or vacation rental, finish your first night by grabbing a cone from one of the many ice cream shops down Ocean Boulevard.

In the morning, catch some seaside Zen to start your day with Siesta Key Beach Yoga at 8:30am—right on Siesta Beach (just bring a mat or towel). Fuel up after with coffee and freshly baked donuts at Meaney's Mini Donuts & Coffee House. Venture back to the festival to participate in or witness the Amateur Sand Sculpting Competition. Enjoy live bands play, some Sand Sculpting Demos & Lessons and an ongoing competition of speed and skill. 

When you're ready to wrap your beach day, grab a Veo scooter, catch the trolley or jump back in the car to head back to Siesta Key Village. Grab an oyster happy hour and local brews at the famous Siesta Key Oyster Bar, or an early dinner of elevated bar bites and frozen daiquiris (virgin and spiked) at the popular Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.  After dinner, stroll and shop the many local boutiques for clothing, bathing suits, souvenirs, decor and more. Don't miss shops like Beach Bazaar, Island Trader, Casa del Sol, Marmalade Surfside, Sandal Factory, Sea Shanty, and Gidget's Coastal Provisions! 

If the family is up for it, head back to the Siesta Beach on Saturday evening—a special festival highlight includes Sculptures After Dark—when the sculptures will be illuminated under colored lights after sunset (until 9pm) as a cover band plays to the audience and nighttime sky. 

Sunday Funday means time to get in the water (if you haven't already by now!). Venture early in the morning to CB's Saltwater Outfitters and have your pick of water sports, boat tours and rentals—including parasailing, jet skiing, fishing charters and more! Since this is further south of the key, you can catch the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley for free (running daily, 8am-10pm).

After your morning adventure, grab a laid-back lunch at the giant tiki huts of Spearfish Grille and Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar—both down the road from CB's. Enjoy the island vibes at these landmark eateries, as well as fresh-caught seafood and tropical drinks. Catch the trolley or drive back to the event, as artists put the finishing touches on their sand-sculpted masterpieces. By 3pm, the Masters Award Ceremony will take place, announcing the 2025 winners of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic. 

Catch another dreamy Gulf Coast sunset in front of the Public Pavilion before the week's end. There, you'll be pleasantly awakened by a lively local party. The Siesta Key Drum Circle happens every Sunday evening around sundown—celebrating freedom of dance and music for anyone and everyone that wants to join in on the circle of festivities. End on a high note back in the Village for a hearty Italian meal and glass of wine at Cafe Gabbiano. Grab a sweetened nightcap (and tripcap) at Blase Martini Bar for dessert martinis and cheers to an eventful weekend on Siesta Key!