![Boat parking at The Crow’s Nest in Venice [Photo: Lauren Jackson]](/sites/default/files/styles/popular_stories_teaser/public/2023-import/The-Crow%2527s-Nest-cropped__OPT.jpg.webp?itok=ycs37M-O)
Visit Sarasota County Unveils October Sports Lineup Across Fields, Waters, and Shores
Baseball, dragon boat racing, and high-level rowing will bring athletes and fans from across the country to Sarasota County this October.
Baseball, dragon boat racing, and high-level rowing will bring athletes and fans from across the country to Sarasota County this October.
Visit Sarasota County today announced the full lineup of October sports events, showcasing the region’s fields, waters, and shores. Below is the complete schedule.
When: October 10-12, 2025
Where: CoolToday Park, North Port, FL
Englewood Sports Complex, Venice, FL
Details: The Junior All-American Games bring together amateur athletes ages 8U through high school for a true ‘Big League’ experience at Major League Baseball facilities. The 2025/2026 edition returns to Sarasota County at CoolToday Park, the Atlanta Braves Spring Training Complex, and Englewood Sports Complex. With players from 40+ states and three countries, highlights include a Home Run Derby, Skills Showcase, and championship awards.
When: October 11-12, 2025
Where: Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota, FL
Details: The 2025 Benderson Chase, a two-day rowing regatta and festival at Nathan Benderson Park, returns after last year’s cancellation. Formerly known as Head of the 941, it’s among the region’s largest, featuring 800+ athletes and 1,500 spectators. Partnering with Sarasota Crew and Visit Sarasota, the event blends elite racing with a community celebration at Sarasota’s world-class rowing venue.
PG Florida Fall Select Championships
When: October 17-19, 2025
Where: Babe Ruth Park, Sarasota, FL
Youth Athletic Complex, Sarasota, FL
Wellfield Park, Venice, FL
Chuck Reiter Park, Venice, FL
Details: The Perfect Game Florida Fall Select Championships will bring up to 60 youth baseball teams to Sarasota County October 17–19, 2025. Games will be played at venues including Babe Ruth Park, Sarasota Youth Athletic Complex, Wellfield Park, and Chuck Reiter Park. With 800+ athletes and 1,400 spectators, it stands as one of the region’s largest fall youth baseball events.
When: October 17-19, 2025
Where: Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota, FL
Details: The 2025 USDBF Club Crew National Championships, the nation’s premier dragon boat racing event, returns to Nathan Benderson Park for the third time. Top clubs will compete for the chance to represent Team USA at the 2026 World Championships in Taiwan. With 2,000+ athletes and 700 spectators expected, the event reinforces NBP’s reputation as a world-class paddling venue.
About Visit Sarasota County
Visit Sarasota County is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is the top industry. Through programs and partnerships, Visit Sarasota County makes Sarasota County a better place by promoting our community on the world stage. These efforts bring together over 500 partners to keep visitors coming, local businesses open and residents employed all year. Visit Sarasota County is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, a program of the Destination Management Association International (DMAI). To learn more, visit www.visitsarasota.com.
# # #
Media Contact
Knight Strategic Communications
941-468-1554