Sarasota Lifestyle

Sarasota Balloon Festival

Take to the skies or stay grounded while enjoying a weekend of hot air balloon rides, tethered glows, live entertainment, food vendors, and a kid zone. A colorful and uplifting family-friendly event.

Venice Book Fair & Writers Festival

Meet local authors, attend writing workshops, and shop a diverse selection of books in beautiful downtown Venice. This annual literary event supports literacy programs and offers engaging activities for all ages.

Sarasota County Fair

Step right up to the annual Sarasota County Fair — a cherished tradition that brings together families, thrill-seekers, and fair food lovers from across the Gulf Coast. Held over 10 days each March at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, the fair features exhilarating carnival rides, midway games, 4-H livestock shows, live music, magic shows, horticultural exhibits, and countless food vendors serving everything from deep-fried favorites to local delicacies. With something for every age group, from a petting zoo and kids’ zone to nightly entertainment and adult competitions, it’s one of Sarasota’s most anticipated springtime events. Don't miss the classic charm of a true American fair in the heart of Sarasota! Location:Sarasota Fairgrounds3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34237 Dates:March 14–23, 2025 (10 days) Times: Weekdays: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM Saturdays: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM Sundays: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Lakewood Ranch Irish Celtic Festival

This festival features live Irish music, traditional dancing, cultural exhibits, and the popular Lucky Dog Parade, where attendees and their pets showcase creative costumes. Greenbrook Adventure Park, Lakewood Ranch, FL

Venice Blues & BBQ Festival

The Venice Blues & BBQ Festival is a vibrant three-day celebration combining soulful blues music with mouthwatering barbecue. Held annually at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds, the event features live performances on two stages by both national and regional touring acts. Attendees can savor a variety of BBQ offerings from top pitmasters participating in a Florida BBQ Association-sanctioned competition, which includes a People's Choice Award. The festival also showcases live muralist paintings, a diverse selection of food trucks, cold beverages, numerous vendors, and activities suitable for the entire family. Children aged 12 and under enjoy free admission. The 2025 festival supports CoffeeTalk of Venice, an organization dedicated to assisting the local homeless community. ​

My Hometown Fest

Sample unlimited food and craft beer from dozens of local vendors while enjoying live music, games, and entertainment. Proceeds support Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota and local causes.

Hunsader Farms Flower Festival

Celebrate spring with flower fields, handmade crafts, pony rides, live music, food, and a country market atmosphere.

BAM!Fest (Bradenton Art & Music Festival)

BAM!Fest (Bradenton Art & Music Festival) is an exciting, free event that transforms the Bradenton Riverwalk into an immersive celebration of art and music. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Bradenton Riverwalk, located at 101 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34205. ​ Festival Highlights: Great Big Art: Experience large-scale interactive art installations and live demonstrations by local artists on the Great Lawn. ​ Art Tower: Watch artists create massive paintings live and contribute to a community mural at the Banner Tower. ​ BAM!Slam: Enjoy a variety of short performances, including dance, spoken word, and theater, at the Mosaic Amphitheater. ​ Pavilion Party: Rock out to live bands across multiple genres at Rossi Park Pavilion, surrounded by captivating visual art pieces. ​ Meandering Market: Browse and purchase unique, handcrafted goods from local artists along the Riverwalk. ​ Sand Castle Beach: Relax to live beach music and witness expert sculptors craft an epic sandcastle at the sand volleyball courts. ​ Parking Information:​ City Centre Garage: 200 10th Street West (less than a 5-minute walk)​ Manatee County Garage: 414 10th Street West (5-minute walk)​ Judicial Center Garage: 615 12th Street West (10-minute walk) Attendees are encouraged to use rideshare services, with drop-off points at the Manatee Performing Arts Center (502 3rd Ave W) and the Riverwalk Parking Lot (129 Riverfront Blvd). ​ Please note that while Bradenton is part of the greater Sarasota area, the festival itself is held in Bradenton, FL.

Lakewood Ranch Annual Block Party

Celebrate community at Lakewood Ranch’s signature block party with live entertainment, food vendors, kids’ activities, and local businesses.

Venice Shark’s Tooth Festival

A celebration of Venice’s fossil-rich beaches! This popular festival features shark tooth vendors, fossil displays, food trucks, music, and children’s activities.