Sarasota Lifestyle

Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival

Presented by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, this event pairs fine wines with food from top local restaurants. The Grand Tasting at The Ringling is a highlight of the culinary season.

Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival

Rev up your engines for the annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival! This high-energy weekend features live rock and country music, a massive bike show, burnout contests, vendors, food trucks, and more. Fun for the whole family, with proceeds supporting Suncoast Charities for Children. Event: Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle FestivalDates: February 14–16, 2025Times: Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL

Italian Festival at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

Celebrate Italian culture with delicious food, wine, dancing, and live entertainment. This family-friendly festival also features a kids' zone, cooking demos, and artisan vendors.

Venice Italian Feast & Carnival

A flavorful weekend of authentic Italian cuisine, midway rides, and live entertainment hosted by the Italian American Club of Venice. Admission is free and open to all.

Ringling Underground

Ringling Underground is an after-hours event that blends live indie music, contemporary art, and gallery access in the stunning courtyard of The Ringling Museum. Popular with students and young professionals.

St. Patrick’s Day Block Party on Hillview

Join the green-filled fun at Sarasota’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day party! With Irish food, beer trucks, live music, and dancing in the street, this Hillview tradition draws big crowds annually.

Sarasota Wine Festival

A multi-day wine and food extravaganza benefiting local children’s charities. Enjoy winemaker dinners, grand tastings, and one of the region’s most entertaining charity auctions.

Taste of UTC: Spring Edition

Taste of UTC: Spring Edition is a two-week culinary celebration showcasing the best of the UTC District’s diverse dining scene. Participating restaurants will offer special prix-fixe menus for lunch, dinner, and dessert, giving food lovers the perfect excuse to explore new spots or revisit favorites. Whether you're craving sushi, steak, or sweets, this event is a flavorful way to dine around Sarasota at fixed prices.

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.

Barks and Brews at UTC

​Barks & Brews is a monthly event held on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at The Green at University Town Center (UTC), located at 125 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243. ​ This dog-friendly gathering supports Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center and features:​ Adoptable dogs​ Craft brews Live music​ Pup-friendly vendors Special themed activities​ Attendees are encouraged to bring their friendly, leashed dogs for an enjoyable evening.

Wine Walk – Venice

Stroll through downtown Venice and enjoy wine tastings at various participating businesses during the annual Wine Walk event.