
Siesta Key Rum Tasting Tours
Tour the award-winning Siesta Key Rum distillery and sample locally made rums. Free guided tours available several days a week with insights into small-batch production and local flavor.

Tour the award-winning Siesta Key Rum distillery and sample locally made rums. Free guided tours available several days a week with insights into small-batch production and local flavor.

Celebrate Sarasota’s vibrant creative community at First Fridays at Sarasota Art Museum. Held on the museum’s beautiful plaza, this monthly evening gathering offers live music, art, food, and drink in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy gallery access, curated performances, pop-up art activities, and a specialty menu from the on-site Bistro. Whether you're an art lover or just looking to unwind, it's a perfect Friday night out for friends, couples, and families alike.

Join FIT4MOM Sarasota for energizing Stroller Strides® and Stroller Barre® workouts at The Green at UTC. These full-body fitness classes are designed for moms with little ones in tow and combine strength training, cardio, and core restoration, all while entertaining your child with songs and activities. Ideal for new moms looking to stay active, meet other parents, and make fitness part of their weekly routine.

Unwind at After Hours—a lively evening of live music and social dancing on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza at Sarasota Art Museum. Most nights kick off with a quick beginner-friendly lesson at 5:30 pm, followed by music and open dancing until 7:30 pm. Galleries, the Bistro, and the SHOP stay open late, so you can make a full night of it.

Immerse yourself in the stunning world of orchids during the Selby Gardens Orchid Show: Fall Blooms, hosted at the Downtown Sarasota campus of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This annual fall exhibition celebrates the beauty, diversity, and fragility of orchids through breathtaking horticultural displays, vibrant art installations, and interpretive exhibits exploring the science and history behind these exotic blooms.

For the most magical photo op of the season, head inside The Mall at University Town Center to meet Santa in person amid an immersive North Pole-themed experience. Known officially as Santa’s Flight Academy, this elaborate holiday installation fills the Grand Court with Santa’s towering sleigh, glittering Christmas trees, animated displays, and interactive touchpoints for kids. Children are invited to “join Santa’s crew,” receive a virtual flight badge, and help prepare his sleigh for Christmas Eve—all leading up to a personal meet-and-greet and professional photo session with Santa himself. Families can pose for keepsake pictures surrounded by festive décor and snow-covered evergreens, while carols and twinkling lights bring the entire UTC atrium to life. 📅 Dates: Mid-November through December 24, 2025🕓 Hours: Vary daily; extended evening hours in December📍 Location: Grand Court, The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota, FL🎟️ Reservations: Strongly recommended. Limited walk-ups may be available depending on line length.💻 Details & Booking: Visit utcsarasota.com for photo package options, pricing, and current schedule updates. This cherished Sarasota holiday tradition is free to visit, with professional photos available for purchase. All details are sourced directly from University Town Center Sarasota and may change—please confirm current information on the official event page before your visit.

Holidays at UTC: Believe transforms the entire University Town Center district into a walkable holiday destination filled with lights, music, and family fun. ✨ Stroll beneath immersive décor and towering animated trees, experience nightly synchronized light shows along Cattlemen Road, and capture memories at photo-ready installations throughout UTC’s shops and restaurants. 🎅 Guests can build their own holiday itinerary around: Santa’s Flight Academy inside The Mall at UTC The Rink at UTC – outdoor real-ice skating Holiday Movies Under the Stars – free outdoor family films Live music on The Green and fireworks on select nights Carriage rides, themed markets, and pop-up performances 🎁 Use this listing as your master hub for the season and direct visitors to the official Holidays at UTC page for the latest schedules, maps, parking details, and programming updates. Event elements and times are subject to change. Please verify details directly with the event organizer before attending.

Unwind at Jazz Thursdays, a vibrant monthly gathering at the Sarasota Art Museum. Held on the second Thursday of each month, this event brings together live jazz music, inspiring art, and a lively community vibe. Enjoy performances under the stars on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza, explore the galleries with extended hours, and grab a bite or a glass of wine at Bistro, which opens at 5:00 PM with a special evening menu. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or just looking for a fun night out, Jazz Thursdays offer a cultural escape like no other in Sarasota.

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is Sarasota’s signature international sand sculpting festival and one of the most anticipated fall events in Florida. Held directly on the powdery white sands of Siesta Key Beach, the festival showcases master sand sculptors from around the world, competing to create awe-inspiring, large-scale sculptures using only sand and water.

The UTC Night Market is a vibrant, family-friendly event that takes place on select evenings at The Mall at University Town Center, located at 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243. Hosted on the Green at UTC (adjacent to the mall near The Vitamin Shoppe), this outdoor market is a celebration of local artisans, food trucks, live music, and community connection.

Bring your blankets, your loved ones, and your holiday spirit — Holiday Movies Under the Stars returns to University Town Center with sixteen magical nights of free outdoor cinema beneath Sarasota’s winter sky. Each Friday and Saturday evening at 7 PM, the West District transforms into an open-air movie theater filled with laughter, twinkling lights, and the cozy charm of the season.

Enjoy a family-friendly movie night under the stars. The first 220 attendees will receive a free cookie from Dirty Dough Cookies, courtesy of Grace Community Church. There will also be inflatables for kids and concessions available from We B’ Poppin Popcorn and Kettle Corn. Remember to bring your own blankets or lawn chairs.