
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.

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 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.

Find artisan vendors, food trucks, and holiday treats at this festive outdoor evening market.

Enjoy the weekly gathering of local food trucks offering a variety of cuisines. Check it out. You may discover your new favorite cuisine.

Start your month with a splash of creativity at Art in the Park, a free community art session held the first Friday of every month from 10 to 11 AM at The Bay’s Ibis Playground Pavilion in downtown Sarasota. Surrounded by the beauty of Sarasota Bay, participants of all ages are invited to unwind, connect, and explore their artistic side under the guidance of Art Center Sarasota teaching artists.

Unwind midweek with Sunset Yoga on The Green, a free, all-levels class that pairs gentle movement with Sarasota’s golden hour. Each Wednesday from 6:30–7:30 PM, an experienced instructor guides you through a balanced flow—breath work, accessible poses, and feel-good stretches—so beginners feel welcome and seasoned yogis can deepen their practice. The setting is outdoors on The Green at UTC (across from The Vitamin Shoppe), where there’s room to spread out, relax, and let the day go.

Explore downtown Venice with festive storefronts, extended shopping hours, refreshments, and music. A charming evening to kick off the Christmas season.

Join the fun at Music on Main, Lakewood Ranch’s signature monthly street party featuring live music, food vendors, beer and wine booths, and family-friendly activities. Held on the first Friday of every month along Main Street, this lively outdoor event draws locals and visitors alike for an evening of entertainment and community connection. Each month features a different band playing everything from rock and country to funk and pop, plus local businesses and nonprofits hosting booths and activities. Bring a chair, leave the cooler at home, and enjoy the vibrant energy of one of Lakewood Ranch’s most popular recurring events.