Name: Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival – Friday Kickoff
Start: 2026-02-13T17:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-13T17:00:00-05:00
Location: Sarasota Fairgrounds

January 2026
May 3, 2025 @ 5:00 PM - May 3, 2026 @ 8:00 PM Sarasota Art Museum First Fridays
Sarasota Art Museum First Fridays
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.
October 9, 2025 @ 9:30 AM - January 5, 2026 @ 10:30 AM FIT4MOM Workout Classes at UTC
FIT4MOM Workout Classes at UTC

The Mall at University Town Center 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL
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.
December 30, 2025 @ 7:30 AM - January 16, 2026 @ 5:30 PM After Hours at Sarasota Art Museum
After Hours at Sarasota Art Museum

Sarasota Art Museum 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, United States
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.
January 7, 2026 @ 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM Weekly Food Truck Rally at Sarasota Fairgrounds
Weekly Food Truck Rally at Sarasota Fairgrounds
Enjoy the weekly gathering of local food trucks offering a variety of cuisines. Check it out. You may discover your new favorite cuisine.
January 10, 2026 @ 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market
Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market

Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market 1 N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL
Enjoy a vibrant and lively market experience every Saturday in the heart of Downtown Sarasota! The Sarasota Farmers Market features over 70 vendors offering fresh produce, artisan foods, local seafood, plants, handmade crafts, and more. Stroll through the market, listen to live music, and discover unique finds while supporting local farmers, bakers, and artists. The market is family-friendly and pet-friendly, making it a perfect Saturday morning tradition for all ages. Come early for the best selection and enjoy the downtown Sarasota atmosphere.
January 10, 2026 @ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Bradenton Public Market
Bradenton Public Market

Old Main Street Downtown Bradenton Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL
Welcome to the Bradenton Public Market, a place where the community meets each week to enjoy fresh produce, local art, music, and free family activities on Old Main Street.Since 1979, the Bradenton Public Market has been a cherished weekly tradition, transforming Old Main Street into a vibrant, open-air marketplace. Each Saturday from October through May, locals and visitors alike gather to explore over 80 vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, local art, and delicious prepared foods. The market also features live music, chef demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, making it a delightful outing for all ages.
January 11, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch
Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch

Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch 1561 Lakefront Dr, Sarasota, FL
Discover one of the area's most popular weekly gatherings at The Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch! Every Sunday, over 90 curated vendors bring the best of fresh produce, prepared foods, artisanal goods, plants, crafts, and more to Waterside Place. It's a vibrant, family- and pet-friendly event perfect for browsing, brunching, and enjoying the beautiful setting along Kingfisher Lake. From fresh-baked pastries to farm-fresh vegetables, organic products, handmade gifts, and live music, this market is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
January 11, 2026 @ 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Siesta Key Drum Circle
Siesta Key Drum Circle

Siesta Beach 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL
Experience one of Sarasota’s most iconic and free-spirited traditions at the Siesta Key Drum Circle, held every Sunday evening just before sunset on the soft white sands of Siesta Beach. Drummers, dancers, locals, and visitors gather in a vibrant circle to celebrate rhythm, community, and the beauty of nature. Feel free to bring your own drum, join the dancing, or simply relax and enjoy the colorful scene. Family-friendly and open to all ages. No tickets or registration required — just show up and soak in the good vibes!
January 16, 2026 @ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Towles Court Art Studios Open Studio Night
Towles Court Art Studios Open Studio Night
Stroll through one of Sarasota’s most eclectic and charming arts districts during the Artwalk at Towles Court, a vibrant celebration of creativity held on the third Friday of each month. This monthly event invites locals and visitors alike to explore artist studios, galleries, and shops showcasing fine art, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and more. Live music fills the air as guests enjoy complimentary refreshments and the chance to meet the artists behind the work. Many participating studios offer demonstrations, making it a fun and interactive experience for all ages.
February 2026
February 6, 2026 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Music on Main Lakewood Ranch
Music on Main Lakewood Ranch
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.
February 6, 2026 @ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Fresh Fridays: February Edition – Season 5

Main Street Downtown Sarasota Sarasota, Florida
On the first Friday of each month, Downtown Sarasota transforms into a lively outdoor block party for Fresh Fridays. This free community event brings together live music, outdoor dining, and a vibrant Main Street atmosphere under the stars. Each month features a new theme, high-energy entertainment, and the chance to enjoy Sarasota’s best local restaurants and bars with curbside service and plenty of room to mix and mingle. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Fresh Fridays is the perfect way to experience the energy of downtown—great crowds, great weather, and great vibes every month. 📍 Where: Main Street, Downtown Sarasota ⏰ When: First Friday of every month, 7–10 PM 💲 Cost: Free community event
Free
February 13, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival – Friday Kickoff

Sarasota Fairgrounds 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, Florida
The Friday kickoff launches the 28th Annual Thunder By The Bay Festival with an electrifying night of live music, food, and festivities. Gates open at 5:00 PM and close at 10:00 PM. Guests can enjoy vendor booths, food and drink stands, and on-site merchandise. Festivalgoers may bring their own lawn chairs or rent one through conCHAIRto for comfortable viewing. The evening lineup begins with high-energy rock band Maiden Cane at 6:00 PM, setting the stage for the night’s headliner, Night Ranger, performing at 8:00 PM. Friday offers the perfect start to a weekend full of engines, entertainment, and community spirit benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children.The Friday kickoff launches the 28th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival with an electrifying night of live music, food, and festivities at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.
Gates open at 5:00 PM and close at 10:00 PM, marking the official start of Sarasota’s premier weekend celebration of music and motorcycles. Guests can enjoy vendor booths, local food and drink stands, and on-site merchandise featuring exclusive festival apparel.
Festivalgoers are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs or rent one through conCHAIRto for prime seating in front of the main stage. The evening lineup kicks off with high-energy rock band Maiden Cane at 6:00 PM, followed by the legendary headliner Night Ranger at 8:00 PM, delivering a night of chart-topping hits and classic rock nostalgia.
Friday sets the tone for an unforgettable weekend of roaring engines, live entertainment, and community spirit — all to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children.
Free parking with gate admission

January 2026

February 2026