Step back in time at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park during the 64th Annual UDC Spring Open House. Free mansion tours, period lifestyle demonstrations, costumed interpreters, music, crafts, and family-friendly activities bring the 1840s through 1870s to life. Admission and parking are free.
This longtime favorite art festival brings contemporary artists and art lovers to downtown Venice. Mediums include sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, and more. Free admission.
Hosted on Anna Maria Island, Springfest features nearly 80 juried fine arts and fine craft exhibitors along with food, entertainment, and a festive community atmosphere. Browse handcrafted pieces by talented artists from near and far. Free admission and parking.
The Sarasota Festival of Arts turns the bayfront into an open-air gallery filled with original works by artisans and crafters from across Florida and the United States. Browse paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber art, mixed media, woodworking, and more while meeting the artists behind the work. With free admission and a scenic waterfront setting, it is an easy way to spend a creative afternoon downtown.
Enjoy fresh seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes cooked onsite while listening to Florida musical groups performing R&B, blues, jazz, rock, and Caribbean sounds. A marketplace of arts, crafts, and specialty products adds to the festival atmosphere. Free admission.
Watch Sarasota's own Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team perform a free Sunday afternoon show featuring high-energy waterskiing entertainment at Ski-A-Ree Stadium.
Pinecraft Days features more than 30 exhibitors including Amish, Mennonite, and Sun Coast artists. Shop handmade items ranging from wood bowls and wind chimes to art, jewelry, candles, soaps, crafts, and white elephant finds. Free admission.
The largest boating event in the Tampa Bay area showcases dealers and manufacturers with yachts, cruisers, kayaks, paddleboards, and the latest boating and fishing accessories. Free tickets available online. Parking subject to fairgrounds pricing.
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.
The first Friday Music on Main brings live entertainment to Lakewood Ranch with Mixed Signal performing high-energy hits. Bring chairs, leave coolers at home, and enjoy an evening benefiting Keep Manatee Beautiful. Dogs are welcome on short leashes.
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.
Celebrate downtown Sarasota with Fresh Friday Downtown Social, featuring music, dancing, and a lively community atmosphere. Gather with friends, family, neighbors, and newcomers for a festive evening on Main Street.