
New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop Celebration
Ring in the new year with live music, food vendors, fireworks, and the iconic Pineapple Drop in downtown Sarasota.

Ring in the new year with live music, food vendors, fireworks, and the iconic Pineapple Drop in downtown Sarasota.
Flow into the evening with a free, all‑levels yoga class on The Green at UTC. Part of the UTC FIT Weekday Edition, this outdoor session meets every Wednesday at 6:30 PM across from The Vitamin Shoppe. Bring a mat, towel, and water—no registration needed.

This elegant evening celebrated the 2025 Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition: "George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life," highlighting the former Beatle's passion for gardening. The event also included a special toast honoring Jennifer Rominiecki’s 10-year anniversary as President and CEO of Selby Gardens. Proceeds supported Selby Gardens’ community education programs, international research, conservation efforts, and world-class horticulture displays, enabling thousands of underserved children and their families to connect with the bayfront sanctuaries.

Celebrate Independence Day with one of Sarasota’s most dazzling and iconic traditions — the Bayfront Fireworks Over Sarasota Bay! This free public event lights up the night sky with a spectacular fireworks display launched over the bay, offering perfect views from Island Park, Bayfront Park, downtown Sarasota rooftops, or even the Ringling Bridge. Arrive early to grab your favorite spot on the lawn, bring a picnic or purchase food and drinks from nearby vendors and restaurants, and enjoy the festive atmosphere as locals and visitors gather to celebrate America’s birthday.
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.

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.

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.

Experience one of Sarasota’s most unique and family-friendly traditions with the Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team’s Sunday afternoon performance at Ski-A-Ree Stadium on City Island. Held behind Mote Marine Laboratory, this free show features skilled performers showcasing water ski pyramids, barefoot skiing, jumps, and choreographed routines on Sarasota Bay. Ideal for families, visitors, and locals alike, the event combines athletic skill with entertaining, high-energy routines in a scenic waterfront setting. The spring season runs weekly from February through early May, making it a great addition to any weekend plans in Sarasota. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a relaxed afternoon while watching one of the region’s longest-running performance teams in action.
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

Experience one of Sarasota’s most unique and family-friendly traditions with the Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team’s Sunday afternoon performance at Ski-A-Ree Stadium on City Island. Held behind Mote Marine Laboratory, this free show features skilled performers showcasing water ski pyramids, barefoot skiing, jumps, and choreographed routines on Sarasota Bay. Ideal for families, visitors, and locals alike, the event combines athletic skill with entertaining, high-energy routines in a scenic waterfront setting. The spring season runs weekly from February through early May, making it a great addition to any weekend plans in Sarasota. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a relaxed afternoon while watching one of the region’s longest-running performance teams in action.

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.

Saturday is the largest and most action-packed day of Thunder By The Bay, running from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. The morning begins with the 'Ride So Children Can Thrive' Dice Run from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by the Biker Rodeo Games from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Fans can also meet Paul Teutul Jr. from the hit TV series American Chopper at noon. Throughout the day, attendees can browse dozens of vendors, food trucks, and merchandise tents while enjoying a steady stream of live music. The concert lineup includes The Pearl Jam Experience ('Given to Fly') at 4:00 PM, Bobby Friss at 6:00 PM, and the Southern rock legends 38 Special closing the night with their headlining set at 8:00 PM. This is the can’t-miss day of the festival, featuring nonstop entertainment, family-friendly fun, and community support for Suncoast Charities for Children.