
Sarasota Thanksgiving Art & Craft Festival
Shop for unique holiday gifts and handmade crafts from regional artisans at this festive outdoor market.

Shop for unique holiday gifts and handmade crafts from regional artisans at this festive outdoor market.

The Sarasota Food Truck Rally & Music Festival is a vibrant three-day celebration held annually over Thanksgiving weekend. Set against the scenic backdrop of Sarasota Bay at J.D. Hamel Park, the festival features a diverse lineup of food trucks offering a wide array of culinary delights, from gourmet dishes to classic comfort foods. Attendees can enjoy live music performances spanning various genres, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere for all ages. The event is pet-friendly, with leashed pets welcome, and offers free admission to all visitors.

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.

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.

Kick off the season with a festive parade, live music, and a visit from Santa in Siesta Key Village.

Downtown Venice lights up with floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer during this beloved parade.

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

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.

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 fandom at Sarasota Anime‑Fest 2025 on Dec 6 at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium! Cosplay, vendors, panels & anime fun for all ages.