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.
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.
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.
This popular race weekend includes the Shark's Tooth 10K, Shark Fin 5K, and a virtual option. Runners enjoy a scenic course from the Venice Airport Festival Grounds along Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach Park, and the Venetian Waterway Park. Registration fees vary.
Experience an outdoor gallery featuring original handmade works from artists across the country. Discover painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber art, wearable art, mixed media, woodworking, and more. Free admission.
Bay Fest celebrates the wonders of water with hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly fun at The Bay Park. Kids and adults can explore Sarasota's local waterways through kayaking, nature-based learning, live music, and food vendors. It is a great choice for families looking for an educational and active day outdoors.