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.
Celebrate Irish spirit at Greenbrook Adventure Park with entertainment stages, traditional food and drinks, dancers, bands, artisan booths, and the Lucky Dog Parade. Awards include Most Irish, Cutest, and Dog/Owner Look Alike. Free admission; $5 parking.
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.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens presents Performances at the Point at Historic Spanish Point in Osprey. Guests can arrive early to enjoy the White Cottage, Sunken Garden, and Pergola overlooking Little Sarasota Bay before a world-class outdoor performance by a local arts organization. Food and beverages from Michael's on East are available for purchase, and advance tickets are required.
Florida's long-running championship rodeo features events such as bareback riding, barrel racing, and bull riding. The show goes on rain or shine, all seats are covered, and tickets are non-refundable. Gates open at 11 a.m., pre-show events begin at 1 p.m., and the rodeo starts at 2 p.m.
Wine & Roses is an elegant dinner party in the Museum of Art Courtyard celebrating Mable Ringling's birthday. Guests can enjoy a champagne reception, multi-course meal paired with fine wines, and live music under the stars. Proceeds support The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
The Sarasota County Fair brings classic fair fun to the fairgrounds with exhibits, midway rides, games, and plenty of fair food. Opening day gates begin at 4 p.m., and the fair continues with special admission deals throughout the run, including half-price midweek admission and a popular $2 Monday. It is a traditional spring outing for families across Sarasota County.