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Sarasota County Fair

Step right up to the annual Sarasota County Fair — a cherished tradition that brings together families, thrill-seekers, and fair food lovers from across the Gulf Coast. Held over 10 days each March at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, the fair features exhilarating carnival rides, midway games, 4-H livestock shows, live music, magic shows, horticultural exhibits, and countless food vendors serving everything from deep-fried favorites to local delicacies. With something for every age group, from a petting zoo and kids’ zone to nightly entertainment and adult competitions, it’s one of Sarasota’s most anticipated springtime events. Don't miss the classic charm of a true American fair in the heart of Sarasota! Location:Sarasota Fairgrounds3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34237 Dates:March 14–23, 2025 (10 days) Times: Weekdays: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM Saturdays: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM Sundays: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Wild About Nature Festival

The Wild About Nature Festival is an annual, family-friendly event designed to foster a love for the outdoors and environmental stewardship among attendees of all ages. Festival Highlights: Nature-Based Activities: Engage in a variety of hands-on experiences such as tree climbing, nature printing, kayaking, and wildlife identification. ​ Community Engagement: Over 25 local nonprofits and community organizations will be present, offering educational activities and insights into local environmental initiatives. ​ Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music performances throughout the day, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all attendees. Food Trucks: A selection of food trucks will be on-site, providing a variety of culinary options to satisfy diverse tastes. ​ Parking Information: All parking is offsite at the following locations:​F First Baptist Church of Osprey​ Victory Baptist Church​ The historic Osprey Library Evie’s on the Bay​ Limited accessible parking is available on-site. Attendees attempting to enter the Bay Preserve parking lot without a permit will be re-routed. A shuttle service will run on a loop to transport guests between the event space and parking areas. ​ In 2025, the festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 5th, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at Bay Preserve at Osprey, located at 400 Palmetto Ave, Osprey, FL 34229. ​This free festival offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and participate in a day filled with outdoor adventure and environmental education.

Suncoast Boat Show 2025

Suncoast Boat Show 2025

Marina Jack 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL

Celebrate the 43rd annual Suncoast Boat Show at Sarasota’s Marina Jack, featuring over 65,000 sq. ft. of dock space filled with a diverse selection of in-water and on-land vessels. Explore motor yachts, sportfishers, center consoles, inflatables, and more. The event also offers tents filled with marine electronics, accessories, clothing, jewelry, and art.

Manatee’s 4th Annual Taco Fest

Manatee County Fairgrounds 1402 14th Avenue West, Palmetto, FL

Join thousands of taco enthusiasts for a day filled with over 100 taco and food vendors from the Tri-State Area. Specialty cocktails, margaritas, and craft beers. Live entertainment, including Mariachi bands. Family-friendly activities: free petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, and free children's books provided by the Manatee Early Learning Coalition. Games like Sombrero Ring Toss with prizes. Note: Vendors operate on a cash basis.

Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show

Experience the thrill of Sarasota’s nationally ranked Ski-A-Rees team performing daring jumps and aquatic stunts.

Family Saturdays at Selby Gardens

Family Saturdays at Selby Gardens

Family Saturdays at Selby Gardens offer engaging art and nature activities designed for children and families. Held in the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden, these events feature multiple activity stations where elementary school-aged children can create nature-inspired art using various materials. Each session provides a unique opportunity for families to connect with nature and art in a beautiful garden setting.

Free Outdoor Movie – Waterside

Free Outdoor Movie Series – Waterside

Waterside Park 1560 Lakefront Dr, Sarasota, fl

Enjoy a magical evening under the stars at the Free Outdoor Movie Night held monthly at Waterside Park in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, FL. Hosted on the second Friday of each month, this family-friendly event invites the community to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to watch a movie on a giant inflatable screen in a scenic waterfront setting.

Free Music Friday Night Concert

Enjoy live local music under the stars during Venice's Free Music Friday Night Concert series. Bring a lawn chair and kick off the weekend with music in the park.

Lakewood Ranch Fireworks on the Green

Celebrate Independence Day early at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch with family activities, live music, food trucks, and a grand fireworks display over Kingfisher Lake.

First Friday Venice: July Celebration

Downtown Venice kicks off July with its monthly First Friday celebration featuring extended shopping hours, live music, and refreshments at participating merchants.

Downtown Sarasota 4th of July Parade

Celebrate Independence Day in classic patriotic style at the annual Downtown Sarasota 4th of July Parade! This family-friendly event brings the community together to honor America's birthday with marching bands, festive floats, community groups, dancers, vintage cars, and more. The parade marches down Main Street from Orange Avenue to Bayfront Drive, ending near Island Park and Marina Jack.

Siesta Key Independence Day Fireworks

Celebrate the 4th of July with your toes in the sand and a stunning fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico at the annual Siesta Key Independence Day Fireworks Show. This beloved community tradition takes place on Thursday, July 4, 2025, just north of the Siesta Key Public Beach Pavilion, one of the nation’s most popular beach destinations known for its powdery white quartz sand.