Growing Up Suncoast – Youth Art Fest 2025

Join the Sarasota arts community for the inaugural “Growing Up Suncoast” Youth Art Fest 2025 (YAF2025), a vibrant celebration of young creativity. This family-friendly event features:

Interactive Installations: Experience immersive art, including an underwater tunnel crafted by young artists in collaboration with Mote Marine Laboratory.

Hands-On Art Stations: Participate in creative activities hosted by organizations such as Creative Kids SRQ, Art Center Sarasota, The Ringling, Sarasota Glass Company, and Sarasota Clay Company

Live Performances: Enjoy musical acts throughout the day, including performances by Music Compound.

Youth Art Exhibitions: Browse and purchase artwork created by talented young artists from local schools. All proceeds support these emerging creators and their art teachers.

This collaborative event aims to inspire and be inspired, showcasing the importance of art in the community.

3rd Annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival with Craft Marketplace

This event features two sections: a fine art section located in the park and a craft section positioned along the street, offering a diverse range of artworks and crafts.

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, September 27–28, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL

Towles Court Art Studios Open Studio Night

Stroll through one of Sarasota’s most eclectic and charming arts districts during the Artwalk at Towles Court, a vibrant celebration of creativity held on the third Friday of each month. This monthly event invites locals and visitors alike to explore artist studios, galleries, and shops showcasing fine art, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and more. Live music fills the air as guests enjoy complimentary refreshments and the chance to meet the artists behind the work. Many participating studios offer demonstrations, making it a fun and interactive experience for all ages.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, collector, or just looking for a unique night out, the Towles Court Artwalk is a beloved Sarasota tradition blending local culture, creativity, and community.

Location:
Towles Court Artist Colony
1938 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL 34236

Date & Time:
Every Third Friday of the Month
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Admission: Free and open to the public

BAM!Fest (Bradenton Art & Music Festival)

BAM!Fest (Bradenton Art & Music Festival) is an exciting, free event that transforms the Bradenton Riverwalk into an immersive celebration of art and music. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Bradenton Riverwalk, located at 101 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34205.

Festival Highlights:

Great Big Art: Experience large-scale interactive art installations and live demonstrations by local artists on the Great Lawn.
Art Tower: Watch artists create massive paintings live and contribute to a community mural at the Banner Tower.
BAM!Slam: Enjoy a variety of short performances, including dance, spoken word, and theater, at the Mosaic Amphitheater.
Pavilion Party: Rock out to live bands across multiple genres at Rossi Park Pavilion, surrounded by captivating visual art pieces.
Meandering Market: Browse and purchase unique, handcrafted goods from local artists along the Riverwalk.
Sand Castle Beach: Relax to live beach music and witness expert sculptors craft an epic sandcastle at the sand volleyball courts.

Parking Information:

City Centre Garage: 200 10th Street West (less than a 5-minute walk)
Manatee County Garage: 414 10th Street West (5-minute walk)
Judicial Center Garage: 615 12th Street West (10-minute walk)

Attendees are encouraged to use rideshare services, with drop-off points at the Manatee Performing Arts Center (502 3rd Ave W) and the Riverwalk Parking Lot (129 Riverfront Blvd).

Please note that while Bradenton is part of the greater Sarasota area, the festival itself is held in Bradenton, FL.

Sarasota Earth Day Festival at The Bay Park

Celebrate Earth Day at The Bay with a family-friendly, hands-on event that honors the wonders of nature, art, and science. As part of the Suncoast Remake Learning Days and The Bay’s “Good to Be Green” initiative, this free event offers interactive experiences for kids of all ages.

Venue: Common Ground at The Bay Park

Address: 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236

Activities Include:

Nature-inspired art projects

Environmental science experiments

Butterfly lifecycle demonstrations

Tai Chi sessions

Eco-friendly crafts

Educational exhibits on sustainability

Participating Organizations:

Architecture Sarasota

Art Center Sarasota

Chinese Academy Sarasota

First 1000 Days Suncoast

Sarasota Butterfly Club

Sidewalk Science

Sister Cities Association of Sarasota

Southface Institute

Stocking Savvy

Suncoast Waterkeeper

WEDU PBS

World Tai Chi practitioners

Additionally, the City of Sarasota will host an Earth Day Celebration Tabling Event during the same hours, featuring interactive exhibits focused on environmental initiatives and sustainability efforts.

Cost: Free

Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival

Main Street in Lakewood Ranch becomes a gallery of original artwork during this spring art festival, including jewelry, ceramics, and paintings.

St. Armands Circle Art Festival

Kick off your Memorial Day weekend at the St. Armands Fine Art Festival, where the charming St. Armands Circle transforms into an open-air gallery featuring original works by artisans from across Florida and the United States. Explore a diverse range of mediums, including sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed-media, metalwork, fiber art, and woodworking. Meet the artists, learn about their inspirations and techniques, and even commission a unique piece tailored to your taste. This vibrant event offers a perfect blend of art, culture, and community in a picturesque coastal setting.

Saturday, May 24, 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday, May 25, 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: St. Armands Circle Park
434 St. Armands Circle
Sarasota, FL 34236

Admission: Free

Parking:

St. Armands Parking Garage: Located at 57 North Adams Drive; $5.00 pay-on-entry fee during the event.

Additional Parking: Available in nearby lots and street parking around the Circle.

Categories: Fine Art, Outdoor Festival, Cultural Event

Tags: Art Festival, Sarasota Events, Memorial Day Weekend, Local Artists

Englewood Fine Arts Festival

Held annually in historic Dearborn Street, this juried fine arts festival features original paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and ceramics. A favorite winter event in southern Sarasota County.

Lido Beach Spring Fine Art Festival

Celebrate creativity and craftsmanship at the Lido Beach Spring Fine Art Festival, an outdoor art showcase set against the backdrop of beautiful Lido Key. This annual festival features the work of professional artists and artisans from across the country, offering a vibrant mix of paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, and more.

Lido Beach Spring Fine Art Festival – Sarasota, FL

Location:
Lido Key Beach – 400 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
(Located at the beach pavilion near the public parking lot)

Dates:
Saturday & Sunday, April 19–20, 2025

Event Times:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM both days
(Rain or shine)

Admission:
Free and open to the public

What to Expect:
Stroll along Lido Beach while browsing one-of-a-kind, handmade art in a casual and welcoming atmosphere. Artists will be present to discuss their inspirations, processes, and even custom work. Whether you’re looking for a unique piece for your home, a gift, or just want to enjoy a day outdoors surrounded by creativity, this event offers something for everyone.

Bonus:
Enjoy the beach just steps away, local dining options, and the laid-back charm of Lido Key.

Sarasota Art Museum First Fridays

Celebrate Sarasota’s vibrant creative community at First Fridays at Sarasota Art Museum. Held on the museum’s beautiful plaza, this monthly evening gathering offers live music, art, food, and drink in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy gallery access, curated performances, pop-up art activities, and a specialty menu from the on-site Bistro. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking to unwind, it’s a perfect Friday night out for friends, couples, and families alike.

Dates and Times (Recurring Monthly):

Friday, May 3, 2025: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Friday, June 7, 2025: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Friday, August 2, 2025: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Friday, September 6, 2025: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
(Recurring on the first Friday of each month)

Location:
Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College
1001 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
sarasotaartmuseum.org

Tickets:
Admission is free for Museum Members. Non-member tickets typically range from $15–$25 and include gallery access. Prices and features may vary month to month.