Join us for ROCKtoberfest Downtown Sarasota, October 17–19 at J.D. Hamel Park on the bayfront. This free three-day festival features live rock and blues music, local food trucks and festival eats, beer & beverage tents, and a vendor marketplace with artisans and crafts.
Family-friendly and dog-friendly, the event offers a relaxed open-air atmosphere with plenty of space to enjoy the shows, browse, and connect with the community. Admission is free; food and drink are pay-as-you-go.
📅 Hours:
• Fri, Oct 17 — 4:00–10:00 PM
• Sat, Oct 18 — 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
• Sun, Oct 19 — 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
📍 Location: J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join us for ROCKtoberfest Downtown Sarasota, October 17–19 at J.D. Hamel Park on the bayfront. This free three-day festival features live rock and blues music, local food trucks and festival eats, beer & beverage tents, and a vendor marketplace with artisans and crafts.
Family-friendly and dog-friendly, the event offers a relaxed open-air atmosphere with plenty of space to enjoy the shows, browse, and connect with the community. Admission is free; food and drink are pay-as-you-go.
📅 Hours:
• Fri, Oct 17 — 4:00–10:00 PM
• Sat, Oct 18 — 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
• Sun, Oct 19 — 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
📍 Location: J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Back to School Bash Sarasota 2025 kicks off at The Mall at University Town Center on August 2, bringing families together for giveaways, stage shows, and fun.
Why Attend Back to School Bash Sarasota 2025?
School Essentials:
Stock up on all the supplies you need to start the school year right! Parents can pre-register their children for a Free Backpack (while supplies last) and participate in our interactive scavenger hunt to stock up on school supplies from all of our sponsors and vendors.
Community Fun:
Connect with local businesses as we come together to celebrate the back-to-school season. With healthcare, after school programs, community support groups, fun activities, health insurance, martial arts, dancing, and sports programs. There are all sorts of resources to start the year off right. Plus stage performances, free face painting, sports mascots, cartoon characters, photo stops, fitness activities, and healthcare resources.
Mark your calendars and join us for a fantastic Back to School Bash
Up to 4 backpacks per family. 1 per child. Children must be present to receive the free backpacks. you must have a valid RSVP ticket (limited) to receive a backpack when you arrive. You must arrive within your time slot to get the backpack and start the scavenger hunt for school supplies.
Experience one of Sarasota’s most iconic and free-spirited traditions at the Siesta Key Drum Circle, held every Sunday evening just before sunset on the soft white sands of Siesta Beach. Drummers, dancers, locals, and visitors gather in a vibrant circle to celebrate rhythm, community, and the beauty of nature. Feel free to bring your own drum, join the dancing, or simply relax and enjoy the colorful scene. Family-friendly and open to all ages. No tickets or registration required — just show up and soak in the good vibes!
Time:
Gathering starts about one hour before sunset
Drumming and dancing usually continue until after sunset
(Note: Arrival times shift slightly throughout the year depending on sunset times so please don’t make the mistake of thinking the time is 7:30-9:00 PM throughout the year)
Additional Notes:
The circle forms south of the main Siesta Beach Pavilion, near the green lifeguard stand.
Parking is available at the Siesta Beach parking lot (arrive early to secure a spot).
Bring beach chairs, water, and anything you need to enjoy a sunset at the beach.
Since 1979, the Bradenton Public Market has been a cherished weekly tradition, transforming Old Main Street into a vibrant, open-air marketplace. Each Saturday from October through May, locals and visitors alike gather to explore over 80 vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, local art, and delicious prepared foods. The market also features live music, chef demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, making it a delightful outing for all ages.
Market Magic Days: Enjoy themed events with extra activities and performances during regular market hours.
Halloween at the Market: October 26, 2024 – Trick-or-treating with vendors from 9 AM to 2 PM (while supplies last).
Santa at the Market: December 21, 2024 – Celebrate the holiday season with a visit from Santa.
Bradentown’s Birthday Bash: May 17, 2025 – Commemorate the city’s history with special festivities.
Chef at the Market: Monthly cooking demonstrations by local chefs showcasing seasonal recipes and culinary tips.
Live Music: Enjoy performances from talented local musicians every Saturday, enhancing the market’s lively atmosphere.
Free parking is available on weekends, including at the City Centre Parking Facility. The market is pet-friendly; leashed dogs are welcome.
🎟️ Admission:
Free
📞 Contact:
Info@RealizeBradenton.com
Voicemail: (941) 301-8445
Website: realizebradenton.com/bradenton-market
The Signature Artists at The Bay series is excited to present The Perlman Music Program’s Aeolus Quartet in a free outdoor concert. This event is scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM EDT at The Oval at The Bay, located at 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Event Details:
Date and Time: Sunday, April 13, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT
Location: The Oval at The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236
Admission: Free
Registration: Attendees are encouraged to register in advance.
About the Aeolus Quartet:
Formed in 2008, the Aeolus Quartet comprises violinists Nicholas Tavani and Rachel Shapiro, violist Caitlin Lynch, and cellist Jia Kim. They have been praised for their “high-octane” performances and “dusky lyricism,” earning accolades at major competitions and performing across the globe. The quartet has collaborated with renowned artists and has been recognized for their innovative approach to chamber music.
This performance offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the artistry of the Aeolus Quartet in the scenic outdoor setting of The Bay. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating for comfort during the concert.
Lakewood Ranch’s monthly street party with live music, food, and fun for the whole family.
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.
Saturday, April 26, 2025: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday, May 31, 2025: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location:
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – Downtown Sarasota Campus
1534 Mound Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
Admission:
Members: Free
Adults: $28
Ages 5–17: $12
Children 4 and under: Free
Tickets can be purchased in advance at selby.org.
Catch the final performance of the season by the renowned Ski-A-Rees water ski team. The free, high-energy show takes place on Sarasota Bay behind Mote Marine.
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