Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival
The Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida. This annual event welcomes both competitive and recreational dragon boat teams to race on the park’s 400-acre lake, which meets international rowing standards.
Event Details:
Time: All-day event (races typically run from early morning to late afternoon)
Location: Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL
Festival Highlights:
Dragon Boat Races: Teams compete in various race distances, including 200m, 500m, and 2,000m pursuits.
Health & Wellness Village: Vendors offer products and services promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Food Truck Bazaar: A selection of food trucks provides diverse culinary options.
Family-Friendly Activities: Entertainment and activities suitable for all ages.
For individuals or small groups interested in participating without a full team, the festival offers the “Experience Dragon Boat” program, which includes training sessions leading up to the event.
Venice Blues & BBQ Festival
The Venice Blues & BBQ Festival is a vibrant three-day celebration combining soulful blues music with mouthwatering barbecue. Held annually at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds, the event features live performances on two stages by both national and regional touring acts. Attendees can savor a variety of BBQ offerings from top pitmasters participating in a Florida BBQ Association-sanctioned competition, which includes a People’s Choice Award. The festival also showcases live muralist paintings, a diverse selection of food trucks, cold beverages, numerous vendors, and activities suitable for the entire family. Children aged 12 and under enjoy free admission. The 2025 festival supports CoffeeTalk of Venice, an organization dedicated to assisting the local homeless community.
Dates and Times:
Friday, March 21, 2025: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, March 22, 2025: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, March 23, 2025: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Venice Airport Festival Grounds
610 Airport Avenue E
Venice, FL 34285
General Admission: Pricing details to be announced.
Children 12 & Under: Free
Sarasota Fine Arts Festival
Held in downtown Sarasota, this juried festival showcases fine art from across the country, including sculpture, painting, ceramics, glass, and photography.
St. Armands Fine Art Festival
Join art lovers from across Florida for the annual St. Armands Fine Art Festival, set in the iconic circle of St. Armands. This two-day juried event features exceptional original artwork from local, regional, and national artists. Stroll the scenic park and explore a curated collection of fine paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and more.
This festival offers a relaxing open-air setting with plenty of room to browse, meet the artists, and even commission custom work. Whether you’re a serious collector or a casual enthusiast, the St. Armands Fine Art Festival provides a beautiful atmosphere to appreciate creativity at its finest — just steps away from shops, dining, and the beach.
Event Name: St. Armands Fine Art Festival
Location: St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236
Dates: November 30 – December 1, 2025
Times:
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM