November
15-18
Crystal Classic Int’l Sand Sculpting Festival
Siesta Key: Experience
magnificent sand masterpieces, hand-sculpted by 24 internationally
renowned artists, as white sand beaches magically transform into a
larger-than-life art gallery. Enjoy artist demos, sand sculpting lessons, live
music, interactive games and a party tent. Tickets. Takes place 10am-5pm at 948
Beach Road. Info: WEBSITE
November 16 & 17
Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival
Sarasota: Shop this unique outdoor gallery space featuring original paintings,
photography, jewelry, glass, fiber, wearable art, mixed media and more, all handmade
by talented local, regional and national artists and on display just steps away
from the sparkling Gulf of Mexico. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 199 Bayfront
Dr. Info: WEBSITE
November 17
Living Arts Festival: A Celebration of Youth - Closing Party
Sarasota: Experience a dynamic evening of entertainment featuring circus
performers, theater, opera, ballet, music and more to spotlight a collaboration
of vibrant youth arts and cultural programming and close out the Living Arts
Festival. Tickets. Takes place 7pm at 2075 Bahia Vista St.
Info: WEBSITE
November 29-December 1Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival
Sarasota: Enjoy the finest seafood, meat
and vegan dishes, live, local bands performing favorites from R&B, blues,
jazz, country and more, plus shop for locally handcrafted arts and crafts,
gourmet foods, specialty soaps, oils and specialty items in the arts marketplace.
Free. Takes place Fri: 4:30-10pm; Sat: 11am-10pm; Sun: 11am-6pm at 3000
Ringling Blvd. Info: WEBSITE
December 5 – January 1
Selby Gardens Lights in Bloom
Sarasota: Stroll through a tropical winter wonderland filled with
beautifully-lit flowers and plants and walkways magically illuminated by more
than two million lights. Discover festive photo ops, activities, entertainment
and seasonal treats for the whole family! Rain or shine. Tickets. Takes place
5:30-9pm at 1534 Mound St. Info: WEBSITE
December 6 & 7
Balloon Glow and Laser Show
Sarasota: Enjoy an incredible weekend of family fun featuring hot air balloon
rides, live music, kids’ games, bounce houses, a crafters market and food
trucks before the crowd counts down to a stunning synchronized hot air balloon
lighting and coordinated glow. Blankets, chairs and umbrellas encouraged.
Tickets. Takes place 5-10pm at 3000 Ringling Blvd. Info: WEBSITE
December 6
Holiday Night of Lights
Sarasota: Experience a twinkling winter wonderland, cozy sounds of a holiday
carol sing-a-long and family photo ops before Santa lights the 60-ft. tall
holiday tree. Don’t miss the extra-special shopping and dining discounts
kicking off the shopping season. Free. Takes place 5:30-9pm at 300 Madison Dr.
Info: WEBSITE
December 7
Celebrate on the Circle
Sarasota: Welcome the holidays with festive family entertainment, games,
activities, treats, live music and more during this inaugural holiday event on
the Circle, plus shop participating merchants for holiday sales and deals. It’s
fun for all ages! Free. Takes place 11am-3pm at 300 Madison Dr. Info: WEBSITE
December 7 & 8
Lakewood Ranch Holiday of the Arts
Lakewood Ranch: Discover impressive paintings, sculptures, jewelry,
photography, candles, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media,
woodworking – all handcrafted and ready for gift giving. Meet the artists,
enjoy holiday treats and maybe a visit from Santa himself! Free. Takes place
10am-5pm at 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Info: WEBSITE
December 30 & 31
Pineapple Drop Block Party
Sarasota: Welcome 2025 in style with spectacular carnival rides and games, live
entertainment and music from Top 10 country artist Chas Collins, dancing and fireworks
before the spectacular lighted pineapple drop at midnight. Free. Takes place
Sat: 1-10pm; Sun: 1pm-1am at Lemon Ave & Main St. Info: WEBSITE
January 10-12
Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival
Sarasota: Enjoy this art and food
lover’s paradise featuring a fine arts marketplace, fresh, local seafood cooked
onsite by area chefs, tasty desserts and live music from some of Florida’s top
musicians Free. Takes place Fri: 4:30-10pm; Sat: 11am-10pm; Sun: 11am-6pm at
3000 Ringling Blvd. Info: WEBSITE
January 11 & 12
Sarasota Fine Art Festival
Sarasota: Stroll an expansive outdoor gallery featuring spectacular original
artist creations, including painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass,
ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and more, chat with
the artists and discover an appreciation for the beautiful and unique! Free.
Takes place 10am-5pm at 199 Bayfront Dr. Info: WEBSITE
January 23-27
Forks & Corks
Sarasota: Experience a savory pairing of talented local chefs, winery owners
and winemakers from across the globe offering signature epicurean dishes
featuring unique, local flavors, a Grand Tasting, university master classes and
an online food and wine auction and more. Tickets. Various times/locations.
Info: WEBSITE
January 25 & 26
Lakewood Ranch Fine Arts Festival
Lakewood Ranch: Explore this unique outdoor gallery of painting, sculpture,
jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media,
woodworking and more from talented US artisans ready to share their
inspiration. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 8100 Lakewood Main St. Info: WEBSITE
January 25 & 26
St. Armands Winter Art Festival & Sidewalk Sale
Sarasota: Shop outdoor gallery-style booths featuring life-size sculpture, fine
jewelry, painting, glasswork, handcrafted apparel and décor and more from
talented national and local artists, then explore the special sales and deals
from participating Circle merchants and restaurants. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm
at 1 St. Armands Circle. Info: WEBSITE
February 8 & 9
Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts
Sarasota: Discover more than 200 award-winning artists showcasing their
original work in painting, photography, glass and metalwork, fine jewelry,
mixed media, fiber art and more over five city blocks in this spectacular
family-friendly art experience. Plus, artist demos, live music and food
vendors. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 1718 Main St. Info: WEBSITE
February 21 & 22
American Vintage Markets
Sarasota: Shop a dazzling selection of carefully curated treasures, including unique,
vintage-inspired home decor, up-cycled goods, collectibles, industrial salvage,
jewelry, clothing, furniture and much more in this exciting and fun shopping
extravaganza. Tickets. Takes place 9am-4pm at 3000 Ringling Blvd. Info: WEBSITE
March 1 & 2
Sarasota Festival of the Arts
Sarasota: Discover
original work by 70+ Florida and US artists, including painting, sculpture,
jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber, wearable art, mixed-media,
metalwork, graphics, woodworking and more, all in a unique outdoor gallery
setting just steps away from the dazzling Gulf. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at
199 Bayfront Dr. Info: WEBSITE
March 8 & 9
Lakewood Ranch Festival of the Arts
Lakewood Ranch: Step into an awe-inspiring outdoor gallery featuring life-size
sculptures, stunning paintings, dazzling jewelry, captivating glasswork,
photography, intricate ceramics, fiber and wearable art and more and the chance
to engage with artists to learn about their inspiration. Free. Takes place
10am-5pm at 8100 Lakewood Main St. Info: WEBSITE
March 14-23
Sarasota County Fair
Sarasota: Round up the family for this annual salute to agriculture, featuring
4H livestock judging, sheep shearing and cow milking contests, horticulture
displays, midway thrills, racing pigs, magic shows, a petting zoo, live music
and delicious fair food. Tickets. Takes place M-TH: 4-10pm; 1st Fri: 5-11pm; 2nd
Fri: 4-11pm; Sat: 12-11pm; Sun: 12-10pm at 3000 Ringling Blvd. Info: WEBSITE