OCTOBER
October
10 & 11
American Vintage Markets
Sarasota: Discover a wide variety of the best recycled, upcycled, repurposed
and reimagined treasures –architectural salvage, country and primitives, estate
and vintage jewelry, glass, china, clothing, antiques and more. Tickets. Takes
place 9am-4pm at 3000 Ringling Blvd. Info: www.americanvintagemarkets.com
October
17-19
ROCKtoberfest Downtown Sarasota!
Sarasota: Rock into fall with authentic German food fit for King Ludwig himself
with roasted ham hock, sausages, sauerkraut, cheese noodles, hot pretzels and
more, pints of beer, German music, dancing and a festival marketplace! Free.
Fri: 4-10pm; Sat: 11am-10pm; Sun: 11am-10pm. Takes place at 199 Bayfront Dr.
Info: https://bit.ly/3GzhUb1
October
18
Big Mama’s Collard Greens Festival
Celebrate community and culture with the ‘Big Mama’s’ collard greens cookoff,
featuring recipes dating back 100+ years, specialty foods highlighting Cajun,
Creole, Southern and Caribbean cultures, live music and more! Free. Takes place
noon-6 pm at 1845 34th St. Info: www.newtownnation.com
October 18 & 19
St Armands Fine Arts Festival
Sarasota: Browse this outdoor gallery of stunning original paintings,
sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art,
mixed-media, woodworking and much more from artists across Florida and the US.
Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 434 St Armands Circle. Info www.paragonfestivals.com
October
18 & 19
Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival
Sarasota: Discover stunning sculptures, paintings, jewelry, photography, and more
from US artists and fine crafters, then shop for handmade and eco-friendly
goods in the green market right in the heart of downtown! Free. Takes place
10am-5pm at 1 Central Ave. Info: www.artfestival.com
October 18 & 19
Seafood Festival
Celebrate local fisherman with a parade, arts and crafts handmade from the
area’s iconic cedar trees, live music, shopping, family fun, plus fresh clam
chowder, oysters, smoked mullet dip and corn on the cob! Free. Takes place
10am-5pm at 192 2nd St. Info: https://visitlevy.com
October 24
Movies Under the Stars
Enjoy a night of wicked fun featuring the fan-favorite 90’s classic Hocus
Pocus, plus face painting, trick or treating, and a special appearance by the
Sanderson sisters! Free. Takes place 8pm at 125 N Cattlemen Rd. Info: https://utcsarasota.com
October 25
Gulfcoast Pride Festival
Enjoy a spectacular street party with live performances, delicious food from
top local restaurants, a 100+ vendor marketplace and more– all in the vibrant
Rosemary District! Free. Takes place 12-5pm ay 1370-1490 Boulevard of the Arts.
Info: www.eventeny.com
October 25
Water Lantern Festival
Sarasota: Experience the serenity of USA Today’s #1 festival as thousands of
illuminated rice paper lanterns carrying messages of hope, happiness and
goodwill launch in a breathtaking display of peace. Takes place 4-8pm at 5851
Nathan Benderson Circle. Tickets and info: www.waterlanternfestival.com
October 26
Taste of the Bay
Sarasota: Come hungry and savor signature dishes from Sarasota's best
locally owned restaurants at ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media,
woodworking and much more from artists across Florida and the US. Free. Takes
place 10am-5pm at 434 St Armands Circle. Info: www.paragonfestivals.com
October 25
Gulfcoast Pride Festival
Sarasota: Enjoy a spectacular street party with live performances, delicious
food from top local restaurants, a 100+ vendor marketplace and more– all in the
vibrant Rosemary District! Free. Takes place 12-5pm ay 1370-1490 Boulevard of
the Arts. Info: www.eventeny.com
October 26
Taste of the Bay
Sarasota: Come hungry and savor signature dishes from Sarasota's best
locally owned restaurants at enticing prices, mingle with friends, and tap your
toes to live music while enjoying the beautiful waterfront. Free/food tix
onsite. Takes place 12-3pm at 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Info: www.eatlikealocal.com
Through November 1
Lights at Spooky Point
Dare to be scared along an eerily lit path featuring fantastically spooky
orchids and vines cleverly disguised as ghosts, bats, spiders, skeletons and
more, plenty of pumpkins and a hay maze to round out this family-friendly
Halloween adventure. Takes place 6:30 & 7:45pm at 401 N Tamiami Trail.
Tickets and info: https://selby.org
October 26
Selby Spooktacular
Dress up in your favorite costume for a not-so-scary Halloween celebration
featuring games, spooky story stations, arts and crafts, contests and trick or
treating throughout the Gardens. Takes place 10am-1pm at 1534 Mound St. Tickets
and info: https://selby.org
October 31-Nov. 2
Fall Fest & Carnival
Spice up your weekend with carnival rides, giant pumpkin photo ops, live
performances, pet costume contests, trunk or treating, and food trucks offering
tasty seasonal desserts and beverages. Free. Takes place 11am-8pm at 140
University Town Center Dr. Info: https://floridapenguinproductions.com
October
31
Fright Night
Wander a trick or treat trail through scary storefronts featuring roving ghosts
and goblins of St Armands’ past, plus candy, games and special shopping
designed just for the young and spooky at heart. Free. Takes place 6-8:30pm at
1 St Armands Circle. Info: https://starmandscircleassoc.com
NOVEMBER
November
2
Up, Up and Away Living Arts Festival Kickoff Party
This rooftop extravaganza of arts and culture features amazing bird-eye views
of ChalkFest, live music by the Brazilian Band, a jaw-dropping live climbing
dance performance on the side of the Northern Trust Bldg., food, and more as a
kickoff to the Living Arts Festival. Free. Takes place 2-5pm at 1255 N Palm
Ave. Info: www.sarasotarising.org
November 2-9
Living Arts Festival
A week-long celebration of the arts featuring live music, visual art
exhibitions, interactive kids’ activities,
buskers, cultural pop-ups, walking tours, a traveling arts roulette
wheel, salute to veterans, food and more! Free/ticketed events take place at
various times/locations. Info: www.sarasotarising.org
November
8
Suncoast Largest Food Truck Festival
Sarasota: Celebrate Santa’s grand arrival, then browse 40+ food trucks offering
BBQ, seafood, authentic dishes from Mexico to Greece, desserts and more at this
pet-friendly pre-holiday feast! Free and pet friendly. Takes place 11am-8pm at
140 University Town Center Dr. Info: http://bit.ly/45ZmsjT
November 8 & 9
St Armands Circle Art Festival
Sarasota: Marvel at the breathtaking talent of 200+ artists displaying works in
sculpture, photography, glasswork, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media
and more, just steps away from upscale shops and restaurants along the
picturesque circle drive. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 1 St Armands Circle.
Info: www.artfestival.com
November
9
Rise and Shine Saturday
Enjoy a day of live music, theater, art and more, plus indoor and outdoor art
appreciation, art therapy, arts immersion activities for the entire family and
more. Tickets. Takes place 9am-5pm at 801 N Tamiami Trl. Info: www.sarasotarising.org
November 14-17
Crystal Classic Int’l Sand Sculpting Festival
Siesta Key: Discover the beauty as 24 world-class
sculptors magically transform white sand beaches into a breathtaking open-air
gallery of larger-than-life sand masterpieces, plus live artist demos,
sculpting lessons, music, games, a party tent, vendor village and more! Tickets. Takes place 10am-5pm at 948 Beach Road. Info: www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com/
November
15 & 16
Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival
Sarasota: This unique outdoor gallery features stunning original paintings,
photography, jewelry, glass, fiber, wearable art, mixed media and more, all handmade
by talented local, regional and national artists, just steps away from the
sparkling Gulf of Mexico. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 199 Bayfront Dr. Info: www.paragonfestivals.com/
November 14-16
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Max the Dog narrates this magical story of Cindy Lou Who and other cast
favorites, featuring the colorful costumes and magnificent sets inspired by Dr.
Seuss’ original illustrations, plus hits “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and
“Welcome Christmas,” from the original animated special. Tickets. Various
showtimes take place at 777 N Tamiami Trl. Info: www.vanwezel.org
DECEMBER
December 5 – January 1
Selby Gardens Lights in Bloom
Stroll a magical tropical winter wonderland filled with beautifully-lit flowers
and plants, illuminated by more than two million lights and ready for your
festive photo ops! Plus, activities,
entertainment and seasonal treats for the whole family! Rain or shine. Tickets.
Takes place 5:30-9pm at 1534 Mound St. Info: https://selby.org
December 6 & 7
Atomic Holiday Bazaar
Check off your holiday shopping list with amusing, affordable, and
one-of-a-kind treasures from 230+ vendors, including original art, vintage
goods, clothing, and home decor, plus homemade jams, pickles, and brownies and
more during this unique shopping experience. Tickets. Takes place 12-5pm at
3000 Ringling Blvd. Info: www.sarasotafair.com
December
6 & 7
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: www.paragonfestivals.com
December 5
Holiday Night of Lights
Discover a twinkling winter wonderland where the cozy sounds of a holiday carol
sing-a-long, sending a letter to Santa, family photo ops, and a 60-ft. tall
holiday tree lighting, plus extra-special shopping and dining discounts kick
off your season of giving. Free. Takes place 5:30-8pm at 300 Madison Dr. Info: https://starmandscircleassoc.com
JANUARY
January 2-4
Sarasota Winter 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: www.paragonfestivals.com
January 3
& 4
Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival
Sarasota: Stroll this unique collection of outdoor galleries featuring stunning
original paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and
wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and more from artists right here in
Florida and across the nation! Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 199 Bayfront Dr.
Info: www.paragonfestivals.com
January 24 & 25
St. Armands Winter Art Festival & Sidewalk Sale
Sarasota: This unique outdoor gallery space comes alive with life-size
sculptures, fine jewelry, paintings, glasswork, handcrafted apparel and décor
for your browsing enjoyment, then shop Circle merchants and restaurants for more
special weekend deals! Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 1 St. Armands Circle.
Info: https://starmandscircleassoc.com
FEBRUARY
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: www.artfestival.com
February 27 & 28
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: www.sarasotafair.com/
February 28 -March 1
Sarasota Festival of the Arts
Sarasota: Discover stunning original work by
70+ Florida and US artists, including paintings, sculpture, jewelry,
photography, glass, ceramics, fiber, wearable art, mixed-media, metalwork,
graphics, woodworking and more in this unique outdoor gallery setting just
steps away from the dazzling Gulf. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 199 Bayfront
Dr. Info: www.paragonfestivals.com/