Lifeguard station at sunset.
Sarasota is one of the most beautiful and sophisticated cities in Florida.
The giant recreation of the famous WWII photo of the Kiss.
It's all about the sun, sand, water and surf.
Ringling Art Gallery
Fourth of July
Downtown Sarasota
<
>
Sarasota
"An eclectic blend of big city culture, great dining and exceptional white-sand beaches.."
Current Issue
Whether your taste in art leans more toward Ringling Bros. circus memorabilia, seashell creations and sand sculptures to works by Old Masters like Rubens and Poussin, you’ll find it all right here. Home to the Foreign Film Festival, there is plenty of theater in and around Sarasota too, and if you want to add music to your itinerary, the Sarasota Orchestra, Key Chorale and Sarasota Ballet are just a few of the many groups who have stage performances throughout the season. Revered as one of the “Best Food Cities” in the US, there’s no shortage of great spots to eat in Sarasota which attracts some of the best culinary talent in the industry. There’s also plenty of fine shopping, as well, including St. Armand’s Circle close to the coast and the Mall at University Town Center which has many distinctive retailers not found anywhere else in the area.
CALENDAR 2023
EXPLORE
LODGING
RECOMMENDED
ELSEWHERE
Weekly
Sarasota Farmer’s Market
Shop more than 80 vendors offering fresh and prepared meats, cheeses, organic veggies, flowers, coffee, cigars unique handcrafted items in a year-round downtown marketplace. Live music and entertainment, international foods and more! Free. 7am-1pm. 1 N Lemon Ave. Info: www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org
Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch (Sundays)
Lakewood Ranch: Home to more than 90 curated vendors offering organic produce, meat, poultry, seafood, bread, pasta, juices and prepared foods as well as unique, artisan-inspired gifts. 10am-2pm. 1561 Lakefront Dr. Info: https://lakewoodranch.com/
Monthly
Second Sundays at SAM
Bring your friends and family to explore new art and participate in fun activities for the whole family, including live music, storytelling, hands-on art, figure drawing, digital art and more! Free. 11 am-5 pm. 1001 S. Tamiami Trail. www.sarasotaartmuseum.org
OTHER FLORIDA HAPPENINGS
Ongoing
Fort Myers: Every first Friday of the month the Historic River District in downtown Fort Myers comes alive with art shows, live artists, dining and shopping. Takes place from 6pm to 10pm.
March 3 - 12
Daytona: This 10 day high octane party is considered to be the “World’s Largest Motorcycle Event” and attracts over 500,000 motorcyclists and enthusiasts who make the annual pilgrimage. Celebrations take place all over
town and include street festivals, concerts, motorcycle races at Daytona International Speedway, bike shows, rallies, manufacturer showcases and much more.
April 21 - 30
Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration
Key West: This raucous annual event commemorates the founding of our
Conch Republic. The celebration includes a ton of fun events including a big Kick-Off Party, Conch Republic Music Party, Boat Parade, Art & Craft Fair, Pirate’s Ball, Red Ribbon Bed Races, a wacky “Drag Queen” Race and much more. Info: 305-296-0213
February 25 - 26
Sarasota: Shop original, handmade works by artisans, crafters and vendors from across Florida. Takes place from 10am - 6pm at JD Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota. Info: 941-487-8061; paragonevents.com.
MARCH
March 3 - 5
Sarasota: Enjoy great food, live music by local and regional musicians, an arts & crafts market, and lots of fine products! Takes place on F from 4 -10pm; on Sa from 1am - 10pm, and on Su from 11am - 6pm at Roberts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota. Info: 941-487-8061;
March 7
The Glenn Miller Sound with Rick Costa’s Jazz Sextet
Sarasota: Take a trip back in time and get “In the Mood” with an afternoon of the best of Glenn Miller and the entire Swing era. An ensemble of six top area jazz musicians takes you there. Showtime: 3pm at NathanBenderson Park,
5851 Nathan Benderson Circle.
March 13 - 14
Sarasota: This two-day event is packed with performances by national and international jazz musicians. Takes place at various times and venues around Sarasota.
March 18 - 19
86th Annual Sarasota County Fair
Sarasota: This annual ritual features livestock shows, lots of rides, games, and so much more. Takes place at Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd.
Info: 941-365-08
APRIL
April 1 - 2
Sarasota: Nearly 100 nationally recognized artists will be on hand at this nationally ranked show that also includes live music and great food. Takes place from 10am - 5pm at Phillippi Eastate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trail.
Info: 248-762-2462
April 20 - 24
16th Annual Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival
Sarasota: This fun and engaging event showcases the enormous talents of Sarasota’s local chefs, highlighted by an esteemed cast of visiting winery owners and winemakers from all over the world. Events take place at various venues around town. Info: 941-365- 2800
MAY
May 5 - 7
Sarasota Cinco de Mayo Festival
Sarasota: Celebrate all things Mexican with a diverse menu of traditional dishes, tasty libations and live music by local and regional performers. Free admission. Takes place on F from 4 - 10pm; Sa from11am - 10pm and on Su from 11am - 6pm at Roberts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd. Info: 941-487-8061
May 6 - 7
3rd Annual Downtown Sarasota Spring Craft Fair
Sarasota: Shop a variety of jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting, clothing and much more — all handmade in America. An expansive Green Market features plants, orchids, exotic flora, handmade soaps, gourmet spices and freshly
popped kettle corn — yum! Takes place from 10am - 5pm in the heart of Downtown Sarasota at 5 Points Park on Central and First St.
May 27 - 28
Sarasota: Shop an outdoor gallery of original, handmade works and meet exhibiting artists. Live music, onsite pet adoptions, great food and more! Takes place from 10am - 5pm at St Armand’s Circle Park. Info: 941-
487-8061
1811 S Palm Ave
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-5731| Daily 10am - 5pm
A Quiet & Spectacular Oasis
Nestled on the shores of beautiful Sarasota Bay, this tropical, urban oasis showcases unparalleled horticulture displays and is a world-class center for education, research and education. There is just so much to see here including a Conservatory that looks and feels like a tropical forest, Fern Garden, Bamboo
Garden, Banyan Grove, Mangroves and Baywalk, Bromeliad Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Rainforest and more.
5401 Bayshore Rd
Sarasota, FL 34243
941-359-5700 | Daily 10am — 5pm
The Greatest Show On Earth
The Ringling Circus may be gone but it is certainly not forgotten. This State Art Museum is home to one of the preeminent art and cultural collections in the US which John Ringling, in the spirit of America’s wealthiest Gilded Age,
began acquiring in the 1920s. The museum now houses a treasure trove of paintings and art objects as well as a Circus Gallery which showcases performers wardrobes, beautifully carved parade wagons, lithographic circus posters, a cannon which shot fearless performers across the big top and so much more. FYI: Check out the interactive Tibbals Learning Center where you can experience the excitement of a day at the circus.
Coming Soon to Sarasota!
22 N Lemon Avenue
Sarasota, FL; 800-702-4427
M & Tu: 9am - Midnight; W & Th: 9am - 1am;
F & Sa: 9am - 2am; Su: 10am - Midnight
The Ultimate Premium Cigar Experience
You’ll find only the best cigars and libations at this smoking hot cigar emporium which boasts over 5,000 square feet of humidified space, multiple lounges both indoor and out, and an elegant full service bar with over 100 different spirits. In addition to Davidoff, Camacho, Avo, Room 101, BG Meyer, Griffin’s and Zino Platinum Cigars, you can also savor special featured cigars from renowned brands like Padron, MyFather Montecristo, Ashton, Fuente,
Tatuaje and Illusione. The store features a big assortment of pipes, humidors, lighters, cutters and other smoking accessories, as well.
2000 Gulf Drive North, Anna Maria Island, FL 34217
800-779-3601
This beautiful place has bungalows that range from one room studio to three-bedrooms, and feature white wicker furniture, and the original architectural design of hardwood floors, bead-board walls and wood-beamed cathedral ceilings. Stepping inside one differs from most hotels. The white and beige interiors convince you immediately that the place is impeccably clean and fresh.
8212 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
941-349-9025
The 10 airy, 1-bedroom bungalows have living rooms with white wicker furniture and dining tables, full kitchens with microwaves, and cable TV. Some units have front or rear porches. Some overlook a leafy central courtyard, while others overlook Heron Lagoon. The hotel offers a heated swimming pool, and 2 kayaks are available for use on the lagoon.
941-995-9856
1924 Osprey Avenue | Sarasota, Fl 34239
Monday -Saturday 11am - 8pm | Bakery 7am
Sunday 10am - 7pm | Bakery 8am
Morton's Market has been Sarasota's epicenter of great food for over 50 years. Be prepared for the overwhelming experience of being in a foodie's heaven.
Featuring an on-site bakery, deli, gourmet to-go meals, fresh produce, sushi, prime meats, seafood, fine wines, and a full service catering department.
Siesta Key Market
941-349-1474
205 Canal Road | Siesta Key, Fl 34242
Sunday -Thursday 7:30am - 10pm
Friday & Saturday 7:30am - 11pm
siestamarket.com
We offer groceries, provisions, fresh produce & floral, beer, fine wines & cigars, cheeses, fresh meat & seafood, and plenty of prepared foods including a full service deli, hot meals & soups, rotisserie chicken, desserts and more!
We have shore fishing supplies and hardware!
Our customer service representatives will shop your grocery orders and deliver them to your door. Call our store at 941-349-1474.”
© 2023 Destination Florida LLC | All Rights Reserved