Sarasota County Festivals and Events
The festivals, seasons and parades that come back every year.
Sarasota’s cultural season follows the winter visitors. From roughly November through April, the Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, the Sarasota Ballet and touring shows at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall all run full schedules, and most of the county’s big festivals fall in the same months. Summer is quieter, though June brings both the Sarasota Music Festival and the Savor Sarasota restaurant weeks.
Some favorites happen every week rather than once a year. The Sarasota Farmers Market fills downtown every Saturday morning, the Siesta Key Drum Circle meets on the beach every Sunday at sunset, and The Ringling offers reduced evening admission to its art museum and gardens on Thursdays.
Annual Festivals and Events
A food and wine week from the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, the area’s independent restaurant group, ending with a grand tasting at The Ringling. Tickets sell out quickly.
Several operas performed in rotation, arranged so that visitors can see the full season in a few days.
A week of jazz presented by the Jazz Club of Sarasota, with headline concerts at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.
About ten days of independent features, documentaries and shorts at venues around downtown, with filmmaker talks and parties.
A free weekend festival celebrating Venice’s fossil shark teeth, with fossil dealers, music and activities for children.
Restaurant weeks with fixed-price lunch and dinner menus at restaurants across the county, organized by Visit Sarasota County.
Sarasota Orchestra’s summer program for young classical musicians, with public chamber and orchestra concerts.
A small-town celebration dating to 1956, ending with a parade down Dearborn Street on Labor Day.
Offshore powerboat races in the Gulf with a beachside festival; the race area is just over the line in Charlotte County.
An international sand sculpting contest that turns Siesta Beach into an open-air gallery for four days, with lessons for visitors.
The City of Venice’s evening holiday parade along Venice Avenue.
A city-run holiday parade and festival along Sumter Boulevard.
Dozens of decorated boats cruise the Venice waterways after dark; viewing from the shore is free.
Lighted boats cruise from New Pass to Marina Jack, with free viewing from Bayfront Park; it benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.
Dates move from year to year — confirm on the organizer’s site before you plan around an event.
Official Event Calendars
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Get free trip quotes »Sarasota County Events — FAQ
What is the busiest month for events in Sarasota?
March. The opera festival, jazz festival, spring training baseball and peak visitor season all overlap, so book hotels and tickets early.
Is the Sarasota Chalk Festival still held?
The chalk festival has not announced a full festival since its 2024 edition in Burns Square. Check the organizer’s site for its current projects before planning a trip around it.
Are there free events in Sarasota County?
Many. The Saturday farmers market, the Sunday drum circle on Siesta Beach, the Venice Sharks Tooth Festival and the holiday boat parades are all free to attend.