Sarasota’s Festive Side: A Calendar of Annual Festivals and Events

Discover the Best Sarasota Festivals and Events Year-Round

Sarasota festivals and events showcase the city’s vibrant culture, creative energy, and coastal charm all year long. Nestled along Florida’s sparkling Gulf Coast, Sarasota is more than stunning beaches and fine cuisine — it’s a celebration waiting to happen. From world-class film showcases to hidden local markets, the city offers a nonstop lineup of festivities for every traveler.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, this guide reveals Sarasota’s signature celebrations — plus insider tips for exploring like a local. Dive into the unforgettable experiences that make Sarasota one of Florida’s top year-round festival destinations.

Winter Wonders: January to March

Thanks to mild winter weather, Sarasota festivals and events thrive outdoors during the early months of the year. This is the perfect season to enjoy art, culture, and music in cool, sun-drenched settings.

• Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival (January) – Hosted downtown at JD Hamel Park, this weekend event blends fresh seafood creations with a variety of live music, from jazz to classic rock. Parking is limited, so consider using the free Bay Runner trolley or opting for a rideshare.
• Sarasota Native American Indian Festival (Late January) – Held at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, this cultural gem features traditional dances, flute music, handmade wares, and authentic fry bread. It’s an engaging, educational pick for families and cultural explorers.
• Thunder By the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival (February) – Rev up for an action-packed festival of bikes, blues, and giving back. This charity-driven event supports Suncoast Charities for Children and features live performances, custom motorcycles, and plenty of community fun.
• Sarasota Jazz Festival (March) – Organized by the Jazz Club of Sarasota, this weeklong musical celebration brings national legends and local talent to stages across Sarasota, including the Hyatt Regency and downtown amphitheaters. Tickets often sell quickly — reserve early.

Local Tip: Pair your festival visit with a stroll through Sarasota Farmers Market every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Lemon Avenue. Grab breakfast at The Overton before heading out for a full day of festivities.

Spring Celebrations: April to June

As spring rolls in, Sarasota festivals and events bloom with creativity. Art shows, film screenings, and open-air gatherings fill the calendar — all enhanced by blue skies and Gulf breezes.

• Sarasota Film Festival (April) – A highlight on Sarasota’s cultural calendar, this renowned festival features indie films, international cinema, and in-depth conversations with filmmakers. Events take place at Burns Court Cinemas and Regal Hollywood. Student passes and Q&A sessions make it a must for movie lovers.
• Siesta Fiesta (April) – Located in Siesta Key Village near the famous beach, this outdoor art and craft fair showcases local artisans, handmade jewelry, and island-inspired décor. Leave your car and ride the complimentary Siesta Key Breeze Trolley instead.
• Country Thunder Florida (Spring Offshoots) – While the main event happens in Kissimmee, Sarasota hosts select concerts and pop-up events as part of the Country Thunder preview series. Keep an eye on local lineups around the Van Wezel and Marina Jack.
• Pineapple Grove Market Days (Monthly) – Tucked into the Rosemary District, this casual community event combines food trucks, music, vintage shopping, and artisanal drinks in a relaxed urban setting.

Insider Tip: Plan a picnic or sunset walk at Bayfront Park before or after your event. Kids love the splash pad, and grown-ups will appreciate the waterfront views.

Summer Soirees: July to September

Summer brings heat, but Sarasota festivals and events stay cool with water-centric fun, evening activities, and indoor cultural events to beat the sun and embrace the spirit of the season.

• Suncoast Summer Fest (June–July) – This multi-event series includes family favorites like the Friendliest Catch Fishing Tournament and the Boats on the Bay bash. The grand finale? Fireworks over Sarasota Bay on July Fourth. Arrive early at Island Park for the best viewing spots.
• Reel Pride Film Festival (June) – Celebrating LGBTQ+ stories and filmmakers, this heartwarming festival is held at Burns Court Cinemas and features independent films that inspire. Space is limited, so book early to secure your seat.
• Shark Days at Mote Marine Laboratory (July) – Every ocean lover’s dream! This hands-on event at Mote Marine focuses on shark conservation, with talks, live demos, and educational activities. Explore nearby Ken Thompson Park for an extended day near the water.
• Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week (Early June) – Enjoy prix fixe menus at the city’s top restaurants including Indigenous, Boca, and Shore. Foodies mark their calendar for this taste-packed week — and reservations fill up fast.

Adventure Note: Catch the Annual Island Night Game at LECOM Park, where the Sarasota Bradenton Pirates host a themed baseball game capped off with fireworks and family-friendly fanfare.

Fall Highlights: October to December

Fall in Sarasota calls for festival season in full swing. The weather cools down, but celebrations heat up with Oktoberfests, art shows, holiday lights, and quirky traditions you’ll only find here.

• Sarasota Oktoberfest (October) – Raise a stein at JD Hamel Park with traditional German beer, food, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy polka bands, bratwurst, and shaded seating areas while the kids enjoy seasonal games.
• Downtown Sarasota Art & Craft Festival (November) – This juried street fair transforms Main Street into an open-air gallery, showcasing fine crafts, eco-conscious goods, and sculpture. Arrive early for a quiet browsing experience and one-on-one time with the artists.
• Chalk Festival (Late Fall) – Famous for its jaw-dropping 3D pavement art, this unique event rotates among venues like Venice Airport Fairgrounds and occasionally returns to Burns Square. Expect interactive installations and surreal illusions under your feet.
• Holiday Night of Lights (December) – Held in St. Armands Circle, this festive night includes holiday music, tree lighting, snow machines, and Santa visits. It’s especially magical for families, with shops and restaurants staying open late.

Local Hack: Rent a kayak or paddleboard in the morning and paddle through Lido Mangrove Tunnels before heading to an afternoon festival — the perfect Sarasota-style adventure combo.

Hidden Gems: Local Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss

Beyond the popular Sarasota festivals and events, locals know where to find the soul of the city — in grassroots markets, art nights, and community concerts that feel laid-back and deeply personal.

• Ringling Underground (Monthly in Season) – This after-hours art experience takes place in the Ringling Museum courtyard, featuring emerging artists, ambient lighting, and live performances. It’s a steal at under $15.
• Friday Fest at Van Wezel (Monthly, Summer–Fall) – Set along Sarasota Bay, this free concert series keeps summer spirits high with regional bands, sunset views, and family-friendly vibes. Bring lawn chairs or bike in for the scenic route.
• Phillippi Farmhouse Market (October–April) – A Wednesday tradition at Phillippi Estate Park, this riverside event offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, hot food, and live tunes in a peaceful setting. It’s a midweek dose of relaxation and community spirit.

Pro Tip: Looking for something truly local? Check out the Rum & Rotarians Charity Duck Pluck at Nathan Benderson Park. Thousands of rubber ducks are pulled from the water for prizes — it’s quirky, charitable fun for the whole family.

Your Guide to Sarasota Festivals and Events

Sarasota festivals and events highlight everything that makes this city unforgettable — creativity, community, and coastal beauty. From jazz to chalk art, seafood to indie cinema, each season has something worth celebrating. Planning your Sarasota trip around local events guarantees you’ll experience the heart of the city in its most joyful moments. So pack your sunscreen, mark your calendar, and get ready to join the celebration year-round in Sarasota.