Events and Festivals in Sarasota Overview
Arts Festivals
St. Armands and Venice craft festivals run November through April.
Film and Arts
The Sarasota Film Festival and the Ringling International Arts Festival anchor the cultural calendar.
Sports Events
USRowing nationals, soccer championships, and competitive events at Nathan Benderson Park.
Community Events
Farmers markets, drum circles, and the Venice July 4th parade define the local calendar.
Performing Arts
Van Wezel, the Asolo, and Florida Studio Theatre run full seasons October through June.
Holiday Season
December in Sarasota includes boat parades, outdoor concerts, and holiday events across the islands.
The Sarasota events calendar runs year-round, anchored by a dense winter season and a summer program focused on family and community gatherings. The county hosts internationally recognized rowing and soccer competitions at Nathan Benderson Park, a cycle of arts festivals at St. Armands Circle and in downtown Venice, and a performing arts season that includes national touring productions at Van Wezel.
Winter and Spring Festivals
The winter festival season peaks between January and April. The Sarasota Film Festival typically runs in April and draws national and international film submissions. The Sarasota Arts Festival in February occupies the Sarasota Fairgrounds. The multiple craft festival events at St. Armands Circle and in downtown Venice run from November through April.
Summer Events
The summer calendar centers on family-oriented and community events. The Venice July 4th Parade and Picnic is one of the most attended community events in the county. The Sarasota Bay Dragon Boat Festival at Marina Jack has established itself as a summer highlight. Nathan Benderson Park hosts USRowing national championships and other competitive rowing events through the summer months.
Fall Events
The fall transition season brings the Sarasota County Fair in late October and the start of the performing arts season at Van Wezel, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, and Florida Studio Theatre. The Ringling International Arts Festival in late fall brings international performance and arts programming to the Ringling Estate grounds.