Sarasota Calendar of EventsFun things to do in Sarasota and around the Suncoast for free or inexpensively!With so many fun things to do, the choices are yours; do a lot, do a little, do nothing! Most of the Sarasota Happenings take place during the fall, winter and spring, as summer, especially after the 4th of July, tends to really wind down from high season. Here is a run down of Sarasota happenings throughout the year on my Sarasota Calendar of Events! Note: Keep your eye on this page for frequent updates as they are available. On occasion, new events are added even on the day of the scheduled event, in an attempt to have the best coverage of free or inexpensive fun events in the Sarasota and sun coast region for you to enjoy.
January Sarasota Calendar of EventsThere's an Art & Craft Show at Five Points Park in downtown Sarasota January 2 - 3, 2010. From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days, the show will feature: jewelry, art, crafts, clothing, photography, woodworking and more. Admission is free. Located at Main Street and Pineapple Avenue, downtown Sarasota.My Sarasota Calendar of Events also has for you The Siesta Key Beach Snowbirds Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Show which is January 6 - 7, 2010. Location: Siesta Beach Ball Field, Beach Road Siesta Key -- Admission is free with plenty of free parking! Starts at 10 a.m. both days. 
Jan 7 - 9, 2011: Want to see some great looking motorcycles? How about go to a barbecue and dance the second weekend of January? Or what about hopping aboard your own bike and winning a cool grand at the start of the New Year? It'll be a fun weekend January 7 - 9, 2011 as the Thunder By The Bay Sarasota Motorcycle Festival kicks starts our Sarasota Calendar of Events for another year!
Click here to see and learn more about the Annual Thunder by the Bay Sarasota Motorcycle Festival.
On Saturday January 9, 2010 you can attend the Thieves Market & Mullet Smoke from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Coquina Beach Park. Located on Gulf of Mexico Drive in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island you'll find a Flea Market, smoked mullet and more. Admission is free It's not peanuts and crackerjack, but cotton candy and elephant ears at The Annual Manatee County Fair taking place from January 14 - 24, 2010 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto. General admission: $7 for ages 13 and older, $6 for seniors 55 and older, $5 for kids 6-12, free for ages 5 and under. Click for more about the Manatee County Fair. My Sarasota Calendar of Events has January 16 - 17, 2010 as the dates for the Annual Venice-Nokomis Rotary Art Festival which takes place from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds. What makes this event different from other arts and crafts shows on my Sarasota Calendar of Events is there will be an activities tent for kids, plus free entertainment and also featured will be (I'm guessing here!) a car show since the Corvette Club is scheduled Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m, British Cars are scheduled Sunday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sarasota Harley owners will be featured Sunday from noon - 2 p.m. Admission is $2, parking is free. The 4th Annual Coquina Beach "Winterfest" is January 16 - 17, 2010. On Anna Maria Island, this arts and crafts show takes place right on Gulf Of Mexico Drive. 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Featuring artists and crafts people from all over. Location: in the town of Bradenton Beach just north of the Longboat Key Pass Bridge. Free admission and parking. Look for the crowds! Sunday January 17, 2010 is the 23rd Annual Circus Ring of Fame induction ceremony. From 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. in St. Armand's Circle Park, 2010's honorees are: Tino Wallenda Zup, a Highwire artist and grandson of Karl Wallenda; Rudi and Sue Lenz, a Popular Chimpanzee Act; Manuel "Junior" Ruffin, a veteran animal trainer, tent-master & train-master; Tony Steele, a Flying Trapeze Artist and Dime Wilson Family, a 2 generation clan who performed for nearly a century as clowns and in aerial & animal acts. Click here for more on the Circus Ring of Fame. The Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival is January 23 - 24, 2010 on Miami Avenue in historic downtown Venice. This free event runs from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day. January Sarasota Calendar of EventsOur Sarasota Calendar of Events takes you to The Annual Anna Maria Island-Fest on Saturday and Sunday January 23 - 24, 2010. This popular annual arts and crafts show runs from 10 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. both days and features the works of artists and crafters from 18 states around the country. Free admission and parking. Location: Marina Drive at Holmes Beach City Hall Field. The Lido Key Beach Fine Arts and Crafts Show is January 27 - 28 (Wed - Thurs), 2010 starting each day at 10 a.m. The event features artists and crafts people from around the U.S. and Canada. Free admission and parking. The Third annual Sarasota Indian Festival takes place January 29, 30 and 31, 2010. This outdoor festival on my Sarasota Calendar of events now takes place at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, (NEW LOCATION) 3000 Ringling Blvd in Sarasota from 9-5 Friday, 10-6, Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday. There will be paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, bead work,leather work, along with traditional Seminole and Navajo food. The Sarasota Indian Festival will feature "East meets West," a reenactment encampment focused on the way of life of the Native American people from both eastern and western tribes. Little Big Mountain of the Comanche/Mohawk nations and Jim Sawgrass of Muskogee Creek heritage will educate and entertain, bringing lots of laughter and fun to the fest. Their group will also be performing traditional Native American drumming, singing and various styles of dance. Tickets can be purchased at the gate: $6.00 adult, $3.00 6-12, 5 and under are free. January 30, 2010 is Free for all day at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. No charge! Enjoy the gardens from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Activities for the kids in the "Kid's Corner." 900 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. St. Armands Circle’s Winter Art Festival...Usually held on the last weekend in January on St. Armand’s Circle in Circle Park. The dates are: January 30 - 31, 2010. Directions: From Sarasota, take Rt. 41 through the bay front/downtown area over John Ringling Bridge (west) to St. Armand’s Circle. Look for parking in the free public parking lots. Circle Park is right in the middle of St. Armands Circle.
February Sarasota Calendar of EventsThe Coquina Beach Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Show on Anna Maria Island takes place February 3 - 4, 2010. Hours: Wed: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thurs, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: Coquina Beach, 1506 Gulf Drive S. Bradenton Beach. Free admission and parking.Thursday February 4, 2010: Look up in the sky! It's a bird, it's a plane. No - it's Nik Wallenda walking a tightrope high above the streets of Sarasota. If the weather is a "go," at 9 a.m. the legendary Wallenda is going to do his tightrope walk/balancing act 200 feet from the ground without a safety net from One Watergate Condominium to the roof of the Ritz Carlton Hotel, approximately 600 feet in length. The high wire performance could take 15 - 20 minutes. Though not a local Sarasota Calendar of Events happening, it's a large enough event and close enough to drive to: The Florida State Fair runs February 4 - 15, 2010. Gates open daily at 9 a.m. The fairgrounds are at 4800 U.S. 301N. Tampa. You can also get there via I-75. (From I-75 N, take exit 261 to merge onto I-4 W toward Tampa. Take exit 7 to merge onto FL-600 W/E Hillsborough Ave/US-92 W toward US-301 W/Busch Gardens. Take the ramp to Riverview, Merge onto FL-41 S/FL-43 S/US-301 S. Continue to follow FL-43 S/US-301 S - fairgrounds will be on the right.) I've gotten there in about 75 minutes from Sarasota. Click here for more. The 16th annual Siesta Key Craft Fair takes place in Siesta Key Village the weekend of February 6 - 7, 2010 along Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Key Village. According to organizers the craft fair features only crafts made in the U.S.A. (If you're looking for the "original" Siesta Fiesta see our April Sarasota Calendar of Events section below, as the Fiesta has now been returned to it's original date in late April) The Winterfest Arts & Crafts Show takes place February 6 -7, 2010 at Phillippi Estate Park at 5500 S. Tamiami Trail.Admission is free to see local and national artists' work. Food and beverage vendors will also be on hand. My Sarasota Calendar of Events takes you to The 25th Annual "Greek Glendi - A Greek Festival" February 11 - 14, 2010 on the grounds of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church at 7671 N. Lockwood Ridge Road. Admission is $4. Food and festivities abound from traditional Greek food & pastries to live Greek music and dancing. Thursday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m, Sunday: Noon - 8 p.m. There's free parking on the church grounds or take a free shuttle during peak hours from the Walmart shopping center at University Parkway or nearby Church of the Trinity at 7225 Lockwood Ridge Road. Click for more about the Greek Glendi. February Sarasota Calendar of EventsSiesta Key Annual “Siesta Tides” Arts & Crafts Show...This open-air event is scheduled for February 13 - 14, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. with arts and crafts vendors from 15 states displaying their wares for purchase. The show takes place at Siesta Key Beach at the tennis courts. Admission is free. The Sarasota downtown Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Show is February 13 - 14, 2010 starting at 10 a.m. Admission is free and more than 70 exhibitors will be featured. Location: Selby Five Points Park at Main Street and Pineapple, downtown Sarasota. February 14, 2011: Valentines Day at the Beach...Our Sarasota Calendar of Events brings you a little love and romance: Renew your wedding vows and say “I Do” all over again on Siesta Key Beach in a non-denominational service. Couples of all ages and length of marriage gather for the annual group renewal of vows, presided over by Sarasota Judge Becky Titus promptly at 6 p.m. It’s a public event and tradition that dates to 1989 and it’s open to all, but you must pre-register by February 12 by calling (941) 861-7275. There's a $2 fee per couple/ages: 18 and up. The Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts is February 20 - 21, 2010. Admission to this, one of the most popular art festivals along the Suncoast here on my Sarasota Calendar of Events, is free. Held along and around Main Street in Downtown Sarasota there's plenty of free parking available on the streets and in the public lots and ramps. Begun in 1988, the festival features life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, photography and inspired creativity for all to see (and buy!). Saturday and Sunday hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Bradenton is host to the Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival the weekend of February 20 - 21, 2010. This festival on my Sarasota Calendar of Events is held in the historic fishing village of Cortez, Florida. It celebrates the rich heritage of the area's commercial fishing industry and features two days of marine life exhibits, seafood, crafts booths and live music. It runs from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and is located at 4600 124th St. West, Cortez, Florida. Admission is $2, children under 12 are free. Parking: Expanded parking east of festival area (15-minute walk). Remote Parking: Sugg Middle School, 3801 59th St. W. and at Coquina Beach Bayside. Round-trip remote shuttle service $2. The Annual Lido Tides Arts and Crafts Show is held: Feb. 27 - 28, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This festival on my Sarasota Calendar of Events, featuring exhibitors selling hand made arts and crafts, takes place on Lido Key in front of the Lido Beach Pavilion. Directions: From downtown Sarasota take the Ringling Bridge to St. Armands and head west toward Lido Beach. Free admission and parking. Feb. 27 - 28, 2010: Fine Arts Show & Sale, Venice Art Center. Located at 390 Nokomis Avenue South on Venice Island, the show features local artists and original works. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free admission. March Sarasota Calendar of EventsMarch 6, 2010 is the 19th Annual Heritage Day Festival at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. The free event takes place from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 402 Pine Ave, Anna Maria Island and will feature vendors, antiques, food, craft demonstrations and museum tours.March 6 - 7, 2010: Fifth Annual Sarasota DowntownFine Arts & Fine Crafts Show. Location: Five Points Park, Main Street & Pineapple Avenue, Downtown Sarasota. Hours: Saturday 10 - 5, Sunday 10 - 4. Free admission. The Annual Downtown Venice Art Classic is March 6 - 7, 2010 on Venice avenue in Historic Downtown Venice. Featuring artists from around the nation, the show's hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days. Free admission. March 6 - 7, 2010 is the East End Volley Ball tournament on Siesta Key. The March event will be a qualifying event for the $8,000 Big Shot Championships in Atlantic City later in the year. The Annual Coquina Tides Arts and Crafts Show is March 6 - 7, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. With participants from 10 states, the show takes place just north of the Longboat Pass Bridge in Bradenton Beach. Yes there really are Cowboys in Florida! And to prove it my Sarasota Calendar of Events takes you to The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo on March 12 - 14, 2010 at the Rodeo Arena in Arcadia, about an hour's drive east of Sarasota. 2009 marks the 82nd anniversary and events include bareback riding, barrel racing and bull riding. Tickets are $25.00, $15.00 for reserved seats ($10.00 for children 11 and under). Notes: Tickets are not refundable or exchangeable. The show goes on rain or shine. All seats are covered. 800-749-7633. 124 Heard St. Arcadia, FL. Get more information and buy tickets on line at http://www.arcadiarodeo.com - Official website of the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo. "The Granddaddy Of 'Em All!" Celebrating 80 years of Rodeo Tradition. March 13, 2010: is the 9th Annual Sham Rock Festival from noon to 7 p.m. This family event features Irish entertainment, live music, food, fun, games for kids, face painting, pony rides and more. It takes place on Hillview Street in Sarasota. Admission is free and there's plenty of free parking in the Sarasota Memorial garage nearby. More info and details at: Shamrock Festival SRQ. March Sarasota Calendar of EventsMarch 20 - 21, 2010: Fine Arts & Crafts at the Mansion at Phillippi Estate Park. On Rt 41 in Sarasota. March 24 -25, 2010: It's The 3rd Annual Coquina BeachFine Arts & Fine Crafts Show. Location: Anna Maria Island's Coquina Beach, 1506 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Hours: Wed 10 - 5, Thurs 10 - 4. Free Admission. If you can't get enough of arts and crafts festivals, my Sarasota Calendar of Events has this one for you: the Downtown Sarasota Art & Craft Festival is March 27 - 28, 2010. It takes place annually on the last Saturday and Sunday of March on Main Street with about 200 exhibitors participating. Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free both days. March 27 - 28, 2010: It's the 2nd Annual Taste of Anna Maria Island and Fine Arts & Crafts Show. It takes place right next to City Hall in downtown Holmes beach, Anna Maria Island. April Sarasota Calendar of EventsApril 3, 2010: is the 24th Annual Run/walk for the Turtles sponsored by Mote Marine on Siesta Key Public Beach. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Siesta Key Gazebo south of the pavilion. The one-mile fun run or walk begins at 7:30 a.m. The 5-K Run begins at 8 a.m. Cost: Adults: $20 through March 20 and $25 from March 20 to racing day. Children 10 and younger: $10 through March 20 and $15 from March 20 to racing day. The entry fee benefits the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory. More info: (941) 388-4441, ext. 357April 3, 2010: The 9th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Games takes place on Siesta Key. It's for tots only, ages 1 - 6. For $10 each, each child receives an Easter Bunny or Stuffed Toy, Goody Bag and Easter Egg stuffed with prizes. Location: Beach Access Point #5 at Beach Road and Ocean Blvd on Siesta Key. Plus: face painters, opportunities to ride the trolley, tour the Siesta Key ambulance and fire truck and participate in other fun family entertainment. Registration is limited to first 125 paid children. For additional information: 941-349-2770 x 227. April 4, 2010: Easter Sunrise Services take place at 6 a.m. at Lido Beach, Siesta Beach near the pavilion (6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.), Nokomis Beach Plaza. Happy Easter from my Sarasota Calendar of Events! April 9 - 11, 2010: are the dates for the Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribfest at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto. Rib teams will vie in the cook-off for various titles. The Charlie Daniels Band is headlining. Save $5 on Ribfest Admission Tickets through 7/11 Stores in Sarasota and Manatee Counties! Admission at the gates is $10 per person until 5pm and $15 after 5pm (SAT & SUN). Children 12 and under are free. You may also purchase advanced tickets by phone at 941-746-7470. Advanced ticket sales end at midnight on April 8th. 
Want to go hunting for Shark tooth fossils? Want a simple and inexpensive way to do it? Then attend the Annual Venice Sharks Tooth Festival on the Airport Festival Grounds in Venice, Florida on Airport Avenue April 9 - 11, 2010. Admission is only $3 (subject to change) and kids under 12 are free and there's even free parking at this Sarasota Calendar of Events Festival. There are fossils, food, arts and crafts, entertainment and children's activities. What more could you ask for? Friday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9, Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More on the Venice Sharks Tooth Festival from the Sarasota Calendar of Events.
April 17, 2010 it's the Suncoast BBQ Bash at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds. From 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. there will be a $10,000 cook-off contest, folk dancing, cooking demos and live music. Free parking and admission. 
If you'd like to get back to nature under the beautiful sunshine-filled Florida sky, my Sarasota Calendar of Events has just the event: Earth Day at Oscar Scherer State Park. Traditionally marked, annually, on the third Sunday of April, admission to one of the most popular of Sarasota Parks is free on April 18, 2010. And with so many events scheduled, sites to see and nature and wildlife to enjoy, you can probably fill the entire day's schedule from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here for a look at Oscar Scherer State Park Earth Day events!
My Sarasota Calendar of Events takes you to the 32nd annual Siesta Fiesta which takes place in Siesta Key Village the weekend of April 24 - 25, 2010. It's sort of a farewell party for all of our “snowbird” friends from the colder climates of the northern U.S, Canada and afar, who come to be with us in Sarasota throughout the winter season.
Click here and see what’s special at the Siesta Fiesta!
May Sarasota Calendar of EventsCorvettes on the Circle takes place on St. Armand’s Circle on Saturday May 1, 2010. Running from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. this show will feature present day models back to the classics of 1953. It's free and in Circle Park. You can't miss it!
May 1, 2010: Bring your pail, shovel, sunglasses and creativity to Siesta Key Public Beach on for the Annual Siesta Key Sand Sculpture Contest. The contest, traditionally held the first Saturday of May, is held near the Pavilion on the beautiful white sandy Siesta Public Beach. Free and open to all ages of participation, the Siesta Sand Sculpture Contest also awards five cash prizes and is one of our very popular happenings for both locals and visitors on our Sarasota Calendar of Events.
See and read more about the Siesta Key Sand Sculpture Contest.
May 1, 2010 is the first ever Fiesta on Main, a Mexican-American Festival, celebrating Cinco De Mayo early, in the heart of downtown Sarasota from noon - 7 p.m. There will be fun for kids, Mexican food, arts & crafts, live entertainment and more. On Main street in Sarasota, this is a family friendly event expected to attract thousands; you can find more about it here: Fiesta on Main. May 15 - 16, 2010 is the downtown Sarasota Spring fest Arts & Crafts Show at Five Points Park located at Main Street & Pineapple Ave. Our Sarasota Calendar of Events is loaded with arts and crafts shows. Here's another one: The Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival takes place May 22 - 23, 2010 with more than 100 talented crafters displaying their wares on Main Street in downtown Sarasota. From baskets to homemade soaps to jewelry and much more, it's a craft browser's delight! Take your hat or a good sun shade and enjoy! Hours: 10 a.m. - 5p.m. My Sarasota Calendar of Events' schedule of Memorial Day Parades on Monday, Memorial Day: Sarasota: 10:00 a.m. starting at Main Street and Osprey Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Venice: 10:00 a.m. starting at Veterans Park at the west end of Venice Avenue. Attend a parade and remember and honor those many heroes who have given so much to secure the freedoms we today take for granted here in the U.S.
June Sarasota Calendar of EventsJune 12 - 13, 2010: The St. Armand's Annual Craft Festival is held around circle park. You may view and purchase all kinds of artistic works from paintings to jewelry, ceramics, pottery and much more. It's a fun event to stroll along through and look at all the uniquely creative ideas on display. St. Armand's Circle is just over the Ringling Bridge from downtown Sarasota. It's free and there's lots of free parking too. It's from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days.Our Sarasota Calendar of Events summer schedule also features the Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival June 19 - 20, 2010. Traditionally held on the third Saturday and Sunday of June in downtown Venice, Florida, the hours for the free event are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Located at Centennial Park on West Venice Avenue.
One of the biggest Sarasota happenings of the year on our Sarasota Calendar of Events is the Suncoast Offshore Racing Festival. The Festival is held annually. This year's festival dates are June 26 through July 4, 2010 with race day being Sunday July 4, 2010. This race between million-dollar cigarette boats off one of our finest Gulf of Mexico Beaches is one of the must-see Sarasota happenings. You don't need a ticket for the races and you can come as you are. It's smokin' hot!(See July events Calendar below for more Suncoast Offshore Racing Festival Events.)
Here's More on the Suncoast Offshore Racing Festival.
July Sarasota Calendar of EventsPowerboats by the Bay takes place July 2 - 3, 2010 at Centennial Park on 10th Street near downtown Sarasota. This event on my Sarasota Calendar of Events is part of the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Boat Festival. The event opens at 10 a.m. each day and you can see the powerboats up close. Admission is free and there will be food, vendors and live entertainment. The Annual Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Boat Race is Sunday July 4, 2010 at Lido Beach (Between New Pass and Big Pass). 2 Heats at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (See June 26 - July 4 calendar listings above for more festival events).
July 4, 2010: Our Sarasota Calendar of Events Celebrates America’s Independence Day, The Fourth of July! The Sarasota Suncoast puts on as festive of an occasion as anywhere else in the good ole USA. There are fireworks displays up and down the coast, from beach to shining beach! All fireworks displays start around dusk, of course, and all can be viewed by land as well as some by sea. (Please note: schedules may change and weather conditions may force cancellation of events.)
Click here for a list of free events and fireworks displays around the Sarasota Suncoast!
The St. Armands Boat Show is July 4 - 5, 2009 from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. both days. Admission if free and it takes place in Circle Park in the middle of St. Armands Circle. August Sarasota Calendar of EventsSeptember Sarasota Calendar of EventsSeptember 4 - 5, 2010: The Downtown Venice Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival. Miami Avenue in downtown Venice, Florida.September 25, 2010 is the Guns and Hoses Charity Boxing Event. It's Police Officers vs. Firefighters in this first ever Sarasota County "all for charity" event at Sarasota's Robarts Arena at 3000 Ringling Boulevard, just off Fruitville Road. The event raises money for the Sarasota Benevolence Funds which assists the families of Police Officers or Firefighters who perish in the line of duty. Tickets range from $10.50 general admission to ringside $35.50. Find out about tickets and more at: Guns and Hoses.
October Sarasota Calendar of EventsThe Hispanic Latino Festival is October 3, 2009 in downtown Sarasota. This free celebration runs from 5 p.m. - midnight at Main street and Osprey avenue.The downtown Sarasota "Oktoberfest" Arts & Crafts show is Saturday and Sunday October 3 - 4, 2009. It takes place at Five Points Park at main and Pineapple Streets. October 16 - 17, 2010: the East End Volley Ball Tournaments 0n Siesta Key Public Beach. October 16 - 17 2010, are the dates for this year's Annual Sarasota Art & Craft Festival. Held in downtown Sarasota at Orange and Main Street, this popular annual two day event features everything from paintings to woodwork. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - It's free. The Annual Sun Fiesta takes place in Historic Downtown Venice October 16 - 18, 2009 on west Venice Ave. Events begin Friday evening at 5 p.m. Among events on Saturday are: morning bed races at 9 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. Parade and The Miss Sun Fiesta Pageant after he parade. Sunday features a Boy Scout breakfast from 9 - 11 a.m. There will also be live music throughout the weekend. Put on by the Women's Sertoma Club of Venice, more details at: 941-416-5267 Saturday, October 17, 2009 is the date for the 9th Annual Anna Maria Island Bayfest. Running along Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island, Bayfest takes place from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Live music, arts and crafts vendors, costumed dogs, community awareness booths, a kids "Fun Area" and lots of Island food! Another family fun time event on our Sarasota Calendar of events. Enjoy! October Sarasota Calendar of EventsHAUNTED HOUSES/Halloween Events: The "House of Fright" runs these dates: 10/22-10/25, 10/28-10/31, 11/1. Hours: 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. at the Sarasota-Bradenton Convention Center, 8005 15th Street E, Sarasota (across from the airport). $8, ages 5-12 $3 The "House of Terror" runs these dates: Thursday through Saturday beginning 10/22-24 and 10/29-10/31, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. at the PAL Sailor Circus Arena at 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota: $10 "Night of Fish, Fun & Fright:" 10/23/09 at Mote Aquarium. Children's costume party and activities from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. It's $4 - ($3 for members) October 29, 30, 31, 2010: It's the 2nd Annual Sarasota Pumpkin Festival Benefiting all Children's Hospitals at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Sarasota Pumpkin Festival. October 30, 2010: The 3rd Annual Pumpkin Ball, downtown Sarasota's Halloween Street Party. Beginning on the last Friday evening of October and taking place on every fourth Friday evening of the month through May, St Armands Circle hosts Smooth Jazz free concerts featuring some of the top recording artists out of the Tampa area. The free concerts take place on Circle Park, in the middle of St. Armands Circle. Bring your lawn chairs and a laid back attitude! Directions: From Sarasota, take Rt. 41 through the bay front/downtown area over John Ringling Bridge (west) to St. Armand’s Circle. Look for parking in the free public parking lots. Circle Park is right in the middle of St. Armands Circle.
November Sarasota Calendar of Events
November 6 - 7, 2010: It's the 23rd Annual Venice Art Fest, originally begun in 1987. This open air, outdoor event is held in Historic Downtown Venice, on west Venice Avenue. With free admission for all, the Fest takes place from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day and features the works of over 150 artists. The weather in Sarasota and along the gulf coast is usually perfect for the Venice Art Fest.
Click here to learn more about about this annual fest.
November 13 - 14, 2010 is the 21st Annual St. Armand's Circle Annual Art Festival around Circle Park. Usually held under sunny skies, with warm temperatures, this outdoor festival is attended by thousands of art lovers who come to see and buy the works of artists from around the nation. Admission is free, as is parking. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Directions: From Sarasota, take Rt. 41 through the bay front/downtown area over John Ringling Bridge (west) to St. Armand’s Circle. Look for parking in the free public parking lots. Circle Park is right in the middle of St. Armands Circle. The 2nd Annual Cortez Folk Festival is Saturday November 21, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free festival features about 30 vendors with food, crafts and services for the whole family. A number of bands will perform folk, country and bluegrass music. In Manatee county: 4600 124th St. West, Cortez FL 34215 - 941-708-6121 November 28, 2009 is the date of The Venice, Florida Holiday Parade which traditionally takes place the Saturday evening after Thanksgiving. Started in 1975, the Annual Parade steps off at 7 p.m. on the streets of Historic Downtown Venice. One of the biggest Holiday Parades along the Suncoast, the Venice Holiday Parade is expected to draw 40,000 viewers and will feature Santa Claus and over 100 floats and performers. Pre-parade entertainment begins at 5 p.m. in the Historic Downtown Venice area. Seasonal evening temperatures can range from the 60s to the 70s. It's best to bring a sweater, sweatshirt or lightweight jacket. Roads in the parade route close at 3 p.m.
December Sarasota Calendar of EventsA new holiday tradition was begun in 1996 at the Historic Crosley Estate near downtown Sarasota: The Annual Festival of Trees. A popular Sarasota Calendar of Events occasion for locals and visitors alike, this festival takes place from December 2 - 9, 2009 daily from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees are on display as well as a room-size model train and on the weekend you can see the display of antique Crosley cars. It's $8 for adults, 12 and under are free. Location: 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota -- at One Seagate Drive off US 41, south of the new USF campus.
The Sarasota Holiday Parade is Saturday December 5, 2009 and usually takes place in downtown Sarasota on the first Saturday evening of December. With thousands participating and even more thousands viewing, the parade kicks off at 7 p.m. with decorated floats, live marching bands and the guest of honor "rounding" out the parade, Santa Claus. The Parade route runs along Main Street.
Click here to read more about and see pictures of the Sarasota Holiday Parade.
The Venice Christmas Boat Parade is Saturday December 5, 2009 at 6 p.m. and is traditionally held on the first Saturday of December (rain date is the next day) along the Intercoastal Waterway in Venice starting at the Albee Road Bridge in Nokomis and moving south along the water to the Circus Bridge in Venice. Spectators line the north (at South Nokomis Beach) and south (at North Venice Beach) jetties and throughout the downtown and Venice waterfront area to the judging area near the south Circus Bridge for a view of the brightly lit and colorfully decorated “Christmas Boats.” Admission is free. December 5 - 6, 2009 are the dates of the 7th Annual Siesta Beach Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. This show takes place at Siesta Beach near the tennis courts on Beach Road - Hours: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. both days. Admission is free. As a part of the December 12, 2009 festivities of the downtown Bradenton family friendly "Party on Old Main Street" from 5 - 9 p.m., the Bradenton Yacht Club sponsors a lighted boat parade down the Manatee River, from downtown Bradenton to the mouth of Tampa Bay, on Saturday December 12, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. with dozens of boats decked for the season. For more information call the Yacht club at (941) 722-5936.
The Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights is another popular "to do" on my Sarasota Calendar of Events. To be held on December 12, 2009, the crowd-pleasing parade was started in 1986 and usually takes place the second Saturday evening of December, starting around 6 p.m. The boat parade starts from City Island and will be just enough to help put you in the spirit of the season.
Click here for pictures and the best place from which to view the boat parade.
The last Arts & Crafts show of the year on my Sarasota Calendar of Events is The Sarasota Downtown Arts & Crafts Festival. It is December 26 - 27, 2009 at Five Points Park. Located at Main Street and Pineapple Avenue, talented artists and crafts-people will gather and the event starts at 10 a.m. both days. New Years Eve - The Annual Pineapple Drop...Our Sarasota Calendar of Events wraps up a year long run of fun events and festivals with The Pineapple Drop at Midnight on New Years’ Eve in Downtown Sarasota at Lemon and Main Streets. There will be daylong events beginning at noon and into the evening with live music, street vendors and more. It's a fun and safe way to close out the old year and ring in the new one. Located around Main, Lemon, First and State Streets in Downtown Sarasota, on December 31. Look for the crowds. Happy New Year!
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