The Siesta Key Vacation Guide to Siesta Key Activities and Events

January 18, 2012: Join the Sarasota County Commissionersas they unveil the new sign recognizing Siesta Beach as the #1 beach in the entire USA at the Siesta Beach main pavillion - Ceremonies take place at 10 a.m. No admission charge to the beach and free parking in the Siesta Key Beach parking lot.

February 4 - 5, 2012: The 18th Annual Siesta Key Craft Festival is from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days, located off Ocean Blvd in Siesta Key Village. Hundreds of crafters will display their wares. It's free admission and free parking where you can find it..

February 14, 2012: Valentines Day at the Beach – Renew your wedding vows - open to all, but you must pre-register by February 12 by calling (941) 861-7275. Siesta Key Public Beach near the Pavilion - Beach Road

April 7, 2012: It's the 26th Annual Run for the Turtles. The day includes a 1-mile fun-run/walk as well as a 5k race sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club. Funds raised through this event support sea turtle research and conservation programs at Mote Marine Laboratory. For more information or to sign up click here

April 7, 2012: is the 12th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Games on Siesta Key. 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. It takes place at Beach Access Point #5 at Beach Road and Ocean Blvd. 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 7, 2012,: Easter Sunrise Service - 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. at Siesta Key Beach near the pavilion.

April 14 - 15, 2012: The 34th Annual Siesta Fiesta – Siesta Key Village - Ocean Boulevard. Click here for more on Siesta Fiesta.

May 5, 2012: The Annual Siesta Key Sand Sculpture Contest- 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Siesta Key Public Beach - Beach Road - For more on the Sand Sculpting Contest click this link.

July 4, 2012: Fireworks over Siesta Key - just north of Siesta Key Beach’s volleyball courts - Watch from land, sea or the Intracoastal Waterway

November 14 - 18, 2012: The 3rd Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition. Master Sculptors from across the U.S. will compete in paired teams for over $25,000 in prize money. The master sculptures will be visible along the beach, but for close up viewing of artists at work wrist bands will be available for purchase for $5 per person, $10 per family for the entire event. Shuttles will run from Phillippi Estate park to Siesta Beach to ease parking. More at Siesta Key Master Sand Sculpting Competition.

November 26, 2011: Siesta Key Village is the site of Light Up Siesta Village from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. The event features a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in the gazebo plus the arrival, via fire truck, of Santa Claus during the parade, which arrives in the village about 6 p.m. There's also going to be live music around the village along with carolers. Free.

Siesta's Farmers Market - Every Sunday from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Davidson's Plaza.

The Siesta Key Beach Drum Circle
The drums beat and people dance every Sunday evening on Siesta Key Beach. It takes place about an hour before sunset, just south of the main pavilion on Siesta Public Beach. Listen for the drums and follow the crowd. Bring your chair or beach blanket and refreshments. Even bring your own drum and play along!

For more on these and other events around the Sun coast area check out my complete Sarasota Events Calendar.

And by clicking on this link you can find out about the many Recurring Events in Sarasota.