2024 September Sarasota
Events Calendar

The September Sarasota Events Calendar includes the best listing of fun things to do in Sarasota, Florida and around the sun coast.

(*Every effort is made to provide as accurate of information as possible, however dates, times, places and event schedules are subject to change without notice due to weather conditions, last minute changes or cancellations made by event organizers, mistakes, misinformation from sources and/or events beyond anyone's control, etc.  Before making any major plans check with event organizers to confirm date of event.)

September 1, 2024: It's time to enjoy The 15th annual Labor Day Weekend Downtown Venice Craft Festival. Art and craft vendors will be displaying their works. Everything from functional art to gift items including a wide variety of ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, metal works and much more, to a green market with plants and things!  10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free parking. Miami Avenue West in Venice, FL.

September 1 - 2, 2024: The Sarasota Sailing Squadron (SSS) will host the 76th Annual Labor Day Regatta. The Labor Day Regatta is the longest running annual regatta in the southeast since 1946. The signature event for the SSS, the regatta draws hundreds of competitive sailors from across the U.S. and Canada. its biggest event of the year. The event is attended by sailors from ages 8 to 80 and it draws about a thousand visitors each year. It's free viewing for spectators. Activities include a Friday night welcome party, five separate race courses, Saturday dinner and Sunday awards ceremony.  Friday: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. On City Island at 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL.

September 1 - 2, 2024: The Englewood Pioneer Festival event has been discontinued due to a lack of volunteers, county and community support. The website will remain up until 2025, all materials and photos have been preserved and will be given to area historical groups and the counties historical departments.  The 66th annual Englewood Pioneer Festival is a family-friendly occasion filled with fun events. Englewood, Florida.

September 1 - 15, 2024: Selby Gardens is Featuring the “Florida Highwaymen” in a 2024 Summer Exhibition. The legendary Black landscape artists known as the Florida Highwaymen emerged in the 1950s in the agricultural communities of Fort Pierce and Gifford, Florida. Largely self-taught, these talented artists produced colorful scenes of Florida’s unique landscapes that appealed to residents and tourists alike. Their iconic images captured the natural beauty of the Sunshine State prior to the impact of increased urbanization. They were prolific painters, who sold their artwork from the trunks of their cars during the post-World War II boom because they were unable to exhibit through traditional means due to the color of their skin. While making ends meet, they also made a significant contribution to the genre of Florida landscape painting. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Members Free, Member guests $11, Adults $26, Ages 5-17 $11, Ages 4 and under Free.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, Selby Gardens , 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL

September Sarasota Events

September 1 - 30, 2024: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present its 44th Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition. Selby Gardens’ 44th Annual Juried Photo Exhibition will be on view August 29 – September 30! The open call for submissions will run from August 5 through 12,2024.. Photographs that are entered for consideration for the show must have been taken at or of either Selby Gardens campus—Downtown Sarasota or Historic Spanish Point.

September 2, 2024: The Englewood Pioneer Festival event has been discontinued due to a lack of volunteers, county and community support. The website will remain up until 2025, all materials and photos have been preserved and will be given to area historical groups and the counties historical departments. The 66th Annual Englewood Pioneer Days Parade and Festival.

September 2, 2023: TBA for 2024. Check out Breakfast with the Sharks and start your day with their sharks before the Mote Aquarium opens to the public. You and your chums will have a great time sinking your teeth into a light continental breakfast while you learn about our favorite finned friends and Mote’s breakthrough shark research. During this program, you'll meet our resident sharks, watch a narrated feeding of our bonnet heads, and have all of your shark questions answered. After breakfast, you’ll learn about the breakthrough research going on at Mote during a guided tour of our Aquarium. 8 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Breakfast with the Sharks does not include general admission to Mote Marine Laboratory. Advanced reservations are required. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant. Fee: $36 member adults, $40 non-member adults; $27 member youth, $30 non-member youth; 2 and younger are free. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL

September 2 - 3, 2023: TBA for 2024.  See Manatees, Sharks, Turtles, Otters and more during Half Off weekends through September at Mote Aquarium for Florida residents. Bring your ID or other proof of Florida residency to Mote Aquarium. Purchase tickets online and use the promo code HALF. Open Every Day: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL

September Sarasota Events

September 4, 2023: TBA for 2024. Enjoy a Labor Day Pig Roast with the Knights of Columbus. The menu includes roasted pig, plantains, BBQ beans, potato salad, cole slaw, ice cream sundae bar, ice tea, lemonade. water, beer & wine available. $20 perp erson. Doors open 1 p.m Dinner buffet 2 p.m. Register on line at epiphanyknights.org by Sept 1. Kights of Columbus Hall, 512 Substation Road, venice, FL.

September 5, 2024: It's Ringling Underground. Enjoy live music, art and atmosphere in the Museum of Art Courtyard during Ringling Underground 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. This event features an eclectic mix of local, regional, and national live music. Check out up-and-coming artists displaying their work in the Museum of Art Courtyard. $15 / Free for Students w/ ID & Members. Free with Art after 5 Admission. 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. The Courtyard at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL. (941) 359-5700

September 6, 2024: Lakewood Ranch presents Music on Main the first Friday of each month from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Building Strong Foundations – Cassie Jean & The Fireflies will fill the air with indie, folk rock, and Americana and the event will benefit the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. The street is lined with food vendors, beer trucks, and sponsor booths, as well as rides and activities for the kids. Bring your chairs, but leave coolers at home. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a short leash. Overflow parking is available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Lakewood Ranch is off University Parkway east of I-75.

September 7, 2024: Enjoy Literacy Under the Trees in celebration of International Literacy Day. This fun and family-oriented event will feature various literacy activities and readings for all ages to enjoy in a fun outdoor setting all about literacy awareness, reading and being in nature. Fun activities, games, projects, and books. Free entry to the park with a library card or donate a gently used family book. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL   

September Sarasota Events

September 7, 2024: It's Exotic Cars On The Circle car show sponsored by the  Ferrari Drivers of Sarasota. All proceeds benefit Flight to the North Pole, a charity that provides financial and emotional support to terminally ill children and their families in Sarasota/Manatee Counties. Free admission. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. St. Armand's Circle, St . Armand's Key, Sarasota, FL.

September 9, 2023: TBA for 2024. The annual Sarasota Wellness Expo is returning to The Mall at UTC for its fifth year. This interactive health and wellness expo series is designed for all ages and will feature something for everyone, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Guests can take advantage of free health screenings, product samplings, demos, live entertainment, giveaways and more! There will also be clean cooking classes, food sampling, holistic and alternative features and onsite medical professionals. Free entry. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL

September 9, 2023: TBA for 2024. The Party on the Plaza is back featuring Pure Country! Pure Country of Southwest Florida is a premier country band that performs the hits from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. They play dynamic songs with powerful vocal harmony. The kind of music you loved to hear growing up. Gates open at 5 p.m. Music at 7 p.m. Tickets $15. VIP $120purchase tickets now at the CoolToday Park box office, by calling 941-413-5004. Cool Today Park, 18800 S West Villages Pkwy, Venice, FL.

September 9 - 10, 2023: TBA for 2024. See Manatees, Sharks, Turtles, Otters and more during Half Off weekends through September at Mote Aquarium for Florida resident's. Bring your ID or other proof of Florida residency to Mote Aquarium. Purchase tickets online and use the promo code HALF. Open Every Day: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL

September Sarasota Events

September 11, 2023: TBA for 2024.  The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus will remember victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and pay tribute to survivors, first responders, members of the military and their families, during a remembrance event on Monday, Sept. 11, at Sarasota National Cemetery. Usually held on the Sarasota-Manatee campus, the annual remembrance event is being moved this year to Patriot Plaza on the cemetery grounds off State Road 72 in Sarasota, to avoid interfering with ongoing construction of a new student center and residence hall on campus. The event will start at 8:30 a.m. The featured speaker at the remembrance event on Sept. 11, which is organized by the Sarasota-Manatee campus and the USF Office of Veteran Success, is retired firefighter Matt Bruce. USF Federal Credit Union is the title sponsor. The ceremony will also include remarks from USF Sarasota-Manatee campus Regional Chancellor Karen Holbrook, patriotic performances by the Saint Stephen's Episcopal School children’s choir, a bagpiper playing “Amazing Grace,” a moment of silence, a 21-gun-salute and a bugler playing "Taps." The remembrance on is free and open to the public. 8:30 a.m. Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL.

September 13, 2024: It's the Free Music Friday Night Concert. Enjoy the music of Roger Bash & Forrest Shafer in downtown's Centennial Park. Free and open to the public.7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs and blankets. No alcohol is permitted in Centennial Park. Centennial Park, downtown Venice, FL.

September 13 - 15, 2024: Check out the Sarasota Bradenton Fall Home Show for new ideas for your home. See home improvement experts for advice and interesting products for your home. Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. 7 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. $10 admission at the door, free passes on line. Free parking. Free admission with on line registration. Robarts Arena at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL. September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

September 11, 2023: TBA for 2024.  The State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) Veteran Services and Student Veterans of America will host the college’s 11th annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Monday, Sept. 11, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at SCF Venice, 8000 S. Tamiami Trail at the southeast parking flagpoles, and 9 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. W. at the south entrance flagpole on 60th Ave. W. near the Library and Learning Center, Building 3.

September Sarasota Events

September 11, 2023: TBA for 2024.  An Anniversary Commemoration of 9-11 will be held at Rossi Park in Bradenton. The tribute to heroes memorial service will begin at 9 a.m. 453 3rd Avenue, West., Bradenton FL.

September 11, 2023: TBA for 2024. The Sarasota County Fire Department will commemorate 9/11 and those lost that day with a special ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Fire Station 8, 840 Apex Road, Sarasota, FL.

September 11, 2023: TBA for 2024. A 9/11 Victims & Fallen Heroes Memorial Ceremony will be held at  Patriots Park in Venice. The program will feature music, keynote speaker and more. All are invited; bring chairs.11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Patriots Park, 800 Venetia Bay Blvd, Venice, FL.

September 12, 2023: TBA for 2024. Celebrate  Barks and Brews! Furry friends and their families are invited to this paw-ty in support of Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue featuring adoptable dogs, craft brews, live music, pup-friendly vendors and more. Bring your friendly dogs (on a leash) and come out for a tail-waggin’ good time on The Green at UTC! Barks & Brews is held on the second Tuesday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL.

September Sarasota Events

September 13, 2024: Part of the Sarasota Offshore Boat Racing Powerboat P1 weekend will be the Pit Party featuring live music, food and power boats on display for the general public. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL  Sarasota, FL. 

September 13 - 15, 2024: Sarasota Offshore Boat Racing Powerboat P1 is heading to Sarasota later than normal on September 13th - 15th for the next round of the 2024 APBA National and UIM World Championships. Around 60 competitors are expected for two days of world-class marine motorsport action. The 40th Annual event is moving to September this year and the weekend of Sep 13th - Sep 15th will see high-performance racing along Lido Beach with the races on Sept 14-15, 2024..

September 15, 2023: TBA for 2024. The ArtCenter Manatee Presents A Premier Season Of Art for 2023-24. Classes, Exhibits, Events and an Artisan Gift Shop. Their exhibition season features seven open juried exhibits featuring local artists, and nine curated exhibits including the 156th International American Watercolor Society (AWS)Traveling Exhibit in January. Exhibits change monthly and the opening receptions are always free and open to the public. The opening reception is October 12, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. .A complete schedule is available at the ArtCenter or online at ArtCenterManatee.org. ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St W, Bradenton, FL .

September 15, 2024: Enjoy Sarasota's own Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team and their Sunday afternoon show at 2 p.m. at Ski-A-Ree Stadium. This is their first show of the 2022 fall season. This free show takes place at 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway (near/behind Mote Marine Aquarium on the water.) 2 p.m. Free. 388-1666.  September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

September Sarasota Events

September 16, 2023:TBA for 2024. It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Celebrate the day with a storytelling of "Pirate Pete," a visit to the pirate tattoo parlor, fun folklore,  pirate ship, coloring sheets and a treasure hunt at The Children's Garden. 10 a.m. - Noon. (941) 330-1711. Admission::​0-2 Yrs. Free. 3-12 Yrs. $6. Teens-Adults $10.. 60+Seniors $9. The Children's Garden, 1670 10th Way, Sarasota, FL. The Children’s Garden is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit public charitable organization.

September 16, 2023: TBA for 2024. It's the Day for Kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties. Help a young person experience the richness of a positive and healthy childhood. Join in on a fun filled Day for Kids event with the special children in your life and rediscover how fun it is to be a kid. They'll have waterslides, rock wall, obstacle courses, hot dogs, chips, drinks, games, prizes, fire truck amd more surprises. 1st 150 kids get a free t-shirt. Free event. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club, 920 Gulf Coast Blvd., Venice, FL.

September 16, 2023: TBA for 2024. Yay!!! This Free Fall Music Series kicks off with Kettle of Fish under the stars under the Ringling Bridge in downtown Sarasota. Bring a blanket or lawn chair but sorry no BYOB. They have what you need at the bait shop! Support local business and local music. 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Harts Landing, 920 Ringling Causeway, Sarasota, FL.

September 16 - 17, 2023: TBA for 2024. See Manatees, Sharks, Turtles, Otters and more during Half Off weekends through September at Mote Aquarium for Florida residents. Bring your ID or other proof of Florida residency to Mote Aquarium. Purchase tickets online and use the promo code HALF. Open Every Day: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL

September Sarasota Events

September 17, 2022: Not taking place in 2024. It's Smithsonian Magazine's Annual Museum Day. Museum Day is a one-day event in which participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. Participants are allowed to download one ticket per email address. Check their site for participating local museums. September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

September 20, 2024: It's back! The Van Wezel's Friday Fest featuring Kluv & the United Funk Foundation! Amidst the challenges of the pandemic in 2020, Kluv & the United Funk Foundation emerged as a powerhouse in the music scene, led by Kim, a seasoned vocalist and bandleader who handpicked Florida's most skilled musicians to form the ensemble. With a fusion of dance, soul, and R&B, they swiftly ascended to become Florida's most sought-after band, captivating audiences at private events, clubs, and restaurants across the state. Kim's extensive experience touring and collaborating with legendary artists like Wilson Pickett, BB King, and Al Green has infused the group with a rich musical pedigree, elevating their performances to a global standard, making them a sensation both locally and internationally. Free admission. Bring blankets or lawn chairs, take in the music and the sunset, and enjoy food and beverage from local vendors. Friday Fest takes place in “rain or shine.” In the event of inclement weather, the festival will move indoors to our grand foyer or main stage of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Bringing in food, beverages and coolers from outside Friday Fest is prohibited. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall lawn, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL.

The September 21, 2024: Help Keep Sarasota County Beautiful on the Annual International Coastal Clean Up Day. Various locations including Sarasota, Venice, North Port, Osprey, Oscar Scherer State Park, Nokomis and Englewood. More than 18 million pounds of trash was collected by nearly 500,000 volunteers during recent Coastal Cleanups. Registration opens in August 2024. Be sure to register early and reserve your volunteer spot by clicking on the above link..8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (941) 861-5000. 

September 21, 2024: It's Fishermen’s Village 10th annual Key Lime & Tropical Fest. Enjoy the day exploring Shops, Restaurants and Specialty Vendors showcasing Key Lime. Tropical and other delights! Fishermen's Village annual Key Lime & Tropical Fest has become a highly anticipated event each year! Live Music featuring The Kollections Band, 12 noon-3 pm in center court, followed by Trop Rock Junkies, 5-9 pm on the Beach! Village Restaurants will feature tropical food/drink, vendors will showcase their unique creations throughout the promenade 12 noon-6 pm. Admission and parking for the Key Lime & Tropical Fest is free. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

September Sarasota Events

September 21, 2024: Check out the Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival 2024! Formerly known as Taste of Downtown, the Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival returns with a roster of participating restaurants from across the Sarasota and Manatee region. It's hard to think of a better way to support Sarasota Youth Opera than an afternoon of great food and fabulous wine while enjoying performances from one of the nation's top youth music training programs. Watch this space for a running list of restaurants and specialty food, wine, and coffee shops you can sample during this fun, entertaining, and yummy event! $75 per person if purchased in advance. $85 per person at the door. Doors Open 1:00 p.m. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL

September 21 - 22, 2024: It's the 2nd Annual St Armand's Craft Festival. With over 175 artisans you're bound to find something nice. Everything from functional art to gift items including a wide variety of ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, metal works and much more. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free. St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL.

September 22, 2024: Enjoy Sarasota's own Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team and their Sunday afternoon show at 2 p.m. at Ski-A-Ree Stadium. This free show takes place at 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway (near/behind Mote Marine Aquarium on the water.) 2 p.m. Free. 388-1666.  September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

September Sarasota Events

September 23, 2023: TBA for 2024. Check out some heavenly bodies during Sidewalk Astronomy courtesy of the local group of Deep Sky Observers. Telescopes will be up and available for public viewing from 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m./10:30 p.m. (weather permitting). Observing highlights at this weekend’s event will include the beautiful ringed planet Saturn as well as extraordinary close-up views of the features on our own Moon. Other deep-sky objects will also be featured in the club member’s telescopes. Celery Fields / Sarasota Audubon. The Celery Fields, 6893 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL. Parking will be available in the large lot just WEST of the Nature Center building. The telescopes will be set up in the small parking lot on the east side of the Nature Center.

September 23 - 24, 2023: TBA for 2024. See Manatees, Sharks, Turtles, Otters and more during Half Off weekends through September at Mote Aquarium for Florida residents. Bring your ID or other proof of Florida residency to Mote Aquarium. Purchase tickets online and use the promo code HALF. Open Every Day: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL

September 27, 2024: It's the Free Music Friday Night Concert. Enjoy the music of Swinging Bridge in downtown's Centennial Park. Free and open to the public.7 p.m. - 9 p.m.. Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs. No alcohol is permitted in Centennial Park. Centennial Park, downtown Venice, FL. September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

September 28, 2024: It's National Public Lands Day. The theme for NPLD 2024 is “Together for Tomorrow.” From trail maintenance to tree planting, litter clean ups and more, volunteers of all ages and abilities will roll up their sleeves and join forces for a common goal—stewarding America’s natural resources for future generations to enjoy.  Register and volunteer and take part in the work service projects. National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation's largest single-day volunteer event to improve and enhance America's public lands. Please join Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and help connect to nature through volunteer service. More info: Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000. Event is from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Potter Park, 8587 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota, FL September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

September Sarasota Events

September 28, 2024: You're invited to participate in National Public Lands Day at Oscar Scherer State Park. Give back to your public lands by volunteering for a service project. Oscar Scherer State Park will have a choice of service projects available to chooses from. Free park entry and free lunch for registered volunteers. 941-882-7219. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Long pants, close toed shoes, water and sunscreen recommended)  Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

September 28, 2024: It's Manatee County's 8th Annual Adopt-A-Palooza, the largest one-day pet adoption event in Manatee County! The event will be Featuring over 100 adoptable pets from Manatee County Animal Welfare, local shelters and rescues. Plus, shop at their marketplace with over 60 pet-friendly vendors! Co-presented by Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare. Free admission and parking. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bradenton Area Convention Center,1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL.

September 28, 2024: It's the Venice Beach Party with bands, food trucks and fun in the sun. Catch the free trolley shuttle running from Centennial Park to Venice Beach. Free t-shirt give-away! Enjoy live music, food trucks, beer, wine and specialty drinks on the beach. Hosted by Venice MainStreet! Chairs and blankets welcome. No coolers and no pets, please. Rain or shine! FREE and family friendly. Enjoy this great community event! 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. 101 The Esplanade South, Venice, FL.

September 30, 2023: TBA for 2024. See Manatees, Sharks, Turtles, Otters and more during Half Off weekends through September 30 at Mote Aquarium for Florida residents. Bring your ID or other proof of Florida residency to Mote Aquarium. Purchase tickets online and use the promo code HALF. Open Every Day: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL

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