2026 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.

(*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, 2026: It's Englewood Pioneer Days, an annual tradition with Monday being the Parade Day with a parade starting at 9 a.m. on September 1, 2026. **Englewood History Theme** Staging at 240 S Indiana Avenue – Arrive as early as you need to in order to be ready by 9:00 a.m. The Parade will run from Obee’s Parking lot down W Cowels Street, to McCall Road to Dearborn Street and finish at Veterans Memorial Pavilion. After Parade Festivities at Pioneer Park at approximately 10:00 a.m. Pioneer Park – 325 W Dearborn Street, Englewood, FL. Live music throughout the day, Pie Eating Contest, Watermelon Eating Contest, Beard Contest. Children’s games & activities will be taking place in the Plaza from 10:00 a.m.  1:00 p.m.

September 1 - 30, 2026: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present its 46th Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition. Selby Gardens’ 46th Annual Juried Photo Exhibition will be on view August 27 – September 30! The VIRTUAL Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition is your chance to showcase what Marie Selby Botanical Gardens means to you. This exhibition invites guests to share their most creative, meaningful, and inspiring photographs capturing the beauty and spirit of Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota and Historic Spanish Point campuses.  The open call for submissions will be announced soon. Photographs that are entered for consideration for the show must have been taken at either Selby Gardens campus—Downtown Sarasota or Historic Spanish Point. September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

September Sarasota Events

September 3 - 5, 2026: Check it out! Laser Light Nights are back at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature! Think concerts, but you’re inside a dome getting blasted with visuals from every angle. And this whole thing runs all summer, Thursdays through Saturdays, with multiple showtimes so you can stack your night. Now the lineup: Classic legends like Queen, The Beatles, and Elton John! Pop icons like Taylor Swift and The Weekend. Rock and alt like Metallica, Foo Fighters, and No Doubt. Special themed nights and throwback shows. Basically, every night hits different, so you can keep coming back and it still feels fresh. Just know it gets loud and flashy, so it’s more of a hype night out than a chill museum stroll. The event takes place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May 21 through September 5. There are various food and drink options available for purchase onsite with cash or card. Shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Please note that Laser Light Nights involve bright, flashing lasers that may not be suitable for people with photo sensitivities. Viewer discretion is advised. Laser Light Nights are at a volume similar to a rock concert, so earplugs are recommended for those who prefer a lower volume. Tickets: $15. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL

September 4, 2026: Lakewood Ranch presents Music on Main the first Friday of each month from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Jump Start Band will play classic danceable rock from the 60’s-80’s and the event will benefit Save Our Seabirds. 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 Sarasota Events

September 4 - 6, 2026:  It's the Tampa Bay Comic Con, a huge event for fans and aficionados of everything comic books! The weekend will be filled with celebrity guests and appearances. Friday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets: various prices and packages with single day tickets from $35. Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa, FL. 

September 5, 2026: It's Exotic Cars On The Circle car show sponsored by Sage Auto Studios. Admire exotic supercars and find a new favorite during this free event in St. Armand's Circle Park. Free admission. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. St. Armand's Circle, St . Armand's Key, Sarasota, FL.

September 5, 2026:  Experience fan appreciation night with the Bradenton Marauders and Lakeland Flying Tigers. Fans will have a chance to win prizes throughout the entire game and will be treated to a postgame drone show! Gates open at 5 p.m. Games starts at 6:30 p.m. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W, Bradenton, FL.

September 5 - 6, 2026: The Sarasota Sailing Squadron (SSS) will host the 78th 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. 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 Sarasota Events

September 5 - 6, 2026: It's time to enjoy The 17th 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. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free admission parking. 200 Miami Avenue West in Venice, FL.

September 7, 2026 In honor and memory of Jimmy Buffett it's the Parrot Head Tribute Regatta put on by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. All fleets welcome. Burgers/Dogs and live music starting at 2:00 pm - 11 a.m. Open to all. $20 per person. Sarasota Sailing Squadron. 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL More info: 941-388-2355.

September 7, 2026: Enjoy the 2nd Annual Labor Day Pig Roast with the Knights of Columbus. The menu includes roasted pig, plantains, BBQ beans, potato salad, coleslaw, ice cream sundae bar, ice tea, lemonade. water, beer & wine available. $25 per person. Kids $5. Doors open 3 p.m. Dinner at 4 p.m. Register on line at epiphanyknights.org by Aug. 29. Knights of Columbus Hall, 512 Substation Road, Venice, FL.

September 11, 2025: TBA for 2026. The Annual 9/11 commemoration event at USF Sarasota-Manatee. The ceremony on USF Sarasota Manatee's campus just north of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, will feature Flag Raising, Campus entrance at 8:15 a.m. Remembrance Program, Courtyard at 8:30 a.m. University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus, 8350 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL

September Sarasota Events

September 11, 2025: TBA for 2026. The SCF Bradenton 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.  The ceremony events will be held from 8:30-9:15 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at SCF Venice, 8000 S. Tamiami Trail (southeast parking lot flagpoles), and from 9-9:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. W. (south entrance flagpole on 60th Ave. W., near the Library and Learning Center, Building 3). SCF President Tommy Gregory, J.D., a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, will serve as the guest speaker and make remarks at SCF Bradenton. The community is invited to attend.

September 11, 2025: TBA for 2026. It's the Tribute to Heroes Memorial Service. Manatee County Fire Chiefs Association hosts the September 11th Tribute to Heroes ceremony. The ceremony will feature speakers, a 21 gun salute and dove release honoring those we lost on that tragic day. 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Rossi Park - Riverwalk Pavilion Area, 452 Third Ave. West., Bradenton, FL

September 11, 2025: TBA for 2026. The Sarasota County Fire Department will hold a 9/11 commemoration including a brief ceremony and a moment of silence. 9:30 a.m. Emergency Services Fire Department Administration, 6062 Porter Way, Sarasota, FL.

September 11, 2025: TBA for 2026. The City of Venice 24th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony will be held at Patriots Park.. The event will include first responders with emergency vehicles, guest speakers and tributes, a Color Guard, 21 Gun Salute, Venice Police and Fire Rescue presenting the colors, a proclamation presented by Mayor Nick Pachota, Venice Fire Rescue bell ringing for those lost, local student participation, and music. All are invited; bring chairs. Arriving by 9:30 a.m. is encouraged. Patriots Park includes a 2-ton steel beam from the World Trade Center wreckage on Sept. 11, 2001, and a piece of rubble from the attack on the Pentagon. 9:59 a.m. is the time the South Tower fell. Ceremony to begin at 9:59 a.m. Patriots Park, 800 Venetia Bay Blvd, Venice, FL.

September Sarasota Events

September 11, 2026: It's the Free Music Friday Night Concert. Enjoy the music of The Generation Gap/Oldies Review 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 11 - 13, 2026: 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 12, 2026: It's the 14th Annual Southwest Florida Martial Arts Open.  Martial Arts schools from across Florida will come together to compete with each other in a friendly and spirited competition in Punta Gorda, Florida at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. The Southwest Martial Arts Open Tournament promises to be a fun, exciting and competitive tournament. Doors will open at 8:00 am and competition begins at 10:00 am. Tickets and more info here. Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda, FL.

September 2025: TBA for 2026. It's the Sarasota Offshore Boat Racing. Sarasota Powerboat Races Paused Until 2026 Powerboat P1, race organizer for the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, recently released plans to launch an innovative Triple Crown race series in 2025 featuring venues in New Orleans, Sheboygan, and St. Petersburg; however, Sarasota was omitted. After careful consideration and exploring numerous options, Powerboat P1 made the difficult decision not to organize the event in 2025 but to revisit opportunities in 2026. This decision was influenced by budget concerns by the race organizer about producing a high-quality, safe race and uncertainties surrounding the ongoing construction of The Bay’s master plan, which impacted the Van Wezel parking lot and Centennial Park.

September Sarasota Events

September 16, 2025: TBA for 2026. The Children's Garden hosts National Play Doh Day! Visit the Garden to celebrate 70 years of Play-Doh! Each child will get their own mini container of Play-Doh to get creative with nature finds. This activity is included with the cost of admission and free for garden members while supplies last. Adults and Teens 13 years & up: $10 +tax. Seniors 60+years and Military: $9+tax. Children 3 years & up: $6 +tax. Infants and toddlers 2 & under visit for free! Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays). The Children's Garden and Art Center, 1670 10th Way, Sarasota, FL. (941) 330-1711

September 17, 2026: It's the Smithsonian'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 19, 2025: TBA for 2026. It's "Talk Like a Pirate Day" and the Anna Maria Island Privateers will be invading the Loaded Cannon Distillery! There will be raffle baskets, live music, a best dressed pirate contest and a chance to win a ride on the iconic Skullywag pirate ship at an upcoming event. 6 p .m. - 9 p.m. Loaded Cannon Distillery, 3115 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Stuie 110. Lakewood Ranch, FL.

September Sarasota Events

September 19, 2026: The Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) is excited to continue its monthly open house events in 2026, inviting the community to connect with their local firefighters and learn about fire safety. These free, family-friendly open houses are held one Saturday each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Car seat safety inspections and bike helmet fittings will also be available. Station 22, 4531 Englewood Road, Venice, FL.

September 19 - 20, 2026: It's the 4th Annual St Armand's Art Festival with Craft Marketplace. 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. The festival will feature two separate sections; the fine art section located in the park and the craft section positioned along the street. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free. St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL.

September 20, 2025: TBA for 2026. It's International “Talk Like a Pirate” Day at the Children's Garden! Arrr, mateys! Ready for a swashbuckling adventure? Set sail on a treasure hunt—follow the map to find your loot bag and color your pirate flag. Then, join in at the stage at 11am for a reading of “Pirate Pete.” 10–11am. This activity is included with the cost of admission and free for garden members while supplies last. Adults and Teens 13 years & up: $10 +tax. Seniors 60+years and Military: $9+tax. Children 3 years & up: $6 +tax. Infants and toddlers 2 & under visit for free! Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays). The Children's Garden and Art Center, 1670 10th Way, Sarasota, FL. (941) 330-1711

September 20, 2025: TBA for 2026. Enjoy Woodmere Bark! Get ready for a fur-tastic time exploring a paw-sitively adorable lineup of pet-related businesses and finding valuable resources to keep your furry pals happy and healthy! Consider fetching yourself a rescue pet and experience the joy and unconditional love they can bring. Their wagging tails and purr-fect personalities will steal your heart! 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Woodmere Park - 3951 Woodmere Park Boulevard, Venice, FL

September Sarasota Events

September 20, 2025: TBA for 2026. Help Keep Sarasota County Beautiful on the Annual International Coastal Clean Up Day. Join Keep Sarasota County Beautiful for the International Coastal Cleanup from 8–10 a.m. Help remove litter from Sarasota’s shores, protect marine life, and keep our coast beautiful. Various cleanup sites across Sarasota County. All ages welcome! Be sure to register early and reserve your volunteer spot by clicking on the above link.  Please note: Walk-up registration will not be allowed. Registration closes at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17.

September 20, 2025: TBA for 2026. It's Fishermen’s Village 10th annual Key Lime & Tropical Fest. 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 Pirates of the Floridian musical duo 5-9 pm in center court and Tropical Avenue Band, 5-9 pm on the Beach! Village Restaurants and participating merchants will feature tropical food, drink and specialties and vendors will showcase their unique creations throughout the promenade.  Admission and parking for the Key Lime & Tropical Fest is free. Noon - 9 p.m. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

September 24 - October 5, 2025: TBA for 2026. The Sarasota Players opens its milestone 96th Season with The Wedding Singer, a high-energy celebration of love and second chances, proving that sometimes, the biggest dreamers come from the unlikeliest places. This is a Sarasota premiere. The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. Please park and enter the mall by Connor’s Steak and Seafood.

September 25, 2025: TBA for 2026. It's SCF's "Fall Festival of Music." Experience the power and passion of SCF's music student ensembles as they create inspirational symphonic, choral, guitar and jazz music in a festive celebration. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $5 for SCF students and staff. 7 p.m. SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL.

September Sarasota Events

September 25, 2026: It's the Free Music Friday Night Concert. Enjoy the music of Rocky Rick 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 26, 2026: Check out the Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival 2026! 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 26 - October 26, 2025: TBA for 2026. Celebrate their 13th Annual Oktoberfest at Edelweiss in Bradenton. A month of fun. Get out all your German Garb, grab your best drinking buddy and work up a hefty appetite for the best Oktoberfest in Bradenton!! FREE ADMISSION. Huge Beer Tent. Live Entertainment, OKTOBERFEST FOOD & DRINKS. Every Saturday best dressed contest, $50 Gift certificate to win. $12 Liter and $6 ½Liter all beers. $7 all wines. Live Music Tuesday to Saturday. Oktoberfest Food Specials, Beergarden and inside fun for everyone. One month of fun. Daily Giveaways. Open daily Noon - 8 p.m. Edelweiss, 611 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL. September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

September 26, 2026: It's the Venice Beach Party. Enjoy live music, food trucks, beer, wine and specialty drinks on the beach! Catch the free trolley running from Centennial Park to Venice Beach, plus free parking and free entry! Hosted by Venice MainStreet. 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Rain or shine. No coolers. No pets. 101 The Esplanade South, Venice, FL.

September Sarasota Events

September 26, 2025: TBA for 2026. Bishop After Hours Presents Oktoberfest! Get ready for an unforgettable evening of German-inspired fun! Enjoy lively music, traditional German games, and authentic Oktoberfest beers, as well as delicious German cuisine available for purchase. Gather your friends and experience the heart of Germany right here in Bradenton. $25. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th Street West, Bradenton, FL.

September 27, 2025: TBA for 2026. It's National Public Lands Day at Phillippi Estate Park. The theme for NPLD 2025 is “Our Home Outdoors.” From trail maintenance to litter clean up and invasive plant removal, 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 at Phillippi Estate Park and help us 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. Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

September 27, 2025: TBA for 2026. 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. Workday at Oscar Scherer State Park, to include hand pulling invasive plants, spreading mulch around playgrounds, litter pick up, & trail maintenance. Free park entry for volunteers. 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. More info: jamie.butler@floridadep.gov  September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

September 27, 2025: TBA for 2026. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is hosting Family Fest, a brand-new celebration designed for all ages! Inspired by much-loved Friday Fests, this exciting event brings the community together for a day of creativity, fun, and family connection. This year’s theme is Alice in Wonderland, featuring two special performances of Asolo Rep on Tour’s production of Alice in Wonderland. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind journey where art, imagination, and literature come to life! In Asolo Rep on Tour’s vibrant adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, the classic story begins in a very unexpected place—a school field trip to a local museum. As Alice and her classmates explore the exhibits, she stumbles upon a mysterious painting and quite literally falls in. What follows is a whimsical, fast-paced adventure through the world of Wonderland, with all the beloved characters—Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, and more—portrayed by a dynamic, multi-role cast. Families can explore interactive, themed activities hosted by local community partners, enjoy delicious bites from food trucks, and shop unique creations at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, where local kids showcase and sell their own products. Just like Friday Fest, admission is FREE! Register Here! Join us on the back patio and in the Grand Foyer on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with sensory-friendly performances at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 777 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL

September 27, 2026: 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 2025 fall season. This free show takes place at 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway (near/behind the old Mote Marine Aquarium on the water.) 2 p.m. Free. 388-1666.  September Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

September 27, 2025: TBA for 2026. 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. (weather permitting). Observing highlights at this weekend’s event will include the first quarter Moon which will be visible throughout the evening, and the majestic ringed planet Saturn will rise above the treetops starting about midway through the event. Sarasota Audubon Society, 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.

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