January
New Year’s Day: Sarasota has the distinction of having more than one New Year’s celebration. The first is at 11am at Bayfront Park with a free concert and fireworks show, followed by an evening ball drop in Times Square Plaza downtown.
Feb.
Mardi Gras: Sarasota celebrates Mardi Gras with a city-wide party, culminating in an all-day parade and celebration on the grounds of St. Armands Circle.
March
Polish Festival: The Polish community’s annual festival attracts more than 20,000 visitors to historic downtown Sarasota for its weekend event that includes food sampling from local restaurants; ethnic crafts demonstrations; live entertainment spinning polka tunes, cover bands and dance orchestras; traditional folk dancing groups performing colorful routines in national costumes.
April
Sarasota Film Festival: Expanding beyond cinema to reflect the convergence of film, music and digital media in contemporary culture.
May
Sunset Celebration: Held at Bayfront Park on Friday evenings from May through September with live entertainment including a variety of bands, food vendors; children’s activities such as face painting and bounce houses.
July
Fiesta Patrias: A celebration honoring Mexican Independence Day that includes authentic Latin dance performances by professional dancers in colorful costumes who have appeared on PBS broadcasts; a roving Mariachi band serenading festival-goers throughout downtown Sarasota to “La Cucaracha” while playing an accordion, trumpets and guitars for this festive event held every year since 1993.
August
Sarasota Chamber Music Festival: The nonprofit organization sponsors four weeks of concerts at various venues each year, including free performances in downtown Sarasota.
October
Art Walk: Join us for the 13th Annual Downtown Sarasota Artwalk on October 18 from 11 to 12 noon as artists showcase their work and a selection of galleries stay open late into evening hours showcasing works by local photographers.
November
Sarasota Half Marathon & 15K Run/Walk: The “Best Race Ever” is an event that has something for everyone – there are many race options such as running the Half Marathon, the 15K Run/Walk or both.
December
Christmas Parade: The Annual Christmas Parade has been a tradition in downtown Sarasota since 1956 and is a community event that brings together people of all ages for an afternoon filled with music; festive decorations on participating floats and cars decorated especially for the holiday season including lights, candy canes, wreaths, Santas and reindeer on trailers.
New Year’s Eve Celebration: Celebrate New Years’ Eve at Bayfront Park where you will be entertained by live musical performances starting at 11am followed by fireworks show beginning at midnight as we say farewell as the year ends.
