Sarasota events

NHRA Points Bracket Weekend

Bradenton Motorsports Park · Bradenton

Sat, Sep 5 · 8:00 AM

NHRA Points Bracket Weekend at Bradenton Motorsports Park.

78th Annual Labor Day Regatta

Sarasota Sailing Squadron · Sarasota

Sep 5–6

Sat–Sun · 2 dates

Next: Sat, Sep 5 · 8:00 AM

Hundreds of sailors ages 8 to 80 race five courses on Sarasota Bay in the Southeast's oldest continuously held regatta, hosted since 1946 by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron on City Island. Free viewing for spectators.

Dragon Boat 101

Nathan Benderson Park · Sarasota

Sat, Sep 5 · 8:30 AM

Learn the fundamentals of paddling, teamwork, and technique while experiencing the excitement of dragon boat racing on the water. Whether your goal is to challenge yourself on a competitive team […]

Exotic Cars on the Circle

St. Armands Circle Park · Sarasota

Sat, Sep 5 · 9:00 AM

See a display of exotic cars at St. Armands Circle.

17th Annual Labor Day Weekend Venice Craft Festival

Downtown Venice · Venice

Sep 5–6

Sat–Sun · 2 dates

Next: Sat, Sep 5 · 10:00 AM

Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday from 10am-4pm Free admission The tremendous support of the Venice community is one reason why this craft festival is so successful! Located on Miami Avenue in Downtown […]

Family Art Making

The Ringling Education Center MakerSpace · Sarasota

Sep 5–Nov 7

Sat · 3 dates

Next: Sat, Sep 5 · 10:00 AM

Free art projects for the whole family, followed by a wristband for the art and circus museums.

Live Music by Jason Stallworth

Fiorelli Winery · Bradenton

Sat, Sep 5 · 1:00 PM

Live Music by Jason Stallworth at Fiorelli Winery.

Messenger at City Grille Bradenton Riverwalk

Mattison's City Grille Bradenton Riverwalk · Bradenton

Sat, Sep 5 · 6:00 PM

Versatile high-energy band Messenger brings powerful dual lead vocals, rich harmonies and a set spanning classic favorites to contemporary hits to the Riverwalk patio.

Laser Light Nights at The Bishop

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature · Bradenton

Sat, Sep 5 · 6:30 PM

Laser shows in The Bishop's Planetarium dome: Thursday 6 p.m. Sgt Pepper's Laser Light Show (The Beatles); Friday 6 p.m. Laser Bob Marley and 8 p.m. Laser Summer Time Rewind; Saturday 6:30 p.m. Laser Elton John and 8:30 p.m. Laser Summer Time Rewind.

Sarasota Paradise vs. Spokane Velocity FC

Premier Sports Campus · Lakewood Ranch

Sat, Sep 5 · 7:30 PM

USL League One soccer under the lights: Sarasota Paradise host Spokane Velocity FC at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.

Out of Bounds

Florida Studio Theatre · Sarasota

Sat, Sep 5 · 7:30 PM

Two teams of FST improvisers go head-to-head in competitive rounds of fast-paced games, spontaneous scenes and off-the-cuff songs in Bowne's Lab, with the audience's laughter deciding the winner.

Bat Boy: The Musical

The Sarasota Players · Sarasota

Sep 5–6

Sat–Sun · 2 dates

Next: Sat, Sep 5 · 7:30 PM

The Sarasota Players stage the cult comedy-horror rock musical about a half-boy, half-bat creature discovered in a West Virginia cave and taken in by the town veterinarian's family. Runs Aug 26 – Sept 6.

Arsenic and Old Lace

Manatee Performing Arts Center · Bradenton

Sep 5–6

Sat–Sun · 2 dates

Next: Sat, Sep 5 · 7:30 PM

The Manatee Players open their season with Joseph Kesselring's classic dark comedy about a drama critic who discovers his sweet aunts are hiding deadly family secrets. Runs Sept 3–20 in the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater.

Steve Arvey Blues Brunch at City Grille Bradenton Riverwalk

Mattison's City Grille Bradenton Riverwalk · Bradenton

Sun, Sep 6 · 12:00 PM

Veteran bluesman Steve Arvey plays a laid-back midday Blues Brunch set on the Riverwalk patio.

Live Music by Bob Linton & Zach Regan

Fiorelli Winery · Bradenton

Sun, Sep 6 · 1:00 PM

Live Music by Bob Linton & Zach Regan at Fiorelli Winery.

Englewood Pioneer Days Parade

Dearborn Street · Englewood

Mon, Sep 7 · 9:00 AM

Labor Day parade on Dearborn Street, followed by family activities at Pioneer Park.

Sarasota Fights Fentanyl Walk & Resource Fair

J.D. Hamel Park · Sarasota

Mon, Sep 7 · 9:00 AM

Join a public health awareness walk and resource fair in downtown Sarasota.

MNJC Stretch Bruyn

John C. Court Cabaret · Sarasota

Mon, Sep 7 · 7:30 PM

Stretch Bruyn presents "Overjoyed - A Stevie Wonder Tribute" featuring Kirsten Joyer on vocals.

Wine Cellar Social Club

Michael's Wine Cellar

Wed, Sep 9 · 5:00 PM

A recurring wine social at Michael’s Wine Cellar.

ABC Bee Ridge/Sarasota Premium Wine Tasting Experience

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits — Bee Ridge · Sarasota

Thu, Sep 10 · 5:30 PM

A premium wine tasting at the Bee Ridge ABC Fine Wine & Spirits location.

Jazz Thursday featuring The Colin Leonard Quartet

Sarasota Art Museum · Sarasota

Thu, Sep 10 · 5:30 PM

Jazz Thursday featuring The Colin Leonard Quartet at Sarasota Art Museum.

Full Throttle Test & Tune

Bradenton Motorsports Park · Bradenton

Sep 10–Nov 5

Thu · 7 dates

Next: Thu, Sep 10 · 6:00 PM

<p>Test & Tune, Grudge Runs, and Full-Throttle Fun! Whether you’re here to race or just watch the action, everyone’s welcome! Hit the ¼-mile strip for Test & Tune, Grudge Racing,…</p>\n

Summon the Heroes

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall · Sarasota

Thu, Sep 10 · 7:00 PM

Sarasota Orchestra benefit concert commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11.

Joseph's Coat: Turrell Skyspace at Sunset

Museum of Art at The Ringling · Sarasota

Sep 10–Oct 1

Thu · 4 dates

Next: Thu, Sep 10 · 7:20 PM

An hour inside James Turrell’s Skyspace as its LED light shifts the sky through a 24-foot aperture.

Sarasota Bradenton Fall Home Show

Robarts Arena · Sarasota

Sep 11–13

Fri–Sun · 3 dates

Next: Fri, Sep 11 · 10:00 AM

A home improvement show with products, services, and advice for home projects.

Ringling Reflections

Museum of Art at The Ringling · Sarasota

Sep 11–Nov 13

Fri · 3 dates

Next: Fri, Sep 11 · 10:00 AM

Relaxed gallery tours for people living with memory loss and care partners, followed by artmaking.

Friday Night Concert: The Generation Gap/Oldies Review

Centennial Park · Venice

Fri, Sep 11 · 7:00 PM

Join the fun in historic downtown Venice for the bimonthly Friday Night Concert Series at the gazebo in Centennial Park! This event, hosted by Venice MainStreet and sponsored by Neal […]

Frequency: The Secret of Everything screening and Q&A in Sarasota, FL

Florida Studio Theatre - Gompertz Theatre · Sarasota

Sat, Sep 12 · 12:00 PM

More than a film: an immersive journey into frequency, consciousness, and the unseen forces shaping reality.

Saturday Open House Wine Tastings

Michael's Wine Cellar

Sat, Sep 12 · 1:00 PM

Festive Saturday wine tastings at Michael’s Wine Cellar.

ArtSELF Wellness Workshop: Music for Healing

Museum of Art at The Ringling · Sarasota

Sat, Sep 12 · 2:30 PM

A hands-on ArtSELF workshop with María Albán exploring sound and traditional instruments.

Thalhe Festival Gala Show

Sarasota Opera House · Sarasota

Sun, Sep 13 · 4:00 PM

Thalhe Festival Gala Show at Sarasota Opera House.

MNJC Jeremy Carter

John C. Court Cabaret · Sarasota

Mon, Sep 14 · 7:30 PM

The music of John Coultrane as we approach the 100th anniversary of his birth on September 23, 1926.

Uncorked

Sarasota Art Museum · Sarasota

Tue, Sep 15 · 5:30 PM

Celebrate the art of wine at our monthly tastings, co-hosted by 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop.

Drink & Draw Sarasota

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center · Sarasota

Wed, Sep 16 · 6:00 PM

A social drawing night with drinks at Fogartyville.

Echoes of Sarasota Opening Reception at City Hall

Sarasota City Hall · Sarasota

Thu, Sep 17 · 4:00 PM

Open the Echoes of Sarasota exhibit at a reception in City Hall.

Chart House - Prisoner Wine Dinner - Longboat Key

Chart House · Longboat Key

Thu, Sep 17 · 7:00 PM

A five-course dinner paired with The Prisoner Wine Company wines at Chart House.

September Sidewalk Sale 2026

Downtown Venice · Venice

Sep 18–19

Fri–Sat · 2 dates

Next: Fri, Sep 18 · 10:00 AM

Get great deals downtown and support small, local businesses during this 2-day sidewalk sale! Sept. 18 & 19, 10am-4pm

Concert in the Park: Dukes of Brinkley

City Center Front Green · North Port

Fri, Sep 18 · 7:00 PM

Dukes of Brinkley play classic rock at North Port’s free Concert in the Park.

4th Annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival with Craft Marketplace

St. Armands Circle Park · Sarasota

Sep 19–20

Sat–Sun · 2 dates

Next: Sat, Sep 19 · 10:00 AM

Browse art, crafts, and local vendors at St. Armands Circle.

Cirque de Hope: An Evening Soirée Benefiting the American Cancer Society

351 College Dr

Sat, Sep 19 · 6:00 PM

Cirque de Hope: An Evening Soirée Benefiting the American Cancer Society at 351 College Dr.

Vocal Mosaic: An Evening of Song

Historic Asolo Theater · Sarasota

Thu, Sep 24 · 7:30 PM

FSU music faculty sing jazz, Broadway, art song, and opera.

Friday Night Concert: Rocky Rick

Centennial Park · Venice

Fri, Sep 25 · 7:00 PM

Join the fun in historic downtown Venice for the bimonthly Friday Night Concert Series at the gazebo in Centennial Park! This event, hosted by Venice MainStreet and sponsored by Neal […]

Murder, She Improvised

Florida Studio Theatre - Bowne's Lab · Sarasota

Sep 25–26

Fri–Sat · 2 dates

Next: Fri, Sep 25 · 7:30 PM

A two-night improvised murder-mystery comedy from FST Improv.

Pura Vida Weekend at The Bay

The Bay Park · Sarasota

Sep 26–27

Sat–Sun · 2 dates

Next: Sat, Sep 26 · All day

A free weekend of wellness and culture on the bayfront, offered in English and Spanish.

Kayak Mangrove Discovery Tour

The Bay Park · Sarasota

Sat, Sep 26 · 9:30 AM

Armando Úbeda of UF/IFAS leads a mangrove paddle in English.

ArtSELF for Generations

The Ringling Education Center MakerSpace · Sarasota

Sep 26–Nov 14

Sat · 3 dates

Next: Sat, Sep 26 · 10:00 AM

A multigenerational ArtSELF workshop using art, storytelling, and movement.

Venice Beach Party 2026

Venice Beach · Venice

Sat, Sep 26 · 1:00 PM

Enjoy a beach party with live music, food trucks, beer, wine and specialty drinks! Catch the free trolley running from Centennial Park to Venice Beach, plus free parking and free […]

Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival 2026

Sarasota Opera House · Sarasota

Sat, Sep 26 · 1:00 PM

An afternoon food and wine festival supporting Sarasota Youth Opera.

Saturday Night Under the Lights

Bradenton Motorsports Park · Bradenton

Sep 26–Nov 7

Sat · 2 dates

Next: Sat, Sep 26 · 6:00 PM

Night drag racing under the lights at Bradenton Motorsports Park — grudge racing, test passes, and full concessions.

JK and the Contraband

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center · Sarasota

Sat, Sep 26 · 8:00 PM

Live music in the Fogartyville listening room from JK and the Contraband.

The 2026 Aga Zaryan US Tour - Sarasota, Art Ovation

Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection · Sarasota

Sun, Sep 27 · 7:00 PM

Aga Zaryan will present a selection of her original compositions from acclaimed albums. Michal Tokaj - Piano; Darek Oleszkiewicz - Bass

Chat with a Conservator

Museum of Art at The Ringling · Sarasota

Sep 28–Oct 19

Mon · 2 dates

Next: Mon, Sep 28 · 11:00 AM

Open conversation with conservators working on the Ringlings’ Baroque tapestries.

Viewpoint Lecture: Andrea Carlson, Collections and Cannibals

Museum of Art at The Ringling · Sarasota

Thu, Oct 1 · 5:30 PM

Artist Andrea Carlson discusses museum collections, colonial narratives, and cannibal horror films.

The Mammals

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center · Sarasota

Thu, Oct 1 · 7:00 PM

The Mammals perform live at Fogartyville.

38th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest

Fruitville Grove · Sarasota

Oct 3–Nov 1

Sat–Sun · 10 dates

Next: Sat, Oct 3 · 10:00 AM

Fruitville Grove’s annual pumpkin festival with rides, animals, music, and Halloween activities.

Wellen Park Oktoberfest

Downtown Wellen Park · Venice

Sat, Oct 3 · 12:00 PM

Family-friendly German festival with dancers, a live polka band, stein-hoisting, beer, brats, and traditional food.

Reggae Nights on the Island

Maxine Barritt Park · Venice

Sat, Oct 3 · 5:00 PM

Free live reggae event with vendors and food trucks at Maxine Barritt Park.

MNJC Carl Fischer & Sunshine City Brass

John C. Court Cabaret · Sarasota

Mon, Oct 5 · 7:30 PM

Carl Fischer and The Sunshine City Brass perform a Monday Nite Jazz Cabaret.

Salsa & Sunsets 4th Anniversary

The Bay Park · Sarasota

Wed, Oct 7 · 6:30 PM

Bri Rivera and friends host a dance party with a champagne toast.

Vinyl Release Party! J Santi & the Vital Groove + Jason White

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center · Sarasota

Thu, Oct 8 · 6:30 PM

We recorded a record and pressed it to Vinyl!!! 2 PRE-SALE ticket tiers: $25 Admission // $40 Admission + VINYL (w/ Download Card)!!!

Friday Night Concert: Ken Wanovich

Centennial Park · Venice

Fri, Oct 9 · 7:00 PM

Join the fun in historic downtown Venice for the bimonthly Friday Night Concert Series at the gazebo in Centennial Park! This event, hosted by Venice MainStreet and sponsored by Neal […]

A Ghoulish Gathering

Venice Performing Arts Center · Venice

Oct 9–10

Fri–Sat · 2 dates

Next: Fri, Oct 9 · 7:30 PM

The Venice Symphony's Halloween concert with eerie, suspenseful, and playful orchestral music.

Cinema at The Bay: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Bay Park · Sarasota

Fri, Oct 9 · 9:00 PM

An outdoor anniversary screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

UF/IFAS Master Gardener Plant Sale

Twin Lakes Park · Sarasota

Sat, Oct 10 · 8:00 AM

Annual Sarasota County Master Gardener plant sale at Twin Lakes Park.

40th Annual Concours d'Elegance at St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle · Sarasota

Sat, Oct 10 · 9:00 AM

Sun Coast Jaguar Club's public Jaguar concours at St. Armands Circle.

Dakin Dairy Farms 3rd Annual Harvest Festival

Dakin Dairy Farms · Myakka City

Oct 10–25

Sat–Sun · 6 dates

Next: Sat, Oct 10 · 10:00 AM

Family harvest festival with live music, food trucks, vendors, hayrides, and farm activities.

ArtSELF Wellness Workshop: Becoming Picasso

Museum of Art at The Ringling · Sarasota

Sat, Oct 10 · 2:30 PM

A hands-on ArtSELF workshop using theatre exercises to shake loose habitual thinking.

Park-toberfest at The Bay

The Bay Park · Sarasota

Sun, Oct 11 · 5:00 PM

The DeLeon Family Band plays oompah and more at The Bay.

Chart House - Rodney Strong Wine Dinner - Longboat Key

Chart House · Longboat Key

Thu, Oct 15 · 7:00 PM

A five-course dinner paired with Rodney Strong wines at Chart House.

Ella & The Bossa Beat

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center · Sarasota

Thu, Oct 15 · 7:00 PM

Modern Brazilian bossa from Ella Blu and Magrus Borges.

Tree Fort Toasts A Evening With Dracula: A Curate Wine and Film Event

Tree Fort Productions · Sarasota

Fri, Oct 16 · 6:00 PM

Tree Fort Toasts A Evening With Dracula: A Curate Wine and Film Event at Tree Fort Productions.

Leslie Mendelson

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center · Sarasota

Fri, Oct 16 · 8:00 PM

Grammy-nominated folk-rock singer-songwriter Leslie Mendelson tours her fourth album.

Venice Night Market & Music Halloween Edition

Maxine Barritt Park · Venice

Sat, Oct 17 · 5:00 PM

A free Venice night market with vendors, music, food trucks, and Halloween activities.

Boo! at The Bay

The Bay Park · Sarasota

Sat, Oct 17 · 5:00 PM

A family Halloween evening with costumes, activities, and not-too-spooky fun.

Circus at Sarasota Ouboard Club

Sarasota Outboard Club

Sat, Oct 17 · 6:00 PM

Circus at Sarasota Ouboard Club at Sarasota Outboard Club.

Take 6 - Saturday Night Jazz

The Venue @ LEC · Sarasota

Sat, Oct 17 · 7:00 PM

Take 6 performs a Saturday Night Jazz concert at The Venue @ LEC.

Walter Parks and The Unlawful Assembly

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center · Sarasota

Sat, Oct 17 · 8:00 PM

Walter Parks and The Unlawful Assembly rework spirituals through Appalachian roots music and modern loops.

Success From Fail Street Interview and Book Signing with Dr. Martha Velez-R

Tree Fort Productions · Sarasota

Sun, Oct 18 · 2:00 PM

Join Award Winning Actress Dr. Martha Velez-Reid as she shares her amazing life stories from her newly published Autobiography.

Hard Heart Burlesque October Brunch

The Mable - Bar & Grill · Sarasota

Sun, Oct 18 · 3:00 PM

Hard Heart Burlesque presents an October brunch at The Mable.

Chilean Wine Dinner

Tripletail Seafood & Spirits · Sarasota

Thu, Oct 22 · 6:00 PM

Chilean Wine Dinner at Tripletail Seafood & Spirits.

Friday Night Concert: Nick Fiasco

Centennial Park · Venice

Fri, Oct 23 · 7:00 PM

Join the fun in historic downtown Venice for the bimonthly Friday Night Concert Series at the gazebo in Centennial Park! This event, hosted by Venice MainStreet and sponsored by Neal […]

Program One

FSU Center for the Performing Arts · Sarasota

Oct 23–25

Fri–Sun · 3 dates

Next: Fri, Oct 23 · 7:30 PM

The Sarasota Ballet presents Program One, featuring choreography by Gemma Bond, Sir Frederick Ashton, and Dominic Walsh.

Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party

Boulevard of the Arts · Sarasota

Sat, Oct 24 · 4:00 PM

A free Pride festival and evening street party with vendors, entertainment, and community groups.

Taste of The Bay

The Bay Park · Sarasota

Sun, Oct 25 · 12:00 PM

Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurants serve tasting portions on the bayfront.

Danae Franco: Tribute to Cuban Music

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center · Sarasota

Sun, Oct 25 · 7:00 PM

Danae Franco and her band play boleros, salsa, and Cuban rhythms.

38th Annual Downtown Venice Art Festival

Downtown Venice · Venice

Oct 31–Nov 1

Sat–Sun · 2 dates

Next: Sat, Oct 31 · 10:00 AM

More than 100 artists exhibit work along West Venice Avenue in downtown Venice.

Downtown Halloween Strut 2026

Downtown Venice · Venice

Sat, Oct 31 · 4:00 PM

All ages are invited to show costumes, enjoy trick-or-treating, and hear kid-friendly music in downtown Venice.

Halloween at The Ringling

Museum of Art at The Ringling · Sarasota

Sat, Oct 31 · 4:00 PM

Trick-or-treating, a lantern labyrinth, artmaking, and not-too-spooky gallery guides.

Best of The Bay Music Fest

The Bay Park · Sarasota

Sun, Nov 1 · 12:00 PM

Six hours of local bands and food trucks at The Bay.

Cocktails + Culture

Sarasota Art Museum · Sarasota

Mon, Nov 2 · 5:30 PM

A craft cocktail demonstration and tasting at Sarasota Art Museum.

Chart House - Caymus Wine Dinner - Longboat Key

Chart House · Longboat Key

Thu, Nov 5 · 7:00 PM

A five-course dinner paired with Caymus Vineyards wines at Chart House.

Ringling Underground

Museum of Art at The Ringling · Sarasota

Thu, Nov 5 · 7:00 PM

After-hours live music in The Ringling courtyard with emerging artists on the walls.

Joe Crookston

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center · Sarasota

Thu, Nov 5 · 7:00 PM

Storytelling folk songwriter Joe Crookston plays the Fogartyville listening room.

FemCity Disco Party

Marina Jack · Sarasota

Fri, Nov 6 · 6:30 PM

FemCity hosts a disco party with DJ Joey at Marina Jack.

Hiroya Tsukamoto

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center · Sarasota

Fri, Nov 6 · 8:00 PM

Japanese fingerstyle guitarist Hiroya Tsukamoto builds quiet acoustic soundscapes.

Le Marche Outdoor Marketplace

Selby Five Points Park · Sarasota

Sat, Nov 7 · 10:00 AM

Shop local vendors at the Le Marche outdoor marketplace.

Sam Morrow Band

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center · Sarasota

Sat, Nov 7 · 8:00 PM

Texas-leaning southern rock and boogie from the Sam Morrow Band.

MOD 2026 VIP Weekend Pass with Guided Shuttle Tour

265 S Orange Ave · Sarasota

Fri, Nov 13 · 5:29 PM

Architecture Sarasota presents the MOD 2026 VIP weekend pass with guided shuttle tour.

Manatee Community Concert Band Presents Voices of Valor

Bldg. 11 East – SCF Neel Performing Arts Center · Bradenton

Sat, Nov 14 · 3:00 PM

Manatee Community Concert Band presents Voices of Valor at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center.

Program Two

Sarasota Opera House · Sarasota

Nov 20–21

Fri–Sat · 2 dates

Next: Fri, Nov 20 · 7:30 PM

The Sarasota Ballet presents works by Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Jessica Lang, and Alexei Ratmansky.