WHAT'S UP SARASOTA!

Weekly

Sarasota Farmers Market (Sat)
Sarasota: Shop more than 80 vendors offering fresh and prepared meats, cheeses, organic veggies, flowers, coffee, cigars and unique handcrafted items year-round in a picturesque downtown marketplace. Live music and entertainment, international foods and more! Free. 7am-1pm. Takes place at 1 N Lemon Ave. Info: WEBSITE

Weekly

Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch (Sun)
Lakewood Ranch: Start your Sunday Funday with farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, specialty items, jewelry and gifts from 100+ vendors, find your center with free yoga or bring the kids for creative workshops at this weekly market tradition. Takes place 10am-2pm at 1561 Lakefront Dr. Info:  WEBSITE

Monthly

Fresh Fridays (1st Fri)
Sarasota: Close out the week with incredible live music and delicious food and drinks showcasing Sarasota’s diverse downtown district! Each month features a new theme, live entertainment and a fantastic way to kick off each month!  Takes place 7-10pm at various locations. 
Info: WEBSITE

Mont​hly

Sights + Sounds
Lakewood Ranch: This lively free gathering celebrates the best of local visual, musical and performing artists, featuring local bands, acapella groups, orchestras, theater, dance and more. Come early to shop, enjoy dinner, then stay late for a nightcap and cornhole. Limited seating; lawn chairs welcome. Takes place 6-7pm on various dates at 1561 Lakefront Dr. Info:  WEBSITE

Mont​hly

Music on Main (1st Fri)
Lakewood Ranch: Enjoy a ton of fun at this free First Friday concert series and block party featuring live music, food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and kids’ games and activities with proceeds benefiting local non-profit organizations. Free. Takes place 6-9pm at 8100 Lakewood Main St. Info:  WEBSITE

JUNE
June 7 & 8
St Armands Circle Craft Festival
Sarasota: Shop outdoor gallery-style booths filled with life-sized sculptures, fine jewelry, paintings, pottery, ceramics, glass, photography, apparel and more, handcrafted by national and local artists. Free. Takes place 10am-4pm at 1 St Armands.
 Info: www.artfestival.com 

June 12-22
Tampa Bay Restaurant Week
Tampa Bay: Discover the hottest new eateries or visit old favorites featuring multiple-course price fixe lunch and dinner menus and drink specials across the area. A portion of proceeds benefits Feeding Tampa Bay. Various hours, locations. 
Info: https://tampabayrestaurantweek.com

  June 13 - August 9
Summer Circus Spectacular
Sarasota: Relive the good old days under the Big Top as some of the finest circus artists from around the world put on a family-friendly display of breathtaking acrobatics, jaw-dropping thrills and fun for audiences of all ages. Tickets. Showtimes Tues-Fri: 11 am & 2pm; Sat: 2 & 5pm at 5555 N Tamiami Trl. Info: www.ringling.org

JULY
July 4th Fireworks
Sarasota: Find the best seat in the house for this annual patriotic display of independence launched from Sarasota Bay featuring excellent viewing spots from downtown, Bayfront Park, US 41 & Gulfstream Ave. and 655 N. Tamiami Trail. Free. 9-9:30pm. Takes place at 1 Marina Plaza. Info: www.sarasotafl.gov

SEPTEMBER
September 13 & 14
St. Armands Art Festival & Craft Marketplace
Sarasota: Creativity blooms as Florida artisans and fine crafters display works in painting, jewelry, ceramics, pottery, planters and more in the park and on the street among the upscale shops and restaurants of the famous circle drive. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 1 St Armands Circle. Info: www.artfestival.com

OCTOBER
October 10 & 11
American Vintage Markets
Sarasota: Discover a wide variety of the best recycled, upcycled, repurposed and reimagined treasures –architectural salvage, country and primitives, estate and vintage jewelry, glass, china, clothing, antiques and more. Tickets. Takes place 9am-4pm at 3000 Ringling Blvd. Info: www.americanvintagemarkets.com

October 17-19
ROCKtoberfest Downtown Sarasota!
Sarasota: Rock into fall with authentic German food fit for King Ludwig himself with roasted ham hock, sausages, sauerkraut, cheese noodles, hot pretzels and more, pints of beer, German music, dancing and a festival marketplace! Free. Fri: 4-10pm; Sat: 11am-10pm; Sun: 11am-10pm. Takes place at 199 Bayfront Dr. Info: https://bit.ly/3GzhUb1

October 18 & 19
Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival
Sarasota: Discover stunning sculptures, paintings, jewelry, photography, and more from US artists and fine crafters, then shop for handmade and eco-friendly goods in the green market right in the heart of downtown! Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 1 Central Ave. Info:   www.artfestival.com

NOVEMBER
November 8 & 9
St Armands Circle Art Festival
Sarasota: Marvel at the breathtaking talent of 200+ artists displaying works in sculpture, photography, glasswork, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more, just steps away from upscale shops and restaurants along the picturesque circle drive. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 1 St Armands Circle. Info: www.artfestival.com 

November 14-17
Crystal Classic Int’l Sand Sculpting Festival
Siesta Key: Discover the beauty as 24 world-class sculptors magically transform white sand beaches into a breathtaking open-air gallery of larger-than-life sand masterpieces, plus live artist demos, sculpting lessons, music, games, a party tent, vendor village and more! Tickets. Takes place 10am-5pm at 948 Beach Road. Info: www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com/