Sarasota, Florida waterfront and skyline along the Gulf Coast

Community Resource

What's Happening in Sarasota & the Gulf Coast

A curated calendar of live music, concerts, festivals, arts, food, and community events across Sarasota, the barrier islands, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton — from restaurant week and art exhibitions to world-class performances at Van Wezel and the Ringling.

Whether you're a longtime resident or considering a move to the Sarasota area, there's always something happening. From world-class concerts at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and art exhibitions at the Ringling and Selby Gardens to live bands at local favorites like Stottlemyer's Smokehouse and The Gator Club, the cultural scene runs year-round. Add in culinary events like Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week, beachside festivals on Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island, Fourth of July celebrations in Lakewood Ranch and Longboat Key, and vibrant outdoor activities at Nathan Benderson Park, and you'll see why life on Florida's Gulf Coast is truly second to none.

Calendar last updated June 15, 2026. Dates and details are verified from venue and organizer sources. Past events are marked accordingly.

All Events Food & MarketsLive Music & ConcertsFestivalsArts & CultureNature & Outdoors

Food & Markets Past Event

Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week

June 1–14, 2026 All Day — Lunch & Dinner Prix Fixe 50+ Participating Restaurants Across Sarasota

The 21st edition of Sarasota's signature culinary event featured over 55 restaurants offering multi-course prix fixe menus — $25 lunch and $45 dinner — at exceptional value. From casual waterfront spots to fine dining on St. Armands Circle, downtown Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Siesta Key, and Venice, this was the best way to explore Sarasota's restaurant scene. Mark your calendar for next year's edition!

Live Music & Concerts Past Event

Sarasota Music Festival — Masters in Concert

June 13, 2026 Evening Sarasota Opera House & Holley Hall, Sarasota

The Sarasota Music Festival culminated with a "Masters in Concert" performance showcasing world-class chamber musicians and rising artists in an intimate classical setting.

Festivals Past Event

USRowing Youth National Championships

June 11–14, 2026 All Day Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota

One of the nation's premier youth rowing events brought hundreds of athletes to Sarasota's world-class rowing venue at Nathan Benderson Park.

Arts & Culture

Juneteenth Arts Festival

June 19–20, 2026 All Day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Sarasota

A two-day celebration of art, music, culture, and community honoring Juneteenth in Sarasota. Featuring local artists, live performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities in one of the city's most meaningful gathering places.

Live Music & Concerts

Celtic Throne — Royal Journey of Irish Dance

June 25, 2026 Evening Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

A spectacular celebration of Irish heritage featuring world-class dancers, musicians, and storytellers performing a royal journey through Ireland's rich cultural traditions. Breathtaking choreography and music in Sarasota's waterfront theater.

Live Music & Concerts

Vince Gill — Live at Van Wezel

June 26, 2026 7:30 PM Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

Country music legend and 22-time Grammy winner Vince Gill brings his signature guitar work and smooth vocals to Sarasota's premier performing arts venue for an unforgettable evening.

Live Music & Concerts

Dead Set Florida at Stottlemyer's Smokehouse

June 27, 2026 Evening Stottlemyer's Smokehouse, Sarasota

Catch Dead Set Florida for their debut performance at one of Sarasota's most popular live music and BBQ spots. Great food, cold drinks, and an electric atmosphere.

Arts & Culture

Lynn Goldsmith & Patti Smith: Flowers and Friendship

June 20 – September 13, 2026 During Museum Hours Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota

Selby Gardens' summer exhibition celebrates the collaborative work and friendship between photographer Lynn Goldsmith and singer-songwriter Patti Smith, featuring stunning portraiture and fine art photography amid the gardens' living collections. Smith serves as the gardens' artist-in-residence.

Arts & Culture

The Evocative Lens: Art Photography Exhibition

May 16 – September 16, 2026 During Museum Hours John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota

A major exhibition examining the evolution of art photography, featuring works from The Ringling's permanent collection alongside visiting pieces. A compelling exploration of the medium's artistic power.

Arts & Culture

Summer Circus Spectacular

June 13 – August 8, 2026 Select dates, see schedule Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, Sarasota

Sarasota's circus heritage comes alive with international performers presented in partnership between The Ringling and The Circus Arts Conservatory. A signature summer experience at one of the region's most iconic cultural venues.

Arts & Culture

Open Studio — Family MakerSpace at The Ringling

Weekly, June 10 – July 22, 2026 Select Days John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota

Hands-on family art-making sessions held weekly in The Ringling's MakerSpace. A wonderful way for families to engage with creativity while exploring the museum's world-class campus.

Festivals

Star-Spangled Spectacular

July 4, 2026 Evening, culminating with 9:00 PM Drone Show Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch's signature Fourth of July celebration featuring circus acts, carnival games, live music, food vendors, and an impressive drone light show replacing traditional fireworks over the lake.

Festivals

Longboat Key Freedom Fest & Shortest Parade in America

July 4, 2026 Morning — "Hot Diggity Dog" Parade & Contest Bicentennial Park, 500 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

One of the most charming Independence Day traditions in Florida — featuring the beloved "Hot Diggity Dog" parade and contest, children's activities, and a butterfly release at Bicentennial Park. A delightfully short but spirited celebration followed by beach fun.

Food & Markets

A Taste of the Ranch

July 18 – August 1, 2026 See Event Schedule Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch's restaurant-focused culinary event showcasing the dining scene at Waterside Place and surrounding areas. A great opportunity to explore new restaurants and enjoy special menus in this vibrant master-planned community.

Live Music & Concerts

Chas Collins Live at Stottlemyer's Smokehouse

July 18, 2026 Evening Stottlemyer's Smokehouse, Sarasota

Singer-songwriter Chas Collins takes the stage at Stottlemyer's for a night of roots music, Southern flavors, and the kind of laid-back vibe that makes Sarasota's live music scene so special.

Live Music & Concerts

Derek Hough — Live at Van Wezel

August 6, 2026 7:30 PM Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

Emmy-winning dancer and performer Derek Hough brings his electrifying live show to Sarasota with a high-energy blend of dance, music, and spectacle.

Arts & Culture

Laser Light Nights at The Bishop

May 22 – September 6, 2026 Thu 6 PM · Fri & Sat 6 PM & 7 PM The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Sarasota

A mesmerizing planetarium experience pairing state-of-the-art laser light shows with curated music. This summer's season features themed shows including "RED, WHITE, and BOOM!" on July 4, a Taylor Swift Double Feature, and the "Summer Time Rewind" finale over Labor Day weekend. A perfect air-conditioned evening activity.

Live Music & Concerts

Boz Scaggs — Live at Van Wezel

October 11, 2026 7:30 PM Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

Rock and soul icon Boz Scaggs returns to Sarasota with his legendary catalog spanning decades of Grammy-winning music. An evening of smooth grooves and timeless hits.

Live Music & Concerts

The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA — Van Wezel

October 18, 2026 7:30 PM Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

The international smash-hit tribute to ABBA brings the sound, costumes, and energy of the legendary Swedish group to Sarasota's waterfront stage. A feel-good night of music and nostalgia.

Live Music & Concerts

The Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue

October 31, 2026 1:30 PM & 7:00 PM Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

The hit unauthorized comedy inspired by the beloved TV series comes to Sarasota's waterfront stage with two performances. A hilarious evening celebrating everyone's favorite Miami ladies.

Live Music & Concerts

Golden Groovers: Beach Blanket Bingo

July 30, 2026 Evening Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

A groovy night of music, nostalgia, and community fun at Sarasota's waterfront performing arts hall. Celebrate the sounds of a golden era in a lively, feel-good atmosphere.

Arts & Culture

Andrea Carlson: A Constant Sky

May 30 – November 15, 2026 During Museum Hours John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota

A major exhibition by artist Andrea Carlson at The Ringling, exploring themes of landscape, memory, and identity through richly layered visual compositions. A compelling addition to Sarasota's summer cultural calendar.

Arts & Culture

Robert Louis Stevenson: A Child's Garden of Verses

Through August 30, 2026 During Museum Hours Historic Spanish Point, Selby Gardens, Osprey

Selby Gardens' Historic Spanish Point campus presents an immersive exhibition celebrating the poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson, with audio recordings read by artist-in-residence Patti Smith. A uniquely atmospheric experience amid the historic bayside grounds.

Live Music & Concerts

Sarasota Opera Summer Series — Classic Tribute Bands

June 20 & July 25, 2026 Evening Sarasota Opera House, Sarasota

The Sarasota Opera House's summer series features classic tribute bands performing beloved hits in one of downtown Sarasota's most elegant venues. A wonderful alternative to the traditional opera season.

Nature & Outdoors

Tour de Turtles — Sea Turtle Release

June & Mid-July 2026 Morning Turtle Beach, Siesta Key / Coquina Beach, Anna Maria Island

Join the Mote Marine Laboratory for the annual Tour de Turtles, a conservation celebration where rehabilitated sea turtles are released back into the Gulf. A family-friendly, unforgettable Gulf Coast experience.

Food & Markets Recurring

Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market

Every Saturday, Year-Round 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM Main Street, Downtown Sarasota

Sarasota's beloved year-round farmers market features local produce, artisan goods, baked treats, flowers, and prepared foods from dozens of vendors. A Saturday morning staple in the heart of downtown.

Food & Markets Recurring

Siesta Key Farmers Market

Every Sunday, Year-Round 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Siesta Key Village, Siesta Key

Browse fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and more at this weekly market in Siesta Key Village. A relaxed Sunday morning tradition steps from the world-famous beach.

Food & Markets Recurring

Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch

Every Sunday, Year-Round 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch

A vibrant weekly market at Lakewood Ranch's Waterside Place featuring farm-fresh produce, artisanal goods, live music, and waterfront dining options. A Sunday afternoon favorite for families and foodies alike.

Festivals Recurring

Sarasota Paradise — Summer Soccer

Select Dates, June – August 2026 Evenings Various Venues, Sarasota Area

Catch Sarasota Paradise soccer matches this summer — a growing local sports tradition bringing competitive action and community spirit to the Gulf Coast. Check the team's schedule for home match dates.

Live Music & Concerts Recurring

Gator Club Live Music Night

Select Fridays & Saturdays 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM The Gator Club, 1490 Main St, Downtown Sarasota

Downtown Sarasota's iconic nightlife spot hosts live music and DJs on select weekend nights. Enjoy a lively dance floor, classic cocktails, and the energy of Main Street's favorite gathering place.

Arts & Culture

Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Festival

November 13–16, 2026 All Day Siesta Beach, Siesta Key

World-class sand sculptors compete on Siesta Key's legendary quartz sand in this internationally recognized annual festival. Spectacular large-scale sculptures, live demonstrations, and live music make this a must-attend event.

Food & Markets

Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival

January 2027 (Annual) All Day Junction of US 301 & Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota

A beloved annual celebration of Gulf Coast flavors featuring fresh seafood from local restaurants, craft beer, live music across multiple stages, and a vibrant festival atmosphere in the heart of Sarasota.

Experience the Sarasota Lifestyle

Events like these are just a glimpse of what makes Sarasota and the Gulf Coast one of the most desirable places to live in Florida. If you're considering a move to the area, I'd love to show you what's possible.

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