12 Best Spring Events in Sarasota

Springtime in Sarasota brings more than blooming bougainvillea and warmer weather. As spring showers the city with verdant hues, the Suncoast becomes the canvas for a non-stop schedule of events. So, which ones do you prioritize when the event calendar is so full? Our picks are for these popular Sarasota spring events.

Sarasota Farmers Market

Dates: Ongoing on Saturdays, 7 am-1 pm

Admission: Free

For over 40 years, the Sarasota Farmers Market has been a centerpiece of the downtown community, bringing together the locals with artisans, growers, and chefs. Held every Saturday downtown off Lemon and State Streets, the market vendors sell fresh produce and local goods to a backdrop of live entertainment. This large market is one of the top-rated in the state.

Sunday Sarasota Polo

Dates: December 31-April 13, 2024

Admission: Starting $15

Don your best fascinator and dress to impress as you join the crowds for a local favorite tradition: Sunday polo matches at the Sarasota Polo Club. The Sunday matches are open to the public. Exciting polo action pairs with an afternoon of live music, wagon rides for the kids, food and drink, and traditional divot-stomping. February and March bring themed events and half-time fun. Gates open at 10 am, and matches begin at 1 pm.

Sarasota Festival of the Arts

Dates: February 10-11

Admission: Free

What began as a modest endeavor has evolved into a monumental success, expanding to over five city blocks and featuring the incredible works of over 200 national and regional artists. The Sarasota Festival of the Art’s reputation for excellence is underscored by its consistent recognition among the top 100 art festivals in the nation, as acknowledged by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

Stretching from Orange Avenue to Links Avenue, the festival transforms downtown Main Street into a sprawling showcase of creativity and talent. This outdoor extravaganza is a visual feast in an already artsy city. Wander between vendors presenting life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, unique jewels, captivating photography, intricate ceramics, and more. Attendees have the unique opportunity to engage directly with the artists about their work.

Proceeds from the festival contribute to the Downtown Sarasota Alliance, further supporting and enriching the local community.

Valentines Day at the Beach

Dates: February 14 at 5 pm

Admission: Starting at $15

What could be more romantic than renewing your vows on the beach as the sun sets over one of the nation’s best beaches? You can do that at the annual Valentine’s Day at the Beach, a long-running local tradition at Siesta Key Beach. The “Say ‘I Do’ Again” is a non-denominational group renewal ceremony that includes a commemorative certificate, a thoughtful gift, and a beautiful flower to symbolize the blooming love shared between you. 

Registration is required to ensure your spot in this romantic affair. A special pre-registration is available for signing up before Feb. 10 for $15. Alternatively, registration on the event day is available for $25. For more details and to secure your spot in this heartwarming event, contact Sarasota County Parks & Recreation at 941-861-7275.

Circus Sarasota

Dates: February 16-March 15, 2024

Admission: $30-$80

The Circus Arts Conservatory’s professional branch, Circus Sarasota, is set to dazzle audiences with its 2024 production. Held in a one-ring traditional circus setting, the showcase will feature a lineup of top global circus artists, promising a spectacle of new and innovative acts. From high-flying action to heart-stopping thrills, laugh-out-loud comedic antics, and acts defying physical limitations, Circus Sarasota 2024 aims to captivate audiences of all ages. 

Circus Sarasota reflects the city’s unique and century-old ties to the circus industry. Its performers include high-wire walkers, hand balancing, juggling, wheel of destiny, and trapeze. 

Performances for 2024 will take place in the new arena at Nathan Benderson Park, with shows on Wednesdays through Sundays.

Thunder by the Bay Motorcycle Festival

Dates: February 16-18, 2024

Admission: $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, 12 and under free

Roar into the Sarasota Fairgrounds with the Gulf Coast’s top motorcycle rally. Once the festival starts, so does the nonstop live music and bike shows. Among them is a charity bike ride, biker games, daredevil stunts that will leave the audience gasping, and “sound off” competitions. Attendees can camp on-site to make the most of their festival experience, but day passes are also available. Thunder By The Bay brings over 100 vendors, food trucks, and concessions. All festival proceeds benefit the Suncoast Charities for Children; it has raised over $2.6 million in support of the charity since 1998.

Art in the Park

Dates: March 16-17, 2024

Admission: Free

Renowned as one of the longest-running art exhibitions in the Sarasota area, this long-running juried art show showcases the talents of over 60 exceptional artists.

The artistic expressions featured at Art in the Park span paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Find a captivating blend of creativity and craftsmanship. Art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to admire these masterpieces and bring a piece of artistic brilliance into their own lives, as most of the exhibited works will be available for purchase. Additionally, various items, such as prints, notecards, and other artistic treasures, will be for sale.

The elegant setting for this cultural event is the University Park Country Club ballroom. Attendees can explore the curated collection in a sophisticated atmosphere that enhances the appreciation of each artwork.

Sarasota County Fair

Dates: March 17-26, 2024

Admission: $12 at the gate, discounts for military, children, and purchasing online

Get your classic fair fix this spring at the Sarasota County Fair! Wander the midway games and rides as the sea breezes mix with funnel cakes and fried foods. Fair performances include live music acts and entertaining shows from dogs who do amazing tricks to illusionists. The fair includes agricultural shows, camel rides, racing pigs, and a petting zoo. Check back for the entertainment schedule for live music and performance times. 

Sarasota Jazz Festival

Dates: March 17-23, 2024

Admission: Vary by show

Swing to the rhythm of the Sarasota Jazz Festival, presented by the Jazz Club of Sarasota. This dynamic festival, a true celebration of jazz in all its forms, brings together a stellar lineup of national, international, and local musicians. With a harmonious blend of free and paid events, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for jazz enthusiasts.

Find concessions at events like the Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl and the Jazz in the Park event. The public is welcome to bring their instruments to the open jazz jam. Look to the full schedule to see the line-up of events, venues, and prices.

Sarasota Film Festival 

Dates: April 1-10, 2024

Admission: $15 for general public film screening

The renowned Sarasota Film Festival has been a beacon of international film excellence since its inception in 1998.

Immerse yourself in the magic of cinema as the festival showcases a diverse selection of over 200 films each year. The festival caters to a broad spectrum of cinematic tastes, from compelling features and insightful documentaries to captivating shorts and family-friendly picks. It’s a cinematic extravaganza that transcends boundaries and captivates audiences with the power of storytelling. 

At its core, the festival aims to honor the art of filmmaking and the invaluable contributions of filmmakers. It starts by hosting a world-class international film festival, but the SFF is part of the organization’s development of year-long programs that bring about economic, educational, and cultural enrichment for the community.

Run for the Turtles

Dates: April 6, 2024

Admission: $40

Run, crawl, or walk across beautiful Siesta Beach in this nearly four-decade running event for Mote Marine’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program. Run for the Turtles participation options include a 1-mile Fun Run or Walk, a 5k Run, or a virtual Fun Run or Walk. Race registration gives you an official event T-shirt, kids activity area, food station, and chip timing. Awards are given for top finishers in age brackets. This is a beach run, so dress appropriately. Proceeds benefit Mote Marine’s conservation and nest watching program. 

Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open 

Dates: April 7-14, 2024

Admission: $30-$180

A professional tennis tournament held annually in April, top players worldwide come to test their skills in this ATP Challenger event. The Sarasota Open tournament is for men’s singles and doubles professional tennis. Players compete on outdoor clay courts. Winners earn prize money (a pool of $82,000) and points towards their professional tennis career. The Open is near downtown at Payne Park Tennis Center. 

More Spring Events in Sarasota

If you can’t make these, you might want to try a Ski-A-Rees show or Ringling By the Bay. You can also see the calendar of events at the Selby Gardens, Nathan Benderson Park, or the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Local parks also have a full calendar, like Phillippi Estate’s concert series or Lakewood Ranch’s Music on Main. In short, find plenty of spring events in Sarasota.

With snowbirds in town, Sarasota feels busier, and this calendar reflects it. If you’re new to town, check out these popular Sarasota spring events. Just know even once the flock takes flight, the local calendar stays packed throughout the season.