
No matter what time of year, if the sun's out, there's a festival to be found somewhere around Sarasota. Our real estate agents plan to start the year right by attending these fun-filled events.
- Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival - JD Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236
For the eighth year, Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival serves up the best treats and tunes in a relaxing, pet-friendly setting. Of course, seafood is the main attraction, but meat-eaters and vegetarians will find great eats as well, along with tasty side dishes and decadent desserts. Sip on your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage as you listen to an eclectic mix of blues, jazz, and rock from top musical acts near Sarasota homes for sale. The festival takes place the weekend of January 26-28. Hours are 4 p.m.- 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday. General admission is free.
- Thunder by the Bay - Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237
Get your motor running and head out to Thunder by the Bay, Sarasota's 26th annual motorcycles and music festival. Enjoy three days of daredevil shows, vendor displays, live pro wrestling, and a food court, with continuous live music spearheaded by rock legends Molly Hatchet and Grand Funk Railroad. All proceeds benefit Suncoast Charities for Children. Thunder by the Bay takes place the weekend of February 16-18. Hours are 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 per day in advance and $15 at the gate.
- Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts - 1718 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236
2024 marks the 36th year of the annual Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts. More than five city blocks along Main Street, stretching from Orange Avenue to Links Avenue, will be filled with imaginative and eye-catching works of sculpture, painting, jewelry, photography, and other mediums. Artists will be on hand to share insights about their creative process. The pet-friendly festival runs from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. during the weekend of February 10-11 and admission is free.
- Venice Italian Feast & Carnival - Venice Airport, 120 Airport Ave. E., Venice, FL 34285
Italian food is perfect for both family outings and romantic dates, so there's something for everyone at the 35th annual Venice Italian Feast & Carnival. In addition to some of the best pizza and pasta found around Venice homes for sale, the non-stop live music schedule features a variety of genres from country to soul. Joe Cerrito will entertain guests in the food tent with his lively accordion playing. Mark your calendar for February 22-25. The festival opens at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and noon on the weekend. Admission is $5 per person for walk-ins and $10 per person if you park. Unlimited ride tickets are available for $25-$30.
- Bradenton Area River Regatta - Green Bridge, Palmetto, FL 34221
Billed as the largest event in Manatee County, the Bradenton Area River Regatta offers thrills and excitement for all ages. Powerboat races, fly-boarding routines, and drone shows are just a few of the events to capture everyone's attention. Live musical entertainment is provided by popular local cover bands, and there will be plenty of food and drink stands available. You and Fido can enjoy a front-row "seat" atop the Green Bridge that connects Palmetto with the area that includes Bradenton homes for sale. The free festival begins at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, February 16, and runs through 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 17.
What's not to love about life around Sarasota? Contact us at Wagner Realty for all your real estate needs.