- January 2, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
The year 2024 has been a wild ride, from the impacts of three major hurricanes to events where the community could come together and demonstrate its resilient spirit.
Although we hope for smoother sailing in 2025, there is still plenty to look forward to in the local event scene. Sarasota may be a small community, but it still has an array of experiences to offer.
The year ahead holds something for everyone, from foodies to reptile enthusiasts. Popular events return, while another that was canceled in 2024 looks to make its comeback.
Jan. 17-19 at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail. Visit SarasotaStampClub.com.
If you're looking to take up a new hobby this year, in January you can explore stamp collecting, more accurately called "philately." The Sarasota Philatelic Club, which has been in operation since 1952, holds the event, which is a World Series of Philately show. The event will feature 10 stamp collecting societies, 31 stamp dealers and 200 frames of informative exhibits. Attendees will also be able to enjoy free appraisals, a learning center for all ages and seminars on Jan. 18.
Jan. 18 at Sahib Shrine Center, 600 N. Beneva Road. Visit Repticon.com.
ReptiDay is a showcase and sale involving exotic and unusual reptiles, with some other creepy-crawly critters included as well. Across this menagerie, you may even find a new pet to take home with you. Reptile enthusiasts can also find supplies such as pet enclosures. Held on the hour every day are live animal encounters and seminars.
Jan. 23-27 at various locations. Visit EatLikeALocal.com.
This five-day event is ideal for those looking to explore the possibilities of local fine dining. It serves as a fundraiser for Sarasota-Manatee Originals, a group of local, independently owned restaurants that promotes unique flavors and a commitment to the community. The event starts with an online auction featuring rare wines, continues with wine dinners and retail tastings, and concludes in The Grand Tasting on Sunday, Jan. 26, in the courtyard of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
Feb. 7-8 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds in the Potter building, 2896 Ringling Blvd. Visit SarasotaShellClub.com.
Whether your interest in seashells is artistic or scientific, you'll find something to enjoy at this annual shell show. Attendees can learn about seashells and the creatures that inhabit them through scientific displays, and explore shell art by shell club members. The show will also host vendors offering items from exotic and rare shells to shell-inspired jewelry, clothing, arts and crafts, and a raffle for shells and coastal-inspired prizes. Shell crafts will be available for kids.
March 17-22 at various locations. Visit SarasotaJazzFestival.com.
The Sarasota Jazz Festival is devoted to keeping the music of jazz alive, through lineups of high-profile performers. This year's event welcomes artists including Marcus Miller, a two-time Grammy winner; Tony Monaco, who was ranked among the top 5 jazz organists for the years 2005-2011 by the Down Beat International Critics Poll; and Mauricio J. Rodriguez, one of Cuba's most influential bass players. The three main concerts will be held at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, while a Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl will take place at venues around downtown Sarasota.
May 10 at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd. Visit SiestaCon.com.
Sarasota's first locally operated, large-scale comic con event returns for its second year. Operated by The Dark Side - Comics and Games, the event features the opportunity to meet comic artists, voice actors and game artists, and showcases the original Batmobile from the Adam West "Batman" TV series. You'll also find comics old and new, toys, board games, video games, artwork, playing card tournaments not limited to Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon. There is sure to be plenty of cosplaying, with a costume contest being held at the event.
July 4, Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive. Visit SuncoastCharitiesforChildren.org.
Each year, as summer arrives, Sarasota heads to Bayfront Park to celebrate July 4, while also supporting a good cause. Suncoast Charities for Children has hosted the fireworks display in partnership with Marina Jack for more than 10 years.
Late October, Sarasota Farmer's Market, N. Lemon Ave. Visit SarasotaFamersMarket.org.
If you're looking for a place to enjoy Halloween with your precious pup, look no further than Dog-A-Ween at the Sarasota Farmer's Market in late October. Each year, dogs and their owners come together in costumes, for a contest that sees a panel of judges ranking the most creative costumes.
November, Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road. Visit SiestaKeyCrystalClassic.com.
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic invites professional sand sculptors from around the world to the sands of Siesta Key Beach, to see who can create the best sand sculptures. The event also helps support the business community of Siesta Key, as the signature event of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. It features other fun activities for spectators, including a speed-sculpting contest featuring professional sculptors, an amateur sculpting competition and more.
Second week of December, Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 North Tamiami Trail. Visit AtomicHolidayBazaar.com.
The Atomic Holiday Bazaar has been a popular destination for those who prefer to make their holiday shopping out of the ordinary, as well as those looking to shop locally and support small businesses. Hurricane Milton resulted in the event's cancellation in 2024 when FEMA set up shop at the auditorium to process registrations for Sarasota County. Nonetheless, its organizers have announced their return in 2025.
Dec. 25, Pinecraft, 3713 Bahia Vista St.
Sarasota's signature holiday parade is held in downtown Sarasota, but the area also offers another annual parade on Christmas Day. This event repeatedly draws over 1,000 spectators as it makes its way through Pinecraft, Sarasota's predominantly Amish and Mennonite community. The experience includes farm vehicles, festive costumes and more.
