Sarasota–Manatee Weekend Events Guide
November 13–15, 2026
Friday–Sunday
Family activities
Festivals & live music
This weekend has some terrific activities planned throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, including the return of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic, a major food truck festival, the Sarasota Medieval Fair, a wine festival in Wellen Park, live entertainment, sporting events and theater.
I’ve organized the listings by date and activity, with locations, times, admission information, telephone numbers and clickable website links wherever those details can be verified.
Admission and schedules can change. Where a specific price or performer has not been confirmed, I’ve identified that rather than guessing.
Friday, November 13
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition Returns in November | Sarasota Magazine
- Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sandsculpting Festival
Weekend highlight
Master sand sculptors compete in this spectacular annual beach event. Visitors can watch the artists work, see enormous finished sculptures, attend demonstrations and enjoy entertainment and refreshments.
- Location: Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota
- Dates: November 13–16
- Friday: Festival activities; check daily schedule
- Admission: Ticketed admission; see event website
- Phone: 941-346-2555
- Website: Siesta Key Crystal Classic
- Movie in the Park – Waterside Place
An outdoor movie night at the popular lakeside gathering place. Bring the family, enjoy the waterfront atmosphere and make an evening of it.
- Location: Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch
- Time: Friday evening; exact screening time to be confirmed
- Admission: Check event listing
- Phone: 941-893-1900
- Website: Waterside Place
Deal: Circus Sarasota EPIC | CertifiKID
- Sights + Sounds – Circus Arts Conservatory
A family-oriented entertainment experience featuring the Circus Arts Conservatory at Waterside Place. An opportunity to enjoy circus arts and outdoor entertainment.
- Location: Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch
- Time: Friday; check event schedule
- Admission: Check organizer
- Website: Circus Arts Conservatory
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s The Sam Cooke Story | Sarasota Magazine
- WBTT Fall Gala – Soul Explosion
An evening celebrating the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, featuring Nate Jacobs and WBTT performers. Expect music, entertainment and a celebration of the troupe’s contributions to the arts.
- Location: The Ora, Sarasota
- Date: Friday, November 13
- Time: Check gala schedule
- Admission: Gala tickets; pricing through organizer
- Phone: 941-366-1505
- Website: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
- Free Music Friday – Downtown Venice
An outdoor community concert in Centennial Park. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy live music in the heart of Venice.
- Location: Centennial Park, downtown Venice
- Time: 7–9 p.m.
- Admission: FREE
- Phone: 941-488-2236
- Website: City of Venice
2014 Sarasota Film Festival – Day 9 – Red Carpet For Closing Night Film: The One I Love
- Moonlight & Melodies Courtyard Dinner
An enchanted-forest-themed evening inspired by Hansel and Gretel, hosted by Sarasota Opera. A special dining and entertainment experience.
- Location: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota
- Date: Friday, November 13
- Time: Check reservation schedule
- Admission: Ticketed dinner
- Phone: 941-328-1300
- Website: Sarasota Opera
Brad Meltzer: Ordinary People Change the World…inSIGHT’s HERO Event | inSIGHT
- Off the Page – Brad Meltzer
Meet bestselling author Brad Meltzer at this literary event. An opportunity to hear from the author and enjoy a discussion about his work.
- Location: Venice Performing Arts Center
- Date: Friday, November 13
- Time: Check organizer
- Admission: Check ticket information
- Website: Sarasota County Libraries
Saturday, November 14
Santa’s Coming to Town – University Town Center Sarasota
- Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade at UTC
One of the weekend’s biggest events
UTC kicks off the holiday season with giant balloons, colorful floats, marching bands, dance troupes, Santa Claus, motorcycle stunts, a spectacular Christmas tree lighting, fireworks and a concert featuring country performer Niko Moon.
- Location: University Town Center, North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota
- Time: 3–9:30 p.m.
- Kids Zone: 3–5 p.m.
- Ashley Lux Band: 4:15–5:30 p.m.
- Tree lighting: 6 p.m.
- Parade: 6:30 p.m.
- Fireworks: 7:30 p.m.
- Niko Moon concert: 8 p.m.
- Admission: FREE
- Parking: FREE
- Website: UTC Parade Details
Shopping & Dining Guide to University Town Center and Waterside Place | Visit Sarasota County
- Suncoast’s Largest Food Truck Festival 10
More than 40 food vendors serving everything from barbecue and seafood to Mexican, Greek, German, Polish, Brazilian and Caribbean specialties. Local vendors, holiday festivities, entertainment and fireworks round out the day.
- Location: The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota
- Time: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Admission: FREE
- Parking: FREE
- Phone: 727-674-1464
- Website: Food Truck Festival Details
Wellen Park Wine Festival | Visit Sarasota County
- Wellen Park Wine Festival
The third annual wine festival brings together nearly 40 vintners and Wellen Park restaurants. Guests can sample wines, enjoy small bites and listen to live contemporary jazz.
- Location: Downtown Wellen Park, 19725 Wellen Park Boulevard, Venice
- Time: 1–4 p.m.
- Admission: Ticketed, 21 and older
- Parking: FREE
- Phone: Contact Wellen Park through its website
- Website: Wellen Park Wine Festival
Media Room – Sarasota Medieval Fair 2025
- Sarasota Medieval Fair
A wonderful family outing featuring full-contact jousting, sword fighting, human combat chess, musicians, comedians, roaming performers, rides, games, food and more than 140 artisan shops. The festival takes place on 47 acres of woodland.
- Location: Woods of Mallaranny, 29847 FL-70 E., Myakka City
- Time: 9:45 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Dates: Saturdays and Sundays through December 6
- Admission: Paid; date-specific tickets
- Parking: FREE
- Phone: 888-303-3247
- Website: Tickets and Festival Information
Venice Symphony Big Band wraps season with Wycliffe Gordon performance
- Venice Symphony Big Band – The New Voice of the Great American Songbook
Enjoy the sounds of the Great American Songbook in a big-band performance featuring classic arrangements and familiar musical favorites.
- Location: Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Avenue, Venice
- Time: 3:30 p.m.
- Admission: Ticketed
- Phone: 941-207-8822
- Website: The Venice Symphony
David Foster & Katharine McPhee Cancel Multiple Tour Dates After Health Issue – Parade
- David Foster & Katharine McPhee
Sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning producer and composer David Foster joins Broadway and television star Katharine McPhee for an evening of music and popular songs.
- Location: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Admission: Ticketed; check availability and pricing
- Phone: 941-263-6799
- Website: Van Wezel Tickets
Worship & Ministries | Christ Episcopal Church
- Radiance 2.0 – A Candlelit Choral Experience
A musical evening featuring choral performances in the warm atmosphere of candlelight.
- Location: Christ Episcopal Church, Bradenton
- Time: 7–8:30 p.m.
- Admission: Ticketed; check organizer
- Website: Event Information
Current News | Fox Lea Farm Inc.
- Show Jumping Under the Stars – $24,999 Grand Prix
Watch accomplished equestrian competitors and their horses tackle a challenging show-jumping course in this featured competition.
- Location: Fox Lea Farm, 800 N. Auburn Road, Venice
- Date: Saturday, November 14
- Time: Evening; confirm competition schedule
- Admission: Check event organizer
- Phone: 941-488-2276
- Website: Fox Lea Farm
Hansel and Gretel Synopsis | Sarasota Opera
- Hansel and Gretel – Sarasota Opera
Enjoy Engelbert Humperdinck’s beloved fairy-tale opera. This family-friendly production follows two children through an enchanted forest filled with adventure and danger.
- Location: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota
- Time: 1:30–3:30 p.m.
- Admission: Ticketed
- Phone: 941-328-1300
- Website: Sarasota Opera Tickets
- ArtSELF for Generations
A free family workshop at The Ringling using visual art, storytelling, movement and reflection to encourage communication and connections between generations.
- Location: The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
- Time: 10–11:30 a.m.
- Admission: FREE workshop; museum admission policies may apply
- Phone: 941-359-5700
- Website: The Ringling
Become a Member — Art Center Sarasota
- Florida Now – An Exhibition on Wild Florida
An art exhibition featuring traditional oil paintings by Blair Petersen Updike and Nathan Leemis.
- Location: John Sims Studio, Sarasota
- Time: 3–7 p.m.
- Dates: November 14–15
- Admission: Check gallery
- Website: Sarasota Arts Calendar
‘The Blue-Sky Boys’ blasts off at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota | WUSF
- American Rebels – Florida Studio Theatre
A theatrical presentation on the FST schedule for Saturday evening. Check the production details and ticket availability before attending.
- Location: Florida Studio Theatre, downtown Sarasota
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Admission: Ticketed
- Phone: 941-366-9000
- Website: Florida Studio Theatre
- Freaky Friday – Venice Theatre
A musical comedy featuring a mother and daughter who unexpectedly switch bodies. A fun theater choice for families and musical fans.
- Location: Venice Theatre, Raymond Center, Venice
- Time: 7:30–9:30 p.m.
- Admission: From approximately $19
- Phone: 941-488-1115
- Website: Venice Theatre
Sunday, November 15
Siesta Key Crystal Classic Brings Friendly Competition to a Childhood Pastime | Sarasota Magazine
- Siesta Key Crystal Classic – Final Weekend
Sunday is another opportunity to see the master sand sculptors’ creations, enjoy demonstrations, browse vendors and experience the beach festival.
- Location: Siesta Key Beach
- Time: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Admission: Ticketed
- Website: Festival Website
Sarasota Orchestra – Sarasota String Quartet
- Sarasota Orchestra – In the Mix
An interesting chamber music program combining harp, strings, brass, piano and marimba. The program includes works by Arnold Bax, Florence Price, Andy Akiho and Gounod.
- Location: Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
- Time: 4–5:30 p.m.
- Admission: From $52
- Phone: 941-953-3434
- Website: Sarasota Orchestra
This Week in A+E: May 12-18 | Your Observer
- Sarasota Art and Dance Night
An evening combining art, dance, performance and community, presented by VIVIDIANCE.
- Location: Art Ovation Hotel, downtown Sarasota
- Time: 5–9:30 p.m.
- Admission: Check organizer
- Website: Sarasota Arts Calendar
Nov 16 | Star Spangled Salute to Veterans Main Event Day 2! | Sarasota, FL Patch
- 4th Annual Star Spangled Salute to Veterans
A community gathering honoring military veterans and recognizing their service.
- Location: Sarasota Farm Bureau
- Date: Sunday, November 15
- Time: Confirm with organizer
- Admission: Check event organizer
- Website: Event Listing
Artistry in Motion: Dance Performances & Classes to Attend in Sarasota | Visit Sarasota County
- Kaleidoscope – A Colorful World of Entertainment
The closing performance of the Living Arts Festival, celebrating the arts through entertainment and performances.
- Location: Sarasota Art Museum
- Date: Sunday, November 15
- Time: 4–8 p.m.
- Admission: Check ticket information
- Website: Living Arts Festival
Prepare for Your Show – Sunshine Artist
- Nokomis Sunday Market
A free community art market featuring local artists, crafters, makers and artisans. A nice opportunity to shop locally and discover handmade items.
- Location: Big Wave Gamefish Gallery, 801 S. Tamiami Trail, 2nd floor, Nokomis
- Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Admission: FREE
- Vendor information: 941-525-2155
- Website: Visit Venice Calendar
Venetian Waterway Trail, Bike Venice FL. E-Z Map, 30+ Photos.
- Grand Opening of the Venice Urban Forest
Celebrate eight years of community vision and environmental restoration. Walk beneath the trees, discover local wildlife and meet the volunteers who helped make the project possible.
- Location: Venice Urban Forest, 308 E. Venice Avenue, Venice
- Time: Saturday, November 14, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
- Admission: Check organizer
- Website: Venice Urban Forest
These listings are drawn from the regional arts calendar, Visit Sarasota County, venue calendars and individual event organizers.
sarasotaarts.org+6
Farmers Markets – Friday, Saturday and Sunday
One of the most popular weekend activities in the area is visiting the farmers markets. Here are the markets scheduled for this particular weekend, including the Sunday markets.
Sarasota Farmers Market – All You SHOULD Know Before Going (2026 Reviews)
- Sarasota Farmers Market
Fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, flowers, plants, prepared foods, local crafts and specialty vendors.
- Saturday: 7 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Location: Main Street and Lemon Avenue, downtown Sarasota
- Admission: FREE
- Phone: 941-225-9256
- Website: Sarasota Farmers Market
Venice Florida Farmers Market – Visit Venice FL
- Venice Farmers Market
Fresh Florida fruits and vegetables, seafood, baked goods, flowers, crafts, coffee and local artisan products.
- Saturday: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Location: Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Avenue, Venice
- Admission: FREE
- Website: Venice Farmers Market
- Siesta Key Farmers Market
A neighborhood market with local products, crafts, food and specialty vendors.
- Sunday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location: 5211 Ocean Boulevard, Siesta Key
- Admission: FREE
- Website: Siesta Key Farmers Market
Farmers’ Market – Lakewood Ranch
- The Market at Lakewood Ranch – Waterside Place
A popular lakeside market featuring produce, specialty foods, artisan products, crafts, flowers and local vendors.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location: Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch
- Admission: FREE
- Phone: 941-556-8300
- Website: The Market at Lakewood Ranch
There’s a New Farmers Market in Wellen Park | Sarasota Magazine
- Fresh Harvest Farmers Market – Wellen Park
Fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, plants, cut flowers, artisan goods and specialty food vendors.
- Sunday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Location: 19745 Wellen Park Boulevard, Venice
- Admission: FREE
- Website: Fresh Harvest Farmers Market
Sarasota Farmers Market – All You SHOULD Know Before Going (2026 Reviews)
- Newtown Farmers Market
Fresh local produce and goods, with opportunities to support neighborhood businesses and small vendors.
- Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Location: Corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Central Avenue, Sarasota
- Admission: FREE
- Website: Newtown Farmers Market
The Market – SRQIST :: SRQ Magazine Article by Dylan Campbell
- Market at Nathan Benderson Park
Friday artisan market with more than 20 local vendors, food trucks, specialty foods, handmade products and community activities.
- Friday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Location: 305 N. Cattlemen Road, near Homewood Suites, Sarasota
- Admission: FREE
- Website: Market Organizer
A note about Phillippi Estate: The Phillippi Farmhouse Market is a Wednesday market, not a Saturday or Sunday market. It runs seasonally from October through April, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., at 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. It features more than 50 vendors, fresh produce, prepared foods, artisans and live music. Phillippi Farmhouse Market details.
Additional sports and outdoor activities
Toyota U.S. Open Swimming – Sarasota
- Tom Herrington Turkey Meet
A three-day competitive swimming meet featuring the Sarasota Sharks and visiting swimmers.
- Dates: November 13–15
- Location: Sarasota Sharks aquatic facility
- Time: Check meet schedule
- Admission: Check organizer
- Website: Sarasota Sharks
- The Event at TerraNova
Major equestrian competition featuring multiple levels of eventing, including USEA and CCI competitions.
- Dates: November 11–15
- Location: TerraNova Equestrian Center, Myakka City
- Time: Varies by competition
- Admission: Check organizer
- Website: TerraNova Equestrian Center
2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships
- West Coast State Championship – Rings
A competitive gymnastics event taking place over the weekend.
- Dates: November 14–15
- Location: Wellfield Park, Venice
- Time: Check competition schedule
- Admission: Check organizer
- Website: Regional event calendar
- NXF Classic
Wellness festival and competition taking place at Robarts Arena. Check the event organizer for competition categories and spectator details.
- Date: Saturday, November 14
- Location: Robarts Arena, Sarasota
- Time: Check organizer
- Admission: Check organizer
- Website: Event listing
Sarasota County Sports+2
Theatre, performing arts and concerts
Here are additional performances and entertainment opportunities to consider this weekend.
| Performance | Date and time | Location |
| Georgia Heers, jazz vocalist | Fri., 7:30 p.m. | Historic Asolo Theater |
| Blank Space – Taylor Swift Tribute | Fri., 7 p.m. | Van Wezel |
| FST Improv: Murder, She Improvised | Sat., 7:30 p.m. | Florida Studio Theatre |
| Ahoy-Hoy | Sat., 7:30 p.m. | Urbanite Theatre |
| Grace in the Kingdom | Sat., 5:30 p.m. | Manatee Performing Arts Center |
| The Wandering Hours and Morgan Brake | Sat., 8 p.m. | Fogartyville |
| Divas and Dancing | Sat., 6 p.m. | Sarasota Players, Siesta Key |
| Born in the U.S.A. | Nov. 14–16 | The Pops Orchestra |
More details and ticket links:
- Historic Asolo Theater / The Ringling – 941-360-7399.
- Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall – 941-263-6799.
- Florida Studio Theatre – 941-366-9000.
- Urbanite Theatre – 941-321-1397.
- Manatee Performing Arts Center.
- Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center.
- The Sarasota Players.
- The Pops Orchestra.
sarasotaarts.org+2
Live music around town
These are additional places worth checking for dinner and live entertainment. I have not listed unverified performers as confirmed bookings.
| Venue | Location | Website / phone |
| Waterside Place – Live Music at The Plaza | Lakewood Ranch | Website |
| Centennial Park | Downtown Venice | Website |
| Fogartyville | Sarasota | Website |
| Van Wezel | Sarasota Bayfront | Website |
| Mattison’s | Sarasota | Website |
| Siesta Key Oyster Bar | Siesta Key Village | Website |
| Captain Curt’s | Siesta Key | Website |
| Pop’s Sunset Grill | Nokomis | Website |
| Sharky’s on the Pier | Venice | Website |
| Marina Jack | Sarasota | Website |
| Casey Key Tiki Bar | Nokomis | Website |
| Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse | Sarasota | Website |
Waterside Place has a recurring Live Music at The Plaza series during this period, with Saturday’s scheduled music from 6–9 p.m.
Visit Sarasota County+1
Family activities and things to do
These attractions are additional options for families and visitors who want something to do between scheduled events.
Bradenton: Old Florida at Its Finest | StyleBlueprint
- Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Explore the museum’s natural history exhibits, Florida wildlife, fossils, science displays and planetarium programming. Check the daily planetarium schedule before visiting.
- Location: 201 10th Street West, Bradenton
- Hours: Check weekend schedule
- Admission: Ticketed
- Phone: 941-746-4131
- Website: Bishop Museum
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium | Visit Sarasota County
- Mote Science Education Aquarium
See sharks, rays, marine animals and interactive exhibits. An excellent educational outing for children and adults.
- Location: 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota
- Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Admission: Ticketed
- Phone: 941-388-6683
- Website: Mote Marine Laboratory
File:John and Mable Ringling Art Museum Courtyard Aerial.jpg – Wikimedia Commons
- The Ringling Museum
Explore the art museum, Circus Museum, historic Ca’ d’Zan mansion and beautiful grounds.
- Location: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
- Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Admission: Varies by attraction; some grounds access is free
- Phone: 941-359-5700
- Website: The Ringling
- Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Tropical gardens, flamingos, animal encounters and wildlife presentations make this a fun family destination.
- Location: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
- Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Admission: Ticketed
- Phone: 941-355-5305
- Website: Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Walk Among 6,000 Orchids At This Must-See Botanical Garden In Sarasota, Florida
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Enjoy tropical gardens, waterfront scenery, botanical exhibits and the children’s rainforest garden.
- Location: 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota
- Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Admission: Ticketed
- Phone: 941-366-5731
- Website: Selby Gardens
Weekend event map
Siesta Key Crystal Classic2.5•Festivals
UTC Parade and Food Festival3.6•Shopping mall$$•
Sarasota Farmers Market4.2•Farmers’ market$$
Sarasota Opera4.7•Opera
Waterside Place•Shopping mall
Wellen Park Wine Festival3.7•Shopping mall
Venice Performing Arts Center4.3•Performing arts theater
Sarasota Medieval Fair5.0•Festival
A few important notes for the weekend
- The Siesta Key Crystal Classic runs Friday through Monday, November 13–16.
- UTC’s Santa parade and fireworks on Saturday are especially worth planning around. Arrive early for parking.
- The Medieval Fair operates both Saturday and Sunday.
- The Wellen Park Wine Festival is an adults-only, ticketed event.
- The Phillippi Farmhouse Market is Wednesday, so it is not part of this weekend’s market schedule.
- I have included regular attractions, but their inclusion does not mean they have a special event scheduled that weekend.
- Some phone numbers and individual performance prices were not published in the event listings, so I have linked the organizers instead of supplying unverified information.
