This weekend, November 15-17, 2025, the Sarasota, Venice, and Bradenton area is vibrant with a variety of events, including major art and sand sculpting festivals, live performances, and community gatherings.
Area-Wide Events (Sarasota, Venice & Bradenton)
- Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival: This major four-day festival continues through the weekend directly on Siesta Beach, featuring master sand sculpting competitions, live music, food vendors, and kids’ activities.
- Sarasota Medieval Fair: Running throughout November at a location in Lakewood Ranch, the fair offers jousting, artisan crafts, acrobatics, combat chess, and live entertainment.
- Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival: The eleventh annual juried outdoor event takes place at J.D. Hamel Park, featuring over 100 artists displaying original, handmade arts and fine crafts.
Sarasota Events
Friday, November 15
- I Run for Jim 5k: A community run/walk at Payne Park in downtown Sarasota to celebrate the life of Jim Schoff.
- Community Paint Day & Kids’ Wellness Fair: Join local artist Alissa Silvers to paint a mural (“Rhapsody in Bloom”) and enjoy wellness activities for kids at the Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex.
- Come From Away: A performance of the musical at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. The show repeats daily.
Saturday, November 16
- Stranger Things Laser Experience: An immersive, themed laser show at the Sarasota Fairgrounds (ticketed event).
- 3rd Saturday Limelight Market: A free event at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime featuring guest vendors, live music, and adoptable dogs.
- ArtSELF: Sound & Story: A free concert by Sarasota Orchestra principal violist Stephanie Block combined with an art experience at Art Center Sarasota.
- Dance for Ukraine Fundraiser: A night of dancing, a group class, refreshments, and a silent auction at Dynasty Dance Clubs to support charity.
- Encore: A ballet performance of audience favorites by Azara Ballet at the Riverview Performing Arts Center.
- Comedy: Ron Feingold performing stand-up at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre.
- An EVENtful Winter Wonderland: A kid-friendly event with activities and adult shopping opportunities at the EVEN Hotel Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch.
Sunday, November 17
- Polish Film Festival North America (PFFNA): Screenings of “Sex for the Reluctant” and “Operation Pope” at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, with an open cash bar and Q&A with filmmakers.
- Siesta Key Crystal Classic (Final Day): Last chance to see the sand sculptures and enjoy the beach festivities.
- Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team: A free performance on the waters off City Island at 2 p.m..
Venice Events
Saturday, November 16
- Venice Farmer’s Market: A weekly market in historic downtown Venice with fresh produce, baked goods, arts, crafts, and locally roasted coffee.
- Wellen Park Wine Festival Grand Tasting: The main event of the festival features nearly 40 vintners, food from local restaurants, and live jazz music. General and VIP admissions are available.
- Shark Tooth Hunt: A shore dive adventure to search for prehistoric shark teeth, followed by a BBQ lunch at Service Club Park.
- Reggae Nights – Sunset on the Gulf: A community event at Maxine Barritt Park featuring live reggae music and local vendors.
- Seashell Tree at The Artistic Flip Flop: An event hosted at The Artistic Flip Flop.
Bradenton Events
Saturday, November 16
- Chili Con Comics Chili Cook-Off: A free, family-friendly “Heroic Harvest” celebration at Bat City Comic Professionals, including a chili cook-off, carnival games, crafts, and a costume contest.
- Big Dreams Car Show: An event with cars, food, and fun at the 13th AV Dream Center.
- Live Music:
- Dean Johanesen at Craftails Speakeasy.
- High Energy Beach Vibes with Ken Apperson on the rooftop at Daiquiri Deck Bradenton Beach.
- Mojo Filter at Island Time Bar & Grill.
- Lennon Cripe, RuslanSilvr at Oscura Coffee & Cocktails.
- Drift Inn AMI/MadKap!! at Drift-In AMI.
- Comedy Night @ Craft Tails: Featuring various Florida comedians.
- Karaoke Saturday Night: At the Bradenton Moose Lodge 1223.
