Here is a detailed summary of events happening in Sarasota, Venice, and Bradenton from January 9-12, 2026, including entertainment, festivals, theater, and other fun things to do.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Fresh Fridays: New Year on the Block (Sarasota)
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Main Street, Downtown Sarasota
Details: A monthly street party featuring live music by Mylon & The Pop-Ups, local vendors, outdoor games (giant Jenga, cornhole), and refreshments. Free admission.
Link: downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays
PMP Celebration Concert (Sarasota)
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Sarasota Opera House
Details: The Perlman Music Program Suncoast presents a concert featuring students of the PMP Winter Residency performing under the baton of Maestro Itzhak Perlman.
Cost: Tickets available online or at the box office.
Link: tickets.sarasotaopera.org
Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival (Sarasota)
Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (also runs Jan 10-11)
Location: Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota
Details: The start of a three-day festival featuring a lineup of live music (R&B, jazz, rock, etc.), Caribbean-inspired cuisine, and arts and crafts vendors. Free admission with free parking.
Link: paragonfestivals.com
Free Music Friday Night Concert (Venice)
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Centennial Park, Downtown Venice
Details: A free, public concert featuring the music of Latitude 26. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets; no alcohol permitted.
Link: escape-to-sarasota.com/january-sarasota-events.html
An Evening of Broadway Cabaret featuring Valerie diLorenzo (Sarasota)
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Details: A musical theatre cabaret performance featuring songs and stories from Broadway musicals.
Cost: Ticket prices vary.
Renée Fleming (Sarasota)
Location: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Details: A performance by the acclaimed opera singer.
Link: vanwezel.org
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival (Sarasota)
Time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota
Details: Day two of the festival with food vendors, a marketplace, and live music from bands including K-Love and United Funk Foundation, Damon Fowler, Sean Chambers, and more. Free admission and parking.
Link: paragonfestivals.com
Venice Antiques Show (Venice)
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (also runs Jan 11)
Location: Venice Community Center, 326 S Nokomis Ave, Venice
Details: Over 50 national and regional exhibitors showcasing art glass, pottery, fine art, jewelry, furniture, and more.
Cost: $8 admission.
The Movement Market (Palmetto/Bradenton area)
Time: Various movement classes throughout the morning.
Location: Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa
Details: A wellness market spotlighting local wellness businesses, food and drink vendors, a DJ, and interactive wellness experiences.
Ian Maksin in Sarasota (Sarasota)
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Sarasota Center of Light, 852 S Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota
Details: A performance by world-acclaimed cellist, composer, and multilingual vocalist Ian Maksin.
Cost: From $35 USD.
Link: eventbrite.com
Dale Jones (Sarasota)
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota
Details: A stand-up comedy performance. This event has multiple showings over the weekend.
Cost: From $34.60 USD.
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival (Sarasota)
Time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota
Details: The final day of the festival, continuing with live music, food, and arts and crafts. Free admission.
Link: paragonfestivals.com
Venice Antiques Show (Venice)
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Venice Community Center, 326 S Nokomis Ave, Venice
Details: The second and final day of the antiques show featuring various exhibitors.
Cost: $8 admission.
Sarasota Orchid Society Show and Sale (Sarasota)
Location: Sarasota Municipal Auditorium
Details: An event featuring exotic and rare orchids on display and for sale from various vendors.
The Wandering Hours Concert (Sarasota)
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Phillippi Creek Crest Club, South Sarasota
Details: A concert performance.
Link: shazam.com/event/d62e7bba-d86c-4562-a68c-3acb9113f8d9
Tango After Dark (Sarasota)
Location: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Details: A tango performance.
Link: vanwezel.org
Monday, January 12, 2026
Rhapsody in Bloom Mural Dedication (Sarasota)
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex (outdoors poolside), 2650 Waldemere Street, Sarasota
Details: A free, public dedication ceremony for a new mural by local artist Alissa Silvers.
Second Monday Celery Field Walk (Sarasota)
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Raymond Road Boardwalk at Celery Fields, Sarasota
Details: A bird-watching walk organized by the Sarasota Audubon Society.
All You Need Is Love – The Beatles Tribute (Sarasota)
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota
Details: A tribute concert to The Beatles.
Cost: From $45.41 USD.
Paul Gavin – MNJC (Sarasota)
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 1st Street, Sarasota
Details: A live jazz performance by percussionist Paul Gavin. Doors open for dinner and drinks prior to the show.
Cost: From $34 USD
