Every month there is a reason to get out and celebrate in Sarasota County. From international festivals of contemporary music, dance and theatre to shark’s teeth, chalk and film festivals, and we cannot forget food and wine festivals, there is plenty of opportunity to discover something new or indulge in your favorite form of entertainment.
January
The annual Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival every January promises to serve up lots of fun. This epicurean event, hosted by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, features wine and food tastings, as well as seminars and food demonstrations.
It was nearly 20 years ago that the Sarasota-Manatee Originals was founded: a collaborative of independently owned and operated restaurants and culinary innovators committed to uniting the energies of local restaurants and celebrating the food and friendship that’s indigenous to our Gulf-coastal lifestyle experience.
Today the “Originals” are over 60 restaurants strong and provide diners with unique local flavor from the north shore of Anna Maria Island down to the southern beaches of Venice and every neighborhood in between. It is considered one of the area’s biggest social celebrations of the year.
April
One of the most highly anticipated festivals every year is the Sarasota Film Festival taking place every April. The first SFF took place in 1999 with just eight films and six actors; the annual event has since grown to 10 days with more than 250 filmmakers in attendance, multiple special events, symposiums, panels and conversations featuring leaders in the film industry. The Sarasota Film Festival emphasizes the best in cinema alongside exciting programs and events, with more than 200 films screened each year including features, documentaries, shorts, and kid-friendly picks.
October
The Ringling International Arts Festival, RIAF, marks the official start of the season on Sarasota, Florida’s Cultural Coast®. The Festival is a celebration of contemporary music, dance, theater and film. It is produced in partnership with, and under the artistic direction of, the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York. For more information about the Festival, visit ringlingartsfestival.org.
November
Every fall, thousands of people take to the street for the annual Sarasota Chalk Festival. In recent years, the event attracted more than 250 renowned artists and 200,000 visitors. The festival will take place in Burns Square, along South Pineapple Avenue, For more details and fascinating pictures, visit chalkfestival.com.
Unusual sculptures will rise from the shoreline along Siesta Key in November during the Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition. Master sculptors from around the world will vie for thousands of dollars in prize money. For exact dates and more information, find out at siestakeycrystalclassic.com.
December
Thousands of guests line the shores of Sarasota Bay from Bayfront Park to Centennial Park every December to witness the Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade. The event, which began in 1986, includes a competition of colorful sailboats and powerboats, with winners in various categories getting amazing prizes.
The parade starts from City Island and cruises to Centennial Park via Sarasota Bay before heading south under the Ringling Bridge. Finally, the more than 20 flashy boats cruise across Bayfront Park. The vessels bring holiday cheer with festive music and even a few live performances onboard.
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