Fall Festivals & Events
Sweatshirts Optional: The Best Fall Festivals and Events in Sarasota
Glowing gardens, rooftop Halloween parties, pumpkins, art shows and spectacular sand sculptures—fall, Sarasota style.
Read the fall guideThings to Do
Sarasota Events
Looking for amazing things to do in Sarasota? Start here with upcoming festivals, arts and cultural happenings, food events, family fun and more.
What’s happening around Sarasota
From downtown Sarasota and Siesta Key to Venice, St. Armands and Anna Maria Island, here are upcoming events to put on your calendar.
2026–27 season · Single tickets are on sale now
Van Wezel 2026–27 Season
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall · Sarasota
The new season brings Broadway tours, concerts, comedy and visually spectacular productions to Sarasota, including The Vampire Circus, Ghostbusters in Concert and Cirque Dreams Holidaze.
Performance dates and prices vary · Popular and limited-run shows may sell their best seats early
Get the detailsOctober 10–December 6 · Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Orchid Show 2026: Christian Sampson
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens · Downtown Sarasota campus
Living orchids meet playful installations of color, light and form in a collaboration between Selby Gardens and artist Christian Sampson, with works throughout the gardens, conservatory and Museum of Botany & the Arts.
Included with standard garden admission · The museum closes at 4:30 p.m.
Get the detailsThird Thursdays · October 15 and November 19
Circle the Date on St. Armands
St. Armands Circle · Sarasota
The Circle comes alive with live music, merchant specials, coastal dining and island energy during this monthly celebration of locally owned shops and restaurants.
Participating businesses and hours vary by month
Get the detailsOctober 30–November 14 · Six performances
Hansel and Gretel
Sarasota Opera House · Downtown Sarasota
Sarasota Opera steps into an enchanted forest for Humperdinck’s beloved fairy-tale opera, presented in six performances across the fall season.
Performance times vary · Discounted family packages are available
Get the detailsNovember 1–19 · Times and locations vary
Off the Page Literary Celebration
Libraries and cultural venues throughout Sarasota County
Nationally known authors, Florida storytellers, workshops and book signings come together for Sarasota County’s free literary celebration, with appearances by Anthony Horowitz, Nathaniel Philbrick, Brad Meltzer, Kate Quinn, Dalia Colón and Gary Monroe.
Free · Most events require no registration · Seating is first come, first seated
Get the detailsSaturday, November 7, 2026, and Saturday, March 6, 2027 · 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Backstage Sarasota Trolley Tour
Departs from Discover Sarasota Tours · 1826 Fourth St., Sarasota
See how Sarasota’s theatrical productions come to life during a three-hour behind-the-scenes visit to Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre and the Van Wezel.
Only two tours announced · Contact the organizer for booking availability and pricing
Get the detailsSaturdays and Sundays, November 7–December 6 · Opens at 9:45 a.m.
Sarasota Medieval Fair
Woods of Mallaranny · Myakka City
Step into a sprawling medieval village for full-contact jousting, human combat chess, music, games, themed weekends and more than 140 artisan shops.
Each weekend has a different theme · Tickets available online
Get the detailsFriday through Monday, November 13–16
Siesta Key Crystal Classic
Siesta Beach · Siesta Key
Twenty-four master sculptors transform Siesta’s white quartz sand into monumental works of art during four days of competition, demonstrations, music, food and family activities.
Internationally recognized sand-sculpting festival · Tickets available online
Get the detailsSaturday, November 14, 2026 · Festivities 3–9:30 p.m. · Parade at 6:30 p.m.
Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade at UTC
North Cattlemen Road · University Town Center, Sarasota
Giant balloons, holiday floats, marching bands and Santa fill the street for UTC’s holiday kickoff. Make an evening of it with the 6 p.m. tree-lighting performance, fireworks at 7:30 p.m. and an after-party concert at 8 p.m.
Free admission and event parking · Kids Zone starts at 3 p.m. · North Cattlemen Road closes at 4 p.m.; allow extra time for parking
Get the detailsNovember 21–28, 2026 · Ten performances on select dates
Air & Ice: Circus & Ice Skating
Sailor Circus Arena · 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota
Olympians and world champion figure skaters join circus artists for an all-new production combining skating, aerial artistry and Sarasota’s circus tradition. A memorable holiday-week outing for visitors of all ages.
Tickets from $30 · Nov. 21, 27 and 28: 1 and 6 p.m. · Nov. 22: 1 and 5 p.m. · Nov. 23–24: 7 p.m. · Book through the official ticket page
Get the detailsNovember 21, 2026–January 2, 2027 · Select dates; afternoon and evening shows
Wonderland Circus: Home for the Holidays
Wallenda Center for Performing Arts · Big Top at UTC · 191 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota
Nik Wallenda’s holiday circus returns with a new story, aerial performances and daring stunts under the climate-controlled Big Top. A festive family outing to pair with UTC’s holiday lights and restaurants.
Tickets from $20, plus tax and fees · Two hours including intermission · Opening day shows at 2 and 7 p.m.; follow the official link for the full schedule and tickets
Get the detailsDecember 5, 2026–January 2, 2027 · General entry 6:30–9 p.m. · Early entry at 5:30 p.m.
Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens · Downtown Sarasota campus · 1534 Mound St., Sarasota
Explore Selby’s bayfront gardens after dark as more than two million lights illuminate the walkways and tropical displays. Festive photo opportunities, activities and entertainment make this a holiday outing for the whole family. Last entry is at 8 p.m.
Closed December 24, 25 and 31 · General entry: adults $34 ($29 members), ages 5–17 $19, ages 4 and under free · Early entry costs more · Tickets listed as coming soon; check the official link for availability
Get the detailsSaturday, December 12, 2026 · 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Sarasota Bay · Viewing at Bayfront Park and Marina Jack · 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota
Watch holiday-decorated boats light up Sarasota Bay during the parade’s 40th annual celebration. Settle in along the waterfront at Bayfront Park for a free evening outing, or pair the parade with dinner at Marina Jack.
Free public viewing · Marina Jack dinner reservations required; call 941-365-4232 early, as tables fill quickly · Follow the official link for the parade route and updates
Get the detailsThursday, December 31, 2026 · Midnight Pineapple Drop · Full block-party hours to be announced
New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop
Downtown Sarasota
Welcome 2027 with Sarasota’s signature New Year’s Eve tradition: a giant illuminated pineapple lowered during the countdown to midnight. Performers have announced December 31 appearances, with the full block-party program still to come.
Save the date · The organizer’s complete 2026 schedule, admission details and viewing information are still pending · Check the official link for updates before making plans
Get the detailsFebruary 7–May 30, 2027 · Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Verdi: Composer & Farmer
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens · Downtown Sarasota campus
Selby Gardens and Maestro Victor DeRenzi explore Giuseppe Verdi’s lesser-known life as a gardener and farmer through museum objects, music and horticultural displays inspired by his operas.
Included with standard garden admission · A companion performance series will be announced
Get the detailsEvent schedules, ticket availability and venue details can change. Confirm current information with the organizer before making plans.