Siesta Key Area Events

Suncoast Offshore
Suncoast Offshore

Sarasota is home to the longest running powerboat race site in history. Over the past 24 years, Festival proceeds have constructed more than $14 million in facilities for local charities serving the physically and mentally challenged.

Week-long events include a Golf Tournament, Kickoff Party, “Friendliest Catch” Fishing Tournament, World’s Largest Offshore Party, Festival Parade of Boats, Downtown Block Party, Powerboats by the Bay (where you can meet the drivers and crews of the race teams), and numerous other events around town.

The race itself, the Annual Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Boat Race is on Sunday, July 4th, with heats at 11am & 1pm, although race times are subject to change. The best area for viewing is at Lido Beach. The powerboats compete right offshore, and the race itself is an awesome sight. These magnificent powerboats are guided by helicopters - adding to the excitement both on water and in the air. Pick your team and become part of the excitement.

The beach fills up quickly, so get your viewing spot early to avoid traffic. Bring along a radio to hear the live broadcast, sunscreen, and your beach attire. If you choose to not bring a cooler, Lido Beach has a pavilion with both food and drink. The Radisson on Lido Beach has an outdoor restaurant and bar and is just south of the beach pavilion.

Suncoast Offshore

Suncoast Offshore Dates: June 25 - July 4, 2011
Website: www.suncoastoffshore.org


Top Ongoing Siesta Key Area Events
Farmer's Market

Siesta Key Drum Circle When: Sunday evenings before sunset
Where: Siesta Public Beach

Feel the beat of the drums Sundays evenings, beginning about an hour before sundown. Instruments ranging from drums, flutes, guitars, shakers and cowbells create the circle. Be part of the audience, or participate with music and dance. Located south of the public beach pavillion - just follow the music!

Sarasota Farmer's Market When: Saturday, 7am-1pm
Where: Downtown Sarasota

The Farmer’s Market offers locally grown, and organic produce in addition to a unique variety of vendors. Shop for plants, pasta, unique gifts and more.

Siesta Key Farmer's Market When: Sunday, 8am-1pm
Where: 5124 Ocean Blvd. (in the Siesta Key village in Davidson Drugs parking lot)
Website: www.siestafarmersmarket.com

The Siesta Key Farmers Market offers delicious spring greens, herbs, and a variety of produce. Shoppers can also find a vast assortment of local, organic products and a Taste Of The Village with area restaurants serving farm fresh items from their menus.

Palm Avenue’s First Friday Walks When: First Fridays of every month from 6-9pm
Where: Palm Avenue, Sarasota

Enjoy a stroll through the galleries of Palm Avenue on the first Friday of every month. In addition to fine galleries, this area along lower Main Street is known for its unique variety of shops and restaurants.

Top More Siesta Key Events

Siesta Fiesta When: April 30 - May 1, 2011
Where: Siesta Key village

Siesta Fiesta is a block party located in the Village of Siesta Key. Enjoy the sounds of local musicians while shopping at the hundreds of booths and displays lining the main street of the village. Siesta Fiesta features hundreds of artisans, craftsmen, jewelry makers, sculptors, and more in this juried show. Along with the beautiful arts and crafts, you will find music, food and fun.
Siesta Sandsculpturing Contest

Siesta Sandsculpturing Contest When: May 8, 2011, 9am-1pm (Registration begins at 8:30am)
Where: Public Beach

Located on Siesta Public Beach, south of the pavilion. Register to participate, or walk through the magnificent sand sculptures of castles, sealife, pop culture and more.

Sarasota Jazz Festival When: January 30 - February 11, 2011
Where: Phillippi Estate Park, Sarasota
Website: www.jazzclubsarasota.com

The Festival kicks off with a free concert at Crosley Mansion Sunday, January 30 from 2-4 pm. Various artists perform throughout the week at the Players Theatre, including a Friday evening performance by Dick Hyman with Nicki Parrott and Cynthia Sayer, Other events include a Jazz Trolley to transport fans to local night spots. For more information, please contact wwwjazzclubsarasota.com.

Sarasota Film Festival When: April 7-17, 2011
Where: Sarasota
Website: www.sarasotafilmfestival.com

The Sarasota Film Festival is a 10-day celebration of film showcasing new, international, domestic, independent and studio films.

The festival also brings in celebrated actors, many of whom not only attend Q & A sessions following screenings, but also participate in the festival’s “In-Conversation With” series. This special event gives attendees unique opportunities to connect with their favorite actor or filmmaker. Keep your eyes open for star sightings around town, especially at the festival parties!

For festival information or to submit your film for consideration, please refer to its website at www.sarasotafilmfestival.com

Florida Winefest & Auction When: April 28 - May 1, 2011
Phone: Toll Free (800) 216-6199 - Local (941) 952-1109
Website: www.floridawinefest.com

The Florida Winefest & Auction is a celebration of fine wine and food and has been recognized as one of the largest events of its kind in the US. It has also been recognized as one of the top charity wine events of its kind in the Southeast U.S., serving the needs of disadvantaged children and youth in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Vintners and winemakers from around the world collaborate with the finest chefs to create dinners, tastings and educational food and wine seminars. Please contact Florida Winefest & Auction at www.floridawinefest.com for more information.

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sandsculpting Competition When: November 10 - 13, 2011
Phone: Local (941) 349-3800
Website: www.crystalsand.org

Boasting the “World’s Finest, Whitest Sand”, Siesta Key is now home to the Crystal Classic Sandsculpting Competition. The competition itself is a five-day event that highlights the works of the most talented sandsculptors in the area. Competitors spray water on the sand sculptures to keep the sand moist. They also use putty knives, feather dusters and even Elmer’s Glue to create the 10 foot high structures. Sculptures can be viewed free from the beach, but to get up close there is a small fee.

Sarasota Chalk Festival When: November 1 - 7, 2011
Website: www.chalkfestival.com

The Sarasota Chalk Festival is a week-long cultural event that celebrates the performance art form of Street Painting. In 2010, the festival became America’s First International Street Painting Festival with over 250 street painters from around the world, including the United States, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Canada, Netherlands and Slovia.

The festival takes place in the Burns Square area of downtown Sarasota. In addition to being able to view the artists as they transform the streets into a virtual museum, there is also live music and a variety of other entertainment, adding to the excitement of the event.

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